MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The official X account of the City of Minneapolis was heavily mocked online after the account posted a graphic and accompanying caption honoring the memory of George Floyd on the anniversary of his death in late May.
On May 25th, the City of Minneapolis’ official account on X posted the caption, “Today we remember George Floyd,” alongside a graphic depicting dual billboards honoring Floyd’s memory. Said image also hosted a caption within which read, “Six years ago, George Floyd’s murder forced our city to confront painful truths about race, public safety, and inequality. Every May 25 is a reminder of that grief – and a renewed call to actin to keep pursuing the progress this tragedy catalyzed. We encourage you to gather, be with community, and honor George Floyd’s life.”
For the sake of context, May 25th is the anniversary of Floyd’s death, which his passing segued into a series of violent riots across the country which resulted in billions of dollars in damage and dozens killed during the unrest. Furthermore, this past May 25th happened to be Memorial Day which is meant to honor the nation’s fallen service members, a fact that wasn’t lost on those critical of the city’s post honoring Floyd.
One X account which serves as a mockery of Minneapolis’ infamous “Quality Learing Center” highlighted the tone deaf nature of the city memorializing Floyd on a day meant to honor fallen Armed Forces members, writing, “It's memorial day for actual American heroes. It's not memorial day for drug addict criminals who overdosed.”
media influencer Amiri King also chimed in on the online dogpile of Minneapolis, sharing details of Floyd’s criminal exploits prior to his death which read, “Your annual reminder that George Floyd dressed as water company worker to commit a home invasion with 5 other men. The three victims were female, one of them was pregnant. This is their martyr.”
commenter also highlighted Floyd’s felonious past, rhetorically asking if Minneapolis officials had extended the courtesy of contacting one of Floyd’s prior victims to ascertain if she was honoring him on the anniversary of his death.
fact is regardless of whether some sympathize with Floyd’s death, his legacy is largely a marred one when considering his criminal exploits - which seemingly carried on throughout his adult life until his passing - and how his death ushered in a series of violent riots for months across American cities. The City of Minneapolis commanding people to honor the life of someone whose passing resulted in the crumbling of businesses, upended livelihoods, and stole the lives of numerous Americans was bound to attract criticism.
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