Governor Abbott Pays Respects At Houston Visitation For George Floyd
HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott paid his respects Monday with hundreds of people mourning the death of George Floyd at a church in Houston, where Floyd grew up.
The governor looked at Floyd's body in a gold-colored casket at The Fountain of Praise church Monday for about 15 seconds, then lowered his head with his hands folded for several seconds more.
Abbott told reporters outside the church that he will include Floyd's family in discussions about police reform and any related legislation.
"George Floyd is going to change the arc of the future of the United States. George Floyd has not died in vain. His life will be a living legacy about the way that America and Texas responds to this tragedy," Abbott said.
Abbott said he planned to meet privately with Floyd's family and present them with a Texas flag that was flown over the state Capitol in Floyd's honor.
"The message is one of sadness and heartbreak because of what happened to George Floyd. We all need to celebrate a remarkable life. At the same time condemn what happened to him, and how it happened, and we have to make sure we remain committed to the legacy of George Floyd's life by ensuring sure we work collectively to make sure this never happens in Texas," Abbott said.
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The governor wore a striped crimson and gold tie, which he said was in honor of Floyd as those are the colors of Floyd's high school.
Floyd, who was black and handcuffed, died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped responding. His death has inspired international protests.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
