National outrage is growing after a video of a Minnesota officer suffocating a Black man by kneeling on his neck surfaced on the Internet Monday night (May 25).
The unarmed man, named George Floyd, told officers repeatedly that he could not breathe, and was ignored. Floyd went to Hennepin County Medical Center after falling unconscious. He died shortly after.
On Tuesday, the four officers involved in the incident were fired. “This is the right call,” tweeted Mayor Jacob Frey in response to the action taken. On Friday (May 29), Derek Chauvin, the officer most clearly seen in witness videos pinning Floyd to the ground, was taken into custody and charged with murder and manslaughter.
A number of celebrities have joined the cry for justice on social media, condemning the Minnesota police for firing the officers only after national outrage, and asking for the ceaseless racism in the United States to stop.
This post has been updated.
See their posts below.
View this post on InstagramWhen 4 black THUGS commit a crime, if 1 person commits murder, they ALL get charged & CONVICTED. When white THUGS/COPS KILL innocent black people, ALL 4 of them are responsible‼️‼️‼️ They all watched an unarmed man die and did nothing‼️ Why do they have different rules????? Let your voice be heard. Be angry. White people have been using violence against us since the beginning of time. We didn’t invent violence & looting. Will these officers actually get convicted? Probably not. Let your voice be heard. Call & TEXT to be a part of these petitions. May Mr. Floyd Rest In Peace.
A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj) on
View this post on InstagramFor the last few days, the magnitude of devastation, anger, sadness I’ve felt has been overwhelming to say the least! Watching my people get murdered and lynched day after day pushed me to a heavy place in my heart! To the point of staying away from socials, just to avoid hearing the blood curdling agony in George Floyd’s voice again, begging over and over for his life!!! The look of enticement, the pure joy and climax on the face of this bigot, murderer, thug, pig, bum, Derek Chauvin, haunts me!! I can’t shake this! I can’t get over an ambulance pulling up to an arrest, a paramedic checking a pulse without removing the very thing that’s hindering it! Is this that fucking normal??? If intentional MURDER is the fit consequence for “drugs” or “resisting arrest”….then what’s the fit consequence for MURDER???! #GeorgeFloyd #AhmaudArbery #BreonnaTaylor
A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on
View this post on InstagramIf you want to demand more charges brought on all those involved in the death of George Floyd, click the link in my bio to sign the petition.
A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on
i am sorry for not using my platform to speak up more on the situation. i honestly feel as though it has become so normalized that even i myself am numb to police brutality towards black people. i hope this time around something changes.
— nope (@LilNasX) May 29, 2020
i won’t pretend it isn’t happening tho. https://t.co/PqV3eYk9Lnhttps://t.co/QoggSvQGIF pic.twitter.com/zCmf2sR08c
— nope (@LilNasX) May 29, 2020
View this post on InstagramAs the father of a black daughter and also two white daughters- I have struggled with what to say today. We have navigated forms of racism directly and while there is mostly overwhelming support and love for our family, sometimes there is just the opposite. Because of that fear, it can be a lot easier to choose silence, but today I’m choosing to speak. I have no clue what it feels like to be profiled by authorities, treated negatively or have my life threatened because of the color of my skin. When I witnessed the horrific murder of George and think about the mistreatment of other black men and women in America, I am heartbroken and angry. I get scared when I think about my daughters and what kind of world they will be growing up in and how my JOB as a father is to show them how to lead with love in the face of hate. To know their worth and value as not only women but human beings. I have witnessed my black band and crew members on the road struggle at times with feeling safe because of the color of their skin. This is unacceptable. I don’t believe in hate. I believe in love. What happened to George was pure hate. We are all created by the same God. I pray for a change in heart of those hearts who have been overcome by hatred and hardened. I pray for a deeper understanding for myself and awareness of the experience of mistreatment that those of another skin color go through. I pray for the families of those who have lost their lives to violence or experienced trauma at the hand of racial oppression and injustice. What can we do? I ask myself this question everyday. We each have to be part of the solution and we have to continue to educate ourselves, continue to support both financially and with service those organizations doing good work in our communities to overcome injustice and hatred in our country. And if you’re like me, continue to pray. So if there is any question on where I stand let me be clear- I stand with you, I stand with George and his family and all those who have faced racism. I stand with my wife and my daughters. We will be fighting this fight for the rest of our lives. Rest In Peace, George. We are not letting this go.
A post shared by ThomasRhettAkins (@thomasrhettakins) on
IG | Taylor Swift on Instagram Story sharing #GeorgeFloyd’s last words.
