Black man's death gives rise to protests in New York City
New
York: At least 40 people were arrested in New York City as
people took to the streets to protest against the death of a black man in
police custody in Minneapolis.
Over 100 people gathered in Manhattan's Union Square on Thursday afternoon to express their anger over what they called police brutality that led to George Floyd's death, reports Xinhua news agency. The 46-year-old African-American man died on Monday after a white police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee to the back of his neck while he was handcuffed and other officers stood by. While being pinned down, Floyd repeatedly pleaded, "please, I can't breathe" and "don't kill me".
The four officers involved in the case were fired shortly after a video showing Floyd's death went viral on social media on Tuesday, sparking a national outcry for justice. The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2014 death of New York African-American Eric Garner, who was put in a chokehold by police, despite his cries of "I can't breathe". His death galvanized the nationwide "Black Lives Matter" movement. The New York City protesters chanted slogans, including "I can't breathe", while standing in lines face to face with dozens of policemen. "Please, please, please I can't breathe," and "My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Please, please. I can't breathe," Floyd is heard saying. But the officer never reduced the pressure of his knee and body weight on the man's neck until an ambulance arrived minutes later and Floyd was loaded onto a stretcher showing no signs of life. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the case, which has sparked strong reaction across the country. (IANS)