George Floyd died because his breathing was restricted, US lung expert testifies during trial of ex-cops
India Today
According to the lung expert, George Floyd's upper airway was compressed by former cop Derek Chauvin's knee, while his position on the hard asphalt with his hands cuffed behind his back did not allow his lungs to expand, cutting off the flow of oxygen.
George Floyd died because his breathing was restricted as he was restrained while handcuffed and facedown, a lung expert testified Monday at the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating Floyd's civil rights.
Dr. David Systrom, a pulmonologist and critical care physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said Floyd's upper airway was compressed by Officer Derek Chauvin's knee, while his position on the hard asphalt with his hands cuffed behind his back did not allow his lungs to expand, cutting off the flow of oxygen.
“Oxygen delivered to the heart and brain is critical to survival,” Systrom said. J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao are accused of depriving Floyd, 46, of his rights when they failed to give him medical aid as Chauvin knelt on the Black man's neck for 9 1/2 minutes while Floyd pleaded for air.
READ: George Floyd's 4-year-old grand-niece shot at, family claims 'targeted attack'
Kueng and Thao are also accused of failing to intervene in the May 2020 killing that triggered protests worldwide and a reexamination of racism and policing.
Kueng knelt on Floyd's back, Lane held his legs and Thao kept bystanders back.
Their trial resumed Monday after being abruptly suspended last week because one defendant tested positive for Covid-19.
