Jul 15, 2020 - Politics & Policy

George Floyd's family files lawsuit against city of Minneapolis

Dozens stand in front of a mural for George Floyd

Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

George Floyd's family has filed a federal wrongful-death suit against the city of Minneapolis and four former police officers charged in his killing, the Washington Post reports.

The state of play: The family is arguing that the officers involved in Floyd's death — which set off a wave of nationwide protests — infringed on his constitutional rights when they restrained him. They suit also alleges that the city of Minneapolis allowed a culture of excessive force and racism to fester.

Context: Floyd died in police custody after former officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd's neck for over eight minutes.

Go deeper: Transcripts show George Floyd told police "I can't breathe" over 20 times

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