Was George Floyd a felon? That question has sparked heated debates online and off. Following his death on May 25, 2020, during an arrest in Minneapolis, many people started looking into his past, leading to polarized opinions.
Who Was George Floyd?
George Perry Floyd Jr. was born on October 14, 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and raised in Houston, Texas. He stood 6’6” tall and had a reputation as a gentle giant. Floyd moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2014 to rebuild his life and find work.
Before his death, Floyd worked as a truck driver and a security guard at Conga Latin Bistro. Like many, his employment was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But George Floyd was more than just a worker or a victim. He was a father, a friend, and a symbol of a broader movement for justice and racial equity
What Does “Felon” Mean, Legally?
Before diving into the records, let’s clarify what the term felon actually means.
Legal Definition:
A felon is someone who has been convicted of a felony, which is generally defined as a crime punishable by more than one year in prison or by death.
In the United States, felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and can include offenses like:
- Armed robbery
- Drug trafficking
- Burglary
- Aggravated assault
A person does not have to currently be in prison to be called a felon. Once convicted of a felony, that label legally and socially follows for life—unless the conviction is overturned or expunged.
More Opportunities: Can Felons Get Medicaid?
George Floyd’s Criminal Record: Verified Court Documents
George Floyd had multiple arrests and convictions in Harris County, Texas. According to court records made public by the Harris County District Clerk and cited by multiple fact-checking organizations like Snopes and USA Today, his record includes both misdemeanors and felonies.
Here are the known felony charges and convictions
Timeline of Key Charges and Convictions
| Year | Offense | Type | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Theft | Misdemeanor | Convicted |
| 1998 | Possession of cocaine (less than 1g) | Felony | Convicted |
| 2001 | Criminal trespass | Misdemeanor | Convicted |
| 2002 | Possession of cocaine (less than 1g) | Felony | Convicted |
| 2005 | Possession of cocaine (more than 1g) | Felony | Convicted |
| 2007 | Aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon | Felony | Convicted |
| 2009 | Sentenced to 5 years in prison | — | Served time until 2013 |
Notably, the 2007 robbery involved a home invasion in which Floyd was alleged to have entered a home with several men, one of whom pointed a gun at a woman. Floyd accepted a plea deal and served time.
Was George Floyd a Felon?
Yes, George Floyd had multiple felony convictions, primarily for drug possession and a 2007 aggravated robbery charge.
He served prison time for his offenses, with his longest sentence being five years.
However, as of 2020, he had been out of prison for nearly 7 years, working to rebuild his life in Minnesota.
The Internet’s Obsession With His Past
When video footage of Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck went viral, a movement erupted. But not long after, certain corners of the internet began digging into Floyd’s past.
Some posts were:
- Misleading: Suggesting he was currently wanted for crimes
- Inflammatory: Using his past to justify his death
- Outright false: Claiming he died of a drug overdose or heart condition, not police force
These claims were widely debunked. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner listed the cause of death as cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.
What Did George Floyd Do After Serving Time?
After his release, Floyd became active in the community and tried to live a quiet life. He worked several jobs, including as a security guard.
His friends and family said he often talked about being a better father, staying out of trouble, and helping others avoid the pitfalls he fell into.
In a video shared by a Minneapolis youth group, Floyd once said:
“Our young generation is clearly lost. It’s time to come together, stop the violence, and make a change.”
How Did George Floyd Die?
George Floyd died on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest carried out by four police officers, most notably Derek Chauvin, who was later convicted of murder.
The events that led to his death were captured on video and widely shared, sparking global protests against police brutality and systemic racism.
Location:
Cup Foods, a convenience store at 3759 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN.
What Happened – Step-by-Step?
- The Call to Police
- Around 8:00 PM, an employee at Cup Foods called 911.
- The report: George Floyd allegedly used a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes.
- Store employees approached him and asked for the items back; Floyd reportedly refused.
- Police Arrival
- Officers Thomas Lane and J.A. Kueng were the first to arrive.
- Floyd was in a car with two other passengers.
- He appeared cooperative but panicked when officers tried to get him into their patrol car.
- Floyd repeatedly said he was claustrophobic and that he “couldn’t breathe.”
- The Restraint
- Shortly after, Derek Chauvin and Tou Thao arrived.
- Floyd was removed from the police vehicle and placed on the ground.
- Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds.
- Floyd repeatedly said: “I can’t breathe” more than 20 times.
- He called out for his mother and said, “I’m about to die.”
- Bystanders, including a firefighter, pleaded with officers to stop the restraint.
- Officers didn’t intervene.
- Medical Response
- Floyd became unresponsive while still pinned to the ground.
- EMTs arrived and transported him to Hennepin County Medical Center.
- He was pronounced dead at 9:25 PM, less than an hour after the 911 call.
Official Cause of Death
According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner (May 2020), George Floyd died from cardiopulmonary arrest caused by law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression. The death was ruled a homicide. Contributing conditions included heart disease and the presence of fentanyl and methamphetamine, though these were not the direct cause of death.
An independent autopsy commissioned by Floyd’s family found the cause to be asphyxiation from sustained pressure. Their experts concluded that Floyd died due to lack of oxygen, and that the knee on his neck and back severely restricted airflow and blood circulation—not drugs.
Why the Video Was So Powerful?
The bystander video—recorded by 17-year-old Darnella Frazier, who later won a Pulitzer Prize special citation—became the core piece of evidence and a symbol of global protest.
It showed:
- Floyd never resisted violently
- He pleaded for his life
- Chauvin did not remove his knee, even after Floyd was unconscious
Why Does the Felon Label Matter?
Labeling Floyd as “just a felon” diminishes the complexity of his humanity and turns attention away from the circumstances of his death.
Here’s why that label is problematic:
- Irrelevance: Past crimes don’t justify police brutality or excessive force.
- Bias Reinforcement: Reinforces racial stereotypes about Black men and crime.
- Victim Blaming: Deflects blame from the system that caused the injustice.
Even people with felony records are entitled to equal protection under the law and deserve dignity.
What the Experts Say?
🔹 Legal Experts:
According to the American Bar Association, “A person’s criminal history is irrelevant in assessing whether their civil rights were violated.”
🔹 Journalists:
NPR’s ethics guide states that a victim’s criminal record should only be reported if it’s directly relevant to the story.
🔹 Sociologists:
Dr. Nikki Jones of UC Berkeley notes, “Reducing people to their worst moments erases their journey, struggles, and humanity.”
The Bigger Picture: Justice, Humanity, and Media Responsibility
George Floyd’s death ignited protests in over 60 countries. The focus wasn’t just on Floyd—it was about a pattern of excessive force against Black people.
By zeroing in on his past, we risk missing:
- The opportunity for justice reform
- The need for empathy in public discourse
- The systemic problems in law enforcement
Final Thoughts
George Floyd was a man with flaws, like all of us. But he was also a person trying to change. Focusing solely on his criminal past misses the broader message of accountability, equality, and reform.
To say he was just a felon is to ignore the centuries-long story of justice denied and voices silenced.
FAQs
Did George Floyd serve time in prison?
Yes. He served multiple sentences, with the longest being five years for aggravated robbery.
Was George Floyd currently wanted for a crime at the time of his death?
No. He was not wanted or under investigation for any felonies.
Why does the media mention George Floyd’s criminal record?
Some media outlets referenced it to provide background. Others did so to shift the narrative. Ethically, it’s controversial.
