The United States is currently shaken by nationwide protests as sentiments over the death of a 46-year-old African American in police custody escalate.
As thousands of people both black and white went out to the streets to express outrage about Floyd’s death, the world is now focused on the U.S. Protesters here and abroad who are mourning the death of an unarmed black American in the hands of arresting police officers. They are calling for police reform and demanding justice for victims of police brutality.
To date, protests have erupted in more than 350 cities across the United States.
George Floyd lost his life in the hands of police officers who arrested him outside a grocery store in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His crime – allegedly buying a pack of cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.
On May 25, 2020, members of the Minneapolis police force arrested George Floyd after a store employee called 911 to report about his alleged use of a fake $20 bill to buy a pack of cigarettes.
Eight minutes after that call, a police car arrived with two police officers, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng. They put Mr. Floyd in handcuffs. Nine minutes later, another police car arrived with two more officers, Derek Chauvin and Tou Thao.
The Cause of Floyd’s Death
Three of the officers pinned Mr. Floyd to the pavement lying face down. One officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt over Floyd’s neck who was in handcuffs, for eight minutes and 46 seconds. That brutal act caused Mr. Floyd to lose his ability to breathe. It ended his life despite his pleadings and cry for help.
Videos from separate sources including bystanders and security cameras all show a common thing: the officers violated the policies of the Minneapolis Police Department which resulted in the untimely death of George Floyd.
What’s more appalling is the officers’ refusal to give in to Floyd’s pleas for looseness because he can’t breathe. Chauvin didn’t even bother to shift his weight from Floyd’s neck the minute he passed out. Floyd was eventually declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.
The Minneapolis Police Department has fired all four officers involved in that incident. Derek Chauvin, the white police officer, who knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, is charged with murder and manslaughter while the other three are still being investigated for their participation in the case.
Autopsy Results
Results of the autopsy conducted by Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office and a private company commissioned by the family of George Floyd both rule that the death of the victim was homicide. The victim’s heart stopped beating while his arresting officers restrained him and applied pressure on his neck which resulted in asphyxiation.
Memorial
According to a statement from Floyd’s family, a public memorial will be held on Monday, June 2, 2020 at the Fountain of Praise Church in Houston, Texas. The statement added that on June 9, a private service will be held but the source declined to disclose the location.
The statement further said that professional boxing star Floyd Mayweather Jr. has committed to pay for the services. Other notable guests are also expected to attend the private service, the statement said.
Conclusion:
No matter how we strive to be careful, there are really moments when we are caught off guard. Hence, it’s always good to avoid getting into trouble especially with the law. Otherwise, let’s be prepared to bail ourselves out of any problems when they arise.
When trouble comes, always show respect for the law and law enforcers – even when you know you’re innocent. Always remember that your life is more valuable than anything in this world. If you’re arrested, don’t resist. But be sure to seek help from an able bail bond agency like the Colorado bailbonds. They can help you obtain freedom and give you better chances to win your case in the court of law.
