Texas Governor Greg Abbott Could Pardon George Floyd Soon

Governor Abbott could pardon George Floyd posthumously for his drug arrest from 17 years ago. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles made a recommendation back in October that Governor Greg Abbott could pardon George Floyd posthumously for a drug arrest he received in the Lone Star state back in 2004, per KHOU 11 News.

The reason? The arresting officer in the case is facing charges and his police work is no longer considered reliable. In total, there are 164 cases being reviewed that involve former Houston Police Officer Gerald Goines, who is currently being charged with murder for a botched 2019 raid, per KHOU 11 News.

As a holiday tradition, Governor Abbott pardons a handful of people for minor crimes for Christmas. Still, even though the pardon has been recommended by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, that doesn't mean Abbott will. There's no word on whether or not Governor Abbott will include Floyd's name for this year's pardons but many are hoping it will.

Back in February 2004 George Floyd was arrested for selling $10 worth of crack. Houston public defender Allison Mathis submitted George Floyd's pardon and told KHOU 11 News why she believes it's important that Floyd's name be cleared, even after he's passed away:

"It doesn't matter who you think George Floyd was, or what you think he stood for or didn't stand for. What matters is he didn't do this. It´s important for the governor to correct the record to show he didn't do this."

Floyd was sentenced to ten months in jail after pleading guilty. Floyd's name became known worldwide after he was murdered at the hands of a Minnesota police officer. Former Officer Derek Chauvin knelt of Floyd's neck until he lost consciousness and died. The incident was recorded by several people standing by and the videos were seen around the world.