Trump says FBI, DOJ probing ‘very sad’ death of George Floyd

President Trump on Wednesday called the death of Minnesota man George Floyd at the hands of white cops there a “very, very sad event” as he revealed an FBI-DOJ probe into the death.

The president broke his silence on Floyd’s troubling death during a trip to the Kennedy Space Center where he was pressed by reporters on whether he thought the officers involved should be prosecuted.

“We’re going to look at it and we’re going to get a report tomorrow when we get back,” Trump said.

“We’re going to get a very full report but a very sad day,” he continued.

“At my request, the FBI and the Department of Justice are already well into an investigation,” he later tweeted. “I have asked for this investigation to be expedited and greatly appreciate all of the work done by local law enforcement. My heart goes out to George’s family and friends. Justice will be served!

Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died in custody on Monday after he was handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a police officer, according to videos and media reports of the incident.

Viral cell phone footage of the event shows Floyd pleading for air as white cop Derek Chauvin presses his knee into Floyd’s neck.

The man’s family have called for the four officers involved in Floyd’s arrest to be charged with murder and his death has sparked emotional protests on the streets of Minneapolis.

Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, whose downtown district includes parts of Minneapolis, also called for Chauvin to be charged with murder.

High-profile athletes including LeBron James have also expressed outrage over Floyd’s death online.