Transcripts For MSNBCW MSNBC Live With Hallie Jackson 20200609

Of another shooting of an unarmed black man. The final moments of Maurice Gordons life, a 28yearold unarmed black man, shot by a white state trooper in new jersey just last month. The exclusive reaction this morning from maurices mother coming up later this hour. Lets start with nbcs Morgan Chesky in houston, Shaquille Brewster in minneapolis. We set the stage for us for what were expected to see. What is the mood in houston. What are we expecting . Reporter the mood is a somber one, people having a chance to pay their final respects to george floyd. A crowd already starting to build. This is a private ceremony, ayman, unlike what we saw yesterday, a massive show of support. Thousands of people coming from all over the state, right here to this place so they could honor the man that has become a symbol for so much more, making the way through the church and having a chance to look upon the face of george floyd before walking outside, socially distance, the whole time, Wearing Masks and gloves because there is also a pandemic to deal with as well. In the meantime, we know this service will be eulogized by reverend al sharpton. We know that family, friends, several celebrities expected to be here. It was funded by boxer floyd mayweather, hes also expected to be in attendance. And with everyone coming out to show the floyd family support, i did have a chance to catch up with several of his teammates, from his high school here in houston, where he grew up, who gave me just a little insight into what he was like back when they played alongside him when he was a standout football player. Take a listen. Whenever you look back, on the times you had with george, what comes to mind first . Practical joker. He always made sure that the move was right. Hell be remembered as a gentle john as many people have said, gentle giant. But i think hell be remembered most by us as a friend, a jokester, someone with humor, someone with laughter, but also had an embrace of love that cant be compared. That will be the way i remember george floyd. Gentle giant with so much to give. And really lots of love. I did also have a chance to speak to georges partner, roxie washington who he shares a daughter with, she said she doesnt know what shes going to say when hes laid to rest next to his mother today but she knows there is power in his name here and all over the world. Ayman . Morgan chesky in houston. Stay with us. I want to cross over to Shaquille Brewster. All eyes on houston. Everyone is thinking about minneapolis. And as George Floyds family is getting ready to say their final goodbye, where does this go forward from here what is happening on the ground in minneapolis . Well, here in minneapolis, ayman, the commemorations continue, but so do the calls for true systemic change. The Minneapolis City Council explaining their call and commitment to disband the Minneapolis Police department. Council members warning this will be a long process, a conversation, the beginning of a conversation that will go on for at least a year over how to shift resources from the Police Department to more commu communitybased approaches. We saw officer derek chauvin, the officer who had his knee in the neck of george floyd for that nine minute stretch of time, we saw him in court for the first time yesterday. He was appearing via video link, but he had on an orange jump suit. He had on a mask and his hands were handcuffed. The judge set his bail at 1 million with certain conditions including giving up his firearms and not being able to work in Law Enforcement if he were released. He did not we did not get a plea from him at that hearing, but we do expect to hear a plea from him later this month. Ayman . Let me ask you really quickly, it has become part of the rallying cry we hear across the country, the issue of defund the police. The Minneapolis City Council considering or committing to trying to not just defund, but completely rework the concept of police in that city. How is that playing out there on the ground . Do you get a sense from folks that there is a desire to completely abolish the police and reconstitute some sort of department of Public Safety . Reporter the reaction here is mixed. Thats because if you listen to the mayor, he objects to the idea of dismantling the Minneapolis Police department. But one thing that you hear whether youre listening to the mayor or to the veto proof majority of the city council who says they want to dismantle the Police Department is that they believe the Police Department in its current form needs reform. They believe it has failed. Our nbc news colleagues look at Police Records and saw that 44 people have been rendered unconscious by chokeholds by the Police Department. George floyd was the 11th person to die at the hand of Minneapolis Police Department Officers in the past ten years. So there is an understanding that deep reform is needed. What that reform looks like specifically and what shape that will take, that remains to be determined. But you have leaders from all stripes here in minneapolis committing to reforming the policing done in the city. Ayman . Shaquille brewster, stay with us. Back over to Morgan Chesky. Last week we heard reverend al talk about where we are as a country, talked about the country having its knee on black americans for more than eight minutes and 46 seconds we saw there with george floyd, do we get a sense of what the mood and the tone of todays ceremony will be like . What are we expected to hear in terms of the messaging . Ayman, what we anticipate is a celebration of the life of george floyd, but also encouragement to keep the momentum going in this cause that hes become