New York City has been transformed amidst solidarity and upheaval the last four days since protests nationwide began around the death of George Floyd. Floyd died while in police custody on Memorial Day Monday, May 25th, in Minneapolis under suspicion of passing counterfeit “bills” to buy cigarettes. Once detained, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held Floyd down on the ground by keeping his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; during this time Floyd repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe.” Pleas from bystanders to let him up went unheeded even as he became unresponsive. Video of the incident was taken by 17-year old Darnella Frazier who was walking by as this tragic encounter occurred and then uploaded the video to Facebook. The video went viral and outrage ensued resulting in mass protests across the city, nation and world.
Picture from yesterday at Washington Square Park from NBC New York.
Today, May 31st: Protesters Take to NYC Streets for 4th Day NBC New York
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