Disinformation Surrounding George Floyd’s Death Persists Five Years Later
Five years after the tragic killing of George Floyd, false narratives surrounding his death continue to circulate, reigniting political tensions and calls for pardons for the convicted police officers.
On May 25, 2020, Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest. The moment, captured in a bystander’s viral video, sparked global protests and a powerful racial justice movement.
“I can’t breathe,” Floyd said repeatedly in his final moments — words that became a rallying cry worldwide.
Derek Chauvin was later convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, while three other officers faced federal and state charges for their roles.
Despite the overwhelming evidence and legal verdicts, misinformation surrounding Floyd’s death — especially claims that he died of a drug overdose rather than police force — has gained traction in right-wing media spheres. These debunked narratives are now being used to fuel demands that former President Donald Trump pardon the officers involved, should he return to office.
Prominent conservative figures have repeatedly shared selectively edited autopsy information, falsely implying that Floyd’s drug use — and not Chauvin’s actions — was the sole cause of death. However, multiple investigations, including one by the U.S. Department of Justice, concluded that Floyd’s death was a result of excessive and unreasonable police force.
Misinformation Undermines Reform Efforts
According to civil rights advocates and legal experts, the persistence of false narratives is not only harmful to Floyd’s legacy but also threatens ongoing police reform efforts across the United States.
“What we’re seeing is a coordinated attempt to rewrite history,” said Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change. “Disinformation erases accountability and damages progress.”
While the Black Lives Matter movement saw a surge in public support in 2020, recent polls show a drop in momentum as misinformation erodes trust in reform initiatives.
The Biden administration launched several Department of Justice investigations into systemic police misconduct following Floyd’s death. However, under Trump’s new term, many of these reforms are being reconsidered or reversed.
As the fifth anniversary of Floyd’s death passes, activists continue to push for justice, transparency, and legislative action — even as the digital battleground over Floyd’s legacy intensifies.
