A photojournalist who was shot by Minneapolis police during the George Floyd protests in 2020 has recently entered hospice care. Linda Tirado, 42, was shot in the face with a rubber bullet, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and blindness in one eye while she was covering the unrest following Floyd's death.
Tirado recounted the harrowing experience of feeling her face explode and her goggles coming off, leaving her face burning and leaking liquid. Despite undergoing medical treatment, her condition has been deteriorating, with her friend noting that she is now in hospice care.
Following the incident, Tirado filed a lawsuit against the police, alleging negligence in recognizing her press credentials and using excessive force. She was awarded $600,000 in damages, most of which has been used to cover her medical expenses.
The National Press Club has expressed support for Tirado, sending funding to assist with her care. Tirado, in a recent post, shared her emotions and reflections on her current situation, expressing a mix of joy, peace, pain, and fear.
The protests that erupted after George Floyd's death led to widespread calls for police reform and accountability. Derek Chauvin, the officer involved in Floyd's death, was convicted of murder in 2021. However, Chauvin's case took a tragic turn when he was stabbed multiple times in prison by another inmate in 2023.
In response to Floyd's death, the Minneapolis City Council approved a budget that included additional funding for new positions aimed at improving police accountability and community relations. The city allocated resources for various roles, including legal experts, IT professionals, counselors, and police trainers.
The incident involving Linda Tirado serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of police violence and the ongoing efforts to address systemic issues within law enforcement.
