Fact Check: "George Floyd's death was justified because he was using counterfeit money and resisting arrest"
What We Know
George Floyd was suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a Minneapolis store, which is considered a misdemeanor under Minnesota law (AP News). The store clerk who accepted the bill suspected it was counterfeit and offered to pay for it himself (NPR). When police arrived, Floyd was already handcuffed and compliant, as seen in restaurant camera footage (Georgetown Law). Despite this, former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, leading to Floyd's death (Robina Institute).
The legal proceedings against Chauvin and the other officers involved focused on whether their actions were justified and whether they met the legal standards for murder and manslaughter (Robina Institute). The charges against Chauvin included second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, all of which required proof that Chauvin's actions were the factual and proximate cause of Floyd's death (Robina Institute).
Analysis
The claim that Floyd's death was justified because he used counterfeit money and resisted arrest is not supported by the evidence. The use of a counterfeit bill, while illegal, is a minor offense that typically does not warrant a violent arrest (AP News). Experts argue that such offenses can often be handled with a ticket rather than an arrest (AP News).
Moreover, the assertion that Floyd was resisting arrest is contradicted by evidence showing he was already handcuffed and compliant when officers arrived (Georgetown Law). The excessive use of force by Chauvin, who continued to kneel on Floyd's neck despite Floyd's pleas for help, was widely condemned and led to Chauvin's conviction for murder and manslaughter (Robina Institute).
The sources used in this analysis are reputable, including legal analyses from the Robina Institute and firsthand accounts from credible news organizations like NPR and AP News. These sources provide a comprehensive view of the events and legal standards involved.
Conclusion
The claim that George Floyd's death was justified because he was using counterfeit money and resisting arrest is False. The use of a counterfeit bill is a minor offense and does not justify the use of lethal force. Furthermore, evidence shows that Floyd was not resisting arrest at the time of his death. The actions of Derek Chauvin were deemed excessive and unjustified, resulting in his conviction for murder and manslaughter.
