Pittsburgh police chief condemns actions of Minneapolis officers in death of George Floyd

Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert on Friday condemned the actions of Minneapolis police officers in the death of a handcuffed black man, calling the incident the “incomprehensible and senseless actions of a few.”

The May 25 killing of George Floyd touched off outrage across the country and three days of protests and rioting that continued Thursday night with the burning of a Minneapolis police station.

A video taken by a resident shows Floyd, 46, pleading for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck and several other officers watched.

Schubert issued a statement to city police officers saying he was “deeply disturbed and saddened” by the video.

“It was difficult to watch Mr. Floyd pleading for help and gasping for breath before saying his final words — all while pedestrians frantically pleaded with officers to help him,” the chief said. “I simply cannot comprehend the actions of the officers or their lack of moral courage and duty to intervene and stop the action before it was too late.”

Schubert said police officers are sworn to protect the lives of citizens.

“There was no consideration for the value of human life and that is inexcusable,” he said. “These officers don’t represent any of us in law enforcement and must face the consequences for their actions.”

He said the city police academy would review the incident and use it in training sessions.

“This is not how we are trained to restrain people and it’s not what we stand for as police officers,” he said.