George Floyd and Derek Chauvin worked in the same nightclub
The death of George Floyd has sparked protests and riots across America, and news now has emerged that the officer charged with his murder worked in the same club.
Several days have now passed since George Floyd died in police custody. Derek Chauvin, the officer seen by the world with his knee on top of the victim's neck for seven minutes, was quickly fired from his post and subsequently arrested and charged with third-degree murder. It turns out that this was not the first time these two men’s lives had crossed paths.
Floyd and Chauvin worked at same nightclub
According to Maya Santamaría, former owner of the El Nuevo Rodeo club, both Floyd and Chauvin had worked on the premises. Speaking to NBC news she confirmed that Floyd would occasionally provide security duty, while Chauvin worked at the establishment as an off-duty officer providing further support across much of the 17 years that she owned it.
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Santamaría sold the club last year and revealed that the building had been burned down in the riots that have followed the incident every night since. She also advised that although both men worked at the same place, they are unlikely to have known each other as they worked in different areas. Recalling Floyd, she remembered fondly his bog smile.
"He would say, 'Hi boss lady. How you doing tonight?' Real sweet guy, lots of charisma.
"He was very beloved in the Latino community and certainly in his community as well."
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