In Photos: Thousands gather in US cities to mark 5 years since George Floyd's murder
On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder, thousands gathered across Minneapolis and Houston to honour his memory and renew calls for racial justice and police reform. Activists, families, and community leaders also criticised the Trump administration for recent actions they say undermine progress made since Floyd's death.
In Minneapolis, events centred around George Floyd Square—the intersection where former police officer Derek Chauvin fatally pinned Floyd to the ground for 9 1/2 minutes in 2020. Mourners laid flowers, lit candles, and left tributes at the site near Cup Foods, where Floyd was killed.
Across the street, activists served food at a former gas station that has served as a community space since 2020. A mock pig's head wearing a police cap was mounted in the street as a stark symbol of protest.
Events began Friday with music, a street festival, and a 'self-care fair,' and culminated in a Sunday evening candlelit vigil featuring gospel music, speeches, and a short march led by a brass band.
Many advocates expressed frustration with the pace of change despite promises from city officials to overhaul policing. The global protests that erupted after Floyd's death spurred hope for national police reform. While the Biden administration has sought increased federal oversight of abusive police departments, many now fear those efforts are being reversed.
Just days before the anniversary, the Trump administration moved to cancel federal settlements with Minneapolis and Louisville—agreements that aimed to restructure their police forces following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
Trump has also declared an end to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government, and is pushing state and local agencies to do the same using federal funding as leverage. Republican-led states have ramped up efforts to dismantle DEI policies in public institutions.
(With inputs from AP)
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