On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on the neck of George Floyd for a disturbing eight minutes and forty-six seconds. "I can't breathe," repeated Floyd over and over, pleading with the officer to allow his airways to open. Floyd would later be pronounced dead by asphyxiation at the hospital. Floyd was killed over a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill.
After an amateur video of the murder from a bystander went viral on the internet, all four Minneapolis police officers involved in the incident were dismissed. It took four days for authorities to finally arrest Officer Chauvin.
Protests and riots in Minneapolis followed the release of the video. Police were quickly overwhelmed by protesters and even abandoned a police precinct that was a few miles from where Floyd was killed. The anger felt in Minneapolis quickly reverberated around the country and eventually around the world. Protest were held globally calling for an end to police brutality and a complete overhaul of the current policing system.
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A protester holds his hands up as Minnesota National Guardsmen gather on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis.
A protester holds his hands up as Minnesota National Guardsmen gather on Friday, May 29,...READ ON
A protester holds his hands up as Minnesota National Guardsmen gather on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis.
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A protester stares downs a Minnesota National Guardsmen on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. The National Guard was sent into the city after riots ensued following the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer.
A protester stares downs a Minnesota National Guardsmen on Friday, May 29, 2020, in...READ ON
A protester stares downs a Minnesota National Guardsmen on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. The National Guard was sent into the city after riots ensued following the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer.
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Riot police aim tear gas guns at protesters on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Police quickly fled the area after they were overwhelmed by protesters.
Riot police aim tear gas guns at protesters on Friday, May 29, 2020, in...READ ON
Riot police aim tear gas guns at protesters on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Police quickly fled the area after they were overwhelmed by protesters.
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A protesters pleads with National Guardsmen to stand down on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Many protesters approached the National Guard and riot police in an effort to start a dialogue.
A protesters pleads with National Guardsmen to stand down on Friday, May 29, 2020, in...READ ON
A protesters pleads with National Guardsmen to stand down on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Many protesters approached the National Guard and riot police in an effort to start a dialogue.
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A BLM protester argues with a Trump supporter on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla. The protesters attempted to block the entrance to the rally.
A BLM protester argues with a Trump supporter on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla....READ ON
A BLM protester argues with a Trump supporter on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla. The protesters attempted to block the entrance to the rally.
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An Oklahoma State trooper watches over BLM protesters they pushed back from the entrance to Trump's rally on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla. State Troopers in riot gear made a line to prevent protesters from block Trump supporters from getting into the event.
An Oklahoma State trooper watches over BLM protesters they pushed back from the entrance...READ ON
An Oklahoma State trooper watches over BLM protesters they pushed back from the entrance to Trump's rally on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla. State Troopers in riot gear made a line to prevent protesters from block Trump supporters from getting into the event.
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BLM activist Sincere Terry attempts to break up a fight between a BLM protester and Trump supporters on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla. Terry led the group of protesters to the rally site.
BLM activist Sincere Terry attempts to break up a fight between a BLM protester and Trump...READ ON
BLM activist Sincere Terry attempts to break up a fight between a BLM protester and Trump supporters on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla. Terry led the group of protesters to the rally site.
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BLM protesters lead a giant sculpture of former President Trump as a pig through downtown on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla.The BLM protesters peacefully marched through the streets for the full extent of the rally.
BLM protesters lead a giant sculpture of former President Trump as a pig through downtown...READ ON
BLM protesters lead a giant sculpture of former President Trump as a pig through downtown on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Tulsa, Okla.The BLM protesters peacefully marched through the streets for the full extent of the rally.
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BLM protesters confront a line of police on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Protesters were peacefully gathering in the southern part of the city when police arrived and fired rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowd.
BLM protesters confront a line of police on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis....READ ON
BLM protesters confront a line of police on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Protesters were peacefully gathering in the southern part of the city when police arrived and fired rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowd.
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BLM protesters run away after police fired tear gas into the crowd on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis.
