City of Minneapolis reaches $27M settlement with George Floyd’s family

The city of Minneapolis has reached a settlement with George Floyd’s family just weeks before the trial is scheduled to begin for the former officer charged with murder in his death.

$27M Settlement with George Floyd’s family

The City Council unanimously approved the $27M settlement Friday after adding the matter to its agenda for a closed session.

“George Floyd’s horrific death, witnessed by millions of people around the world, unleashed a deep longing and undeniable demand for justice and change,” said Benjamin Crump, one of the Floyd family’s attorneys. “That the largest pre-trial settlement in a wrongful death case ever would be for the life of a Black man sends a powerful message that Black lives do matter and police brutality against people of color must end.”

Floyd’s family filed a federal lawsuit in July against the city and the four officers involved in the arrest that led to his death.

The lawsuit pointed to issues with police using neck restraints, policies and training, among other things. It sought compensatory and special damages in an amount to be determined by a jury.

Family statement

“Our family is grateful for all those who care so deeply about George’s life and our loss, and this agreement is a necessary step for all of us to begin to get some closure. George’s legacy for those who loved him will always be his spirit of optimism that things can get better, and we hope this agreement does just that – that it makes things a little better in Minneapolis and holds up a light for communities around the country,” said Rodney Floyd, brother of George Floyd.

Derek Chauvin, the first former Minneapolis police officer set to stand trial, was recorded kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes on May 25, while a handcuffed Floyd repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe” and called out for his mother.

Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, as well as third-degree murder. Jury selection is underway in his trial. Six of 12 jurors have been seated as of Friday morning.

This historic $27 million settlement is PROOF that Black lives will no longer be written off as trivial, unimportant, or unworthy of consequences. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/H2LHCkiNVI

— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) March 12, 2021