COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine requested that all Ohioans observe a moment of silence at 2 p.m. Thursday in remembrance of George Floyd, a 46-year-old man who died on Memorial Day after a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes as he gasped for breath with his face against the pavement in Minneapolis.
The statewide moment of silence will correspond with the start of his memorial service in Minneapolis.
DeWine canceled his Thursday coronavirus briefing our of respect for Floyd’s memorial service.
Last week, DeWine addressed Floyd’s death and spoke out against racial injustices.
George Floyd’s death is the culmination of many events. As he lay on the ground dying, he was a victim representing so many others before him. His death impacts us all. We have a responsibility to each other, regardless of race, to stand up & say we won't tolerate this conduct.
I want to make sure that, as Governor of Ohio, I say to every African American man, woman, and child - you are valued and an essential part of this community.
I acknowledge that I hear the voices of frustration. I receive those words and emotions with empathy and a commitment to seek solutions and justice when it is denied.
