Minneapolis Mayor’s Memorial Day Remarks
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dedicated the morning of Memorial Day to commemorating George Floyd, but later addressed fallen American service members after inquiries from Breitbart News regarding the posts.
In his post at 9:03 a.m. Central Time, Frey wrote, “Today, we remember George Floyd, who was killed by a former Minneapolis police officer six years ago. That moment changed our city forever.”
He continued, stating, “This incident forced Minneapolis to confront painful truths about race, policing, inequality, and trust, and called for tough conversations and accountability. Since Mr. Floyd’s murder, we are being asked to not only say that our city has changed, but to prove it.”
Frey added that, while there have been efforts to reform the police force and rebuild trust within the community, there is still substantial work ahead. He mentioned that this commemoration coincides with reconstruction starting at George Floyd Square.
Additionally, Frey affirmed the commitment to respecting the site as a globally significant monument. “The work ahead is bigger than any moment or administration,” he noted, emphasizing that the impact of Floyd’s death remains with the city six years later, along with the ongoing responsibility to progress together.
After Frey’s initial posts, he later shared a message about Memorial Day at 11:38 a.m., stating, “Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave military men and women who gave their lives for our country and the freedoms we enjoy today.” This followed a response from Frey’s communications director, who noted that the mayor also posted for Memorial Day.
Notably, other Minnesota Democrats had already acknowledged Memorial Day earlier in the morning. Governor Tim Walz, for instance, shared a post at 8:55 a.m. honoring those who sacrificed their lives. Senators and officials expressed similar sentiments at various times throughout the morning.
Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after a police officer was seen pressing his knee into Floyd’s neck while he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. The day after, Frey announced the firing of the four officers involved, highlighting the need for accountability in law enforcement.
During the subsequent trial, the chief medical examiner confirmed that Floyd’s death was primarily due to law enforcement restraint, with contributing factors including heart disease and drugs. This highlights the complexities surrounding the incident and its aftermath.
Frey faced significant pressure from the community following Floyd’s death, with demands for police defunding. While he called for structural reforms, he clarified his stance against abolishing the Minneapolis Police Department, with his administration acknowledging the need for change amidst protests.
The fallout from Floyd’s death also led to substantial damage in Minneapolis, prompting Frey to seek state and federal aid for recovery efforts, estimating damages could escalate into the hundreds of millions.
Frey attended Floyd’s memorial service in June 2020, a poignant reminder of the deep emotional impact on the community.
On the same day, President Donald Trump shared remarks honoring fallen service members, addressing the contributions of the military and the significance of Memorial Day.
