Janelle Monáe and Ice Cube call for justice following George Floyd death

Musicians including Janelle Monáe and Ice Cube have led calls for justice in the US following the death of George Floyd earlier this week.

Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis late on Monday (May 25) following an altercation with police officers. Floyd, who was African American, was killed when a white police officer appeared to kneel on his neck as he lay on the ground during an arrest.

Officers reportedly responded to a call from a grocery store who claimed Floyd had used a forged check. The police later alleged Floyd “physically resisted officers” while he “appeared to be under the influence”.

However, footage of the incident showed Floyd on the floor shouting “I cannot breathe” and “don’t kill me” to an officer who was kneeling on his neck. Witnesses in the background could be heard shouting “Bro, he’s not even fucking moving” while another asked the officer in question: “You’re going to just sit there with your knee on his neck?”

Since the incident, the four officers involved have lost their jobs but, at present, none are facing criminal charges. Now, musicians across the US including Monáe, Ice Cube and Sia are joining calls for the police officers to face criminal charges.

In a tweet, Monáe wrote: “I’m tired of talking. We need action NOW. Fucking furious #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd.”

You can see her tweet and those from other artists calling for justice below:

In a press conference held yesterday (May 26), the Minneapolis police department said Floyd later “died a short time” after a “medical incident.” They added: “[The officers] were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and realised that the suspect was suffering a medical distress [before] calling an ambulance.”

The mayor of Minnesota apologised to Floyd’s family yesterday morning, saying “[Floyd] should not have died” and that the incident was “wrong on every level.” He continued: “For five minutes we watched as a white officer pressed his knee to the neck of a black man,” Frey said. “For five minutes. This officer failed in the most basic human sense.”

Benjamin Crump, the attorney speaking on behalf of Floyd’s family, released a statement saying that they are seeking justice and want answers following the incident. “This abusive, excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning about a non-violent charge,” Crump said.

He continued: “How many ‘white black’ deaths will it take until the racial profiling and undervaluing of black lives by police finally ends?”

The F.B.I are now investigating the incident.

Last night, protesters clashed with police in Minneapolis as hundreds took to the streets following news of Floyd’s death.

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