the face of. And when i spoke to roxie washington last night, i said what is justice for you . And she says it is bigger than the four Police Officers that were involved in this case. She says that whatever she has to do, shes going to keep fighting. And she was really asking for all the support she could gather because she says i dont have all the answers right now. But im not going to give up, im going to keep this effort Going Forward to make sure that Something Like this never happens again. Ayman . Morgan chesky in houston, Shaquille Brewster in minneapolis. Were going to be speaking to representative karen bass, the chair of the congressional black caucus, well have that on the other side of the break. And also still ahead, were going to drill down on this idea of defunding the police, i was talking to Shaquille Brewster about, with the man leading Law Enforcement in houston. Art acevedo, why he says getting rid of Police Departments would be an invitation to chaos. We told you of another case of an unarmed black man killed by Law Enforcement, this time in new jersey. Now officials have just released video of the traffic stop that led to Maurice Gordons death. Were going to get reaction from gordons mother in her first interview since she saw that video. How about no no uh uh, no way come on, no no nnnnono only discover has no annual fee on any card. They are compelled to step to the front lines. And into the unknown. For all of us. Midas can help get you there. 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There wont be defunding, there wont be dismantling of our police. No, i dont support defunding the police. From the standpoint of our legislation, were not going to that place. Im joined now by the police chief of houston, art acevedo. Great to have you with us. Thank you for joining us. Let me start by getting your reaction to the rallying cry that were not hearing in this country, because the mayors of new york and los angeles already pledging to cut their police budgets, and youre hearing folks on the street say defund the police. Give me your reaction to that. I mean, look, i think thats a knee jerk reaction and it is a feel good reaction, the truth of the matter is that, you know, mayor turner here, and mayor Lori Lightfoot in chicago recognize what we know, because were out in the communities every day, the communities that need us most are communities of color. And poor communities, poor White Communities and i can tell you from our perspective was murder is up 40 , disproportionately impacting the same communities. Our community dont want less police. They want good policing. They want to make sure we hold bad Police Officers accountable. So thats i think thats a false equivalence, no reason we cant do both, have a professional, a properly staffed and trained Police Department and investments in the communities and our youth and our education and Public Health and Everything Else that we so let me ask you really quickly about that, it is not so much about defunding the police in that people dont want police, i dont think thats what people are saying, certainly in more mainstream circles. But what i am asking you about is specifically reprioritizing the purpose of the police and diverting funds from the police in some cases to social programs. As you know, budgets are not limited, especially after we have seen this pandemic of the coronavirus. So hard choices need to be made. Cant cities reprioritize funding without sacrificing policing in the communities that you described . I cant speak for every community, i can speak for the city of houston, the city of houston the last 20 years has gone by over 500,000 community members, thats a half a million. And instead of having more Police Officers, we have been stagnant. So our ability to actually keep this Community Safe has been has hampered by our lack of resources, not to mention the fact were not careful, the gains that have been made in terms of making policing better in this country through the training, through the proper resources, the equipment, can be lost. So, again, coronavirus taught us when the congress was facing something that impacts all communities, rich and poor, white, black, brown, they printed money like it was going out of style. This is not an either or proposition. It is about this country starting at the congress, having the proper priorities, and i promise you if you start to cut the police in this community, the most diverse in the country, the communities that need us most are the ones that are hurt most and they will be the ones that will most loudly push back. I try to close a storefront here, and my community pushes back immediately. It is not about less police, it is about good policing. And it is not an either or proposition. So let me just really quickly ask you about bet es politer po then. How do you get better Police Officers, not quick to use violence against unarmed people, regardless of the situation, and how do you get the Police Department to where it needs to be so people who say defund the police would be okay with reform the police . I just had a meeting with congresswoman bass, i had meetings with congresswoman Sheila Jackson lee here. There are a lot of things that need to be done. We must have a National Standard for those policies and training regiments. Has to be 18,000 Police Departments doing it the same way. We cant have it hodgepodge approach because what happens in minneapolis affects houston, what. We need National Standards and were hopeful thats what were going to end up with once and for all. Let me finally ask you about your city today. You provided a Police Escort for George Floyds family. I understand you also spoke with the family. Talk