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Outcry over George Floyd's death grows in Milwaukee

Posted at 6:41 PM, May 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-28 19:41:47-04

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The outcry across the country is growing following George Floyd's death in police custody.

Video shows a Minneapolis police officer using his knee to keep George down by his neck for nearly 10 minutes. George was handcuffed at the time saying he could not breathe.

These would be George's final moments alive.

"A lot of heartache for the family, for the community," said Nate Hamilton.

George's story hits close to home for Nate Hamilton. In 2014, Nate's brother, Dontre Hamilton, was shot and killed by a Milwaukee police officer at Red Arrow Park.

"Those wounds never heal," said Nate.

"At this time when we’re supposed to be coming together through this pandemic that we’re still having officers treat people who are suspected of something as they're already a criminal."

Nate says the unrest we are witnessing in Minneapolis and cities across the country is the result of years of injustice.

During a briefing, Thursday, city and county leaders condemned George’s death.

"America witnessed a murder. And it underscores the very serious challenges we face in combating racism in our country," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

"When you think about the emotions that come with this, they are valid. They need to be expressed. It is extremely important that you do not respond to violence with violence," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

Knowing first-hand what they are going through, Nate says he is concerned for George's family.

He is also calling on police departments to speak out against the way these officers treated George. The four Minneapolis police officers involved were fired, but Nate says it is not enough.

"Anyone that says I want to put a badge on has to have some love for all people within their hearts, some sense of knowing that hey this is a life that’s a valued whether it’s black whether it's brown we have to start valuing these lives."

A demonstration calling for justice for George Floyd is expected in Milwaukee Friday afternoon.

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