A majority of Minneapolis City Council has pledged to dismantle the local police department, a significant move amid US nationwide protests sparked by George Floyd’s death last month. Nine of the 13 councillors said a “new model of public safety” would be created in a city where law enforcement has been accused of racism.
Mayor Jacob Frey earlier opposed the move, drawing boos from the crowds.
Anti-racism rallies have been held after Floyd’s death in police custody.
However, security measures across the country were lifted on Sunday as unrest started to ease.
Mr Floyd’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in Houston, his home city before he moved to Minneapolis. The protests started after video emerged showing the 46-year-old African American pinned to the floor, with a white police officer kneeling on his neck for almost nine minutes.
Officer Derek Chauvin has been dismissed and charged with murder. Three other officers who were at the scene have also been sacked and charged with aiding and abetting. – BBC News