to us a little bit about that conversation, what you may have said to them and how important is it for the city today to have this funeral . You know, george floyd was a raised here in houston, a lot of folks know him, his family. A lot of folks, my Police Department, know him. And his family. And it is important for us as a community to actually lift up the family, support the family, and, you know, some critics im seeing out there saying, well, try to cast aspersions. This is not about whether or not george floyd lived a perfect life. This is about a man who was taken at the hands of Police Officers, and were actually honored to join our community in mourning a loss that should not have happened and todays focus will be on this family. I can tell you they know that this death has sparked a movement in this country. The people of different creeds, nationalities, colors, socioeconomic standing have all come together and i think they recognize we have a water shed moment and this death will not be in vain and our promise to this family and to other families is that were going to lead the charge as Police Chiefs and Law Enforcement to get it done and then go beyond policing but also look at the societal challenges facing too many communities that have to be addressed as well. And were going to try to do our best to hold you to account to that. Thank you for your time. I appreciate your insights as always. Joining me now is the chair of the congressional black caucus, democratic congresswoman kevin bass. You heard the police chief say he had a conversation with her. She is in houston to attend the funeral of george floyd. Great to have you with us. Thank you so much for joining us. First, tell me about why you felt it was important to be there in person today. I think it is important for me to pay my respects. And so thats why im here. It was also very important to have the meeting with the chief of police of houston. And to learn and to hear what he had to say about the policies that were trying to put forward. It is really about transforming police culture, raising the standards of police in the united states. You heard the police chief there, im sure, and im sure you also heard, dont have to tell you, the rallying cry in this country is defund the police. You heard the defense there from the police chief saying it is not appropriate to say defund the police. Where do you stand on this issue . Well, i do not agree with defunding the police. What i absolutely agree with is that Police Officers shouldnt be subjected to deal with all of the problems in society. And maybe we should look at how we spend the money and obviously we need to invest many more dollars in other things. Let me give you an example. In los angeles, we have a huge problem with homelessness. We have a jail in los angeles, the twin towers, that is really a mental institution. Very expensive. Why should our Police Officers have to deal with that . Police officers are the first to complain. Theyre not social workers. Theyre there to deal with crime. And so if you take a budget, and if you invest more in communities, if communities have problems, if you look at the root causes of those problems, and try to address those, then maybe it would relieve some of the pressure on police and maybe so much money wouldnt have to be spent in that way. One thing im excited about in the bill is that the bill allows for grants to go to communitybased organizations, to come up with innovative solutions. Maybe to examine what Public Safety is, in a particular area. And so thats the approach that i think is needed. Were calling for Police Officers to be certified for National Standards, why is it that choekeholds are okay . Just like any profession, you all have to be certified. There should be continuing education. So i think there is a lot of things that can be done to address the people who are on the street, protesting and i have been so inspired. Ive been involved in this issue for decades. And ive never seen people in every state protest the issue. Hopefully it will change this time and not like what we have seen over the past several decades. Let me just ask you about the change that you are trying to introduce. You did put forward this Sweeping Police Reform bill yesterday. Can you name any republicans in the house or the senate who said they will support it . I cannot. Not right now. I will tell you that we, first of all, the bill was introduced yesterday, barely 24 hours. And so i many conversations to have. But i can tell you, in the last couple of weeks, i have spoken to republicans. That was when it was in the conceptual stage. Now we will see. But when i talked to them a couple of weeks ago, i found a lot of interest and support. Lets see where it goes now. This is when the work begins. The bill is introduced. First hearing tomorrow. So we have to see where we get. But i think there is going to be a lot of support. What police chief wants to be in a position where they hire somebody and didnt realize that that person was unstable. Tamir rice would have graduated high school this month if that police chief had access to a National Registry where that officer had just been fired from another department. And officers that have problems move around. And i think if those problems involving abusing citizens, then maybe they shouldnt be in that profession. I cant imagine that Police Officers want folks in their ranks that they know are unstable, that they know are abusive, they take their profession very seriously. Any profession that can result in a death of a citizen should have the highest standards and should be very transparent to the public. Congresswoman, let me ask you, what is at stake if we do not make