Minneapolis, MN
George Floyd’s 5-year remembrance culminates in candlelight vigil
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – It has been five years since George Floyd was murdered by a former Minneapolis police officer.
On the anniversary of his death, the remembrance of his legacy and calls for police reform echoed throughout the streets of the city as people gathered to pay their respects.
Lighting the way forward
The backstory:
Five years ago, the viral video of Floyd begging for mercy for more than nine minutes struck a chord with millions and helped inspire a call for police reform and justice. The global reaction led to protests, some fiery in Minneapolis.
Derek Chauvin remains behind bars with a sentence of more than 20 years.
The remembrance:
It was a mix of emotions at 38th and Chicago over the weekend as Floyd’s family, friends, and community gathered to remember at the place where it all happened five years ago.
Parts of the festival were lively, including live concerts, local vendors and food trucks. Then the mood ended on a somber note with a vigil, prayer and worship.
Candles were lit in honor of George Floyd on Sunday evening as his family led a march remembering lives lost.
What they’re saying:
Floyd’s family said it doesn’t get easier, but purpose and faith keep them going.
“I woke up, it was really emotional. This was the day that he was actually killed,” said Angela Harrelson, Floyd’s aunt. “It was just emotional. Then I think about how far we have come. How much work is left to do that’s undone.”
“Just thinking about gosh, I wish he was still here,” said Paris Stevens, Floyd’s cousin. “I’m always optimistic that as long as we have breath, we are his pulse. We’re going to keep moving and pushing for justice for all.”
Big picture view:
This anniversary comes at a time when police reform efforts are being rolled back at the federal level.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the city will carry on implementing reform.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed a new ordinance that carries a ban on assault weapons but won’t take effect unless there are major changes to state law.
Minneapolis gun ban ordinance signed
What we know:
The Minneapolis City Council approved the ordinance during its meeting last week.
The firearm regulations ordinance includes a ban on assault weapons, ghost guns, binary triggers, and high-capacity magazines. The ordinance also includes safe storage provisions for firearms.
Big picture view:
Many of the provisions in the law won’t go into effect unless there is a change in state law. Currently, Minnesota law prevents municipalities from enacting gun regulations.
Minnesota law only allows cities to bar the discharge of firearms within city limits and adopt regulations that are identical to state laws. Any regulations that go beyond state law are voided, according to state statute.
Local perspective:
Action on the gun ordinance was spurred by last year’s shooting at Annunciation Church and School. Two students were killed while attending morning mass at the church and more than two dozen students and parishioners were hurt in the barrage of gunfire.
Last week, parents of Annunciation students spoke out in support of the ordinance at a public hearing.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus threatens lawsuit
The other side:
Last year, St. Paul passed a similar law. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus filed a lawsuit shortly after the ordinance was signed. Arguments were heard last month on the case and a judge has set a trial for next year.
In a statement last week, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said it was evaluating its legal options in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Chair Bryan Strawser said:
“The City of Minneapolis is attempting to make a political statement with an ordinance it has no legal authority to enact. Minnesota law clearly preempts the entire field of firearms regulation, and local governments cannot simply ignore state statute because they dislike the policy outcome.
“If the City Council moves forward with this unlawful ordinance, we will evaluate every available legal option to challenge it, just as we did in Saint Paul.
“The law is not optional, even for Minneapolis.”
A man was hurt in a shooting in south Minneapolis late Tuesday night, according to police.
A report of shots fired brought officers to the 2600 block of Third Avenue South around 9:50 p.m., the Minneapolis Police Department said. They found evidence of gunfire and began investigating.
Later, a man with survivable gunshot wounds showed up at Hennepin Healthcare.
No one has been arrested.
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