Latest news with #Chauvin
Global News
28-05-2025
- General
- Global News
Halifax says it is closing one of the five remaining designated homeless encampments
Halifax Regional Municipality is closing one of its five remaining homeless encampment sites. In a statement this morning, the municipality says the green space on Geary Street in Dartmouth will no longer be designated for use by people sheltering in tents, and people will have until June 22 to relocate. Max Chauvin, Halifax's director of housing and homelessness, says the Geary Street site has consistently had the lowest use among the designated encampments. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy As of Friday, Halifax staff observed four tents at the Geary Street site, and 47 tents and four trailers across the municipality's four other designated encampment locations, he says. Chauvin says in the coming days, the residents sleeping at the Geary Street site will be offered resources and support to move to a shelter, temporary housing or one of the remaining designated encampment sites. Story continues below advertisement Four designated homeless encampment sites will remain open; three in Halifax and one in Dartmouth. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2025.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Five Years of Black Lives Matter: Top conspiracy theories about George Floyd's death
It has been five years since the death of George Floyd shook the world and ignited a wave of racial justice protests across the globe. The Black Lives Matter movement surged into mainstream consciousness after footage of Floyd's fatal encounter with Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin went viral. But alongside the public outcry and push for police reform came a parallel campaign of conspiracy theories. Many of these narratives have been promoted to discredit the movement, defend Chauvin, or stir political division. As discussions resurface around a potential presidential pardon for Chauvin, here are the top conspiracy theories that have circulated about George Floyd's death. Here we are examining who spread them, why they took hold, and how they were debunked. 1. George Floyd died of a drug overdose , not Police restraint This is the most persistent and widely circulated conspiracy theory. Promoted by right-wing commentators, pro-police activists, and social media influencers, the claim suggests that George Floyd died from a fentanyl overdose rather than police violence. It hinges on the toxicology report showing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other substances in Floyd's system. However, both the official autopsy by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner and an independent autopsy commissioned by Floyd's family concluded that Floyd's death was a homicide caused by law enforcement restraint. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025: Steel Suppliers From Mexico At Lowest Prices (Take A Look) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo During Derek Chauvin's trial, multiple medical experts testified that Floyd's behavior and physical signs did not match those of someone overdosing. They emphasized that Floyd's death resulted from low oxygen levels due to prolonged compression of his neck and back, not drugs. The overdose theory was decisively rejected in court, yet it continues to circulate in efforts to minimise Chauvin's role and shift blame away from the police. 2. Floyd and Chauvin had a personal feud This theory emerged after it was revealed that both Floyd and Chauvin had worked security at the same nightclub years before the fatal encounter. Some speculated that Chauvin acted out of personal animosity or a vendetta, framing the incident as a targeted killing rather than one rooted in systemic police abuse. Independent investigators looked into these claims but found no credible evidence that the two men had overlapping shifts or any direct interaction at the venue. While intriguing to conspiracy theorists and crime show fans, this theory lacks substantiation and was not presented as fact in court. 3. The death was timed to distract from COVID-19 or the 2020 presidential elections election A more politically framed conspiracy argued that Floyd's death was conveniently timed to serve as a distraction from either the U.S. government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic or to derail Donald Trump's re-election campaign. Right-wing influencers and political commentators pushed this theory as protests gained momentum, suggesting media coverage was coordinated to manipulate public attention. However, the timeline of events clearly shows that Floyd's death stemmed from a spontaneous police call about an alleged counterfeit bill, not from any politically orchestrated effort. Surveillance and bodycam footage prove the encounter was not planned, and there is no evidence of any larger coordination. 