BLM protesters run away after police fired tear gas into the crowd on Friday, May 29,...READ ON
BLM protesters run away after police fired tear gas into the crowd on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis.
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Protesters shine a spotlight on an armed police officer protecting the besieged 5th Police Precinct on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. After police lost the 3rd Police Precinct to protesters the day before, they quickly flocked to the 5th hellbent on not losing another precinct to protesters.
Protesters shine a spotlight on an armed police officer protecting the besieged 5th...READ ON
Protesters shine a spotlight on an armed police officer protecting the besieged 5th Police Precinct on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. After police lost the 3rd Police Precinct to protesters the day before, they quickly flocked to the 5th hellbent on not losing another precinct to protesters.
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A looter walks through a convenience store on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Dozens of businesses were looted and set on fire during the riots.
A looter walks through a convenience store on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis....READ ON
A looter walks through a convenience store on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Dozens of businesses were looted and set on fire during the riots.
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A protester on a motorcycle speeds by a line of riot police on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Riot police staged an offensive against rioters who were burning the neighborhood surrounding the 5th Police Precinct.
A protester on a motorcycle speeds by a line of riot police on Friday, May 29, 2020, in...READ ON
A protester on a motorcycle speeds by a line of riot police on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Riot police staged an offensive against rioters who were burning the neighborhood surrounding the 5th Police Precinct.
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A man reacts after being shot by a rubber bullet in the chest on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Rubber bullets are defined as "less lethal," but if close enough, they could easily kill a victim.
A man reacts after being shot by a rubber bullet in the chest on Friday, May 29, 2020, in...READ ON
A man reacts after being shot by a rubber bullet in the chest on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Rubber bullets are defined as "less lethal," but if close enough, they could easily kill a victim.
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A biker rides past a burning building on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. While a majority of protesters were peaceful during the day, the nights quickly turned violent with people looting and setting buildings on fire.
A biker rides past a burning building on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. While a...READ ON
A biker rides past a burning building on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. While a majority of protesters were peaceful during the day, the nights quickly turned violent with people looting and setting buildings on fire.
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Black Lives Matter activists use a megaphone to speak to a crowd across the street from the 5th Police Precinct on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. Hundreds of people gathered to peacefully protest the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis Police Officer.
Black Lives Matter activists use a megaphone to speak to a crowd across the street from...READ ON
Black Lives Matter activists use a megaphone to speak to a crowd across the street from the 5th Police Precinct on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. Hundreds of people gathered to peacefully protest the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis Police Officer.
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A BLM protester listens to an activists giving a speech just outside the 5th Police Precinct on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. The peaceful protesters were later met with tear gas and rubber bullets after their protest was declared an "unlawful gathering" by police.
A BLM protester listens to an activists giving a speech just outside the 5th Police...READ ON
A BLM protester listens to an activists giving a speech just outside the 5th Police Precinct on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. The peaceful protesters were later met with tear gas and rubber bullets after their protest was declared an "unlawful gathering" by police.
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Minneapolis riot police walk through a cloud of purple smoke to clear out peaceful protesters on on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. Police aggressively dispersed peaceful protesters from the area around the 5th Police Precinct.
Minneapolis riot police walk through a cloud of purple smoke to clear out peaceful...READ ON
Minneapolis riot police walk through a cloud of purple smoke to clear out peaceful protesters on on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. Police aggressively dispersed peaceful protesters from the area around the 5th Police Precinct.
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Protesters help a woman suffering from tear gas inhalation and pepper spray escape the scene on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. The woman approached the fence of the 5th Police Precinct and was quickly hit with pepper spray by a police officer.
Protesters help a woman suffering from tear gas inhalation and pepper spray escape the...READ ON
Protesters help a woman suffering from tear gas inhalation and pepper spray escape the scene on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. The woman approached the fence of the 5th Police Precinct and was quickly hit with pepper spray by a police officer.
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Protesters stand behind a makeshift roadblock on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. Protesters being pursued by police quickly forged together a blockade of street signs and sandbags to stifle the riot police advances.
