GEORGE Floyd called cops “sir” even as he lay dying, his brother Philonise Floyd has said during a judiciary committee hearing where he begged senators for a change in policing.
Philonise, Floyd’s younger brother, struggled to hold back his tears as he described the last moment’s of Floyd’s life in the hands of four police officers.
“The man who took his life, who suffocated him…he still called him sir as he begged for his life,” Philonise continued.
“I can’t tell you the kind of pain you feel when you watch your big brother who you looked up to your whole life, die begging for his mama.
“’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. I’m here to ask you to make it stop.
“I couldn’t take care of George when he was killed, but maybe I can take care of others to make sure he isn’t just another name on a t-shirt.”
Philonise made the comments while testifying at a hearing on policing practices and law enforcement accountability in front of the House Judiciary Committee.
“George called for help and he was ignored,” he continued, “Please listen to the call I am making to you now.
“Teach law enforcement what it means to treat people with empathy and respect. Teach them what necessary force is.
He did not deserve to die over $20. I’m asking you – is that what a black man is worth? $20?
“It is on you to make sure his death is not in vain.”
Philonise’s appearance before a House hearing on Wednesday comes a day after funeral services for George Floyd, who has become a worldwide symbol in demonstrations calling for changes to police practices and an end to racial prejudices.
He added: “The people marching in the streets are telling you enough is enough. Be the leaders that this country, this world, needs. Do the right thing.”
George Floyd died on May 25, after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for around eight minutes.
Since his death, Chauvin and the three other cops present at Floyd’s arrest, have been arrested.
Chauvin has been charged with second degree murder while Tou Thou, J Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane have been charged with aiding and abetting.
During a passionate eulogy at Floyd’s funeral, Rev Al Sharpton said the fight for justice would continue.
The funeral for Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, began at 11am local time at The Fountain of Praise church in Houston, where a six-hour public viewing was held on Monday for a final memorial.
“Get your rest now,” Sharpton said of Floyd. “We are going to fight on.”
He used the stage to criticized President Donald Trump criticizing President Trump, telling mourners he used the St John’s Church outside the White House as a “prop” for his photo-op.
“Wickedness in high places,” Sharpton said of Trump.
After his funeral, Floyd will be laid to rest next to his mother at Houston Memorial Gardens in Pearland.
A horse-drawn carriage will transport Floyd’s casket to the cemetery, and the Houston Police Department will be escorting the body.
Pearland officials said the public is welcome to pay their respects along the route, including on public sidewalks.
Houston is Floyd’s hometown, living there before moving in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he died on May 25.
Floyd was arrested for allegedly trying to use a fake $20 bill to buy cigarettes at Cups Food deli.
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