Footage of the Minnesota police station ablaze in roaring flames mimicked a scene from a dark movie, but this was very real. Riots broke out in retaliation to the death of an unarmed African American George Floyd, by a white police officer by the name of Derek Chauvin. Floyd was arrested by four police officers, after he allegedly tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill in a grocery store. The police claim, he ‘physically resisted’ exiting his vehicle, but footage from a local restaurant contradicts this claim. Floyd fell twice whilst being apprehended by the officers, this was caught by shocked bystanders whom began recording the incident as they watched in disbelief. Since the incident, images have emerged of Chauvin applying pressure to Floyd’s neck with his knee as he lay handcuffed faced down and helpless on the ground. Witnesses saw Floyd begged for his life struggling to say the words, ‘I can’t breathe’ and, ‘don’t kill me’. Chauvin continued to kneel on Floyd’s neck even 2 minutes and 53 seconds after Floyd became unresponsive, a total of 8 minutes and 46 seconds, which eventually led to his death. Floyd has been described as a, ‘gentle giant’ by his friends, and his six-year-old daughter is now left without a father. A life ended and others ruined, all for the sake of $20. These incidents make us question what value is placed on human life, and how the color of our skin is a factor that can affect apprehension by authorities.
This horrific example of police brutality and abuse of power is an arrogant one. Even wearing a body camera and having onlookers’ film him was not enough to deter Chauvin’s callous actions, perhaps because of his belief that he was immune from punishment of his racially motivated actions; a sentiment which is very common of the U.S. police force. Chauvin was arrested and charged with third degree murder and manslaughter days later; possibly only due to the media and public attention this particular case has drawn. However, for many this is arrest was just not enough. There were also three other officers who stood by and watched; Thomas K. Lane, Tou Thao, and J. Alexander Kueng whom were fired the next day. Some would argue these officers are just as guilty of this crime, as they were complicit and did not intervene; and should also face charges.
Floyd’s case is not an isolated incident, police brutality and racism are an everyday occurrence for African Americans. It’s a deeply rooted problem and that’s why there is so much pain associated with it. The crowds in Minnesota began their protests in peace, but the escalation was only natural when nothing changed, and they felt their voice ‘calling for equality’ was not heard. Another innocent life has been taken by the very people who are supposed to serve and protect them. Whilst rioting and destruction may not be the answer, there is a great sense of frustration and helplessness which turned these protests violent; demanding attention to the underlying issues. Rapper Killer Mike gave an emotional plea to violent protestors in Atlanta to stop the violence, ‘it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with the enemy’. Reduced to tears he mentioned his relatives in the police force and urged rioters to channel their energy to plan, strategize, and mobilise, and hold their politicians to account instead of rioting.
There needs to be protection and respect for the people, especially in this time of the global pandemic, where many are out of work, and are vulnerable and even more at risk. The police responded to the protests with tear gas and rubber bullets. Crowds were eventually disseminated by the Nation Guard as the local fire departments attempted to save adjacent buildings. These buildings belonged to independent businesses from the same angered communities rioting. A difficult time for these business owners who are already facing the impact of the coronavirus lockdown and now more to lose. Similar protests took place across the US including New York, Denver, Chicago, and Oakland; ignoring social distancing recommendations. Protesters felt so strongly about standing up for injustice, that it was worth risking their health. The situation raises many questions, like why was CNN reporter Omar Jimenez arrested by police, for reporting the protests and questioning the wrongdoings of authorities? Simultaneously, it is important to remember not every police officer is racist. Police officers themselves have been outraged by this tragedy, urging other police officers to speak out against this unacceptable behavior. ‘It’s time we hold these bad officers accountable and hold them to the same laws we expect citizens to abide by, they are not above it and it’s time good officers start speaking out and stopping it’ said Southern Sheriff on Tik Tok.
Strong leadership and reassurance are desperately needed, to acknowledge that institutionalized racism in the police force does exists, and something needs to be done. It was difficult to watch Donald Trump read his condolences for George Floyd’s family from a piece of paper which someone else had probably written for him. Unlike his passionate tweets threatening demonstrators outside the White House with ‘vicious dogs’ and ‘ominous weapons,’ which aggravated the situation of civil unrest by stating, ‘when the looting starts, the shooting starts,’ encouraging further violence. The origins of this statement have now been linked back to 1967, where white police officer Walter Headley targeted African Americans, fueled by racial hatred. Instead of putting the nation at ease, Trump’s words have been provocative, making justice seem further out of reach. Communities are hurting deeply, as they continue to feel targeted by the very systems which are supposed to safeguard them. Global outrage means we should stand in solidarity, and peaceful protests are now taking place across the world including London where racial discrimination by the police is also widespread. Standing together to demand justice and unbiased leadership, for those who are being ignored. This is a time for us to come together and influence the change if no one else will.
