May 29, 2020 / Modified may 29, 2020 5:16 p.m.

Local law enforcement condemn police actions in death of George Floyd

Pima County and Tucson officials spoke out against the actions of officers in Minneapolis. Phoenix protesters took to the streets.

Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier issued a statement Friday condemning the action of police officers in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died after an officer knelt on his neck while he pleaded that he could not breathe.

In the statement Napier said the conduct is “completely contrary to training and professional standards. Further, it is contrary to the basic standards of humanity.”

Earlier this week, Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus tweeted that the incident that resulted in Floyd’s death is “contrary to how professional police officers train and conduct themselves.”

Protests over the death of Floyd in Minneapolis police custody have spread to other areas across the United States. A protest in Phoenix Thursday night included a march from City Hall to the state Capitol, where protesters broke windows, according to the Associated Press.

Bottles and rocks were also reportedly thrown at police officers. Officers fired pepper spray and rubber bullets and eight people were arrested.

The white Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck has been arrested on murder charges and accused in court papers of ignoring another officer’s concerns about him. Officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case.

An attorney for Floyd’s family welcomed the arrest, but said he expected a more serious murder charge. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said more charges were possible.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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