Minneapolis approves $150,000 for witness to George Floyd’s murder

)MINNEAPOLIS) – The Minneapolis City Council has agreed to pay a $150,000 settlement to an eyewitness who tried to intervene to prevent The murder of George Floyd and who says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result.

Donald Williams, a mixed martial artist who testified against former officer Derek Chauvin at his 2021 murder trial, sued the city last spring, claiming he was assaulted by police while trying to prevent Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020.

The council unanimously approved the agreement without discussion on Thursday, the Star Tribune reported.

The lawsuit alleged that Chauvin looked directly at Williams, picked up a can of chemical spray and began shaking it at him and others. spectators expressing concern for Floyd’s well-being. In the video played at Chauvin’s trial, Williams can be heard urging Chauvin to get off Floyd and denouncing the officer as a “bum.” Former officer Tou Thao took a step toward Williams and placed his hand on his chest, the lawsuit said.

Williams told the jury at Chauvin’s trial that the officer did what MMA fighters call it “blood suffocation” in Floyd, restricting his circulation.

As a result of the officers’ actions, Williams alleged in his lawsuit, he feared for his safety and endured pain, suffering, humiliation, embarrassment and medical expenses.

Floyd, who was black, died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin, who is white, knelt on his neck for 9 1/2 minutes outside a convenience store where Floyd tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Bystander video captured Floyd’s screams of “I can not breathe”. Floyd’s death triggered protests around the world and forced a counting on police brutality and racism.

Chauvin was convicted on state murder charges in Floyd’s death and was sentenced to 22 1/2 years. He also pleaded guilty to a separate federal charge of violating Floyd’s civil rights. Thao and two other former officers involved are serving shorter sentences.