Gianna Floyd gives statement in Derek Chauvin sentencing

Publish date: 2024-08-08

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As part of a series of victim impact statements that were read ahead of Derek Chauvin’s sentencing, George Floyd’s daughter said Friday she misses her dad and wishes she could tell him she loves him.

“I want to play with him, have fun, go on a plane ride,” little Gianna Floyd, 7, said by video during the hearing at the Hennepin County Courthouse. 

“We used to have dinner every single night before we went to bed and Daddy helped me brush my teeth.” 

Gianna said if she could say anything to her father right now, it would be “I miss you and I love you,” as she said she wished he was still here but knows that his spirit lives on. 

A number of Floyd’s family members, including his nephew and brothers, delivered emotional statements ahead of Chauvin learning his fate in Floyd’s death.

“On Monday, May 25, 2020, George Perry Floyd was murdered by Derek Chauvin in a malicious, insidious display of hate and abuse of power,” Floyd’s nephew Brandon Williams told the court.  “Not only did he kill George but he also displayed a total lack of consideration of human life as he did so.” 

Williams said it was “humanly impossible” for him to describe what his family has gone through since losing Floyd and asked the court to bear with him as he attempted “the impossible.” 

Gianna Floyd said she wishes she could tell her dad, “I miss you and I love you.”
Derek Chauvin was denied a motion for a new trial. Court TV

“Words cannot describe the pain, anguish and suffering our family and friends have endured since George was murdered,” Williams said as he asked for the maximum sentence, which is 40 years. 

“It has been truly unimaginable.” 

Floyd’s brother Terrence Floyd spoke next and directed his statement at Chauvin.
“Why?” he asked.

George Floyd pictured here with Gianna. Courtesy of Floyd Family

“What were you thinking? What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother’s neck?” he continued before he broke down in tears. 

“The last conversation I had with my brother … [he said] he wanted to plan play dates with Gianna and my daughter.”

“I want to play with him, have fun, go on a plane ride,” little Gianna Floyd, 7, said by video during the hearing at the Hennepin County Courthouse.  Evelyn Hockstein/REUTERS

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