The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office has updated its findings of the autopsy of George Floyd who died one week ago today while in police custody.
The report stated that Floyd experienced a “cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained by law enforcement officer(s)” and cited “restraint,” and “neck compression” as the cause of death.
Floyd’s fatal arrest was captured on a roughly nine-minute video that showed former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck while three other officers held his legs down or stood by.
The video has horrified the nation and has resulted in protests, riots, and calls for charges against all of the officers.
Initially, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner released partial findings stating that there were no signs of asphyxia, and Floyd’s death was likely caused by a “compilation” of issues, including prior health conditions and police restraints.
Hennepin County’s update also comes on the day that the Floyd family released the results of an independent autopsy performed by medical examiners Dr. Michael Baden and Dr. Allecia Wilson showing that Floyd died of asphyxiation from sustained pressure. Benjamin Crump, the Floyd family’s civil attorney, called for first-degree charges against Chauvin. He currently faces third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges.
A full autopsy report is forthcoming.
The MSR will continue to provide updates to this story as it develops.
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.