MINNEAPOLIS— Violence that erupted ahead of events surrounding a memorial service for George Floyd in Minneapolis Tuesday did not keep people from paying their respect to a Black man killed by a police officer in 2020. Viral video of that event prompted protests around the world and calls for change in policing and how Black and people of color are treated in this country.
Samuel Puppe wasn’t able to take part in the protests after George Floyd was killed by police one year ago Tuesday. “I wanted to be down here last year during this time supporting the cause, and I couldn’t do it and I was able to be vocal enough over social media,” Puppe recalled.
He made sure to be at George Floyd Square for the anniversary of his death.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots just outside of George Floyd Square.
“Something in me told me I needed to be here,” Puppe said. “And, God forbid, I could have been shot today with the gunshots. I just don’t get it.”
The gunshots were heard during a live newscast with the Associated Press, which counted nearly 30 shots, according to Phillip Crowther, a reporter for the Associated Press, who was in the area when the shots happened.
Visitors to the memorial site, like Puppe, said they took cover. Police said the shooter drove away from the scene.
“This is real. This is life,” Puppe said. “This is what we’re living in, and it doesn’t make sense.”
Despite the morning’s disruption, people continued to make their way to George Floyd Square for a “Rise and Remember” event to remember Floyd’s life and reflect on the past year.
George Floyd Square is at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where cell phone video showed Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneel on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes until he died.
Local pastor the Rev. Tommy E. Russell said he has been coming to the square every day for the last year.
“I spent over a year here now at this corner coming and praying with people. Talking with them, ministering to them, just loving up on them, because we all can use a hug and some love right now,” Russell said. “But most of all, we want to foster peace, everywhere, everywhere, and boy could we use some peace right now.”
Russell said despite the shooting at the Square Tuesday morning, the message of the memorial — unity and peace — remains intact.
But, the pastor said it’s a reminder that there is still a long way to go.
“Regardless of who you love, which zip code you live in, you’re part of humanity, which means you’re human, and we’ve got to do what we need to do,” Russell said. “So, shine a spotlight on that, and then get out and engage ourselves civilly because all things that change in America require civil disobedience, but doesn’t necessarily have to be violent, and Dr. King proved that.”