4. The death was staged as a false flag operation Among the more extreme claims is the idea that Floyd's death was orchestrated as a 'false flag' operation. This narrative took root in QAnon circles, conspiracy forums like 4chan, and on fringe YouTube channels. Proponents claimed the entire incident was planned by 'deep state' actors to incite racial unrest, destabilize America, or distract from other global events. This theory was fuelled by distrust in mainstream media and government institutions, often citing 'coincidences' or supposed inconsistencies in video footage. However, verified real-time footage from multiple sources, along with court-admissible bodycam videos, public eyewitness accounts, and police records, all confirm that the event was authentic and unplanned. There is no evidence to suggest that Floyd's death was staged. 5. Derek Chauvin was not a real Police Officer Another viral claim was that Derek Chauvin was not a legitimate police officer but a 'crisis actor' wearing a fake uniform. This theory was commonly spread on YouTube, Telegram channels, and social media platforms frequented by conspiracy theorists. Claims included that his badge number was missing or incorrect and that his demeanour was inconsistent with trained officers. However, these assertions fall apart when confronted with basic facts: Chauvin served with the Minneapolis Police Department for 19 years, had a full employment record, and wore standard-issue gear. His identity and role were confirmed in court and in official police documentation. 6. George Floyd is still alive One of the most outlandish theories claimed that George Floyd faked his death and is still alive—possibly in hiding under government protection. This claim is part of a wider genre of 'celebrity death hoaxes' that often emerge after high-profile deaths. It was popularized by conspiracy theory communities and QAnon supporters who posted grainy photos of supposed Floyd sightings. The theory ignores the extensive and transparent documentation of Floyd's death, including the autopsy, death certificate, widely broadcast funeral services, and grieving family testimony. There is no evidence to support this claim, and it has been repeatedly debunked. 7. Masonic or Illuminati Symbolism Was Involved Some conspiracy theorists, especially those steeped in numerology or occult symbolism, claimed that Floyd's death bore hallmarks of an Illuminati or Freemason ritual. These narratives typically cited the date of the incident, Floyd's tattoos, or perceived patterns in the media coverage as 'coded messages.' These theories were propagated mainly on niche blogs and occult-themed YouTube channels. As with most numerology-based conspiracies, they rely heavily on subjective interpretation, cherry-picked patterns, and unfounded speculation. There is no evidence of any ritualistic or symbolic motive behind Floyd's death. 8. The Counterfeit $20 Bill had secret symbolism Because the police were called after Floyd allegedly used a counterfeit $20 bill, some theorists began scrutinizing the bill itself. A small group of online conspiracists suggested that the bill carried hidden symbols or messages, connecting it to a larger plot. These claims often drew from numerology, speculative pattern-seeking, or claims of Masonic symbolism on currency. Investigators, however, treated the counterfeit bill as incidental—it was simply the reason for the police call, not a symbol or clue in a wider scheme. There is no credible evidence to support claims of hidden meanings in the bill. 9. The autopsy was manipulated for political purposes Some critics claimed that the autopsy results were doctored or politically manipulated to secure a conviction and appease the public. This narrative was popular in pro-Chauvin online communities and conservative media outlets. However, both the official autopsy and an independent one reached the same conclusion: Floyd died from cardiopulmonary arrest caused by police restraint. Medical experts consistently testified that the level of drugs in Floyd's system was not lethal and that the primary cause of death was asphyxiation. The consistency between independent and state-commissioned findings disproves any theory of medical manipulation. 10. Chauvin was a scapegoat in a politicised trial Finally, one of the most politically charged narratives is the claim that Derek Chauvin was made a scapegoat to satisfy public outrage. Some conservative pundits and law enforcement unions argued that the jury was pressured by fear of riots or that media attention unfairly influenced the outcome. They suggested Chauvin was convicted not because of guilt, but to calm the public. However, the trial was conducted under strict legal protocols, and the jury was screened for bias. The evidence presented—including multiple video angles, expert medical testimony, and eyewitness accounts—was overwhelming. Appeals to overturn the verdict have failed, reinforcing the legitimacy of the trial process. Each of these conspiracy theories, while discredited by official autopsies and courtroom testimony, continues to command attention and belief in some quarters. Their persistence is not merely accidental; they are sustained by deep political divides, social distrust, and the powerful amplification of digital echo chambers. To many, these theories offer alternative narratives that resonate with ideological grievances or a desire to question institutional narratives. Still, despite the traction they have gained, the foundational facts remain unchanged: George Floyd died because a police officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. The theories may reflect broader anxieties or cultural rifts, but they do not change the medical, legal, and moral reality of what occurred.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Americans remember George Floyd on fifth anniversary of death
