Minneapolis to pay $27M settlement to George Floyd’s family

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes, is standing trial on murder and manslaughter counts. Three other ex-officers involved in the fatal arrest are charged with aiding and abetting, and will be tried jointly in August. The family lawsuit was filed on July 15, alleging the four former officers violated Floyd’s rights when they restrained him, reports CBS station WCCO.

“Mr. Floyd died because the weight of the entire Minneapolis Police Department was on his neck,” Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, said when the suit was filed.

In a statement, Floyd’s sister Bridgett Floyd said, “I am pleased that this part of our tragic journey to justice for my brother George is resolved.”

“Our family suffered an irreplaceable loss May 25 when George’s life was senselessly taken by a Minneapolis police officer,” Bridgett Floyd said. “While we will never get our beloved George back, we will continue to work tirelessly to make this world a better, and safer, place for all.”

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey said on Twitter the settlement “reflects a shared commitment to advancing racial justice and a sustained push for progress.”

The lawsuit also said the city allowed for a culture of excessive force and racism to proliferate within the police department. In a statement Friday, lawyers representing Floyd’s family members said they are encouraged that the Minneapolis police department has undergone substantial reforms.

“Even as the trial against former officer Derek Chauvin moves forward and the family waits for justice in the criminal courts, this settlement imparts a measure of justice that is meaningful, important and necessary,” said attorney L. Chris Stewart. “It provides a path forward for our clients and ensures that George Floyd’s death will result in substantive, positive change.”

Floyd’s family was scheduled to hold a press conference Friday afternoon.

This is a developing story.