Calls for an independent inquiry grow as bodycam footage emerges
Delegates at the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) conference have demanded an independent investigation into the death of an elderly man in police custody.
The man, identified as 75-year-old George Floyd, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25th, 2020, after being pinned to the ground by police officers for over nine minutes. Bodycam footage of the incident has since been released, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
Questions over Use of Force
The bodycam footage shows Floyd being repeatedly told to get into a police car, but he resists. Officers then use pepper spray on him and pin him to the ground. One officer, Derek Chauvin, kneels on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, even after Floyd repeatedly says he can’t breathe.
Medical experts have since said that Chauvin’s actions caused Floyd’s death by asphyxiation.
Calls for Accountability
The death of George Floyd has sparked widespread protests across the United States and around the world. Delegates at the NAPO conference are among those who have demanded an independent investigation into the incident.
NAPO President William Johnson said that the organization stands with the victims of police misconduct and excessive force.
We believe that an independent investigation is essential to ensure that justice is served in this case, Johnson said.
Next Steps
The Minneapolis Police Department has announced that it will conduct its own internal investigation into the death of George Floyd. However, many critics have called for an independent investigation to ensure impartiality.
The Department of Justice has also announced that it is investigating the incident. It is unclear at this time what the next steps will be, but the demands for accountability continue to grow.
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E. Thompson.
