Miami-Area Police Chiefs 'Outraged' Over Death Of George Floyd

MIAMI, FL — Miami-area police chiefs said they were "upset and outraged" by the events leading to the death of George Floyd, who can be seen on video struggling to breathe and pleading for help as a Minnesota police officer pressed his knee deep into Floyd's neck.

The former high school football star's death touched off three days of violent protests in Minnesota and sparked protests across the United States, prompting President Donald Trump to threaten to send in the National Guard early Friday morning unless the Minneapolis mayor can bring his city "under control."

The Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police, which includes the cities of Miami and Miami Beach, released a statement Thursday night condemning the police response that led to the death of Floyd and the firings of four Minnesota police officers. See George Floyd Protest: Fire Breaks Out At Saint Paul Auto Shop

"The actions, and inactions, of the involved officers are contrary to the training, protocols, and values of our law enforcement profession," the statement said. "Incidents like these tear at the very fabric of community policing in which we have worked so hard to strengthen over the years."

Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina sent a video media message to his officers warning them to learn from the case and make sure they "respect life" above everything else.

"I don't think anyone can see that video and not be disturbed by it," the chief said. "It is very evident that what occurred there was wrong. There is no training across anywhere in this country, but especially here in the city of Miami that teaches someone to take that kind of action."

The chief said a "lack of humanity" was on display in the video of Floyd being held down by the Minneapolis police officer as his fellow officers looked on.

"Someone in that scene should have gone over to that officer and stopped that action and had the courage to do the right thing," Colina said. "The message I gave my officers this morning is that what I expect them to do is the right thing, carry that badge and wear that badge with honor and integrity and make sure that we respect life above everything else."

In the predominantly black community of Miami Gardens, which was the host city for this year's Super Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium, Police Chief Delma K. Noel-Pratt called the actions of the Minneapolis officers "inexcusable, unacceptable, unjustifiable and criminal" as she counseled her fellow officers how to avoid future incidents.

"I don't have any sons, but I have a husband, brother and nephews," said Noel-Pratt who is black. "This cannot be our reality. We must be professional and treat others with respect, compassion and dignity."

The Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police urged law enforcement agencies to do better at improving training and protocols.

The organization commended Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo for his "swift and decisive action" to fire four of his officers over the handling of the case and commended his decision to involve the FBI.

"Transparency during this time is key to demonstrating law enforcement's commitment to serving and protecting our residents with dignity, humanity and respect," the police chiefs said in the statement.