4 Officers Fired, Protesters Demand Charges As Riots Erupt In Minneapolis Over Death Of George Floyd
Hundreds of protesters packed the streets of Minneapolis to protest against police over the death of George Floyd after he was pinned to the ground by officers shortly before he died.
The tragic incident took place back on Monday after Minneapolis police officers were attempting to arrest Floyd on suspicion of forgery.
Cellphone video from a nearby eyewitness captured an officer kneeling on the back of Floyd's neck as you can hear the 46-year-old screaming and pleading with police while face down on the pavement.
Please, I can't breathe!
As the video continues, the officer ignores Floyd and refuses to remove his knee from the back of his neck and moments later, Floyd appears to lose consciousness as he goes silent. He was then transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
On Tuesday, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced that the four officers involved were "no longer with the department." Minneapolis city mayor, Jacob Frey, also shared a tweet saying the immediate termination of the officers was "the right call" and followed up with a call for the officers to be charged during a press conference on Wednesday.
The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating Floyd's death along with FBI while the Hennepin County Attorney's Office is simultaneously working with prosecutors on a federal level to decide if they will pursue criminal prosecution
We promise a thorough, expedited review consistent with our on-going commitment to justice. Every person is entitled to fairness; no person stands above the law.
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the incident.
Tuesday night, protesters filled the streets of Minneapolis by the thousands, demanding justice for Floyd and "calling for an end to police brutality."
The Star Tribune detailed the chaotic scene.
demonstrators were met with police in riot gear who fired tear gas and sandbags. Protestors were seen throwing water bottles and other items at officers, causing police SUV windows to break.
Community activist Al Flowers told the Tribune that Floyd's police death was "one of the most egregious murders I’ve ever seen" adding that the officer who kneeled on Floyd's neck should face prosecution.
Many public figures agreed, posting their sentiments on social media using the hashtag #GeorgeFloyd