Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered state flags to fly at half staff through sundown Friday, June 5, to honor George Floyd and all other victims of systemic racism and police violence, which have been the subject of peaceful protests worldwide.
The order, effective immediately, coincides with a memorial service Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis for Mr. Floyd. Other services were planned for Saturday in Raeford, N.C., where some of his family lives, and Monday in Houston, where he lived for many years.
“New Mexico grieves with the rest of the nation and the world over the unconscionable killing of Mr. Floyd as he begged for breath,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “We stand with his family and with all peace-loving people who refuse to tolerate racism any longer and who demand an end to violence against people of color, to systemic inequities and to intolerance and injustice in all its forms.”
The governor most recently lowered state flags over Memorial Day weekend in honor of servicewomen and servicemen who have lost their lives and the hundreds of thousands – including several hundred in New Mexico – who have lost their lives this year as part of the global COVID-19 pandemic.