Stop talking and yelling, Floyd told by officer who knelt on his neck

Demonstrators with banners bearing the likenesses of Mr Philando Castile and Mr George Floyd during a protest march in Minnesota on Monday, the fourth-year anniversary of Mr Castile's death. The African American was shot and killed during a traffic s
Demonstrators with banners bearing the likenesses of Mr Philando Castile and Mr George Floyd during a protest march in Minnesota on Monday, the fourth-year anniversary of Mr Castile's death. The African American was shot and killed during a traffic stop by a police officer. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

WASHINGTON • A former US police officer charged in the death of African American George Floyd told him to stop shouting and save his breath as he knelt on his neck and Mr Floyd gasped for air, according to a newly released transcript of police body camera footage.

The death of Mr Floyd in police custody on May 25 led to anti-racism protests and demonstrations against police brutality across the United States and around the world with protesters calling for racial equality and police reforms.

"Tell my kids I love them. I'm dead," Mr Floyd said during the nearly nine minutes that the officer knelt on him as he went lifeless.

Mr Floyd pleaded for help as he was pinned to the ground, according to the transcript made public on Wednesday as part of a motion filed in the Minneapolis state court.

"I'm through, through. I'm claustrophobic. My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts. I need some water or something, please. Please? I can't breathe officer," he said. "You're going to kill me, man," Mr Floyd said.

Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Mr Floyd, replied: "Then stop talking, stop yelling, it takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk."

Chauvin, who is white, was arrested on May 29, four days after Mr Floyd's death. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Three other former Minneapolis police officers, who are white, black and Asian American, have been charged with aiding and abetting in the case.

At one point, one of those officers, Thomas Lane, suggested that Chauvin roll Mr Floyd on his side, according to the transcript.

"No, he's staying put where we got him," Chauvin responded.

All four of the officers have been fired from the Minneapolis police department.

If found guilty, they each face up to 40 years behind bars.

The transcript was made public as part of an effort by Lane's lawyer to have charges that he aided and abetted Mr Floyd's murder thrown out by a judge, according to US media.

REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 10, 2020, with the headline Stop talking and yelling, Floyd told by officer who knelt on his neck. Subscribe