APRIL 26, 2024:
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis City Council has agreed to pay a $150,000 settlement to an eyewitness who tried to intervene to prevent George Floyd’s murder and who says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. Donald Williams is a mixed martial arts fighter who testified against former Officer Derek Chauvin in his 2021 murder trial. He sued the city last spring, alleging he was assaulted by police while trying to prevent Floyd’s death in 2020. The Star Tribune reports that the council unanimously approved the settlement without discussion Thursday (April 25, 2024). In video played at Chauvin’s trial, Williams can be heard urging Chauvin to get off Floyd and denouncing the officer as a “bum.”
MAY 18, 2023:
UNDATED (AP)- One of the most vocal bystanders who watched as a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd is suing the city, alleging he was assaulted and suffered emotional distress. Donald Williams filed the lawsuit Tuesday (May 16, 2023) in Hennepin County District Court. Williams in the lawsuit alleges that while ex-officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck on May 25, 2020, he threatened Williams and other bystanders with mace after Williams expressed concern for Floyd. The lawsuit also alleges that Chauvin and another ex-officer, Tou Thao, taunted bystanders and that Thao placed his hand on Williams’ chest. The lawsuit says Williams is seeking more than $50,000 for each count. The City Attorney’s Office said it didn’t have a comment on the lawsuit.
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