Congressional Black Caucus Condemns Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's Comments on George Floyd

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on Tuesday condemned comments made by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., accusing Democrats of "worshiping" George Floyd, a Black man who was killed four years ago at the hands of Minneapolis police.

"This is unhinged even for @RepMTG," the caucus wrote in a post on X. "George Floyd did not deserve to die, and a member of Congress should have the decency to acknowledge his humanity."

Greene's Controversial Remarks

The CBC’s comments come after Greene posted a video on X of her answering questions from NBC News in the Capitol hallways about her defense of former President Donald Trump. In the video, Greene described Floyd as a “convicted felon” whom Democrats are “still worshiping." Her remarks were made in response to Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who had suggested during a congressional hearing on the origins of COVID that some Republicans “blindly worship” convicted felons. This statement came days after Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Addressing Dr. Anthony Fauci, who appeared for testimony before the panel on Monday, Raskin apologized for his Republican colleagues whom he said were treating him “like a convicted felon.”

“Actually, you probably wish they were treating you like a convicted felon. They treat convicted felons with love and admiration. Some of them blindly worship convicted felons,” Raskin said.

Greene's Defense and Further Statements

In the video clip, Greene responded, “We have Jamie Raskin in there accusing us of worshiping Trump. Worshiping a 'convicted felon'."

When pressed on the fact that Trump will be a convicted felon, Greene retorted, "Well yeah, so is George Floyd and everybody — and you all too — the media — worship George Floyd. Democrats worship George Floyd. There were riots burning down the f---ing country over George Floyd."

“I’m tired of Democrat antics claiming Republicans worship Donald Trump," Greene wrote in the post accompanying the clip. "I worship God! Democrats are still worshiping Convicted Felon George Floyd."

The Death of George Floyd

George Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, knelt on his neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Chauvin was convicted of murder, and Floyd's death triggered a nationwide reckoning on racism and police violence.

The incident sparked widespread protests and led to the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement, highlighting systemic racism and the urgent need for police reform. Floyd’s death became a symbol of the fight against racial injustice and police brutality in the United States.

Reaction to Greene's Comments

The CBC's condemnation of Greene's comments reflects the broader outrage over her remarks, which many see as deeply insensitive and inflammatory. Greene's framing of Floyd as a "convicted felon" and her accusation that Democrats are "worshiping" him ignores the broader context of his death and the subsequent societal impact.

A spokesperson for Greene did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday night.

Trump’s Conviction and Political Fallout

Trump was convicted Thursday on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to reimbursing his former attorney Michael Cohen for hush money paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 campaign. Trump had pleaded not guilty in the case and denied Daniels’ claims that she had a sexual encounter with him in 2006. His sentencing in the case is scheduled for July 11.

Greene's defense of Trump and her comparison of his situation to that of George Floyd has further polarized opinions, drawing sharp criticism from those who see her remarks as an attempt to trivialize Floyd's death and the broader issues of racial injustice.

Broader Implications and Political Context

Greene’s comments come at a time of heightened political tensions and divisions within the United States. Her remarks have not only intensified the debate over George Floyd's legacy but also brought into focus the broader issues of race and justice that continue to resonate across the nation.

Floyd's death remains a pivotal moment in the conversation about police reform and racial equality. It catalyzed widespread demonstrations and policy discussions aimed at addressing systemic racism and the use of excessive force by law enforcement. Greene's comments, seen by many as dismissive and inflammatory, have sparked renewed calls for politicians to approach these issues with greater sensitivity and understanding.

Conclusion

The Congressional Black Caucus's condemnation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's comments underscores the ongoing tensions and divisions within American politics regarding issues of race, justice, and accountability. As the nation continues to grapple with these complex issues, the discourse surrounding them remains highly charged and deeply impactful. The reaction to Greene’s remarks serves as a reminder of the need for respectful dialogue and the importance of acknowledging the humanity and dignity of all individuals in the political arena.