‘He didn’t deserve to die over $20’ — George Floyd’s brother addresses US congress

Philonise Floyd says his brother, George, didn’t deserve to die over $20.

In May, George was killed when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck after he was arrested for allegedly spending a counterfeit $20 note in a shop.

His death sparked outrage across the US, which led to anti-racism protests in the country and globally.

George was buried on Tuesday in Houston, Texas.

Speaking on Wednesday at a hearing of the house committee on judiciary in Washington DC, Philonise described his brother as a gentle giant whose death should not be in vain.

“I’m tired. I’m tired of the pain I’m feeling now and I’m tired of the pain I feel every time another black person is killed for no reason,” the brother said.

“I’m here today to ask you to make it stop. Stop the pain. Stop us from being tired.

“George’s calls for help were ignored. Please listen to the call I’m making to you now to the calls of our family, and to the calls ringing out in the streets across the world.

“George wasn’t hurting anyone that day. He didn’t deserve to die over $20. I am asking you, is that what a black man’s life is worth? $20? This is 2020. Enough is enough.

“It is on you to make sure his death isn’t in vain.”