Americans across the country are remembering George Floyd five years after he was killed by police, with special gatherings in the city where he grew up and the one where he died. The murder of Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis by police officer Derek Chauvin led to nationwide protests against racism and police brutality. On Sunday, Floyd's family gathered in their hometown of Houston near Floyd's gravesite for an event led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, while Minneapolis held several commemorations. What many hailed as a national "reckoning" with racism after Floyd's death, though, seems to be fading as President Donald Trump starts to roll back police reforms in Minneapolis and other cities. In Minneapolis, community members planned a morning church service, a candlelight vigil and an evening gospel concert on Sunday to remember Floyd. The events were a part of the annual Rise and Remember Festival taking place in George Floyd Square, the intersection where Floyd was murdered and which has since been named to honour him. "Now is the time for the people to rise up and continue the good work we started," Angela Harrelson, Floyd's aunt and co-chair of the Rise and Remember nonprofit, said in a statement about the festival. In Houston, where Floyd grew up and where he is buried, local organisations planned poetry sessions, musical performances and speeches by local pastors. Floyd was murdered in 2020 during a police arrest in Minneapolis when Chauvin, a white police officer, stood on his neck for more than nine minutes. The killing - captured on a bystander's phone camera - sparked global outrage and a wave of demonstrations against racial injustice and police use of force. Chauvin has been serving a 22-year prison sentence after he was convicted of murdering the 46-year-old. Other officers were convicted for failing to intervene in the killing. In a post on X, Rev Sharpton said Floyd's death had "forced a long overdue reckoning with systemic racism and galvanized millions to take to the streets in protest". "The conviction of the officer responsible was a rare step toward justice, but our work is far from over," he said. In the wake of Floyd's death, under former President Joe Biden, the justice department opened civil investigations into several local law enforcement agencies, including Minneapolis, Louisville, Phoenix and Lexington, Mississippi, where investigators found evidence of systemic police misconduct. The department reached agreements with both the Louisville and Minneapolis police departments that included oversight measures like enhanced training, accountability, and improved data collection of police activity. But last Wednesday, the Trump administration said those findings relied on "flawed methodologies and incomplete data". Administration officials said the agreement were "handcuffing" local police departments. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, though, said this week that his city would still "comply with every sentence, of every paragraph, of the 169-page consent decree that we signed this year". Since returning to office, Trump has also taken aim at Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) measures intended to reduce racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. Early in his tenure, Trump signed an executive order to eliminate DEI policies in the federal government, some of which were the result of protests during what is often called "Black Lives Matter Summer", held after the deaths of Floyd and others, Critics including Trump say such programmes can themselves be discriminatory. Addressing West Point on Saturday, he said that in ending DEI in the military the administration was "getting rid of the distractions" and "focusing our military on its core mission". Meanwhile, the mayor of Washington, Muriel Bowser, removed Black Lives Matter Plaza, a strip of road that was emblazoned with the phrase near the White House. This week, a famous mural of Floyd in Houston was destroyed as part of a building demolition, as well, according to Houston Public Media. Recent surveys suggest Americans believe there have been few improvements for the lives of black people in the US five years after Floyd's passing, including a May survey from Pew Research Center in which 72% of participants said there had been no meaningful changes. The number of Americans expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movement has also fallen by 15% since June 2020, the same survey suggests. Trump administration to scrap police reform measures in some US cities Chauvin sentenced for violating George Floyd's rights Minneapolis police 'engaged in pattern of racism'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
5 Years After George Floyd's Murder, His Sister Still Visits His Grave to Sing: 'I Lost My Best Friend'
