Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison increased the charges against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, in addition to charging the three other police officers involved in George Floyd’s murder. Floyd’s murder has sparked ongoing protests across the United States and the world.

The announcement comes over a week after Floyd was killed in police custody in Minneapolis. Chauvin held Floyd down and pressed his knee into his neck for almost nine minutes. He was previously charged with third-degree murder. The charge has been increased to second-degree murder.

In a news conference, Ellison announced the charges at a press conference and said, “These charges are in the interest of justice,” according to journalist Laura Polisseni. He also said, “I now ask for continued patience. This case continues to be under investigation. We will not be able to say very much publicly about the investigation.” And, “I strongly believe that these developments are in the interest of justice for Mr. Floyd,” said Ellison during the press conference.

Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Floyd’s family, said in a statement, “This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, and we are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyd’s body was laid to rest. This is a source of peace for George’s family in this painful time.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar tweeted a confirmation of additional charges ahead of Ellison’s announcement. She called it, “another important step for justice.”

Here’s what you can do:

Many organizations like Black Lives Matter, Color of Change, and the NAACP are working to empower black Americans and achieve justice for those impacted by racist systems.

Also, remember to register to vote if you haven’t already. This is one of the simplest ways to make your voice heard as a citizen.Here are some resources for you:

Places to Donate:

• Donate to Black Lives Matter here.
• Get involved with your local BLM chapter: The full list is here or start your own.
• Many protestors are getting arrested and being held. Donate to bail funds in your city, here or here.
• HBCUBuzz has a listing of lawyers and legal resources for protestors, organized by state.
• Resources and donations by the National Police Accountability Project.
• Learn about Campaign Zero, which works to end police violence in America.
• The New York Times has put together an anti-racist reading list.
• National Black Bailout Fund, which works towards ending systems of mass incarceration and freeing imprisoned black mothers.
• Visit Louisville Community Bail Fund to contribute towards bail for protesters in Louisville.

Text or Call:

• Text “JUSTICE” To 668366
• Text “FLOYD” To 55156
• Text “ENOUGH” To 55156
• Call Minneapolis Mayor’s Office, Jacob Frey at 612-673-2100
• Call Minneapolis District Attorney, Mike Freeman at 612-348-5550 or email citizeninfo@hennepin.us

Leave a message for them demanding that all 4 officers involved including Derek Chauvin (Badge #1087) and Tou Thao (Badge #7162) be arrested for the Murder of George Floyd.

Petitions to Sign:

• Justice for George Floyd
• Petition to end medical racism
• Justice for Breonna Taylor
• Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
• Justice for Tony McDade, Black trans man killed by police
• Sign the “Justice for George Floyd” petition on Change.org
• Color of Change launched a petition asking that all the officers involved in Floyd’s death are brought to justice.

For a more extensive resource list, please see the collection put together by Black Lives Matter.

Through this grief and anger, we must unite and work together to create the change we want to see. Let’s make sure no black child has to ever say these heartbreaking words ever again. 

If you’re attending a protest, please be safe and careful and maintain social distancing, if possible.