Statement on Police-Involved Death of George Floyd
Every day, we are painfully aware of the work that remains before we can say that we live in a just society. This week’s reminder cuts deep. We grieve with the family and friends of George Floyd, and we grieve with our community.
We echo Mayor Frey: Being Black in America should not be a death sentence. George Floyd should still be with us today. And Minneapolis should be a place where all people feel safe, protected, and valued.
The Minneapolis Foundation applauds Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo for the immediate termination of the officers involved in George Floyd’s horrific and fatal encounter with police. As an organization that views equity as our responsibility, we are deeply invested in reforming our criminal justice system to become a system that affords the same rights to all people, regardless of the color of their skin. It’s why we bring our community together to discuss critically needed change with national leaders, and with each other. It’s why we helped fund and participated in the working group focused on police-involved deadly force encounters in Minnesota in partnership with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington.
It’s why we stand with our community today in calling for justice in the horrific events that ended George Floyd’s life.
