Minneapolis approves $150K settlement for witness to George Floyd’s murder

MINNEAPOLIS– The Minneapolis City Council has agreed to pay a $150,000 settlement to an eyewitness who tried to intervene to prevent the killing of George Floyd and who says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result.

Donald Williams, a mixed martial arts fighter who testified against former officer Derek Chauvin in his 2021 murder trial, sued the city last spring, claiming he was attacked by police while trying to prevent Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020 .

The council unanimously approved the settlement Thursday without discussion, the Star Tribune reported.

The lawsuit alleges that Chauvin looked directly at Williams, grabbed a canister of chemical spray and began shaking it at him and other bystanders, who expressed concern for Floyd’s well-being. In a video played during Chauvin’s trial, Williams can be heard urging Chauvin to get off Floyd and calling the officer a “bum.” Former officer Tou Thao approached Williams and placed a hand on his chest, the lawsuit said.

Williams told the jury in Chauvin’s trial that the officer shot Floyd what MMA fighters call a “blood choke,” restricting his circulation.

As a result of the officers’ actions, Williams alleged in his lawsuit, he feared for his safety and endured pain, suffering, humiliation, shame and medical bills.

Floyd, who was Black, died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin, who is white, knelt on his neck for 9 1/2 minutes outside a convenience store where Floyd had tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Bystander video captured Floyd’s trailing cries of “I can’t breathe.” Floyd’s death sparked protests worldwide and forced a national reckoning with police brutality and racism.

Chauvin was convicted of state murder in Floyd’s death and was sentenced to 22 1/2 years. He also pleaded guilty to a separate federal charge of violating Floyd’s civil rights. Thao and two other former officers involved are serving shorter sentences.