52 
0 
The arrest and subsequent death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, on 25th May 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sent shockwaves across the United States and sparked an international outcry against police brutality and racial injustice. As the world witnessed the horrifying video footage of a white police officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, the question on everyone’s mind was, “What were the reasons for his arrest?”
The incident began when a convenience store employee called the police and accused Floyd of trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill to make a purchase. Within minutes, Minneapolis police officers arrived at the scene and confronted Floyd, who was sitting in his car. According to police reports, Floyd seemed intoxicated, and after initial resistance, he was ordered out of his car. The official reason for his arrest was given as suspicion of forgery, a non-violent offense.
However, the arrest took a deadly turn as officers attempted to handcuff Floyd. He resisted, leading to a struggle between him and the officers. It was during this struggle that Officer Derek Chauvin pinned Floyd to the ground, placing his knee on Floyd’s neck, while three other officers stood nearby. Despite Floyd’s repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe” and cries for help, the officers maintained their overpowering hold on him until he became unresponsive.
The arrest and subsequent tragic death of George Floyd have raised numerous concerns and questions about the conduct of the officers involved. Many argue that the reason for his arrest, suspicion of forgery, does not justify the use of excessive force, let alone a fatal one. Critics argue that this incident highlights a larger problem in law enforcement: a systemic bias against black people and the disproportionate use of force against them.
The death of George Floyd reignited conversations about police reform, racial profiling, and the need for accountability within the criminal justice system. It resulted in worldwide protests, with millions of people taking to the streets to demand justice for Floyd and an end to police brutality.
The incident also prompted a re-examination of the Minneapolis Police Department’s policies. The department swiftly fired all four officers involved in Floyd’s arrest, and Officer Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder. The other three officers were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. This case became a catalyst for a global movement advocating for police reform and racial equality.
In the months following Floyd’s death, law enforcement agencies across the United States faced increased scrutiny. Calls to defund the police or allocate funds to community programs gained traction. The incident also prompted lawmakers to propose legislation addressing police accountability, banning chokeholds, and requiring body cameras.
Ultimately, George Floyd’s arrest and subsequent death were the result of alleged forgery, a non-violent offense, which spiraled into a tragic incident that exposed deep-rooted issues within law enforcement. His death became a symbol of the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and police brutality. Protesters worldwide demanded justice for George Floyd and called for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the fight for racial equality continues, it serves as a reminder that the reasons for George Floyd’s arrest, though initially non-violent, triggered a movement for justice and change that resonates with millions around the globe.
0 | 
0