Protesters stand behind a makeshift roadblock on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis....READ ON
Protesters stand behind a makeshift roadblock on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Minneapolis. Protesters being pursued by police quickly forged together a blockade of street signs and sandbags to stifle the riot police advances.
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A protester with his hands up is sprayed with mace by riot police on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Minneapolis. In reaction the unrest that took during the week, the city of Minneapolis implemented a curfew for 6:00 p.m. Around a hundred peaceful protesters defied the curfew and marched downtown and onto I-35W.
A protester with his hands up is sprayed with mace by riot police on Sunday, May 31,...READ ON
A protester with his hands up is sprayed with mace by riot police on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Minneapolis. In reaction the unrest that took during the week, the city of Minneapolis implemented a curfew for 6:00 p.m. Around a hundred peaceful protesters defied the curfew and marched downtown and onto I-35W.
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A woman who has been pepper sprayed walks by a group of bike police on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Minneapolis.
A woman who has been pepper sprayed walks by a group of bike police on Sunday, May 31,...READ ON
A woman who has been pepper sprayed walks by a group of bike police on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Minneapolis.
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BLM protesters hold up their fists to police on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in Ferguson, Mo. The fist in the air has become the universal symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement. It was also used during the original Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century.
BLM protesters hold up their fists to police on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in Ferguson, Mo....READ ON
BLM protesters hold up their fists to police on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in Ferguson, Mo. The fist in the air has become the universal symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement. It was also used during the original Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century.
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A BLM protester holds up his hand in front of approaching police cars on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in Ferguson, Mo. The protester in Ferguson was mostly peaceful with protesters mainly marching up and down the Florissant Rd.
A BLM protester holds up his hand in front of approaching police cars on Tuesday, June 2,...READ ON
A BLM protester holds up his hand in front of approaching police cars on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in Ferguson, Mo. The protester in Ferguson was mostly peaceful with protesters mainly marching up and down the Florissant Rd.
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Riot police aim rubber bullet guns at protesters sitting on the ground with their hands up on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Minneapolis. Around a hundred protesters were encircled and rounded up to be detained for breaking curfew.
Riot police aim rubber bullet guns at protesters sitting on the ground with their hands...READ ON
Riot police aim rubber bullet guns at protesters sitting on the ground with their hands up on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Minneapolis. Around a hundred protesters were encircled and rounded up to be detained for breaking curfew.
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A tear gas canister expends on a sidewalk on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Tear gas and rubber bullets, classified by authorities as "less lethal" munitions, were used to disperse protesters.
A tear gas canister expends on a sidewalk on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Tear...READ ON
A tear gas canister expends on a sidewalk on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Tear gas and rubber bullets, classified by authorities as "less lethal" munitions, were used to disperse protesters.
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Minneapolis police fire tear gas at a group of protesters gathering not he south side on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Police were quickly overwhelmed by protesters and fled the scene. much to the delight of the protesters.
Minneapolis police fire tear gas at a group of protesters gathering not he south side on...READ ON
Minneapolis police fire tear gas at a group of protesters gathering not he south side on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. Police were quickly overwhelmed by protesters and fled the scene. much to the delight of the protesters.
On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on the neck of George Floyd for a disturbing eight minutes and forty-six seconds. "I can't breathe," repeated Floyd over and over, pleading with the officer to allow his airways to open. Floyd would later be pronounced dead by asphyxiation at the hospital. Floyd was killed over a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill.
After an amateur video of the murder from a bystander went viral on the internet, all four Minneapolis police officers involved in the incident were dismissed. It took four days for authorities to finally arrest Officer Chauvin.
Protests and riots in Minneapolis followed the release of the video. Police were quickly overwhelmed by protesters and even abandoned a police precinct that was a few miles from where Floyd was killed. The anger felt in Minneapolis quickly reverberated around the country and eventually around the world. Protest were held globally calling for an end to police brutality and a complete overhaul of the current policing system.