
Outrage is mounting over a viral video shot by onlooker Darnella Frazier showing a Minneapolis police officer with his knee on the neck of a Black man, identified as George Floyd, who later died.
Throughout the video Floyd can be heard groaning and pleading, “I can’t breathe. Please, man, please!” as lays motionless face down by the squad car.
The video was shot on Memorial Day and has since gone viral on social media.
Video shot by Darnella Frazier. Warning: Video shows graphic content
In the video, a voice can be heard telling the Floyd to get up and get into the car, to which he replies that he can’t. Bystanders can be heard complaining to the officers, with one man stating, “You’re stopping his breathing right there, Bro. Get him off the ground, Bro.”
“He’s not responsive right now; He’s not moving,” said another woman, who asked the officers to check the man’s pulse.
UPDATE: Shocking video apparently shows Minneapolis police cause man’s death; four officers fired
The MPD released a statement saying: “Officers were advised that the suspect was sitting on top of a blue car and appeared to be under the influence. Two officers arrived and located the suspect, a male believed to be in his 40s, in his car. He was ordered to step from his car.
After he got out, he physically resisted officers. Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress. Officers called for an ambulance.”
The four officers involved have since been fired. The FBI and BCA are investigating.
Activists and community members have scheduled an “I Can’t Breathe” protest today at 5 pm on 38th and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. Over 1,000 people have RSVP’d so far.
Find more info on the “I Can’t Breathe” protest here.
This is a developing story. The MSR will continue to update this story.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.
They really killed that man cold blooded without a single emotion like he a stray dog. As a matter a fact they treat dogs better. How in the hell do they sleep!