The family of African-American George Floyd, killed by the knees of American police officer Derek Chauvin during his arrest in Minneapolis in May 2020, will receive $27 million in damages after an amicable agreement with the city of Minneapolis. This out-of-court settlement is “the most important in the history of the United States in a human rights case for a wrongful death,” according to family lawyers.
Georges Floyd’s family will receive $27 million in damages following the brutal and cruel death of their son in May 2020. The trial of police officer Derek Chauvin began this Tuesday, March 9, 2021 with the selection of jurors. It will continue until the month However, at the Minneapolis City Council, responsible for the police, another fight was being waged: that of compensation. Even if this money does not allow the family to find its beloved son, at least it is the beginning of justice for the regularly fought fight against racial discrimination.
Bridgett Floyd, the sister of George Floyd, said in a statement transcribed by Star Tribune, a local newspaper, that she was delighted that “this judicial journey for (his) brother George is resolved […] Our family suffered an irreplaceable loss (…). While we will never find our beloved George again, we will continue to work tirelessly to make this world a better and safer place for all.”
Of the $27 million in damages, $500,000 “will be used for the benefit of the community around 38th Street and Chicago Avenue.” It was at this very spot that Georges Floyd lost his life in agony. Minneapolis City Hall has promised people to transform its police to create a “new model” of public safety.
Georges Floyd died on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, during his arrest by the police.The images of his arrest had toured the world and triggered a series of demonstrations in the United States. We see a white policeman holding Georges Floyd on the ground while he repeats several times that he cannot breathe.He was declared dead more than an hour later at the hospital. The autopsy performed on the body identified “neck compression” as a cause of death.
