US Justice Department Opens Investigation Into Minneapolis PD

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland says the Justice Department is opening a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis after the guilty verdict in George Floyd’s death.

Wednesday's announcement came a day after ex-officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s May 2020 death, setting off a wave of relief but also sadness across the country.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says city officials “welcome the investigation.” Bystander video showed Floyd handcuffed behind his back and gasping repeatedly, “I can’t breathe,” as Chauvin pressed his knee on or close to Floyd’s neck for several minutes. Floyd's death prompted mass protests against the police treatment of Black people.