Federal, state officials say they are conducting 'robust and meticulous investigation'

During a press conference Thursday evening, state and federal law enforcement officials said their agencies plan to thoroughly investigate the death of George Floyd. 

Floyd was pronounced dead Monday night after he was taken into custody by police in south Minneapolis. A video that was circulated online shows an officer holding his knee on the back of Floyd's neck for several minutes.

At the press conference, U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald opened by saying, "We thought we would have another development I could tell you about, unfortunately, we don't at this point." 

MacDonald went on to say the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI are conducting a 'robust and meticulous investigation." 

'Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail?': Minneapolis mayor calls for charges against arresting officer

MacDonald emphasized the investigations done at the federal and state level are two different investigations but parallel. 

At the press conference, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said his office is also continuing to investigate the events that led to Floyd's death "as quickly and thoroughly as possible." 

"Our offices have been flooded with calls, many as a thousand a day, as well as emails and social media from people in this jurisdiction and this state and throughout the company," "the main questions is 'What are you going to do about the murder of George Floyd?' Well I've described what we're going to do, we're going to investigate this as expeditiously, as thoroughly and completely as justice demands." 

He added, "Sometimes that takes a little time and we ask people to be patient." 

Freeman also later sent out a statement clarifying a remark he made during the press conference regarding evidence in the case. He clarified he meant that it's critical to review all the evidence because at the time of trial all information will be used.

"Evidence not favorable to our case needs to be carefully examined to understand the full picture of what actually happened," he added.

Officials with the FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension urged witnesses and others with information regarding the case reach out to the investigating bodies.