In Photos: Thousands gather in US cities to mark 5 years since George Floyd’s murder | World News
On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, thousands gathered across Minneapolis and Houston to honour his memory and renew calls for racial justice and police reform. Activs, families, and community leaders also criticised the Trump adminration for recent actions they say undermine progress made since Floyd’s death.Story continues below this ad
In Minneapolis, events centred around George Floyd Square—the intersection where former police officer Derek Chauvin fatally pinned Floyd to the ground for 9 1/2 minutes in 2020. Mourners laid flowers, lit candles, and left tributes at the site near Cup Foods, where Floyd was killed.
Demonstrators rally in New York’s Union Square on the fifth anniversary of the death of George Floyd. (AP Photo)
Across the street, activs served food at a former gas station that has served as a community space since 2020. A mock pig’s head wearing a police cap was mounted in the street as a stark symbol of protest.Story continues below this ad
A tribute to George Floyd is pictured at the Say Their Names Cemetery. (AP Photo)
Events began Friday with music, a street festival, and a “self-care fair,” and culminated in a Sunday evening candlelit vigil featuring gospel music, speeches, and a short march led a brass band.
People attend a candlelight vigil at Say Their Names Cemetery. (AP Photo)
Activs say progress has been too slow
Many advocates expressed frustration with the pace of change despite promises from city officials to overhaul policing. The global protests that erupted after Floyd’s death spurred hope for national police reform. While the Biden adminration has sought increased federal oversight of abusive police departments, many now fear those efforts are being reversed.
Musicians perform while walking from George Floyd Square to the Say Their Names Cemetery. (AP Photo)
Just days before the anniversary, the Trump adminration moved to cancel federal settlements with Minneapolis and Louisville—agreements that aimed to restructure their police forces following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
A Black Lives Matter painting is seen at a park near George Floyd Square, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo)
Trump has also declared an end to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government, and is pushing state and local agencies to do the same using federal funding as leverage. Republican-led states have ramped up efforts to dismantle DEI policies in public institutions.
(With inputs from AP)
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Expand
