Minneapolis reaches $27 million settlement with George Floyd’s family

The City of Minneapolis has reached a $27 million settlement with George Floyd’s family in their wrongful death lawsuit. The settlement arrives just days after proceedings began for the trial of Derek Chauvin, who is charged with Floyd’s murder.

According to NBC, the settlement was unanimously approved by the Minneapolis City Council on Friday (March 12). The agreement also includes a $500,000 contribution from Floyd’s family to the community at the intersection of 38th and Chicago Avenue, which has since been dubbed George Floyd Square.

Ben Crump, one of the attorneys representing Floyd’s family, is scheduled to hold a press conference about the settlement and Chauvin’s trial later today. In an interview with NBC, Crump said, “The city needs to exhibit responsible leadership in the face of the horrific tragedy that really was a watershed moment for America.”

Floyd’s family filed a federal lawsuit against Minneapolis and the officers involved in Floyd’s death this past July. The lawsuit noted the police department’s policies, training and the neck restraints used in Floyd’s fatal arrest. The family sought compensation and special damages, which were to be determined by a jury.

Chauvin’s trial was delayed on Monday (March 8) just as jury selection was set to begin. The delay was caused by the possible reinstatement of Chauvin’s third-degree murder charge, which Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill dismissed back in October.

Following an order from the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Cahill ultimately agreed to reinstate the charge on Thursday (March 11). Chauvin is now charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, as well as third-degree murder.

Jury selection for the trial continued on Friday and so far, six out of the 12 jurors have been seated. The trial is expected to begin on March 29. Trials for the other three officers involved in Floyd’s death — Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng — will take place this August.