The murder of George Floyd

The killing of George Floyd, 46, of St. Louis Park — who repeatedly told a Minneapolis police officer he couldn’t breathe as the officer knelt on his neck on May 25, 2020 — sparked days of unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul and mass protests across the globe over the treatment of Black people by police. 

Since then, lawmakers both nationally and locally have debated police reform and whether law enforcement officers must change how they do their jobs. In schools, educators and students have tackled discussions on race and equity, sometimes with controversy. And across Minnesota, community members have marched and come together in a call for change

In April 2021, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin — who pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes — was convicted of murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death. He was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison.

The three other ex-cops who were involved with the arrest have been charged with two counts each of aiding and abetting in the death. Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao go on trial in June 2022.

A federal grand jury has also indicted all four on criminal civil rights charges.

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Clash deepens over Chauvin trial security aid
Senate Republicans say they’re not on board with an advance fund to prepare for possible civil unrest during the trials of former Minneapolis police officers over George Floyd’s death. Instead, they’re seeking to push the cost burden to Minneapolis.
Study: Killings surge in 2020 as pandemic, protests play roles
A study that looked at crime rates in 34 cities found a 30 percent spike in homicides in 2020 compared to 2019. Study leaders call for urgent action to improve relations with police and expand anti-violence initiatives. 
Prosecutors appeal ruling that split trials in Floyd's death
Minnesota prosecutors have appealed a judge’s ruling that split the trials of four Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s death and kept the first trial scheduled to start in March.
Chauvin trial won’t include Floyd’s past scrapes with the law
A ruling issued Tuesday by Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill is the latest indicator of what will be allowed as evidence in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who faces murder and manslaughter charges in the killing of George Floyd.