Share this @internewscast.com

The city of Minneapolis has reached a tentative settlement with one of the most vocal witnesses to George Floyd’s murder, court documents show.

Donald Williams II, who watched helplessly as Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 ½ minutes on May 25, 2020, had sued in Hennepin County District Court, naming as defendants Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, the city of Minneapolis and another now-former officer, Tou Thao, who kept Williams and other bystanders at bay as they expressed concern for Floyd.

A spokesperson for the city said Monday it is not commenting. Attorneys for Williams did not immediately reply to requests for comment. 

According to the court documents filed last week, the City Attorney’s Office intends to present the proposed settlement to the City Council on April 25. If the council approves, Mayor Jacob Frey has seven days to approve or veto it.

Williams was a key witness at Chauvin’s state trial and sparred with Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, who attempted to portray bystanders, including an off-duty firefighter, as an angry mob that diverted the officers’ attention.

Williams was recorded on Thao’s body camera shouting at the officers to intervene. 

Williams testified that he remained at the scene even after paramedics took Floyd away and that he called 911 because he believed he had witnessed a murder. 

Williams, a former wrestler who said he was trained in mixed martial arts, alleged in the lawsuit that Chauvin threatened him and other bystanders with a can of Mace, shaking it at them after Williams expressed concern for Floyd. The suit also alleged that Chauvin and Thao taunted Floyd, Williams and other onlookers and that Thao placed his hand on Williams’ chest — actions Williams took as threats, according to the suit. Williams was fearful for his safety and that of the other witnesses, the lawsuit said.

As a result of Chauvin and Thao’s conduct, the lawsuit alleged, Williams has endured emotional distress, pain, suffering, humiliation and embarrassment. 

He alleged one count each of assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress, and he sought more than $50,000 in damages for each count, a standard dollar amount that must be listed in Minnesota if a plaintiff intends to seek an amount above that figure. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Floyd, a Black man, was handcuffed prone on the street May 25, 2020, as Chauvin, who is white, knelt on his neck for 9½ minutes. Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe while Chauvin and two other officers restrained him before he went limp. (Those officers, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, were also fired and are serving jail time for their role in Floyd’s death.)

Floyd’s death was captured on cellphone video by a 17-year-old who also testified at Chauvin’s trial. The video brought international attention to his death after it was posted to Facebook and widely viewed. The case sparked global outrage and protests and called into question how Black people are treated in interactions with police.

Chauvin was sentenced to 22½ years after he was found guilty of second- and third-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter, in April 2021. He also pleaded guilty to a separate federal charge of violating Floyd’s civil rights and was sentenced to 21 years on that count, with credit for the time he had already served, which brought his sentence to 20 years and five months.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Breaking: US Senate Holds Procedural Vote on Trump 'One Big Beautiful Bill'

Update: US Senate Conducts Initial Vote on Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

On Saturday evening, the U.S. Senate made an initial yet significant advance…
Chicago Pride Bowl LGBTQ+ flag football tournament held at Montrose Beach, presented by Metropolitan Sports Association, Bears

Chicago Pride Bowl LGBTQ+ Flag Football Tournament Takes Place at Montrose Beach, Hosted by Metropolitan Sports Association and Bears

CHICAGO (WLS) — This weekend marked Pride in Chicago, and in addition…
Information graphic about Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a Hamas founder, showing his photo and detailing his role in the organization.

IDF Carries Out Targeted Airstrike, Eliminates Key Hamas Leader Behind October 7 Attack

ISRAEL says it has killed one of the last masterminds behind the…
Chrysler recalls some Pacifica and Voyager cars due to air bag issue

Chrysler Announces Recall for Certain Pacifica and Voyager Models Over Airbag Problems

The recall potentially affects 250,651 vehicles. NEW YORK — Chrysler is voluntarily…
Shedeur Sanders already low on Browns' QB depth chart

Shedeur Sanders Drops Further Down Browns’ Quarterback List

It looks like Shedeur Sanders is finding himself in some struggles in…
And Now for Some Good News: Dozens of Abused Belgian Malinois Freed, Sent to Happy Homes

Heartwarming Update: Dozens of Rescued Belgian Malinois Find Loving Homes

Today, I want to share a story that begins on a rather…
For New Yorkers Looking to Flee, a Cautionary Warning: Florida Is Not the Paradise You May Envision

Thinking of Leaving New York? Here’s Why Florida Might Not Be the Paradise You Expect

The rise of Zohran Mamdani as a contender against Eric Adams for…
Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser, charged with murder.

Boyfriend of Decapitated Model Remains Missing as 34-Year-Old Beauty & The Geek Star Faces Murder Charges

A FORMER Beauty and the Geek star has been charged with the…
Chemical plant emitting smoke over a grassy field.

Residents Frustrated by Year-Long Odor Issue from Rendering Plant Causing Unbearable ‘Rotting Flesh’ Smell

RESIDENTS of one city have been plagued by a foul-smelling issue for…
Woman found dead in clothing donation box: Florida cops

Florida Authorities Investigate Woman Discovered Deceased in Donation Box

A homeless woman was discovered deceased in a clothing donation box in…
Keir Starmer speaking to the media.

Prime Minister Rejects Demand to Dismiss Influential No10 Advisor Morgan McSweeney Amid Welfare Controversy

THE PM’S powerful chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is “not going anywhere”…
Man in suit outside the Internet Watch Foundation.

Ministers alert: Online child sexual abuse poised to become the next major grooming crisis

ONLINE child sexual abuse could be “the next grooming crisis”, experts warn…