George Floyd was murdered by Derek Chauvin five years ago Chauvin is now imprisoned after being convicted of murder and federal charges of violating Floyd's civil rights, among other counts Floyd's murder sparked a nationwide reckoning over police brutality and systemic racismEvery year on the anniversary of George Floyd's death, his sister LaTonya goes to his grave and sings REO Speedwagon's 'I'll Keep on Loving You.' 'I lost my best friend,' she says. 'I love him so much.' She regularly visits the statue of her brother 'Conversations with George' in Houston's Tom Bass Park. She sits beside the statue, talking to her brother and praying with him. Every day, she misses him. "It seems like it should get better, but it hurts more and more every time," she says. Around the third anniversary of her brother's murder, she told PEOPLE she forgave his killer, Derek Chauvin. 'I was losing my mind,' she says now, about the burden of her feelings toward Chauvin. 'I was going nowhere fast. All the money in the world couldn't get me peace of mind, my sanity. I talked to my pastor. He said, 'When you're ready, do the right thing. And you know what the right thing is.' "I said, 'If God didn't forgive us, there would be no world. There would be nothing but dust.' I have to forgive to be forgiven. I had to. That was on my heart. If I could tell [Chauvin] in person, I would.' 'It hurt, but I had to do it,' LaTonya says. LaTonya has written a song to her brother. She's currently trying to find an artist to sing it who can convey all of its emotions. She loves to sing, but she can't record the song herself, she says. 'I couldn't make it through,' she says. 'I lost my best friend.' She sings: I wish there wasn't a 25th in May. On the days that we used to laugh and pray Holding hands at night, we pray About how I wish there wasn't a 25th in May. "I tell him how we laughed together, how we sang together, how I'm going to keep on loving you,' she says. 'All the fun stuff that family does, that they're supposed to do, and we're never going to be able to do again.' Read the original article on People
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Who is Derek Chauvin? The cop who murdered George Floyd 5 years ago and reignited global 'Black Lives Matter' protests
On 25 May, 2020, George Flyod was killed by Derek Chauvin Five years ago, on May 25, 2020, the world watched in horror as George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died under the knee of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The incident was captured by then-17-year-old Darnella Frazier, showing Chauvin pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, despite Floyd's repeated pleas of "I can't breathe. " This footage ignited global protests and became a catalyst for the Black Lives Matter movement, bringing attention to systemic racism and police brutality. The trial and conviction Chauvin was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. His trial began in March 2021. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from medical experts who said that Floyd died from a lack of oxygen, not from underlying health conditions or drug use. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testified that Chauvin's actions violated department policy, reports the New York Post. On April 20, 2021, after around 10 hours of deliberation, the jury found Chauvin guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. The verdict was met with a mix of relief and sorrow across the nation. Philonise Floyd, George's brother, said, "Today, we are able to breathe again," drawing a parallel to his brother's final words. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Remembering George Floyd: Five years later Who is Derek Chauvin Derek Chauvin is a former Minneapolis police officer who served with the city's police department for 19 years. Born in 1976, Chauvin trained as a military police officer in the Army Reserve before joining law enforcement. Over the course of his career, he received commendations but was also the subject of multiple complaints related to use of force. Before the 2020 incident that brought him global infamy, Chauvin had been involved in several on-duty shootings and allegations of aggressive policing. However, most of those complaints did not result in disciplinary action. Derek Chauvin found guilty of the murder of George Floyd Aftermath and ongoing impact The conviction of Chauvin was seen as a significant moment in the fight against police brutality. However, it also underscored the deep-rooted issues within law enforcement and the justice system. In the years following, there have been calls for comprehensive police reform. While some cities have implemented changes, many activists argue that progress has been slow and insufficient. In May 2025, on the fifth anniversary of Floyd's death, cities like Minneapolis and Houston held memorial events. These gatherings served as both a remembrance of Floyd and a call to action for continued reform. Street festival in remembrance of George Floyd being held in Minneapolis Legal developments Chauvin has sought a new trial, arguing that pre-trial publicity and other factors deprived him of a fair proceeding. His attorney contends that the media coverage "glorified Floyd and demonized Chauvin." As of now, Chauvin remains incarcerated, and his appeals are ongoing. Speculation has also arisen regarding a potential pardon for Chauvin. Minnesota governor Tim Walz expressed concerns about such a possibility, though US President Donald Trump has denied any knowledge of plans to grant clemency. Even if a federal pardon were issued, Chauvin would still be subject to his state conviction.
