Another unarmed man.

Another unnecessary death motivated by fear and hate.

Another name added to the long list of POC killed by the police.

According to reports, Minneapolis police officers were responding to a “forgery in progress.” What transpired next is nothing short of horrifying and shameful.

A viral video shot by Darnella Frazier, shows Floyd handcuffed and pinned on the pavement by officer Derek Chauvin for more than 6 minutes.

You can hear Floyd plead with the officers, “Please, I can’t breathe.”

An ambulance arrives and transports Floyd to Hennepin County Medical Center. According to the police department statement, “he died a short time later.”

Other details in the police report include, “he physically resisted officers,” and the man “appeared to be under the influence.” Regardless, those things did NOT warrant the actions taken by officer Chauvin and the others.

It was announced Tuesday, that 4 Minneapolis police officers, in connection to the death of George Floyd, were fired and Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo reported that the department will conduct a full investigation. There has been no update on whether the fired police officers will be criminally charged.

Let’s be clear, an investigation is all well and good but, this pattern of killing people of color, especially black men, deemed “scary,” must end. The pattern of allowing those who are sworn to protect and serve, get away with murder has to end.

STOP making excuses for despicable behavior.

STOP indicting people of color because of your own prejudice and hatred.

START prioritizing humanity.  

START holding authority figures accountable.

SPEAK UP and recognize your complicity when you do not.