Former Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo reflects on the profound impact of George Floyd’s murder on May 25, 2020, during an interview leading up to its fifth anniversary. He received a midnight call from a community activist warning him about a viral video showing Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nine and a half minutes while Floyd pleaded, “I can’t breathe.” Arradondo found the violent scene gut-wrenching and felt it contradicted earlier reports he received, foreseeing significant changes for his department.
Despite serving 32 years, Arradondo considers this tragedy a defining moment in his career. He emphasizes the deep emotional scars left in the community, citing the destruction of the area, including a police precinct and local businesses, during subsequent protests. He supports the decision to abandon the Third Precinct when protesters overwhelmed the police, prioritizing the safety of individuals over the station’s protection.
After Floyd’s death, Arradondo played a critical role in pushing for police reforms in a culture resistant to change. He testified against Chauvin during the 2021 trial, breaking the traditional “blue wall” protecting officers from accountability. Arradondo, who retired in 2022, notes that while progress in police accountability has been incremental, there’s a growing willingness among law enforcement leaders to address misconduct.
In his new book, “Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd,” Arradondo discusses themes of leadership, justice, and the need for systemic change. He expresses a desire to have acted more decisively before Floyd’s death and shares the deeply personal message of regret to Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, stating, “I’m sorry for your father being taken from you.”
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
