One Reason Why, Tragically, the Death of George Floyd Isn’t Surprising

It’s tragic, but I’m not surprised that George Floyd is dead.

After all, I am seen as a white man but still had somewhat similar treatment levied at me by those hired to “keep the peace.”

George died after Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George’s neck. Officer J. Alexander Kueng stayed on George’s back while Officer Thomas K. Lane held George’s legs, according to The New York Times.

George Floyd died after Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George’s neck. Officer J. Alexander Kueng stayed on George’s back while Officer Thomas K. Lane held George’s legs, according to The New York Times. (photo credit: Offices of Ben Crump Law via The New York Times)

In my case, an LDS Hospital guard named Garrett pushed his finger into my temple on two occasions on a concrete floor as I pleaded that I couldn’t breathe. (It must have been Garrett on both occasions as the guards didn’t change positions.) The lack of oxygen started after he started pushing his finger into my temple.

Previously, other guards held my legs and arms.

Each occasion of Garrett pushing his finger into my temple was for 10 to 15 seconds at a time.

I have never felt so much physical pain.

Near the end of each instance, I was unsure if I would survive.

This guard was among five others who shoved me down against the concrete floor of a cell of a hospital unit. They did so after immobilizing and carrying me.