Minneapolis reaches $27 million settlement with George Floyd's family

Settlement approved by Minneapolis City Council Friday
Minneapolis reaches $27 million settlement with family of George Floyd
Photo credit Getty Images

The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously approved a $27 million settlement to the family of George Floyd. The settlement was approved Friday, before city leaders joined members of Floyd's family.

Floyd died while he was being arrested by Minneapolis Police last May 25th at the intersection of 38th and Chicago in South Minneapolis. One of the arresting officers, Derek Chauvin, kept his knee on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes, even after Floyd said he couldn't breathe, and then eventually lost consciousness.

Floyd's death, which was filmed by bystanders, caused days of protests and rioting in Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as other locations around the United States and the world.

Chauvin is currently on trial for 2nd and 3rd degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death. Jury selection is underway.

Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender spoke after the council voted to approve the settlement.

"On behalf of the entire city council, I offer my deepest condolences to the family of George Floyd, his friends, and all of our community who are mourning his loss.  No amount of money can ever address the intense pain or trauma caused by this death."

The Floyd family's attorney Benjamin Crump praised the work of city leaders in a Minneapolis press conference after the settlement was announced.

"After the eyes of the world rested on Minneapolis in its darkest hour, now the city can be a beacon of hope and light and change for cities across America and across the globe," said Crump.

The city council also Friday voted to forward a proposal to replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a new department of public safety.  That proposal goes to the Minneapolis Charter Commission for review.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images