Five years after the killing of George Floyd sparked global protests against systemic racism, efforts to overhaul policing practices in the U.S. remain mired in political gridlock. Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died on May 25, 2020, after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes—a moment captured on video and shared worldwide.
The tragedy ignited demands for accountability and structural reforms, including bans on chokeholds and increased transparency in law enforcement. While some cities implemented local policy changes, federal legislation such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act has repeatedly stalled in Congress, leaving advocates disillusioned.
Analysts cite partisan divisions and shifting public attention as key barriers to progress. Meanwhile, incidents of police violence continue to make headlines, underscoring unresolved tensions. The lack of nationwide momentum raises questions about the durability of the 2020 protest movement’s impact.
