Pelosi: Correct Statement That George Floyd Should Be Thanked for His “Sacrifice”

Target: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Goal: Apologize and correct statement that George Floyd “sacrificed” his life.

Nancy Pelosi made some insensitive remarks about George Floyd following the news that the police officer who murdered him was found guilty on all charges. Pelosi said: “Thank you, George Floyd, for sacrificing your life for justice. For being there to call out to your mom, how heartbreaking was that.” This commentary suggests that Floyd was a willing martyr and that his death can be leveraged for political purposes. The reality is that Floyd was murdered against his will while he was begging for his life. Floyd did not want to die and he did not consent to or have any agency in the events surrounding his murder.

The deaths of BIPOC individuals should not be framed as fodder for political agendas. Sign this petition to urge Pelosi to apologize and correct her statement that George Floyd “sacrificed” his life.

PETITION LETTER:

To Ms. Pelosi,

Victims of murder can never be viewed as sacrifices to a cause because, inherently, they did not consent to their death or involvement. George Floyd did not sacrifice his life for racial equality, systemic changes, or political gains. He was murdered while he begged for his life to be saved. Floyd did not want to die. Suggesting that his death can be viewed as something sacrificial or that the public should be grateful for his death is problematic and strips Floyd of his humanity and individuality.

I urge you to immediately apologize and correct your statement that George Floyd should be thanked for “sacrificing his life.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Bob Warrick