My statement on George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis Police custody: #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd

The pain of George Floyd’s undeserved and senseless murder while in police custody has shaken Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and our country to our core. My deepest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s loved ones. I hope his family and friends are able to navigate towards some peace.

I had anticipated that the press conference held yesterday by County Attorney
Mike Freeman and federal and state investigators would be an announcement that
charges were being brought against the officers involved. That did not happen.

In the past, we have tried to wait patiently while investigations are conducted. However, we know that “process” has consistently been used as an excuse for inaction in the face of egregious police brutality against communities of color.

This delay is speaking the language of the current system – but the current system needs to change.

Black and brown people in our community and across the country are taken into custody for far lesser actions, with far lesser evidence, without charges being filed.
The evidence in this case is widely available. Our city is in crisis. We need to know a murder trial is coming.

I am calling on County Attorney Mike Freeman to take action immediately to
arrest and charge the officers involved in this senseless killing. Ensure that
justice is served, without delay – for George Floyd, for his family, and for
our grieving communities.