On May 25, unarmed black man George Floyd was murdered by ex-Minneapolis police Derek Chauvin, who put a knee on the man’s neck for nearly nine minutes. The traumatic moment triggered widespread protests across the nation and, ultimately across the world. Now, a veto-proof majority of Minneapolis City Council members announced they are committed to disbanding the Minneapolis Police Department, due to massive criticism for the death of George Floyd. In place of the police, the city is looking to invest in proven community-led public safety.
Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender issued a statement on Sunday, saying, “We’re here because we hear you. We are here today because George Floyd was killed by the Minneapolis Police. We are here because here in Minneapolis and in cities across the United States, it is clear that our existing system of policing and public safety is not keeping our communities safe. Our efforts at incremental reform have failed. Period.”
The decision to commit to disbanding the Minneapolis Police Department comes after partners like University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Public Schools, and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation severed ties with the force. Previously, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey revealed his opposition to disbanding police while at a protest put together by Black Visions Collective, which ultimately got him booed out of the protest. Stay tuned for more details.
source: The Guardian
