Where George Floyd Died: Core Facts
George Floyd died at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while in police custody on May 25, 2020. A Minneapolis Police Department officer restrained him, and an independent medical examiner ruled his death a homicide due to asphyxia. This location became the center of global protests against police violence and systemic racism, spurring sustained activism, legal processes, and memorial efforts. The intersection was later renamed George Perry Floyd Jr. Plaza, and criminal proceedings against the involved officers concluded with a conviction and a separate federal plea.
Exact Location and Context
Intersection and Surroundings
The specific site is the northeast corner of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis, near the Cup Foods store. The area is a mixed-use neighborhood with residential buildings, small businesses, and community spaces. Following Floyd’s murder, the corner and adjacent streets became a permanent memorial, featuring murals, flowers, signs, and ongoing gatherings. The proximity to the Cup Foods convenience store means much of the incident was captured on security video, which helped confirm the location and actions of officers during the arrest.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Location | East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota | Law enforcement reports, news coverage |
| Date | May 25, 2020 | Precinct call logs, body camera footage |
| Medical Cause | Homicide by asphyxia | Hennepin County Medical Examiner |
| Custody Incident | Arrest for alleged use of counterfeit $20 bill | Minneapolis Police Department report |
| Officers Involved | Four Minneapolis officers at time of incident | Charges and plea records |
Immediate Aftermath and Legal Outcomes
In the immediate aftermath, Minneapolis officials declared a state of emergency, and the four officers involved were fired. The Minneapolis Police Department officer who pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck faced second-degree unintentional murder and manslaughter charges, while the other officers were charged with aiding and abetting. In April 2021, the officer who knelt on Floyd was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. In federal court, all four officers pleaded guilty to violating Floyd’s civil rights, receiving sentences of 20 to 30 years. These legal outcomes shaped ongoing debates about policing and accountability.
Memorial and Renaming
Renaming and Commemoration
In late 2021, the City of Minneapolis renamed the intersection George Perry Floyd Jr. Plaza, installing new signage to acknowledge Floyd’s life and the site’s significance. The location continues to host vigils, educational events, and public art, serving as a landmark in conversations about racial justice and police reform. Local organizations coordinate tours and programming to preserve the history and context of what happened there, supplementing street-level memorials with archival materials.
| Aspect | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Renamed Plaza | George Perry Floyd Jr. Plaza at East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue | City of Minneapolis resolution |
| Memorial Status | Ovenue community-led memorial and gathering space | Local news and city archives |
| Federal Sentences | 20 to 30 years each on guilty pleas | U.S. Department of Justice court records |
| Medical Examiner Ruling | Homicide by asphyxia | Hennepin County Medical Examiner |
Broader Context
Systemic and Community Impact
The intersection where George Floyd died is inseparable from the broader movement that emerged after his murder. Organizers, residents, and officials have used the site to advance policies on use-of-force, training, and oversight. Academic research and community archives rely on verified details about the location and circumstances to teach about the event’s lasting influence. These efforts emphasize that the place is not only a site of loss, but also of sustained advocacy for safer, more equitable policing.
Key Takeaways
- Location: East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Date and context: May 25, 2020, during a police arrest for alleged use of a counterfeit bill.
- Medical ruling: Homicide by asphyxia, confirmed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
- Legal outcomes: One officer convicted; all four officers federally sentenced on guilty pleas.
- Memorial status: Officially renamed George Perry Floyd Jr. Plaza; ongoing community-led remembrance.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is the location still used for memorial activities?
Yes. The intersection remains an active site for vigils, public art, and educational events focused on racial justice and policing reform.
How is the site officially recognized?
In late 2021, the City of Minneapolis renamed the intersection George Perry Floyd Jr. Plaza, acknowledging its historical significance.
What medical determination was made regarding George Floyd’s death?
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide due to asphyxia.
Were any officers convicted in relation to George Floyd’s death?
Yes: the officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in April 2021.
What broader changes followed the incident at this location?
The murder spurred nationwide protests, legislative proposals on policing, increased scrutiny of use-of-force policies, and sustained community-led advocacy for racial equity.