Police Initially Called George Floyd's Death A 'Medical Incident'

MINNEAPOLIS — One year ago, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd died while in the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. His death, seen by countless people on a bystander's video, ignited a global movement for police reform and racial justice.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison in Floyd's death after being convicted of third and second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The conviction is in stark contrast to the initial way the Minneapolis Police Department described Floyd's death.

The police began their statement, which was issued just after midnight on May 26, by saying that a man died after a "medical incident" during a "police interaction."

Read the police department's original statement on Floyd's death below:

Man Dies After Medical Incident During Police Interaction

On Monday evening, shortly after 8:00 pm, officers from the Minneapolis Police Department responded to the 3700 block of Chicago Avenue South on a report of a forgery in progress. Officers were advised that the suspect was sitting on top of a blue car and appeared to be under the influence.

Two officers arrived and located the suspect, a male believed to be in his 40s, in his car. He was ordered to step from his car.

After he got out, he physically resisted officers. Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress. Officers called for an ambulance. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center by ambulance where he died a short time later. At no time were weapons of any type used by anyone involved in this incident.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been called in to investigate this incident at the request of the Minneapolis Police Department. No officers were injured in the incident. Body worn cameras were on and activated during this incident.

Minneapolis Marks Anniversary Of George Floyd's Death

Two public events are scheduled for Tuesday in Minneapolis:

George Floyd Inaugural Remembrance: Celebration Of Life

When: Tuesday, May 25 at 11 a.m. - 5 a.m.

Where: Commons Park outside U.S. Bank Stadium
Focus: Celebrate life through Black culture, art, history, and support local businesses.

Rise and Remember at George Floyd Square

When: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
1 p.m. — Community art, healing, and celebation

6 p.m. — Concert to honor families who suffered injustice and loss. Concert will feature Sounds of Blackness and special guests
8 p.m. — Candlelight vigil in George Floyd Square
Where: George Floyd Square, 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis

Focus: Celebrate life through Black culture, art, history, and support local businesses.

Remembering George Floyd's death, one year later

The celebrations will occur about a month after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd for more than nine minutes despite his protests that he could not breathe, was convicted of murder and manslaughter.

Chauvin will be sentenced on June 25. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

Just after 8 p.m. on Memorial Day, 2020, police responded to the Cup Foods store on 38th Street and Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis on a report of a "forgery in progress."

Outside the store, police told Floyd he was under arrest. In a video seen around the world, Floyd is heard telling officers "I can't breathe" while being forced down onto the street. He also asks for water.

Bystanders yelled at Chauvin to get off of him. Officers Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane assisted Chauvin. A fourth officer — Tou Thao — ordered people, including an off-duty EMS worker, to back away from the scene.

Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck even after he went motionless. All four officers who were at the scene were fired the next day and were later criminally charged.

Thao, Kueng, and Lane still face charges of aiding and abetting unintentional second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. Their trial was delayed until 2022 to make room for a federal civil rights trial involving all four officers, including Chauvin.

Also read:

• President Joe Biden To Host George Floyd's Family At White House
• George Floyd Community Fund Will Benefit 38th Street And Chicago