Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Republicans in Minnesota are facing backlash after some of their members decided to have a moment of silence for cold-blooded killer-cop Derek Chauvin–who shoved his knee into the neck of George Floyd, and kept it there like a white Klan rope on a southern tree, for almost 10 minutes, murdering Floyd in broad daylight, on May 25, 2020. This disgusting display of inhumanity, by the same sanctimonious Republicans who like to lecture Americans about the “sanctity of life,” is being condemned by some Americans as Republicans exhibit their total disregard for the Black life of George Floyd.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released the following statement denouncing the Minnesota Republicans moment of silence, not for George Floyd, but for his murderer Officer Derek Chauvin.
“I am heartbroken and frankly shocked by the Minnesota Republican Party’s decision to hold a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin at their convention yesterday—days after the sixth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.
“George Floyd’s children lost their father. His siblings lost their brother. His community lost a neighbor and friend. That loss is permanent and irreparable. The jury heard all the evidence. The appeals courts reviewed every claim. Justice was rendered according to our system of law.
“To honor the man convicted of murdering George Floyd— days after the very anniversary of that terrible day—is an act of profound cruelty to the Floyd family and to every Minnesotan who believes in accountability under law.
“To honor a man who disgraced his oath to uphold the law and his badge is disturbing. And to honor a man who damaged the reputation of the brave men and women who protect our communities night and day is disrespectful.
“This decision dishonors the memory of George Floyd and wounds his loved ones all over again. As the lead prosecutor whose team presented this case to a jury of twelve Minnesotans and then prevailed at every step of the appeals process, I am deeply troubled by what this says about the state of our politics. I apologize to the Floyd family and to all the dedicated officers who do their jobs honorably every day.
“Minnesota’s families—all of them—deserve better.”
