Minneapolis agrees to $150,000 settlement for witness to George Floyd’s killing | Global News

The Minneapolis City Council has agreed to pay a USD 150,000 settlement to Donald Williams, an eyewitness who tried to intervene to prevent George Floyd’s murder and who says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. Williams, a mixed martial arts fighter who testified against former Officer Derek Chauvin in his 2021 murder trial, sued the city last spring, alleging he was assaulted by police while trying to prevent Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020.

The council unanimously approved the settlement without discussion on Thursday, as reported by the Star Tribune. The lawsuit alleged that Chauvin looked directly at Williams, grabbed a canister of chemical spray, and began shaking it toward him and other bystanders expressing concern for Floyd’s welfare. In video played at Chauvin’s trial, Williams can be heard urging Chauvin to get off Floyd and denouncing the officer as a “bum.”

Former Officer Tou Thao also stepped toward Williams and placed a hand on his chest, according to the lawsuit. Williams told the jury in Chauvin’s trial that the officer executed what MMA fighters call a “blood choke” on Floyd, restricting his circulation.

As a result of the officers’ actions, Williams alleged in his lawsuit that he feared for his safety and endured pain, suffering, humiliation, embarrassment, and medical expenses. Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, sparked protests worldwide and forced a national reckoning with police brutality and racism.

Chauvin was convicted of state murder charges in Floyd’s death and sentenced to 22 1/2 years. He also pleaded guilty to a separate federal charge of violating Floyd’s civil rights. Thao and two other former officers involved are serving shorter sentences.