any changes as a country this time around . Youre trying to tell protesters this time will be different than what we have done in the past. And it is because of the protest. The reality of it is, the system as Michelle Alexander noted in the new york times, it is functioning the way it was designed to. Well, i mean, we have to change the design. I dont want to see more videotapes of people being killed. And, you know, george floyd is the one were looking at now. Hes not the first person to have died because either chokehold or a knee on a neck. Thats just inappropriate, period. He was already handcuffed. And so i think it is my responsibility as a member of congress, that we have got to get this across the finish line. And frankly, all of the energy and all of the activity out there is going to help us do that. The other thing that is significantly different this time is that it is an absolute rainbow, it represents the beautiful diversity of our nation and of our world. And so to have people around the world protest, because of abuse in the united states, frankly they should be embarrassing to us. Were the land that preaches human rights for the rest of the world and look at whats going on here. And so i am hoping that all of that pressure, you know congress, congress can take 20 years to move on an issue or 20 days. And im hoping that this is one that will get across the finish line in 20 days. Hopefully so. Congresswoman karen bass, thank you for joining us this hour. I appreciate your time. Thank you. And coming up, new jersey officials release video of what happened during a traffic stop that led to the death of a 28yearold unarmed black man at the hands of Law Enforcement. Next, a mother of victim Maurice Gordon in her first interview since seeing the newly released video. Stay with us. Since my dvt blood clot. I wasnt sure. Was another around the corner . Or could things go a different way . I wanted to help protect myself. My doctor recommended eliquis. Eliquis is proven to treat and help prevent another dvt or pe blood clot. Almost 98 percent of patients on eliquis didnt experience another. And eliquis has significantly less major bleeding than the standard treatment. Eliquis is fdaapproved and has both. Dont stop eliquis unless your doctor tells you to. Eliquis can cause serious and in rare cases fatal bleeding. 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Here is the story from wnbcs natalie pascarella. Reporter the deadly struggle along the garden state parkway. Maurice gordon, a student at Duchess Community College and uber driver was pulled over for speeding. You went by me at 1110 mi0 m an hour. Reporter moments later, you see gordon get out, the sergeant leads him to the cruiser to wait for a tow truck. You got to step away from the side. No, no, no, walk this way. Reporter over the next several minutes, the sergeant asks why he he was speeding and if he was okay. Are you okay . Feeling okay . All right. Reporter it is when he offers a mask did you want to wear a mask . Yeah. Reporter you want to wear you want a mask . The door opens and the struggle begins. You can see and hear it on the left side of your screen before they run to the front of the cruiser near the highway. Get in the car now reporter it appears gordon tries to get into the cruiser. Then you hear the struggle again, and gunshots. You hear Sergeant Wetzel describe the deadly encounter after the officers arrive on scene. He tried running into my car, i got him out, sprayed him, fight again, he ran away from me, tried to grab my gun, we were fighting with my gun and i shot him. Reporter this comes after gordons friend called 911 worried about him, telling a dispatcher that gordon mentioned something about a paranormal experience. Just after 3 00 a. M. , gordon was pulled over more than once including this stop when he was out of gas. Got to find a way to pay or theyll tow your car. Reporter he makes his way to a store as you see him captured on store surveillance before the final traffic stop for allegedly speeding. The attorney generals investigation is ongoing and is pursuing to a law requiring investigations of a persons death that occurs during an encounter with a Law Enforcement officer. New Jersey State Police confirmed to nbc news that officer Sergeant Randall wetzel is currently on administrative leave with pay and made no additional comment about the incident. A Union Representing new jersey sergeants and noncommissioned officers issued a statement in defense of wetzel saying the video reveals justifiable use of force, though any loss of life is tragic, and this is no exception. Governor phil murphy announced a grand jury will review the case to consider possible criminal charges. Back with me for the first interview since the release of these recordings is Maurice Gordon jr. s mother, Raquel Barrett and the familys attorney william wagstaff. Im so sorry that you had to see that again. It was important for our viewers to see those final moments, though. It is just difficult to watch. I mean, for me as a mom, my Mental Health is not doing too good at this moment because my son is not here. Raquel yeah, raquel, i want to just give you a moment to i know this is very difficult, i want you to gather your thoughts for a moment and let me ask william wagstaff, the lawyer representing the family, mr. Wagstaff, can you tell us a little bit about how this played out yesterday. The release of this footage, how was it given to you and what do you plan on doing next . What are some of the Unanswered Questions you have at this moment . For starters, the way this was handled was insensitive, and it was irresponsible. They initially wanted the family to come and sit with the group of