George Floyd killer cop Derek Chauvin arrested, protesters demand arrest of other three officers as well
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: George Floyd died on May 25 after his breathing was restricted by Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck. On May 29, the officer who was fired earlier was arrested. At this point, there is no information regarding where the former officer was taken into custody or how it came about and there is also no information about the charges that were levied on Chauvin.
News regarding the other three officers who were also involved in the fatal arrest has not been shared as of now. According to media reports, there has been a delay in the news conference that was expected to take place because there was a debate over whether the other officers must be charged or not.
On the other hand, friends of Floyd and Black leaders of Minnesota learned of the news during a media conference that they had organized. The friends and supporters lauded the quick arrest of Chauvin, but said they want to see the other three officers charged as well. They also said, "Black Minnesota is done dying, White Minnesota you are done hiding," at the press conference.
Meanwhile, more answers regarding a development in the case is expected to be revealed soon by Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman who has scheduled a press conference at 1 pm concerning development in the case.
Earlier, Floyd's death was reportedly signed off as caused by medical issues and it was only after the video went viral that an investigation into Floyd's death was initiated. The video also showed that Floyd had cooperated with the officers at least at the beginning of the encounter. A bystander's video that was shared also showed Floyd pleading the officers, stating that he is unable to breathe. However, Chauvin continued to ignore Floyd's plea. In fact, even when Floyd stopped moving, Chauvin continued the chokehold with his knee.
The arrest was a result of cops being called to the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street on a report of someone trying to use a forged bill at Cup Foods. An employee at Cup Foods reported Floyd to police after confirming that the $20 bill that he had used to pay was counterfeit. Since the news of this fatal attempt at arrest spread, Minneapolis has seen widespread protests. Initially, it began as a peaceful demonstration at the site where Floyd was pinned down.
However, by Wednesday, May 27, violence had broken out near the 3rd Precinct police station following more than 30 fires, destruction of businesses and looting.
Speaking about the incident, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, on the morning of May 28, Thursday, called for the officer's arrest saying that he considers Floyd's death a murder. He said to CBS, "I'm not a prosecutor, but let me be clear. The arresting officer killed someone. He'd be alive today if he were white. The facts that I've seen, which are minimal, certainly lead me down the path that race was involved."