George Floyd : Texas Board Denies Posthumous Pardon
Improve the News Foundation -
Facts
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) has decided not to recommend a posthumous pardon for George Floyd - who was killed by a former Minneapolis officer in 2020, sparking Black Lives Matter protests -for a 2004 drug conviction.
Floyd's attorney, Allison Mathis, had first submitted a pardon request in April 2021, and, initially, the BBP unanimously decided to recommend that Texas Gov. Abbott grant a pardon.
However, before Gov. Abbott could make a final decision, the BBP reversed its recommendation in December 2021, citing "procedural errors" and saying it needed to reconsider a third of 67 clemency applications it had sent to the governor.
In a letter sent to Mathis on Thursday, the board stood by its reversal and "decided not to recommend a Full Pardon and/or Pardon for Innocence." According to the letter, another request for a posthumous pardon can be submitted in two years.
The 2004 incident saw Floyd arrested by police Officer Gerald Goines for selling $10 worth of crack in a police sting. Goines currently faces two counts of felony murder for a deadly 2019 drug raid, and around 150 drug convictions tied to Goines have been dismissed by prosecutors.
Left narrative, as provided by Daily Beast. With the current investigation into the arresting officer and his history of convictions continually being dismissed, there's no doubt that Floyd should have received a full pardon, which would have gone long way in showing a commitment to accountability. This decision is an insult to Floyd and his family.
Right narrative, as provided by Daily Wire. Floyd had a long history of run-ins with police and was charged at least 19 times throughout his lifetime. Despite the undeniable tragedy surrounding his death - which has seen the officer responsible held accountable - it doesn't exempt him from the consequences of his actions that led to his 2004 arrest, for which he pleaded guilty.