Stolen breaths

Abstract

CONTENT WARNING: violence, graphic descriptions of police violence

In Minnesota, where black Americans account for 6% of the population but 14% of Covid-19 cases and 33% of Covid-19 deaths, George Floyd died at the hands of police.

"Please — I can’t breathe."

He was a black man detained on suspicion of forgery, an alleged offense that was never litigated or even charged, but for which he received an extrajudicial death sentence.

"Please — I can’t breathe."

He was only 46 years old.

"Please — I can’t breathe."

And he was loved.

But despite onlookers' pleas and his own calls of distress, with his face against the pavement, three officers on his back, and a knee in his neck, he was murdered.