#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/BrapgMYXG8— Taylor Swift Updates (@SimplySFans) May 28, 2020
View this post on InstagramSome thoughts from @mtramsey – Just a few short months ago, I watched as beauty arose from tragedy. The nashville community came together to lift up their neighbors that took a direct hit from a powerful unexpected storm. Where there was pain, kindness bloomed. I’m no meteorologist, but I think a tornado is created by cold, dry air and warm, humid air colliding. We are now in the midst of a much more powerful and destructive storm. As I watch it sweep across America, taking innocent lives and destroying neighborhoods, I am reminded that I am no expert in this type of storm either. The turbulent hand of racism has not touched me. Therefore, like many of the people I talk to, I’m left feeling helpless, scared, guilty and ashamed. There is no basement we can crawl into to protect ourselves from this storm. We can only listen to it and learn from it as it tears a path through our lives. I have faith that kindness can bloom again. I’ve seen it happen. I know we as people can find love and compassion for our neighbors who have been hurt. In these painful times, please focus your hearts on healing, compassion, communication, humanity, humility and love. Hate has had its day. It’s on us to work together now to clean it up.
A post shared by Old Dominion (@olddominionmusic) on
View this post on InstagramThis is not okay. And it will not stop until everyone does their part. Especially white people. I said it recently and I’ll say it again, do not let your discomfort surrounding social issues prevent you from speaking up for those IN DANGER. And reality is, until this STOPS COMPLETELY – THE BLACK COMMUNITY WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE IN DANGER. DO YOUR PART. THIS INVOLVES YOU TOO. #GeorgeFloyd, I hope you RIP because it isn’t fair so many didn’t do their part to ensure you lived in peace.
A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on
If we tolerate this we are accomplices. I signed this demanding that the 4 police officers involved in the murder of George Floyd be arrested and charged immediately. You should too: https://t.co/CDm5EGInu5
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) May 29, 2020
View this post on Instagramno justice just us
A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg) on
View this post on InstagramEnough is enough! What will it take ? A civil war ? A new president? Violent riots ? It’s tired ! I’m tired ! The country is tired !You don’t put fear in people when you do this you just show how coward YOU ARE ! And how America is really not the land of the free !
A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib) on
View this post on InstagramI do things every day without fear, because I am privileged, and I am privileged every day because I am white. Being not racist is not enough, we must be anti racist. Social change is enacted when a society mobilizes. I stand in solidarity with all of those protesting. I’m donating to help post bail for arrested organizers. Look inwards, educate yourself and others. LISTEN, READ, SHARE, DONATE and VOTE. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. BLACK LIVES MATTER.
A post shared by @ harrystyles on
View this post on Instagramlink in bio for ways you can help
A post shared by @ postmalone on
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by flame (@travisscott) on
“For 400 years you had your knees on our necks. A garden of evil with no seeds of respect.”
A message from our founder and CEO @LLCOOLJ #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/g54NnPtF2E
— Rock The Bells (@RockTheBells) June 1, 2020
For years, with every horrific murder of an innocent black man, woman, or child, I have always tried to find the right words to express my condolences and outrage
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 30, 2020
But the privilege I am afforded by the color of my skin has often left me feeling like this is not a fight that I can truly take on as my own. Not today, not anymore. Like so many of you, I am angry. I am more than angry. I am infuriated and I am disgusted.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 30, 2020
I am exhausted by the heartbreak I feel seeing mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children suffering because their loved one was murdered or locked away unjustly for being black.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 30, 2020
Even though I will never know the pain and suffering they have endured, or what it feels like to try to survive in a world plagued by systemic racism, I know I can use my own voice to help amplify those voices that have been muffled for too long.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 30, 2020
View this post on InstagramI will stop every time I see a black person pulled over . I will DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO PROTECT BLACK LIFE . I will NEVER get used to seeing murder and constant Black Death on my timeline . Rest in Love Big Floyd your death is not in vain. We love u ❤️. #ICANTBREATHE .. AGAIN #justiceforgeorgefloyd (petition link in my story )
A post shared by SZA (@sza) on
Please read and sign this petition. https://t.co/IvdesST7af
— FISH DOG (@DojaCat) May 28, 2020
Also please help fund the Memorial for George Floyd with this link to his family's go fund me https://t.co/eFOzdHvrZH
— FISH DOG (@DojaCat) May 28, 2020
#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
Please sign here! https://t.co/Yu2IyMMvR6
— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) May 27, 2020
Ariana grande speaking on George Floyd via Instagram stories #BlackLivesMatters pic.twitter.com/P8vHbjYqIo
— ✊✊✊✊ (@egirldreamgirl) May 26, 2020
#justiceforGeorgeFloyd
text FLOYD to 55156@colorofchange
to put pressure on DA Mike Freeman to charge and arrest these officers call 612-348-5550
and please sign the @change petition https://t.co/glMKn5IlPU
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 28, 2020
View this post on InstagramRest in power
A post shared by Hot Girl Meg (@theestallion) on
They Killed another Brother.. On Video. https://t.co/RnuUqfU5o8
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) May 26, 2020
I play a Cop on TV… But I’ll NEVER stop speaking about injustice… EVER. F that.
