Moment of silence marks year since George Floyd’s death

MINNEAPOLIS >> George Floyd was honored Tuesday with a moment of silence in the city where he died at the hands of police. The death was captured on the wrenching bystander video that galvanized the racial-justice movement and continues to ripple a year later.

Floyd’s sister Bridgett and other members of Floyd’s family joined Mayor Jacob Frey, residents and activists at a downtown park to observe the moment at 1 p.m., the time set by Democratic Gov. Tim Walz in her proclamation that said “true justice” for Floyd would only come by dismantling systemic racism.

“It’s been a troubling year, a long year,” Bridgett Floyd told the crowd. “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.”

A moment of silence was also held in New York, and a rally was held in Los Angeles to honor Floyd. Rallies took place in Greece, Spain and Germany to mark the day.

A family-friendly street festival was also planned at the Minneapolis intersection where Floyd died. The intersection was disrupted by gunfire just hours before the event.

Associated Press video from 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, informally known as George Floyd Square, showed people running and seeking cover as shots were fired. Police said a man later showed up at a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. Police spokesman John Elder said authorities believe he was injured in the shooting at the square. He was in critical condition but was expected to survive.

Philip Crowther, reporter working for AP Global Media Services, which provides live video coverage to customers, reported hearing as many as 30 gunshots about a block east of the intersection. Crowther said a storefront window appeared to have been broken by a gunshots.