Minnesota Governor says Jay-Z called him seeking justice for Floyd | NME

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has revealed that Jay-Z called him over the weekend (May 30) to demand justice for George Floyd.

In a press conference, Walz revealed that the acclaimed rapper phoned him “stressing to me that justice needs to be served”.

“It was so incredibly human,” Walz said of his call with Jay-Z.

The Governor said that Jay-Z called him not as a performer, but as a father.

“It was a dad – and I think quite honestly a black man whose visceral pain of this that he knew. His words summarised that justice needs to be served here.”

“He said he feels the compassion and the humanity of these folks who are speaking,” Walz said.

“He knows the world is watching, and how Minnesota handles this is going to have an impact across the country. It’s a positive sign that someone of stature, that has a presence like that, is focused in the moment of what Minnesotans are focused on.”

Derek Chauvin, the officer alleged to have been responsible for Floyd’s death on May 25, has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.

Three other officers, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng, have also been identified as involved in Floyd’s death. All four have now been fired, with Hennepin County Attorney, Mike Freeman, revealing that more charges could follow.