Floyd memorial held as protests continue in US

Family members, friends and political leaders gathered on Thursday to remember George Floyd, a man described as someone who could relate to people from all walks of life.

Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, was eulogized at a service in the city on Thursday. Floyd's death galvanized protesters across the country and has led to renewed calls for racial justice.

Family, friends and guests observed a silence of eight minutes and 46 seconds on Thursday. That was the amount of time that the unarmed, 46-year-old black man was pinned under a white Minneapolis police officer's knee. He became unconscious and died.

The officer, Derek Chauvin, faces second-degree murder charges, and three other officers who were present were charged with aiding and abetting murder.

Philonise Floyd said his brother made "everyone feel as important as a president".

"Guys doing drugs. Smokers and homeless people. You couldn't tell because when you spoke to George, they felt that like they were the president, because that is how he made you feel," he said. "He was powerful, man. He had a way with words.

"All these people came to see my brother. And that is amazing to me that he touched so many people's hearts," Philonise Floyd added. "Everybody wants justice. We want justice for George. He's going to get it. He's going to get it."

The Reverend Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, delivered a fiery speech at the service at North Central University in downtown Minneapolis.

"The reason why we are marching all over the world is because we are like George. We couldn't breathe, not because something is wrong with our lungs, but because you wouldn't take your knee off our neck," Sharpton said.

"What happened to Floyd happens every day in this country, in education, in health services, and in every area of American life. It is time for us to stand up in George's name and say, get your knee off our necks," he added.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey knelt beside Floyd's casket and wept.

Scott Hagan, president of the university, announced during the memorial service that his school set up a scholarship in Floyd's name that has already raised over $52,000. He challenged every university president in the US to establish a George Floyd memorial scholarship fund.

"So people across this nation can give to the college of their choice. It is time to invest like never before in a new generation of young black Americans who are poised and ready to take leadership of our nation. So university presidents, let's step up together," he said.

The service also drew Minnesota state officials and federal lawmakers including Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Ilhan Omar as well as celebrities.

Governors from New York and Ohio called on their citizens to pause for a moment of silence to honor Floyd as the service was beginning.

Thursday's memorial, streamed live to the public, marks the start of a series of services to remember Floyd. On Saturday, a public viewing and private memorial service will be held in North Carolina, where Floyd was born. Floyd's body will be returned to Houston, where he grew up, for public viewing on Monday, with a private service planned for Tuesday.

Protesters returned to the streets of several US cities for a 10th straight day on Thursday, including New York, Atlanta, Washington, Detroit and Los Angeles, but most demonstrations were orderly and peaceful.

Hundreds of combat soldiers with the 82nd Airborne were ordered to leave Washington on Thursday after retired generals rebuked President Donald Trump over his use of the military to stem protests in the capital, according to an NBC News report.

Chen Yingqun in Beijing, Xinhua and agencies contributed to this story.