POLK COUNTY, Ga. — A north Georgia sheriff had a strong message condemning police brutality after the death of a black man in police custody in Minneapolis.
George Floyd, 46, died on Memorial Day after video showed a police officer kneel on his neck for several minutes. Bystanders filmed the incident as Floyd told the officers that he couldn’t breathe and eventually lost consciousness.
[RELATED: George Floyd death: Minneapolis erupts in violence, fires; 1 killed near protest site]
On Wednesday, Polk County Sheriff Johnny Moats issued a statement on the county’s Facebook page, calling for the officers involved in Floyd’s death to be charged.
"I am deeply disturbed by the video of Mr. Floyd being murdered in the street with other officers there letting it go on. I can assure everyone, me or any of my deputies will never treat anyone like that as long as I'm Sheriff. This kind of brutality is terrible and it needs to stop. All Officers involved need to be arrested and charged immediately. Praying for the family."
[RELATED: Who was George Floyd? 6 things to know about man who died in Minneapolis police custody]
Four officers who were involved have since been fired. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called for the officer who knelt on Floyd's neck to be criminally charged.
Protests erupted in Minneapolis overnight, leaving one person dead.