Derek Chauvin 'knew' George Floyd as he worked with him at Minneapolis nightclub for 17 years: Former owner
The death of George Floyd has been making headlines across the world with masses slamming the police for the brutality. Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin has been arrested and charged with murder after a viral video showed him kneeling on the neck of 46-year-old Floyd, which eventually led to his death. Floyd was heard begging for his life and saying he could not breathe while Chauvin paid no heed.
As it turns out, both Chauvin and Floyd worked as security guards for the same Minneapolis club, People reports. Former owner of El Nuevo Rodeo Club Maya Santamaria told KTSP Eyewitness News that the two had overlapping shifts. "Chauvin was our off-duty police for almost the entirety of the 17 years that we were open. They were working together at the same time, it's just that Chauvin worked outside and the security guards were inside," Maya shared. Vice President of Minneapolis City Council Andre Jenkins told MSNBC, "They were both bouncers at that restaurant for 17 years. Officer Chauvin knew George. They were coworkers for a very long time."
Floyd's family lawyer shared that Chauvin had knelt on Floyd's neck for a sickening eight minutes. The shocking video clip was taken on Monday, May 25 and went viral on various social media platforms. In the clip, Fluyod can be heard pleading, "Please, please I can't breathe."
Floyd eventually lost consciousness and later died. The police had arrested Floyd for allegedly trying to use forged documents at a local deli. The four disgraced police officers have been fired from the Minneapolis Police Department. Floyd's death has been a tipping point in the growing tension over brutality towards African American people, leading to protests. The Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd precinct was seen up in flames around 10 pm on Thursday (May 28). Angry protesters were seen taking over the building and climbing on top of the roof with fire. While fire alarms were heard going off in the background, protesters could be heard saying, "What’s his name? George Floyd!" as fireworks shot up into the air, NY Post reports.
Many celebrities have taken to social media to express their outrage over Floyd's death with many stating they do not condone police brutality. Rapper Cardi B posted, "Enough is enough! What will it take? A civil war? A new president? Violent riots? It’s tired! I’m tired! The country is tired! You don’t put fear in people when you do this you just show how coward YOU ARE! And how America is really not the land of the free!"
Beyonce took to her website to share a picture of Floyd alongside a tribute. The picture read, "Rest in Power George Floyd". Filmmaker Ava DuVernay shared, "You deserved your breath, your dignity, your life. Not to die in the street, murdered by a white cop's knee on your neck. You deserve our tears, our prayers, our rage, our action. We must act — for you — and for all of those were no cameras are present. We must. #GeorgeFloyd."