'Shocked And Horrified': Gov. Walz Calls For Thorough Investigation Of George Floyd's Fatal Arrest
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is calling for a fair and thorough investigation of George Floyd's death.
On Wednesday afternoon, Walz made his first public appearance since Floyd's death, saying he was "shocked and horrified" by the video of Floyd's death.
"Very clear to anyone that what happened to George Floyd is wrong," Walz said. "The lack of humanity in the video made me physically ill and it's even more difficult to understand."
Walz says he's glad to see the police officers swiftly fired and says he welcomes investigations by both the state and federal government.
"To all of you who are in pain, to those who are angry, to those who are afraid, I not only see you, I hear you and I stand with you," Walz says.
— Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) May 27, 2020
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison also made remarks at the press conference, saying that investigations have already began and asked anyone with information to come forward.
MN Attorney General Keith Ellison @AGEllison on George Floyd: State and federal investigation has begun, asks people with information to come forward: "I will be, and my office will be, a force for transparency, accountability and justice."
— Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) May 27, 2020
Floyd, 46, died Monday night after being pinned to the ground while handcuffed with an officer's knee on his neck. Floyd's death, which was caught on video, has prompted national attention and protests -- some peaceful, some violent -- in Minneapolis.
Related: Joe Biden Says Officers Must Be Held 'Fully Accountable' In Floyd's Death
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has also urged Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman to charge the arresting officer in Floyd's death.
Walz addressed Floyd's death during a daily COVID-19 briefing with state health officials.