Floyd, Who Died in US Police Custody, Confirmed Positive for COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] It has been confirmed that George Floyd, who lost his life due to excessive force by U.S. police, was infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This was revealed after an autopsy of Floyd's body.

On the 3rd (local time), the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office in Minnesota, USA, disclosed the autopsy report confirming this fact.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

However, the Medical Examiner's Office determined that Floyd's positive COVID-19 status was not directly related to his death. Floyd lost his life because Minnesota police officers pressed their knees on his neck for nearly nine minutes during the arrest, causing a heart attack.

It is known that Floyd was diagnosed with COVID-19 on April 3 of this year. The recent autopsy results confirmed that he was still positive at the time of his death caused by police excessive force.

Floyd died last month during the process of being arrested by Minnesota police officers. At the time, he pleaded, "I can't breathe," but it was confirmed that the officers suppressed him by kneeling on him for 8 minutes and 47 seconds.

Countries around the world, including the United States, view racial issues as a major factor behind Floyd's death. Because of this, protests mourning Floyd's death, condemning racism, and demanding justice are taking place both inside and outside the U.S.

Meanwhile, all the police officers involved in the arrest that led to Floyd's death have been criminally charged.