U.S. Officer Detained Over Death Handcuffed Black Man
By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News
WASHINGTON (Worthy News)— The fired police officer blamed for the death of a handcuffed black man in the U.S. city of Minneapolis has been detained, officials confirmed.
Friday’s arrest came days after video footage emerged in which officer Derek Chauvin was seen holding his knee to George Floyd’s neck for at least eight minutes before Floyd died. During the struggle, Floyd could be heard saying, “please, I can’t breathe” and “don’t kill me.”
Chauvin was one of four officers fired over the killing. Hennepin County Prosecutor Mike Freeman said Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and added that the investigation of the other officers is ongoing. He said he “anticipates charges” for the three other officers but would not offer more details.
The death of the unarmed Floyd sparked three days of often-violent protests. Outrage turning into riots resulted in fires and looting across parts of Minneapolis, underscoring broader concerns about racial tensions in the United States.
Minnesota State Governor Tim Walz urged those involved in the clashes to show respect and dignity to those who are suffering. “Minneapolis and St. Paul are on fire. The fire is still smoldering in our streets. The ashes are symbolic of decades and generations of pain, of anguish unheard,” Walz said.
He stressed: “Now generations of pain is manifesting itself in front of the world — and the world is watching.”
But he agreed with criticism that police was not present at the previous nights of rioting. “You will not see that tonight. There was no social control. … That is an abject failure that cannot happen.”
President Donald Trump said “thugs” were dishonoring Floyd’s memory and he urged the National Guard to restore order.
Floyd’s family also asked for an independent autopsy citing fears that local authorities will not reveal all details.
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