Visitors from outside Minnesota continue to visit George Floyd memorial to pay respect

People from across the country are making their way to the George Floyd memorial during the first week of testimony in Derek Chauvin’s trial.

Memorials had grown at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis since Floyd’s death in May 2020.

The site, known to many as George Floyd Square, has been blocked off by barricades for nearly ten months.

"It’s just kind of unbelievable to realize that I was in the place that has become so well known all around the country," said Jim Rylander, who visited the area Tuesday.

Rylander said he grew up two miles down the road from 38th and Chicago but now lives in Michigan.

"I just feel like being quiet and respectful and thinking about what happened that day on May 25, when just a few people were passing by this kind of quiet corner, but somebody took that video and it’s so important that was done," Rylander said.

Ebony Pickett of Peoria, Illinois, brought her children to the site Tuesday while vacationing in Minnesota.

"It captivated the nation and the world, so you can’t help but gravitate to it," Pickett said. "It’s emotional and surreal, but I’m glad we were able to make it."

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS saw members of the public dropping off small gifts and flowers at the memorials Tuesday as well.

Some who visited the site said they were inspired by the messages of racial justice and equality.

"Do what you can to help make things better. All of us, no matter who we are, can do something just by the way we act and live out our lives," Rylander said.