Biden Meets Floyd Family: "Police Reform Bill Must Pass"

Meeting with Bereaved Families for Over an Hour with Vice President Harris
Urging Passage of the Police Reform Bill 'George Floyd Act'

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 25th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden invited the family of George Floyd, a Black young man who died due to violent suppression by a white police officer, to the White House to mark the first anniversary of Floyd's death.

On this day, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met privately with the family for over an hour to express their condolences. They also urged the swift passage of the police reform bill being promoted in response to Floyd's death.

In a statement released after the meeting, President Biden said, "It has been one year since a beloved brother and father was killed, but the family can feel as if they just received the news seconds ago," adding, "Every time the horrific 9 minutes and 29 seconds are replayed, they have to relive the pain and sorrow."

He especially called on Congress to quickly pass the police reform bill, known as the 'George Floyd Law.' President Biden had initially set the goal of passing this law by this day.

President Biden said, "Negotiations on the Floyd Law are currently underway in Congress," and added, "I strongly support the bill passed by the House and appreciate the good-faith efforts of both Democrats and Republicans to handle meaningful legislation in the Senate."

He continued, "I hope they send the bill to my desk quickly."

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Law last March, but it is currently pending in the Senate.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The bill prohibits police from choking suspects during arrest, limits qualified immunity to allow lawsuits against officers who violate suspects' constitutional rights, and includes provisions banning warrantless home searches.

Democratic senators are demanding the passage of this bill, but Republicans are opposing the limitation on qualified immunity, citing the protection of police officers, causing difficulties.

President Biden emphasized that while the guilty verdict of former officer Derek Chauvin, who caused Floyd's death, is an important step forward, "Our progress cannot stop there."

He stated, "Within the justice system, accountability and trust must coexist and be upheld," and added, "To achieve true change, police must be held accountable if they break their oath."

After the meeting, Floyd's attorney Ben Crump said, "President Biden said he does not want to sign a bill that lacks substance and meaning," and added, "He will be patient to ensure that the bill is the right one, not a rushed one."

Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd, said, "President Biden and Vice President Harris spoke from the heart," and "I am just happy to be able to meet them."

He also said, "We just hope the law passes," and added, "If we can make the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, we can make a law to protect people of color."

He said, "People should no longer have to live in fear in America."

Floyd's nephew, Brandt Williams, said, "President Biden wants the bill to fully reflect George's legacy."

The Floyd family also met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier.

Speaker Pelosi said, "Today, we want to pass the law named after Floyd," and mentioned, "We want to pass the law soon to comfort your family."

Meanwhile, Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, where Floyd was killed, announced that from 1 p.m. on this day, a moment of silence lasting 9 minutes and 29 seconds will be observed statewide to honor Floyd.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.