Minnesota governor orders moment of silence in the state for George Floyd on day of burial

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) ordered a moment of silence Tuesday in honor of George Floyd’s funeral. 

Floyd died May 25 in Minneapolis police custody. 

Walz asked Minnesotans to spend 8 minutes and 46 seconds in silence Tuesday at 11 a.m., the length of time former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck during an arrest as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe. 

“In honor of the funeral for George Floyd, we ask all Minnesotans to spend 8 minutes and 46 seconds in silence at 11am this morning,” Walz tweeted. 

In honor of the funeral for George Floyd, we ask all Minnesotans to spend 8 minutes and 46 seconds in silence at 11am this morning. pic.twitter.com/tZs4JdK1Bg

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 9, 2020

Bystander video released shortly after Floyd’s death on Memorial Day showed that Chauvin pinned him down with his knee on Floyd’s neck. The former officer remained on his neck for an extended period of time, even after Floyd became unresponsive. 

Chauvin was fired after the incident and has been charged with second-degree murder.  

Three other officers on the scene were also fired and charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. 

A memorial service was held for Floyd last Thursday in Minneapolis. A public viewing will took place on Monday in Houston and Floyd is expected to be laid to rest after a funeral Tuesday. 

Floyd’s death has sparked nationwide protests over police brutality.