The Minneapolis City Council has reached an agreement to compensate an eyewitness with a $150,000 settlement.
This eyewitness attempted to intervene during George Floyd’s fatal encounter and claims to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a consequence.
Donald Williams, a mixed martial arts fighter notable for his testimony against former Officer Derek Chauvin during the 2021 murder trial, initiated legal action against the city last spring.
Williams alleged that he faced police assault while endeavoring to prevent Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020.
The Star Tribune reported that the council gave unanimous approval to the settlement on Thursday without engaging in any discussion.
Startling claims emerged in the courtroom as the lawsuit accused Chauvin of locking eyes with Williams, swiftly reaching for a canister of chemical spray, and aggressively brandishing it towards him and fellow onlookers who voiced apprehension about Floyd’s well-being.
Video evidence showcased during Chauvin’s trial captured Williams imploring the officer to cease his actions against Floyd, condemning him as a “bum.”
Former Officer Tou Thao intervened, adding to the tense encounter, advancing towards Williams and firmly pressing a hand against his chest, as outlined in the lawsuit.
During Chauvin’s trial, Williams directly informed the jury of the officer’s implementation of a “blood choke,” a technique commonly utilized in MMA, which constricted Floyd’s circulation.
Williams explicitly accused the officers in his lawsuit of subjecting him to circumstances that induced fear for his safety and inflicted pain, suffering, humiliation, embarrassment, and significant medical expenses.
Following the news of Williams’ settlement, users on X have highlighted the eyewitness’ past legal troubles.
Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), for example, reported that Williams faced charges of third-degree property damage and disorderly conduct back in 2023 for smashing windows at Eden Prairie High School. He also allegedly made statements about “choking people out.”
The criminal complaint stated that Williams visited the school to collect his sick child but was denied entry to the building, which is standard procedure for security purposes. Reportedly, Williams became argumentative when school staff denied him entry to retrieve his child.
The charges state that Eden Prairie police were familiar with Williams from a prior encounter. They also emphasized that Williams “has a history of making disturbances and being argumentative.”
“School staff explained the process for picking up a sick child and followed the procedure,” the complaint says.
EPLN reports that Williams allegedly punched a school door window in the presence of a police officer, causing it to shatter out of its frame and resulting in $823 worth of damages.
Williams was notably charged the prior year in Ramsey County for domestic assault by strangulation. Allegedly, he attacked and punched the mother of his children outside the State Fairgrounds while they were there to sell water to fairgoers.
Charges in that case were ultimately dismissed due to the victim’s lack of communication. Moreover, a warrant had been issued for Williams’ arrest in another case. This case involves a violation of a domestic abuse no-contact order with the same victim.
The post George Floyd Death Eyewitness With Pending Criminal Cases Reaches $150K Settlement For Emotional Damages appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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