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Today is the first day of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial in regard to the death of George Floyd. In May 2020, Floyd died after Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s neck, ignoring Floyd’s pleas of having trouble breathing “I can’t breath.” This act was recorded and led to thousands of protests against police brutality and racism, but it also led to riots where stores and business were looted and destroyed.

Before entering the building for Chauvin’s trial, George Floyd’s family, attorney, and several others took a knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds. This is how long Chauvin kept his knee on George Floyd’s neck.

“We are taking a knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds, and we want you to think of during that time, why Chauvin didn’t, in that time get his knee up?”

Rev. Al Sharpton

Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter prior to today.