Minneapolis government to pay $ 27 million to family of African American killed by police

The Minneapolis (Minnesota) authorities will pay the family of the African American George Floyd killed by the police $ 27 million. The City Council on Friday, March 12, unanimously supported the settlement of the lawsuit with his family. Writes about it CNN.

Photo: Shutterstock

George Floyd's brother, Philonis Floyd, said that he would return those millions if only to see his brother again.

“I thank the state of Minnesota for taking care of this,” he said. “But even though my brother is not among us, he is here with me in my heart.” If I could get it back, I would give it all back.”

Floyd thanked the protesters who supported the family, especially during the height of the pandemic this summer. He also called everyone to peace.

“There is one thing the world needs to know. We need to heal the USA, this nation needs healing. Our family needs healing,” Floyd said in an emotional surge.

George's sister Bridgette Floyd said: "While we will never get our beloved George back, we will continue to work tirelessly to make this world a better and safer place for everyone."

She said that the foundation, which she founded on behalf of her brother, will honor his legacy.

On the subject: 'Racist' cheese, cream and sauce: how US protests are changing the way Americans live

The news comes amid a jury choice in the case of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged with the May 46 murder of 2020-year-old African American George Floyd. The policeman used a chokehold for almost 8 minutes, causing Floyd to die.

The last moments of Floyd's life, recorded on video, led to massive protests against brutality and racism by the police under the slogan Black Lives Matter.

Chauvin pleaded not guilty to second degree manslaughter and second degree manslaughter. In July, Floyd's family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and four former officers involved in his death.

The lawsuit said the city fostered a culture of excessive force and impunity in the police force and was unable to fire dangerous officers.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told reporters that the settlement reflects the Floyd family's commitment to racial justice and social progress.

“We need to be ruthless,” he said. “We must be unapologetic in our pursuit of a fairer government and a fairer approach to community, safety and our city.”

Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender expressed "deepest condolences" to Floyd's family and friends.

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“No amount of money can ever cover the extreme pain or trauma this death has caused to George Floyd’s family or the people of our city,” she said. “Minneapolis had been fundamentally changed by this time, and this City Council came together to work with our community and the Floyd family to change Minneapolis.”

Family welcomes police reform

At a press conference at which the settlement was announced, Ben Crump, Floyd's family attorney, praised the city for the change in police management.

“The settlement is historic not only because of the $27 million paid out, but also because of the impact on social justice policy reform and police reform,” he said. “Because financial compensation most directly affects Floyd’s family, the future of his family. But it is political reforms that affect us all.”

On the subject: One US state changes flag due to protests

Days after Floyd's death, Minneapolis City Council voted to ban chokeholds, required officers to report other officers using chokeholds and intervene in such cases. At the time, the mayor promised to help change the way the city's police department works, stating that "now we can finally do it right."

And in July, Mayor and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced changes to the department's reporting requirements for the use of force, which put more emphasis on de-escalating conflicts. The city council voted to divert $ 7,77 million from the police budget to other programs.

The plan funds mental health programs, allocates funding to “strengthen the capacity of the Civil Rights Department of Police Conduct Investigation Office to investigate complaints of police behavior,” and redirects some non-emergency calls to other departments.

As ForumDaily wrote earlier:

• At the end of May 2020, violent protests began in the United States over the murder of a black police officer. On May 27, George Floyd, an African American from Minneapolis, died after a city police officer strangled him with his knee. Officer Derek Chauvin was fired and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter; three other officers also lost their jobs. Protests and riots subsequently eruptedand in Minneapolis and across the country. As a result of all police officers involved in the death of George Floyd arrested. They face up to 40 years in prison.
• May 31 truck drove into a crowd of protesters in Minneapolis (Minnesota). At the wheel of a car was a citizen of the United States, presumably of Ukrainian origin, Bogdan Vechirko. He was arrested, but on June 2 he was released from custody pending further investigation. As a result, at that moment no charges were brought against him. He received them much later - in October, the man faces up to 6 years in prison.
• About 40 cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, Detroit, and Philadelphia, banned street demonstrations for several days after dark. Texas and Virginia Governors introduced a state of emergency.
• In connection with protests in US cities embassies of Ukraine and Russia asked their citizenslocated in the United States, keep order and avoid crowds as much as possible, as well as safety precautions.
• June 1, Donald Trump enacted the law of 1807, allowing him send armed forces to shocked states in connection with the death of George Floyd.
• According to the official autopsy of George Floyd, his death was caused by mechanical asphyxia and should be considered violent.
• As of 4 June victims of mass protests in the United States, at least 11 people have become.
• More 10 people were arrested during protestscondemning racism and police brutality over the death of George Floyd.
• Atlanta June 12th cops killed African American: protests flared up with renewed vigor.
• In late July, several American cities increased protests that escalated into violence... Demonstrators clashed with federal agents outside a courthouse in Portland, Oregon, police were forced to retreat to the precinct in Seattle, Washington, and cars were set on fire in California and Virginia.
• Several states have declared a state of emergency due to increased violence during the protests.
• Mayors of six US cities demand from Congress to pass legislation prohibiting US President Donald Trump without their consent send additional police forces to the regions to quell riots.
• Russian speaking policeman from California talked about work during the protests.
• Boogaloo Boys, Proud Boys and Antifa: what groups are participating in the protests in the U.S..
• Read about how protests are changing the way Americans live. our material.

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