strangers as if this was a Movie Theater to watch this video. Instead of sending it to me as a attorney, which i refused to do because i found that to be extremely unreasonable that the media can get a copy of the video sent to them electronically, however the family needs to be corralled in a room with a bunch of strangers to review the last moments of their son, brother or family member. And i wrote a strong letter to the ags office and said thats not the way were going to do this. The same way you send it to any other media source, send me a link, send me the files and allow the family to have time to review it, process it, and grieve. They sent me the link, but before the family was able to review it, see the media, because they were planning for the funeral, it is already released to the public. They learned that it is released to the public because theyre getting Text Messages while planning for the funeral from family members telling them it is on youtube. So you have millions of people that were able to see maurices last moments before his family. And my request that they hold it, in writing, i requested, please do not release this to the media, until the family gets the opportunity to review it. And i got no response. And after they released it to the media, then i get an email, something to the effect of oh, because of the publics need to have this information, were releasing it today. We released it today. They put the needs of the public over the needs of this family to grieve. Again, it is irresponsible, and it is insensitive to say the least. Raquel, i wanted to ask you, if i can, what does justice and accountability look like for you . What do you want to see happen now that we have this information and some of the statement that has come out from the police . I think the police need to be charged. I dont think he should be on leave, getting paid. It is just i have no words. It is just distasteful. Mr. Wagstaff, let me pick up on that for a moment if i can. What does justice and accountability look like, you know, from your perspective as you continue to push forward for Unanswered Questions you may have . Among all of these videos was absent was the remainder of the video that captures the encounter. So while it appears that they try to placate the public, they sent out what i would call a data dump of a bunch of videos, many of them with glaring omissions and things that are decontextualized, they still have not released a complete video of the encounter. There is still 12 to 13 minutes that is missing. We still have not seen what happens in the moments immediately after he was shot. He was handcuffed. We dont know what communications if any he had with other members of the public, other members of the Police Department, all of that is still unclear. Was he just left there to die on the side of the garden state parkway, was he put in the ambulance . What happened . They still have not released the remainder of that. What is really startling to me is that watching this video, it a reminder that the implicit bias in the best case and racism in the worst case is still involved in almost all Police Interactions with people of color. If Maurice Gordon was white, Maurice Gordon would still be alive. So to answer your question, what justice looks like at this point, would have this investigation be done by an independent prosecutor, because im still of the opinion that the state police should not be investigated by the state lawyers, and that an independent investigation and the independent prosecutor presenting this case to the grand jury for determination of what criminal acts, if any, were committed is what justice looks like. To me, the use of force was not reasonable despite what the pva or anyone else in Law Enforcement would say, you cannot use deadly force unless there is a justification to use deadly force. I find that extremely convenient that the officer would make this claim that maurice was reaching for his firearm, but i dont see anywhere on that Video Evidence that he was reaching for his firearm. He created this. He created this altercation when he engaged him looking to leavee vehicle an he should have allowed him to leave the vehicle. He did not need to engage him with physical force. All right, Raquel Barrett, i wanted to give you the final word here. I spoke to you yesterday and asked were you at all concerned about your son living in america in this time. I know that a friend of his called 911 and was concerned about him, were you at all, did you have any reason, have you spoken to that friend or any of his friends to understand why they may have been, if they were in fact concerned about him . I havent spoken to his friend. Did you have any reason to be concerned about him before this incident . No, not really. No. Okay. We were talking two days before. Raquel barrett, thank you so much for joining us. William wag stastaff, thank you well. We appreciate you taking time in the wake of what we have seen yesterday with all that video that was released. