The family of a man who tragically died after pleading for his life while a police officer pressed down on his neck has called for justice, demanding that the officers involved in his death face charges of murder.

In an emotional interview on Tuesday, the deceased man’s brothers and cousin shared their grief, holding up a photo of him and describing him as a “gentle giant.” They expressed their deep sorrow and frustration with the actions of the officers involved.

His cousin, Tera Brown, spoke passionately, saying that the officers were meant to protect and serve, but in this case, they did the opposite. “I didn’t see a single one of them lift a finger to help while he was begging for his life. Not one of them tried to intervene,” she said, clearly distressed by the scene she had witnessed. Her words echoed the sense of helplessness that many felt as they watched the disturbing events unfold.

Philonise Floyd, one of the deceased man’s brothers, reflected on the painful reality of what happened. “Knowing my brother means loving my brother,” he said. “They could have used non-lethal force, like a taser or pepper spray, but instead, they chose to pin him down, pressing their knee into his neck while he pleaded for help.”

In a somber moment, he pointed out the extreme injustice of the situation: “They treated him worse than they treat animals.”

The officers involved had responded to reports of an alleged forgery in progress, a routine call for law enforcement. However, when they confronted the man, he reportedly resisted arrest initially, but was quickly handcuffed and subdued. Despite the fact that he was no longer a threat, video footage revealed one officer continuing to apply excessive force by keeping his knee on the man’s neck while he begged for breath.

SAY HIS NAME!!! #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/TWYhMTqAQQ

— Nathalie Emmanuel (@missnemmanuel) May 27, 2020

Accounts from witnesses and medical reports indicated that the man appeared to be in severe medical distress while handcuffed, but the officers did nothing to alleviate the situation. Tragically, he later passed away in a hospital.

In the aftermath, the mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, strongly condemned the actions of the officers involved. “The force that was used in this situation is unacceptable,” he said. “It is not a technique that our officers are trained to use. Our police chief has made it clear that such force should never be applied, especially in a situation where the person is already restrained.”

The investigation into the incident has been taken up by both state and federal authorities, and the four officers involved were terminated from their positions shortly after the event.

Tera Brown, the deceased’s cousin, called for justice, asserting, “They need to be charged with murder. What they did was murder. And the whole world saw it because someone had the courage to capture it on camera.”

Her words resonated with countless others, as the footage of the incident spread rapidly across the globe, sparking outrage and demands for accountability. She continued, “They must face the consequences of their actions. They need to pay for what they did.”

In the wake of the tragic death, protests erupted across the nation. Crowds gathered in the streets, chanting for justice and demanding reform. The cries of “No justice, no peace” and “I can’t breathe” filled the air as people expressed their anger and grief over yet another instance of police brutality.

Huge protests have broken out in the streets of Minneapolis over the killing of #GeorgeFloyd by Minneapolis police pic.twitter.com/Zw5CxszyXy

— 𝕾𝖆𝖆𝖉 𝕸𝖆𝖉𝖆𝖓𝖎 ⚖️ (@saadmadani) May 27, 2020

The death of this man has ignited a larger conversation about the need for systemic change in law enforcement practices. It has raised questions about the use of excessive force, the training of officers, and the ongoing issue of racial discrimination within policing. The emotional responses of those who knew the victim are a testament to the deep personal impact of this loss, and their call for justice has resonated with many who are fed up with the recurring cycle of violence and impunity.

The pain and anger felt by the family, as well as the broader community, is palpable. The tragedy has shone a spotlight on the need for meaningful reform, urging lawmakers, law enforcement, and society as a whole to examine the structures that allow such abuses to happen.

The footage of the incident has gone viral, further amplifying the voices of those demanding accountability and change. It has become a rallying point for those who believe that this is not just an isolated case, but part of a broader pattern of police misconduct that needs to be addressed.

As protests continued and calls for justice grew louder, the family of the deceased man remained steadfast in their demands for justice. They know that no amount of anger or sorrow can bring their loved one back, but they hope that by standing up and speaking out, they can bring attention to the issues that led to this tragedy, and prevent future lives from being lost in similar circumstances.

The outpouring of support from around the world has been both heartening and humbling for the family. They are determined to honor the memory of their loved one and fight for a future where no one else has to endure the same pain.

As this case unfolds and the investigation continues, it serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is far from over. The loss of one life, though heartbreaking, has become a symbol for a much larger movement seeking equality, accountability, and reform in policing.

In the days and weeks to come, the pressure will continue to mount on authorities to hold the officers involved accountable for their actions. The family’s call for murder charges is just one part of the broader demand for justice and systemic change.

The tragic death of this man is not just a personal loss for his family, but a loss for society as a whole. It has become a turning point in the fight for justice, and it is up to all of us to ensure that his death does not become just another statistic in the long list of lives lost to police violence. Change is needed, and it is up to each of us to demand it.