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) May 26, 2020
How long will we go for Blue on Black Crime before we strike back??? https://t.co/sXDq7SXl6W
— Ice Cube (@icecube) May 26, 2020
#BlackLivesMatter: George Floyd. https://t.co/lDfE2L3aC1
— COMMON (@common) May 26, 2020
pic.twitter.com/hO9pCxupcX
— Liam (@LiamPayne) May 29, 2020
https://t.co/gWKJuljPMB
— zayn (@zaynmalik) May 29, 2020
My heart breaks for George Floyd, his family and for the people in Minneapolis. Murder is murder. Cops are also citizens, the same rules should apply to them. This is absolutely horrific and if the mayor and DA do not step up it sets a poor example for this entire country. pic.twitter.com/WA5VJGGhE2
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) May 28, 2020
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on
Billie via Instagram Story pic.twitter.com/HOdRxp8lyc
— Billie Eilish Updates (@eilishupdates) May 27, 2020
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on
View this post on Instagram
this makes me absolutely sick. This makes me angry this man DIED. This makes me sad. Racism is evil We need to use our voice! Please people. I’m sorry GEORGE FLOYD
A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on
View this post on Instagram
with his knee on his neck, handcuffed and helpless, crying for his life with his face in the street is the most sickening, heartbreaking thing ive seen in a long time. This Officer knew he was being filmed and murdered him with arrogance and Pride. This has to stop!! Until we can over come Racism in America— no one should be allowed to carry a gun. Most of all cops. God Bless you George Floyd Im so sorry for you and your family. And all the senseless killings that have gone before you. Will it ever end? I pray to GOD it does one day. Until then—Fuck The Police! Yea I said it. Im not interested in being PC. Im interested in Justice. @shaunking #georgefloyd #justice #guncontrol
A post shared by Madonna (@madonna) on
View this post on InstagramGeorge Floyd was murdered by 4 cops in broad daylight in Minneapolis yesterday. He was unarmed. The cops involved in this senseless murder lost their jobs today. They must now be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The killing of unarmed black Americans by cops needs to stop. Please share. Please speak up. Please help put an end to police brutality against black and brown civilians. Minneapolis you’ve got to step up.
A post shared by garbage (@garbage) on
View this post on InstagramNO JUSTICE, NO PEACE. WE WILL NEVER FORGET. TODAY, WE ALL ARE #GEORGEFLOYD . #Repost @pascalispunk ・・・ #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
A post shared by Ricky (@ricky_martin) on
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on
View this post on InstagramEste acto criminal tiene que ser condenado!! Le pido a toda la comunidad latinoamericana en los Estados Unidos que por favor se movilicen hasta que el policía asesino Derek Chauvin esté en prisión. This criminal act has to be condemned!! I ask the entire Latin American community in the United States to please mobilize until the murderous police officer Derek Chauvin is in prison. via @shaunking
A post shared by René Pérez Joglar (@residente) on
I just have no words. This is disgusting. Horrible. Devastating. EVIL. He did not deserve to die. I pray for his family, please dear God be with them and comfort them. I pray for JUSTICE TO BE SERVED!!!!!! THIS NEEDS TO STOP. My heart hurts so much at this #GeorgeFloyd
— Ally Brooke (@AllyBrooke) May 28, 2020
Rest in power pic.twitter.com/qOwUwJjThE
— Ally Brooke (@AllyBrooke) May 28, 2020
Text “FLOYD” to 55156 and sign the petition
— Ally Brooke (@AllyBrooke) May 28, 2020
rest in power #GeorgeFloyd an unarmed black man who was murdered by a police officer ON CAMERA. this system is failing the people it should protect. where is the accountability?
— h (@halsey) May 27, 2020
man fuck every single person with a platform who is choosing to be silent. idc. fuck all of them. you have a platform. you have seen that a man was murdered. you don’t care.
— h (@halsey) May 28, 2020
talk about this in your homes. Talk to your friends and family. Show them photos. Say his name. If your loved ones have the privilege to “stay away from that kind of news” take that fucking privilege away. #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd
— h (@halsey) May 28, 2020
These officers have YET to be charged!
