Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Orders State Flags Lowered For George Floyd

By Meerah Powell (OPB)
Portland, Ore. June 4, 2020 3:08 p.m.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Thursday ordered all State of Oregon flags at state public institutions to be flown at half-staff in honor of George Floyd.

Floyd, a Black man, died last week after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Related: 'I Can Breathe Now': After Days Of Nationwide Protests, George Floyd Is Eulogized

Brown ordered state flags to be lowered from 11 a.m. to sunset Thursday. A memorial service for Floyd will be held in Minneapolis at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time, 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

“We lower the Oregon flag to half-staff to recognize a profound loss of life, one that affects us all,” Brown said in a statement. “As we mourn the loss of George Floyd, let us remember the many Black lives that have been taken by unnecessary violence. And let us commit ourselves, and our country, to fundamental change.”

Thousands of people across Oregon, and the country, have participated in protests and demonstrations expressing outrage over Floyd's death — as well as other people killed by police force or racist violence.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Become a Sustainer now at opb.org and help ensure OPB’s fact-based reporting, in-depth news and engaging programs thrive in 2025 and beyond.
We’ve gone to incredible places together this year. Support OPB’s essential coverage and exploration in 2025 and beyond. Join as a monthly Sustainer now or with a special year-end contribution. 
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: