George Floyd: Courts Release Police Bodycam Footage

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Bodycam footage showing the arrest of George Floyd was made public Monday after a group of media outlets pushed for its release. Much of the footage was previously seen by the public when British tabloid leaked the footage on its website earlier this month.

Until Monday, however, the videos were legally only available by appointment only at the Hennepin County courthouse. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill issued an order on Friday that allows them to be widely viewed.

Viewer advisory: the videos below contain images and language that may be disturbing

Just after 8 p.m. on Memorial Day, police responded to the Cup Foods store on 38th Street and Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis. In a viral video of the incident recorded by a bystander, Floyd is heard telling officers "I can't breathe" while being forced down onto the street. He also asks for water.

Bystanders tell Derek Chauvin — who had his knee on Floyd's neck — to get off of him. A second officer — Tou Thao — ordered people to back away from the scene.

Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck even after he went motionless.

All four officers who were at the scene were fired the next day, and have since been criminally charged.

Thao, Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane all face charges of aiding and abetting unintentional second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin faces third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony.

Floyd's death sparked ongoing protests across the globe, demanding police reform and an end to racial injustice.