PLEASE KEEP calling, texting, emailing and leaving messages!
And keep being vocal! We can not STOP!
For all of the lives WE’VE LOST!!
We need to BEAT DOWN THE DOORS WITH OUR VOICES! #ALLOFUS https://t.co/UHWN8DhGnK— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) May 29, 2020
View this post on InstagramI’ve been trying to find the right words to say after I saw the video where George Floyd’s life is being taken from him with impunity… I am so sorry to George Floyd’s family and Ahmaud Arbery’s family, And Breonna Taylor’s family and to the countless other black families that have their children and parents being taken away from them. I stand with you in outrage and I have called Minnesota Governor Walz, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison , and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, their numbers and what to say is on the ACLU website, and I urge you to please call, please sign the petitions, and let’s stand together for justice. We need a change, we can’t afford to be silent, and we can’t afford a society that’s indifferent to others pain. #BlackLivesMatter #WeCantBreathe
A post shared by camila (@camila_cabello) on
View this post on Instagram#justiceforgeorgefloyd #blacklivesmatter
A post shared by BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish) on
I wrote this song for my first album. Still looking for answers today. We have to make a change. We can't be silent. #BlackLivesMatter
Text 'FLOYD' to 55156 to demand #JusticeForFloyd pic.twitter.com/wsgQx1y3Oq— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) May 30, 2020
View this post on InstagramI have spent the last 24 hours just trying to process this all. Nothing anyone says can take back what has happened. But we can and must all make sure to take action. Too many black lives have been taken from us for far too long. They deserve better. They deserve to be heard. We all need to do better and not sit in silence as this injustice continues. #blacklivesmatter #justiceforgeorgefloyd #icantbreathe Photo: Pacific Press
A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes) on
This is not just a race issue this is a HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE!!!!!!
— Diddy (@Diddy) May 30, 2020
https://twitter.com/KelseaBallerini/status/1266850768914612226/photo/1
View this post on Instagraman update from our hearts…
A post shared by Dan + Shay (@danandshay) on
For cryin out loud this is the year 2020! Can we please learn from our past and finally progress as a nation? Is it too much to ask each and every one of us to just be kind, have empathy, be loving & respectful?? If my 4 & 5 yr old can learn this, so can grown ass men & women!
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) May 30, 2020
I was just sitting here explaining what the word ‘equality’ means 2 my 5 yr old because she caught me watching the news & she didn’t understand why people were angry/crying. All she sees is someone in pain & she wants 2 help & hug them. Wouldn’t it be nice if adults were as wise.
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) May 31, 2020
pic.twitter.com/goy9chKZ62
— dave matthews band (@davematthewsbnd) May 31, 2020
View this post on InstagramMake America Great Again. Let’s put a stop to this nonsense once and for all. Racism is despicable. It is obscene. It’s time to root out the racists. Root out discrimination. Let’s pay our debts and our reparations . Speak up, support, protest and donate. Repeat. Speak up, support, protest and donate. Repeat. Ps. I’m turning off all comments to give you the time and space to really think about, truly contemplate this post. Enough is enough already. Lord have mercy. Repost courtesy of @theshivster_
A post shared by garbage (@garbage) on
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion) on
View this post on InstagramI never felt like it was my place to comment on the issue of racist police brutality, and that is part of the problem. What is happening in this country right now is horrific. The murder of black people, because they are black, by law enforcement, or anyone else is a tragedy every time. I have never had to fear because of the color or my skin, and I know that’s something I will never understand. That’s white privilege. Racism has never been okay, yet it is part of the history of this country, a sickening part. Racism is very much alive and fueled by a president who calls white supremacists “very fine people” and then threatens protesters with being shot in a time when so many are suffering. It’s embarrassing, nauseating, and infuriating. Being a white person, I know I will never understand how racism feels. I stand for equality and I can’t just be silent while the president encourages violence and does nothing to help heal people’s suffering but rather makes it worse. What is happening right now is bigger than a hashtag. Black lives matter. George Floyd matters. Spread LOVE not hate.
A post shared by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) on
pic.twitter.com/EiRxIq3vp2
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) May 31, 2020
Too important. This needs to happen. NOW! https://t.co/pogLOdEQ7Q
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) May 31, 2020
#BlackLivesMatterhttps://t.co/MCP75kKIlA pic.twitter.com/gyrU6wibWv
— Liam (@LiamPayne) May 31, 2020
What happened to George Floyd is a modern day lynching!
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) June 1, 2020
