Washington, DC, United States of America

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives took up the issues of police violence and racial injustice in America on Wednesday in the first congressional hearing since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests around the world.

Advertisment

George Floyd's death on May 25 after a policeman knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes was the latest in a string of killings of African-American men and women by police that have sparked anger on America's streets and fresh calls for reforms.

One day after burying his brother in Houston, Philonise Floyd appeared in person before a House hearing, where he described the anguish of watching a video of George's death and demanded lawmakers address the systemic problems in law enforcement.

"Justice for George," Floyd's 42-year-old brother Philonise told reporters on his way into the hearing venue.

Advertisment

Also read | 'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral

"I'm here to ask you to make it stop. Stop the pain," a tearful Philonise Floyd, 42, said in testimony before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. "George called for help and he was ignored. Please listen to the call I'm making to you now, to the calls of our family and the calls ringing on the streets of all the world."

"I can't tell you the kind of pain you feel when you watch... your big brother, who you looked up to your whole entire life, die -- die begging for his mom," he added.

Advertisment

"Maybe by speaking with you today, I can make sure that his death will not be in vain."

Video of the shocking abuse went viral, and protests -- some violent, most peaceful -- erupted from coast to coast in some of the most serious US civil unrest in generations.

Also read | Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors

"The nation demands and deserves meaningful change," House Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler said at the start of the hearing in the US Capitol.

Lawmakers were expected to hear urgent pleas from civil rights advocates for strong reforms and more funding for social services in minority communities, as well as vocal support for police from three witnesses called by Republicans. Some witnesses and lawmakers were set to participate by video link to ensure social distancing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Judiciary panel is preparing to shepherd a sweeping Democratic package of legislation aimed at combating police violence and racial injustice, to the House floor by July 4, and is expected to hold further hearings next week to prepare the bill for a full House vote.

The Fraternal Order of Police has welcomed the bill's introduction, saying in a statement that further discussions could produce a law capable of having a positive impact on law enforcement and policing.

Also read | New York votes on scrapping law which protects disciplinary records of police officers

The Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee will hold its own hearing next Tuesday.

The hearing also provided a platform for House Republicans, who have responded to protests by underscoring their support for police and accusing Democrats of wanting to cut off police funding, which top Democrats oppose.

The House Judiciary Committee's top Republican, Jim Jordan, acknowledged that it was "time for a real discussion" about police treatment of African Americans, in the latest sign that Republicans also want to make changes to the system.

"It's as wrong as wrong can be," Jordan told Philonise Floyd about George Floyd's death, "and your brother's killers will face justice."

(with inputs from agencies)