“The horrific death of George Floyd, witnessed by millions of people around the world, unleashed a deep desire and an undeniable demand for justice and change,” Ben Crump, an attorney for Floyd’s family, said in a statement. “That the greatest trial settlement in a wrongful death case would ever be for the life of a black man sends a powerful message that black lives matter and that police brutality against people of color must end.”
Floyd’s last words included “I Can’t Breathe,” and his last moments in life were videotaped. His death sparked widespread protests under the Black Lives Matter banner against police brutality and racism, as well as incidents of unrest and looting.
Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter. He also pleaded not guilty to third-degree murder, which was reinstated in the case on Thursday.
George Floyd’s sister, Bridgett Floyd, said on Friday that the family is “glad this part of our tragic journey to justice for my brother George has been resolved.”
Mayor Jacob Frey tweeted, “The past year has dramatically changed our city’s trajectory, and today marks another milestone in shaping a more equitable future for Minneapolis. Our settlement with George Floyd’s family reflects a shared commitment to advancing racial justice and a persistent drive for progress. “
In July, Floyd’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and the four former officers involved in his death.
The lawsuit said the city nurtured a culture of excessive violence and impunity within the police force and failed to end dangerous officers.