A service to commemorate George Floyd, the first of three planned memorials, is being held in Minneapolis.
George Floyd, 46, died on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His death in police custody has sparked huge protests across the US.
Family members and friends are now arriving and taking their seats for the memorial service.
The service at a sanctuary at the city’s North Central Universityis also being attended by a number of lawmakers, actors and musicians.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar are some of the politicians in attendance.
Ludacris, TI, Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart are among the celebrities present.
Attendees have also been reminded to socially distance themselves to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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The service has begun with a reading of scripture by Reverend Jerry McAffey of the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church.
On June 3, new charges were announced against all four of the now sacked officers present at George Floyd’s death.
The charge against Officer Derek Chauvin has been elevated to second-degree murder while the other three officers, previously uncharged, face counts of aiding and abetting murder.
The vast majority of demonstrations over the past eight days have been peaceful, but some have turned violent and curfews have been imposed in a number of cities.
Former President Barack Obama and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, are among senior public figures who have offered their support to the protesters.
Benjamin Crump, a lawyer for the Floyd family, said it was more than just honoring George Floyd’s memory.
“It’s going to be a celebration of life, but it’s also going to be a plea to America and a plea for justice that we don’t let his death be in vain,” he told NBC’s Today show.
