George Floyd Square/Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (Lorie Shaull)
Gunshots rang out in George Floyd Square on Tuesday a year after George Floyd’s death at the hands of officer Derek Chauvin. Minneapolis police responded to the scene and found one shooting victim has been transported to a local hospital for “non-life-threatening injuries,” according to CNN.
Bullets also struck a nearby barbershop, causing the owner to board his windows. Police discovered a single bullet casing at the scene, CNN reported, though multiple gunshots were reportedly fired in George Floyd Square.
According to the Associated Press, a reporter providing live coverage
claimed to hear as many as 30 gunshots. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle speeding away from the scene.Public events in Minneapolis are set throughout the week to honor Floyd on the anniversary of his death, including a “Rise and Remember George Floyd” candlelight vigil celebration by The George Floyd Global Memorial.
George Floyd Square is located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. The area marks the spot where Floyd was killed in May 2020. Chauvin held his knee on his neck for nearly 9 minutes and held his position despite Floyd’s pleas that he couldn’t breathe. The incident sparked global outrage and called for police reform and justice.
Following a high-profile trial in April, a jury found Chauvin guilty on all charges, including second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He’s set to face a hearing on June 25 to determine how long he will be sentenced.
A raised fist sculpture, several murals and various photos of Floyd now adorn the George Floyd Square, where many activists have gathered to protest peacefully. Last month, Minneapolis citizens rallied there for a “Black and Asian” solidarity event.
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Also, on Tuesday, Floyd’s family members gathered at a downtown Minneapolis park alongside Mayor Jacob Frey to have a moment of silence and honor his life on the first anniversary of his death.
“It’s been a troubling year, a long year, but we made it,” his sister
said at the event.“But we made it. They say with God all things are possible, and I’m a true believer in that … The love is very outpouring today. The love is here. George is here.”Minneapolis police have not yet found a suspect in Tuesday’s shooting.