In a record-breaking span of just 18 hours, family members and well-wishers of George Floyd have raised a whopping $700,000 for his funeral.
On late Wednesday afternoon, Floyd’s brother created a GoFundMe page, after viral footage of the harrowing incident was released. The footage showed a helpless 46-year-old Floyd being penned to the ground and passing out when four alleged police officials arrested him for using forged documents, in a Minneapolis deli.
Reports claim that Floyd died at the hospital in what is being described as a brutal incident, currently under FBI investigation. The inhumane crime has led to a national outcry with countless protesters entering the streets, with scenes erupting into violence.
Despite the giant tragedy, his family continues to fight back and are overwhelmed with the support they have received from well wishers. Reports claim that more than 30,000 different donors have raised a staggering amount of $697,000 for Floyd’s memorial fund, under a span of just 22 hours.
A heartfelt note penned down by Floyd’s brother Philonise was released across the fundraiser:
‘From the bottom of our hearts my family thanks each of you who have reached out. While we are not able to respond to each expression of love at this time, please know that we love and appreciate every one of you. Our hearts are overwhelmed!’
Philonise also described the incident where his family watched in absolute terror as the infamous footage of his brother went viral. Floyd was pinned down on the floor near a police vehicle, by a white police officer, named Derek Chauvin. The officer is seen kneeling over Floyd’s neck.
A breathless Floyd can be heard begging with the official to stop numerous times, over a duration of six minutes. His final cry for help can be heard as, ‘Please, please, I can’t breathe’ and ‘My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts,’ before he soon loses his consciousness.
The heinous crime has sparked widespread protests and debate in Minneapolis and across the world, with thousands demanding justice.