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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
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Five killed during 24 hours of violence in Minneapolis are identified
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Five of the six people killed during a deadly 24 hours of violence in Minneapolis have been identified by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. Four people died when a man, whom prosecutors allege was Native Mob member James Ortley, opened fire while inside a vehicle at 15th Avenue South and 25th Street East shortly before midnight on Tuesday. The three victims who died at the scene in the incident have been identified as follows: Joseph Goodwin, 17, of Minneapolis, who died of gunshot wounds to the head and neck. Evan Denny, 27, of St. Paul, who died of multiple gunshot wounds. Merelle White, 20, of Red Lake, who died of a gunshot wound to the head. A fourth person, identified online as 28-year-old Leras Rainey, was confirmed to have died of his injuries on Thursday at Hennepin County Medical Center. White's twin sister, Maleice, was also in the vehicle when the shots rang out, suffered critical injuries and remains hospitalized. MPD Chief Brian O'Hara at the scene of the shooting Tuesday Police Department Charges filed against Ortley on Friday allege he was inside the vehicle with all five victims when he opened fire. He was described as a "close family friend" of the victims. Most of the victims in the Tuesday mass shooting are members of the Native American community, with police saying the incident was "targeted" and believed to be gang related. The man fatally shot in a potentially retaliatory attack on the 2100 block of 17th Avenue South on Wednesday afternoon has been identified as 34-year-old Tiago Gilbert, a Native American who lives in Minneapolis. No arrest has been made in his killing at this time. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner also identified Derrick Ewing, 51, of Minneapolis, as the man killed after being shot at Lake Street and 15th Avenue South on Wednesday evening. Police say this shooting was not connected to the other two.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Minnesota authorities identify plane crash victim as U.S. Bank executive
U.S. Bank vice chair Terry Dolan was the only person on board a single-engine airplane that crashed and exploded over the weekend, a Minnesota medical examiner confirmed Tuesday. Dolan, 63, was killed when the SOCATA TBM7, which had taken off from Des Moines, Iowa, fell from the sky Saturday in Brooklyn Park, about 5 miles short of its destination at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis. The plane crashed into a house, which burned to the ground. One person was in the house when it was hit but was able to flee without any serious injuries, officials said. Dolan's time and location of death were formally listed as 12:22 p.m. at 10792 Kyle Ave. North in Brooklyn Park. 'This individual was the pilot of an airplane that crashed at the above location,' according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner report. 'Cause of death is multiple blunt force injuries.' The medical examiner, FAA and NTSB are all investigating. This article was originally published on
NBC News
01-04-2025
- NBC News
Minnesota authorities identify plane crash victim as U.S. Bank executive
U.S. Bank vice chair Terry Dolan was the only person on board a single-engine airplane that crashed and exploded over the weekend, a Minnesota medical examiner confirmed Tuesday. Dolan, 63, was killed when the SOCATA TBM7, which had taken off from Des Moines, Iowa, fell from the sky Saturday in Brooklyn Park, about 5 miles short of its destination at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis. The plane crashed into a house, which burned to the ground. One person was in the house when it was hit but was able to flee without any serious injuries, officials said. Dolan's time and location of death were formally listed as 12:22 p.m. at 10792 Kyle Ave. North in Brooklyn Park. 'This individual was the pilot of an airplane that crashed at the above location,' according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner report. 'Cause of death is multiple blunt force injuries.' The medical examiner, FAA and NTSB are all investigating.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
Charges: Driver in Wayzata police death was on her phone and a substance
MINNEAPOLIS – The driver of a car that struck and killed a Wayzata police officer last week on U.S. Highway 12 has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. One of the charges say she may have been under the influence of a substance, and the complaint says she told officers she was messing with her cellphone. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced on Monday, Sept. 11, that the actions of Beth Ilene Freeman, 54, of Mound, led to the death of Wayzata Police Officer William Mathews, 47. One charge is for gross negligence vehicular homicide and the other is for driving under the influence of a controlled substance vehicular homicide. Beth Freeman was expected to make her first appearance before a judge on Monday, Sept. 11. 'This is another case of a distracted driver, someone who thought she could drive a one-ton vehicle safely while using her cellphone,' said Mike Freeman, who is not related to Beth Freeman. 'She couldn't and neither can anyone else on our roads. The result is too many of these tragedies where good people are dying through no fault of their own.' Mathews was sent to Highway 12 near Broadway Avenue in Wayzata at 12:26 p.m. because of a 'chunk of metal in the road.' About four minutes later, the call came of an officer who had been hit. Motorists told investigators that Mathews had picked up the metal and was nearly back to his squad car, parked on the right shoulder, when a Nissan Murano struck him. They said it was traveling eastbound between 55 and 65 miles per hour, the complaint states. Beth Ilene Freeman told officers she was talking on the phone and receiving text messages just before collision. A search of her cellphone corroborated that admission, according to the complaint. In addition, a police officer administered a field sobriety test to Freeman and she had constricted pupils and had difficulty counting backward. A search warrant was obtained and blood was drawn from her, though the results have not yet been returned, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office states. Drug paraphernalia in the passenger compartment of her car tested positive for cocaine, the complaint states. On Monday afternoon, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Mathews died from multiple blunt force injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota State Patrol are investigating.
