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George Floyd's Death: A Timeline of Events

Background

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The incident sparked widespread protests across the United States and around the world, calling for an end to police brutality and racial injustice.

The Arrest and Death of George Floyd

At approximately 8:00 p.m. on May 25, 2020, Floyd was arrested by police officers Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng outside a Cup Foods store in Minneapolis. The officers responded to a call reporting that Floyd had allegedly used a counterfeit $20 bill to purchase cigarettes. During the arrest, Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Lane and Kueng helped restrain Floyd, while Thao prevented bystanders from intervening. Floyd was eventually pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Jennifer Alford's Testimony

Jennifer Alford, a 46-year-old neighbor who lives four blocks from the intersection of 38th and Chicago Avenue, the site of the incident, testified for the prosecution during Chauvin's trial. Alford witnessed the arrest and detention of Floyd from her apartment window. She described seeing Chauvin kneel on Floyd's neck for an extended period, even after Floyd became unresponsive.

Courteney Ross's Testimony

Courteney Ross, a former girlfriend of George Floyd, was also called to testify by the prosecution. Ross described her relationship with Floyd and provided insights into his character. She stated that Floyd was a loving and caring person who struggled with addiction but was working to turn his life around.

Conclusion

The death of George Floyd was a tragic event that highlighted the systemic racism and police brutality that continue to plague American society. The protests and calls for justice that followed Floyd's death have led to important conversations about race, equality, and the need for police reform.

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