A Chronicle Of Events

The Tragic Death of George Floyd

A Chronicle of Events

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.

On the evening of May 25, Chauvin and other officers responded to a call about a counterfeit $20 bill allegedly being used at a grocery store. They encountered Floyd outside the store and attempted to detain him.

Floyd resisted arrest, and Chauvin pinned him to the ground. Witnesses captured video of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for several minutes, even after Floyd repeatedly said he couldn't breathe.

Floyd died shortly after being taken to a hospital. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office ruled his death a homicide, with "cardiopulmonary arrest complicated by law enforcement subdual, restraint, and compression."

The Aftermath

Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. He was convicted of all charges on April 20, 2021, and sentenced to 22.5 years in prison.

The death of George Floyd was a watershed moment in the history of police brutality and racial injustice in the United States. It sparked a wave of protests and calls for reform. Floyd's death will continue to be a symbol of the systemic racism that persists in our society.

Conclusion

The death of George Floyd was a tragedy that had a profound impact on the United States. It sparked a national reckoning with race and police brutality, and it continues to resonate as a symbol of the work that still needs to be done to create a more just and equitable society.