The late-night call from a community activist changed everything for Medaria Arradondo. The video he was directed to watch showed a white officer kneeling on a Black man, George Floyd, who was struggling to breathe. Arradondo, then the police chief of Minneapolis, was shocked by what he saw. This moment would later be described as gut-wrenching. He had been informed about a different version of the event by his own officers. Arradondo knew instantly that this incident would bring significant changes to his department and the city.

Arradondo had spent 32 years in law enforcement. He had seen many challenging moments, but May 25, 2020, stood out as a pivotal day. He did not anticipate the global impact that Floyd's death would have. The video showed Derek Chauvin, the officer, kneeling on Floyd's neck for 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd had been detained for using a fake $20 bill at a convenience store. Despite pleas from bystanders and attempts by an off-duty firefighter to intervene, Chauvin did not stop. Another officer even mentioned that he couldn't find a pulse.

Years later, Arradondo sat in a library that had been heavily damaged during the unrest following Floyd's death. The library is on Lake Street, a major road that saw extensive destruction. The street still shows signs of the pain and anger from that time. Nearby, the remains of a burned police station and looted stores serve as stark reminders of the events. Some businesses were rebuilt, but many lots remain empty.

Arradondo defended his decision to abandon the Third Precinct during the riots. Protesters had breached the building, and the police were stretched thin. He prioritized the safety of his officers and the public. He believes that his actions, along with those of Mayor Jacob Frey, were necessary during such a critical time.

After Floyd's death, Arradondo played a key role in reforming the police department. He faced resistance from the police culture and a strong officers' union. His testimony against Chauvin in the 2021 murder trial was a significant moment. It broke the traditional "blue wall" of silence that often protects officers from accountability. Arradondo believes that police departments nationwide have made some progress in holding officers accountable for misconduct. He wishes he had made more changes before Floyd's death. He regrets not pushing harder to address the toxic culture within the department.

Arradondo recently published a book. In it, he explores leadership, justice, and race. He also discusses the broader impacts of policing and the challenges of working within a flawed system. The book ends with a letter to Gianna Floyd, George Floyd's daughter. Arradondo expresses his sorrow for her loss and his commitment to seeking justice. He wanted to say words that the convicted officers had not: "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for your father being taken from you. "

COMMUNITY ACTIVISM RESPONSE

The Unseen Impact of George Floyd's Death on a Police Chief

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