On Wednesday, the second anniversary of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, a candlelight vigil was held to remember Floyd’s memory at the intersection where Floyd died.
The vigil was planned by activists along with a rally at St. Paul’s governor’s residence to mark the two-year anniversary Floyd’s death. This ignited protests around Minneapolis and the rest of the world, as bystander footage quickly spread.
In the wake of Floyd’s death, the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago streets was formally named George Floyd Square. A large statue of a fist in clenched position is the focal point of the memorials. Just before the vigil, the city had planned to unveil a street marker officially naming the corner George Perry Floyd Square. Terrence Floyd was also present.
Later events include a Thursday gathering for loved ones who died in police interactions and a Friday fundraising gala to raise money for the preservation of memorials left by mourners and protesters at Floyd’s intersection.
A Saturday concert and all-day festival were also planned.
Floyd, 46, was killed by Officer Derek Chauvin (white). He pinned Floyd’s knee on Floyd’s neck and held it there for 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd was then handcuffed and told that he couldn’t breathe.
After being convicted last year of murder and manslaughter, Chauvin is currently serving 22 1/2 years imprisonment. In a federal case, the ex-officer pleaded guilty to violating Floyd’s civil rights. He now faces a sentence of 20-25 years.
Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng, former officers, are set to face state charges in June. Thomas Lane pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death. This was just a few months after the three other officers were convicted of federal charges of willfully violating Floyd’s rights in February.
