George Floyd's Brother Says He Did Not Deserve to Die over $20 during a House Judiciary Hearing
George Floyd's brother, Philonise, is demanding justice for his brother's murder during a house judiciary hearing, saying he didn't have to die because of $20. Floyd's death at the hands of a police officer in May has caused nationwide protests.
Just a day after George Floyd was laid to rest by his loved ones, his younger brother Philonise demands a change during a House Judiciary Hearing, as reported by CBS Miami.
The memorial for George Floyd as seen on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, USA | Photo: Getty Images
As seen in a viral clip of the hearing shared on Twitter, Philonise read out a heartfelt speech he wrote for the committee, where he described his relationship with his brother.
George was buried next to his mother, whom he called out to as he died at the ceremony, which saw over 500 attendees.
As seen in a printed publication of the speech, Philonise explained that his late brother always made sacrifices for the family and strangers. Calling him his famous nickname "gentle giant," Philonise recounted the pain he felt when he watched the video of his big brother being murdered. In his words:
"He listened to the officers. He called them, 'sir.' The men who took his life, who suffocated him for eight minutes and 46 seconds. He still called them 'sir' as he begged for his life."
A protester holds a sign commemorating George Floyd during a march to support Black Lives Matter protests on June 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California | Photo: Getty Images
He then referred to the ongoing nationwide protests, which were sparked by George's death, telling the committee that people of different races and genders are on the streets demanding change in the policing practices.
He urged them to listen to everyone's cries and champion a police reform where officers are held accountable and taught how to treat people with respect and empathy. Demanding justice for his brother, he said:
"George wasn't hurting anyone that day. He didn't deserve to die over twenty dollars. I am asking you, is that what a black man's life is worth? Twenty dollars? This is 2020. Enough is enough."
Mourners react as they look at the casket during the private funeral for George Floyd at The Fountain of Praise church on June 9, 2020 in Houston, Texas | Photo: Getty Images
Floyd passed away on May 25 after a Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin alongside three others, held him down. According to ET Online, Following George's death, he was memorialized all over the country with tribute services held in three different cities.
The first was in Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he was killed, followed by a memorial service in North Carolina, where he was born. The final was in Houston, where he was laid to rest in a funeral service at the Fountain of Grace Church.
The casket bearing the remains of George Floyd is brought into the chapel for his funeral service at the Fountain of Praise church June 9, 2020 in Houston, Texas | Photo: Getty Images
People Magazine recalls that George was buried next to his mother, whom he called out to as he died at the ceremony, which saw over 500 attendees. The funeral came a day after thousands of well-wishers gathered outside the church for a six-hour public viewing of George's open casket.
This comes after ET Online reported that the officer charged with George's murder, Derek Chauvin, had his bail set at $1.25 million or $1 million with conditions after his first court appearance on Monday.