George Floyd was a 46-year-old African American man who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, 2020. His death sparked global protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

Floyd was arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill. While being handcuffed and placed in the back of a police vehicle, he complained of difficulty breathing and said, "I can't breathe." The officers moved Floyd to the ground, where Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, despite Floyd's repeated pleas for help.

Floyd eventually became unresponsive and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. His death was captured on video by a bystander, which quickly went viral and sparked widespread outrage.

Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter. He was found guilty on all charges in April 2021 and sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison. Three other officers involved in the incident were also convicted on charges related to aiding and abetting manslaughter.