Seattle marks anniversary of George Floyd’s murder with vigils, marches

SEATTLE — Community members around Seattle are commemorating the first anniversary of George Floyd’s murder with vigils and marches reflecting on his death and the racial justice movement it catalyzed in the past year.

Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020 after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by Derek Chauvin and other responding officers. The murder was captured on video and it contradicted the police account that said Floyd had died after a “medical incident.”

Chauvin was convicted of murder in April 2021 in Floyd’s death. The three other former officers await trial on aiding and abetting charges.

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The cellphone video was the catalyst for hundreds of thousands of protesters to take to the streets in cities across America. The murder sparked weeks of protests in Seattle over police brutality and led to calls for more accountability and police department defunding.

There are several events around Seattle tonight marking the anniversary.

St. James Cathedral is holding a public prayer vigil for Floyd and his family at 7 p.m. Officials say the event will be about prayer, healing and action for racial solidarity on the anniversary of the murder.

There is also a march and vigil at Jimi Hendrix Park at 7 p.m. in memory of Floyd and other victims of police brutality.

Below you can find some of KIRO 7′s previous coverage of George Floyd’s death and the local protests and reforms that happened in response.

Moment of silence marks year since George Floyd’s death

Floyd family meeting Biden as Congress mulls police bill

Body cam transcript: George Floyd begged police not to kill him

Floyd killing prompts some states to limit or ban chokeholds

Protests reveal generational divide in immigrant communities

Brother of George Floyd pleads for action by Congress

George Floyd protests: Washington’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural can be seen from space

State lawmakers prepare to address police reform

Washington governor signs sweeping police reform measures

Local celebrities and athletes speak out about George Floyd, protests, riots

‘Meet peace with peace’: Chief Best, Mayor Durkan address ongoing protests in Seattle

Seattle City Council approves cuts to police positions, budget

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