The family of George Floyd is demanding that the four cops that was involved in his death be charged with murder. Floyd was killed on Monday (March 26th) after four Minneapolis police officers who apprehended the 46-year-old for an alleged forgery in progress. Video circulated on social media of an officer with his knee press against Floyd's neck. He died shortly after being arrested.
In an interview with CNN, Floyd's cousin Tera Brown said, “They were supposed to be there to serve and to protect, and I didn’t see a single one of them lift a finger to do anything to help while he was begging for his life. Not one of them tried to do anything to help him." The four officers were fired on Tuesday (May 27th).
Meanwhile, Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd said, “Knowing my brother is to love my brother. They could have tased him, they could have maced him, instead they put their knee in his neck and just sat on him and then carried on.”
Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said that the technique used on Floyd is prohibited. He explained in a news conference,“The technique that was used is not permitted, is not a technique that our officers get trained in. And our chief has been very clear on that piece. There is no reason to apply that kind of pressure with a knee to someone’s neck.”
Frey added, “For five minutes, we watched as a White officer pressed his knee to the neck of a Black man. When you hear someone calling for help, you are supposed to help. This officer failed in the most basic human sense. What happened on Chicago and 38th this last night is simply awful. It was traumatic and it serves as a clear reminder of just how far we have to go.”
Since Floyd's murder, hundreds of protesters have took to the streets in Minneapolis chanting “no justice, no peace.” Protesters also shut down the 101 freeway in Los Angeles yesterday (March 27th).