Oregon state flags will fly at half-mast on day of George Floyd memorial

Oregon Governor Kate Brown said on Thursday that the state’s flags will fly at half-mast as George Floyd’s family in Minneapolis observes a memorial for the deceased.

Floyd was killed by police in the streets of Minneapolis on May 25. The arresting officer has since been charged with second-degree murder, and the three complacent officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder.

On Thursday, family and friends will gather in Floyd’s hometown to mourn the loss of their friend, brother, father, husband, and son.

In a tweet, Brown writes “as we mourn his death, let us remember the many Black lives that have been taken by unnecessary violence.”

Today we lower Oregon flags to half-staff across the state in honor of George Floyd. As we mourn his death, let us remember the many Black lives that have been taken by unnecessary violence. And let us commit ourselves, and our country, to fundamental change.

— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) June 4, 2020

“Let us commit ourselves, and our country, to fundamental change,” added Brown.

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Earlier this week, in speaking about protests and escalating tensions between demonstrators and the Portland police, Brown said that “the killing of George Floyd is a stain on this country.”

The killing of George Floyd is a stain on this country. A single senseless death is one too many. To everyone who is hurting right now, I hear you. I stand with you. And I add my voice to yours.

— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) June 2, 2020