Floyd family ‘praying for justice’ as Chauvin trial begins

George Floyd’s family called Monday’s court proceedings a "rollercoaster ride" and asked the public to pray for them as the trial gets underway.

"We don’t know what today may bring, but I’m going to leave it in God’s hands. He has all the control over this situation," said George Floyd’s youngest sister, Bridgett Floyd, as she entered the courthouse Monday morning.

The family is allowed one person in the courtroom each day.

Bridgett Floyd became emotional while talking about what it was like to look Derek Chauvin in the face in court.

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The former Minneapolis police officer is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.

After the court heard pretrial motions Monday, Bridgett Floyd addressed local, national and international media on the steps of the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, surrounded by candles and flowers.

"I want you guys to continue to pray for our family because we need it. We need it," Bridgett Floyd said, through tears.

She spoke about the George Floyd Memorial Foundation she started last year to honor the legacy of her brother, who she says was always generous. The foundation will award scholarships to high school and law school students and promote acts of service across the country.

She said she came to Minneapolis to "be the voice" for her brother during the trial.

"My family and I are glad the wait is finally over and the day is here. We are praying for justice. My hope is justice prevails and we can all use this as an opportunity to be better and do better for those around us," Bridgett Floyd said.

5 EYEWITNESS News also spoke one-on-one with George Floyd’s uncle, Selwyn Jones, who has become an advocate for change in the wake of his nephew’s death.

Jones, who lives in South Dakota, plans to come to Minneapolis when it is his turn to be in the courtroom.

He said he is prepared for the trial to be a long process, but is not concerned about small delays in court, including jury selection being pushed an extra day to Tuesday.

"Whether it’s now or later, we want the same outcome and that’s a guilty verdict," Jones said. "Nobody is going to heal until we see justice prevail."

Jones said he wants the judicial system to "do what it’s supposed to do."

Full coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial

"Pray, let’s pray that this works out the way everyone wants it to work out, so we can make progress in this world," Jones said. "I’m just focused on keeping the movement going, keeping my man’s name going strong."

Jones plans to remain a positive voice for change as the trial gets underway, saying he will continue pushing for racial justice and police reform.

"We got to do something. We can’t just sit here," Jones said. "So let’s just hope that everything started the wheels spinning today for a better world."