After Protests In Minneapolis, Justice Department Launches Investigation into George Floyd’s Death

Floyd’s family and Mayor Jacob Frey are calling for charges against the officers.

After widespread footage of the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd circulated on Tuesday, protests quickly spread throughout the city.

By Wednesday night, the protests spilled over into local businesses. Subsequently, the city’s mayor Jacob Frey called for the national guard to intervene. Officers launched tear gas canisters and rubber bullets into the crowds. In addition to Minneapolis, citizens in Memphis and Los Angeles protested in honor of Floyd.

As the police got involved, protests became more aggressive. Citizens vandalized and looted a local Target.

Additionally, protesters burned a local apartment complex and Autozone. By nightfall, protesters moved towards Minneapolis’ Third Precinct headquarters.

According to the New York Times, police are also investigating a fatal shooting near a local pawn shop close to the protests. MPD spokesman John Elder declined to confirm whether the victim was involved in the shooting, or whether the store owner pulled the trigger.

On Thursday morning, the US Justice Department said they were going to launch a federal investigation into the death of George Floyd. In a statement, US Attorney Erica Macdonald and FBI Special Agent In Charge Rainer Drolshagen said they were going to launch a “robust criminal investigation” into Floyd’s death. They called the investigation a “top priority.”

The Minneapolis Police Department fired the four officers involved in Floyd’s death. In a statement on Thursday morning, the Department of Justice released a statement.

“Upon conclusion of the FBI’s investigation,” the statement reads, “the U.S. Attorney’s Office will determine whether federal criminal charges are supported by the evidence. If it is determined that there has been a violation of federal law, criminal charges will be sought.”

NBC News reported that Derek Chauvin, the officer at the center of the case was the subject of 12 conduct complaints during his 19-year career. Despite the number of complaints, his superior officers never disciplined him.

Fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has reportedly been arrested per CBS. His arrest follows the firing of the other three officers involved with the violent incident.

This story was originally published on May 28, it was updated on May 29.

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