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Coming up, a new report raises questions about how the coronavirus spreads. Were going to try to separate fact over fiction with our medical expert next. This moment. This moment right now. This is our commencement. No, well not get a diploma or a degree of any kind. But we are entering a new chapter in our lives. Our confidence is shaken; our hearts cracked. The kind of a crack that comes from the loss of a job; from life plans falling apart. We didnt ask for it. But we are rising to meet it. And how far weve come isnt even close to how far we can go. We just have to remember how patient we were. How strong we can be. how strong you can be. and remember this; theres a crack in everything for a reason. How else can the light get in . Tomorrow starts today. There are questions and confusion this morning about the spread of the coronavirus. A top official with the World Health Organization has caused an uproar after seeing it appears very rare that an infected person without symptoms can spread the virus. Now, that directly contradicts cdc guidance, just a short time ago, the World Health Organization walked things back a bit. The World Health Organization is also warning that the pandemic is far from over. It says more than 136,000 new cases were reported worldwide on sunday. The most in a single day. Here in the u. S. , the number of new coronavirus cases has hit a new high in more than a dozen states including california, texas, and florida. With us now is dr. Roy, an internal medicine physician and nbc medical contributor. Lets talk about what were hearing now from the World Health Organization as we mentioned, one official says asymptomatic spread is very rare. But this morning, another official there walked things back a bit and said they dont actually have the answer yet and that it remains a big open question. What are we to believe in this . Good morning, ayman. Great to be back with you again. There is so much going on in the world right now and we really need to track it down and take it case by case and just break it down. So the World Health Organization, look, they have been studying these diseases and how Infectious Diseases transmit. This is what they do. But their report that asymptomatic spread is rare came as a bit of a surprise to many in the medical and Public Health communities. And im not surprised that to read this morning about dr. Michael ryan, a senior executive, within the w. H. O. , kind of retract a little bit, what dr. Ryan said was that hes not saying asymptomatic spread doesnt happen, he in fact admits it does happen, we just dont know how much. And thats the key. Within our community with experts such as dr. Peter hotez, they have all been saying, look, we are in a position now where there are cases spiking all over the country, in various states. It could be a combination of protests, a combination of businesses and communities reopening, a lot of things happening. So this is not the time for us to be lax when it comes to our Preventive Health measures. We asymptomatic spread is definitely happening as well as presymptomatic spread. We need to continue practicing our Preventive Health measures. So the World Health Organization as i noted also said that we reached a single day high on sunday with 136,000 new cases around the world. What is the take away from that as we have some parts opening up, some saying they flatten the curve, youre seeing that spike in numbers on sunday. The message is really clear, ayman. We have Community Spread of this virus. The virus has not disappeared. We unfortunately had to deal with racial tensions, other social justice issues which we need to address. We have a collision of different problems happening now, and we need to address it. We cant just ignore Everything Else and focus on one. We need to have a symptomatic approach at addressing all of these things. By the way, i firmly believe racism is a Public Health issue, needs to be addressed and very inspired by all the young people protesting. But i think the Public Health message now, because were in the midst of a pandemic, would be continue that activism from home. Be safe, and keep other older people safe as well. Dr. Lippy roy, thank you for giving us the facts this morning. Appreciate your time as always. Thank you, ayman. Long lines and mailin ballots, voters in south carolina, georgia, nevada, west virginia, are choosing candidates for novembers congressional elections. In georgia, both senate seats are up for grabs this year, but voters today will pick a democrat to take on first term republican david purdue. And in nevada, multiple democratic held house seats are expected to receive fierce competition from republicans later this fall. Were going to keep you updated with any developments from those races. We are just about an hour away from the start of George Floyds funeral at the fountain of praise church in his hometown of houston, texas. Next, live on the ground in the community that floyd called home, where theyre paying tributes as one of their own is laid to rest. Saturdays happen. Pain happens. Aleve it. Aleve is proven stronger and longer on pain than tylenol. When pain happens, aleve it. All day strong. No no no no no, theres no space there maybe over here . Hot hot oven mitts oven mitts everythings stuck in the drawers im sorry oh, jeez. Hi. Kelly clarkson. Try wayfair oh, ok. Its going to help you, with all of. This yeah, here you go. Thank you oh, i like that one [ laugh ] thats a lot of storage perfect. Youre welcome i love it. How did you do all this . 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Thousands have paid their respects at several Memorial Services for the man whose death inspired a Global Movement including mass crowds monday in over 100degree heat. People also gathered in houstons third ward where george floyd spent his childhood. It hit so close to home because i knew him. He come up under me, you know . It hurts. I want everybody to understand this is where it all started, it come from right here with floyd. This is his home. Joining me now from the third ward, nbcs priscilla thompson. Good to have you with us. You heard that gentleman say this is his home, thats where hes from. What is the mod like there as we wait for floyds funeral to start in just about an hour. Reporter here in the community where george floyd grew up, the folks who have come here to pay tribute to him, who knew him, have been rather emotional. A number of them couldnt bring themselves to speak on camera because how they were feeling about today as they prepared to say their final farewells. While folks that have known him in the communitity have come to know him, weve seen folks who never met george floyd but needed to be here today like carissa. Tell us a little bit about why you decided to come here and pay tribute to a man you didnt know. I came for two reasons today to pay tribute to george floyd. One is im a mother of a transracial family and multiracial children. I come and stand for the love and safety of us all. I come in honor of the fact that it will take all of us together to keep all of us safe. Im also here as a priest in the Episcopal Church to come in hope and honor of not just the man, but that his life may call us all to reconciliation, to transformation, and really a call to wisdom. What he shows us is that we are all complex. We all have complex stories and yet we can all be heroes. We all can make a difference. Our whole story matters. Our whole life matters. For us in our tradition, a funeral, a day of memorial is considered a celebration. So i leave flowers on behalf of north side Episcopal Church because we do have members who knew george floyd. Its a sad day, a day to hopefully begin healing and a day of celebration of who he was. Reporter thank you. There you have it, ayman. Folks coming from all across the city to pay those tributes today. The man who commissioned this mural tells us he wanted it to be a way for the community here in houston to still feel connected to george floyd as hes laid to rest and no longer with them in the physical. Ayman. Priscilla thompson live in houston, thanks for that. Joining me now, former federal prosecutor and msnbc legal analyst and author of chokehold paul butler. Good to have you on with us for your final thoughts. Its been about 15 days since george floyd died in Police Custody. Today we see him put to rest next to his mother. In the last 15 days weve seen an outcry for justice, black lives matter movements all over the world. Weve seen statures taken down that represent oppression. How would you recap what has happened since the death of george floyd in this country . I remember emmett till, he was a 14yearold child who was lynched in mississippi in 1955. His mother and insisted there be an open casket. She said she wanted the world to see what they had done to him. Rosa parks, a political activist went to a rally in support of emmett till. After that she refused to give up her seat on the bus. It galvanized a movement. Im thinking that the very graphic video of mr. Floyds suffering and death has also galvanized a movement. Yesterday the house introduced the justice act of 2020 that will represent the most sweeping changes in the criminal Legal Process in decades if its passed. Its been reported that George Floyds brother is expected to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee on police brutality. Can you talk about the significance of this and how effective will this be to try to push along meaningful reforms . One of the proposals is a National Registry of when officers use force. Every department of the 18,000 different Police Departments will be required to report whenever an officer uses a gun, whenever he uses handcuffs, when he uses a baton or a stun gun. There are no national records. There would also be requirements that when officers are disciplined, theyd have to be reported to a federal database. One of the concerns now is we see the officers get fired, like the officer who killed 12yearold tamir rice when he was playing with a toy gun. That officer got fired from the cleveland Police Department and he joined another ohio department. If theres a National Database where Law Enforcement officers would have to report discipline, that would go a long way towards restoring some of the transparency and accountability that the reformers are seeking. Only time will tell if, in fact, this is a Pivotal Moment for our country. Paul butler, thank you very much for joining us this hour. Thanks to all of you at home for watching msnbc live. Im ayman mohyeldin. After a quick break, special coverage of the funeral of george floyd with my colleague craig melvin live in houston. Ts than Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis. When considering another treatment, ask about xeljanz xr, a oncedaily pill for adults with moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis or active Psoriatic Arthritis for whom methotrexate did not work well enough. It can reduce pain, swelling, and significantly improve physical function. Xeljanz can lower your ability to fight infections like tb; dont start xeljanz if you have an infection. 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A good Tuesday Morning to you. Craig melvin here coming to you live from the fountain of praise church in houston, texas. Roughly an hour from now George Floyds family, friends, along with an entire nation will pay their final respects to the man whose death has sparked worldwide protests. After starting the journey in minneapolis where he lost his life and traveling to North Carolina where he was born, george floyd will be laid to rest in the city where he grew up. He will be beside his mother again, the person that he was calling out to when a knee was held on his neck for some eight minutes and 46 seconds. Thousands of people have been braving the unforgiving texas heat to see george floyd. Thousands more continue to march around the country. Millions more will be watching the ceremony here and around the world. I want to go right to nbcs Morgan Chesky, with me here in