Hundreds of family, friends, elected officials, celebrities and civil rights activists gathered Thursday at a Minneapolis chapel to honor George Floyd at the first of three memorial services for the man whose killing sparked protests across the nation and world.

As the four former Minneapolis police officers charged in his killing sat in jail cells, speakers — whose words were broadcast live — remembered Floyd as a kind man who was always there for his family. They demanded justice.

“What we saw on that video was torture,” said attorney Ben Crump. “What we saw on that video was evil. So, America, we proclaim as we memorialize George Floyd, do not cooperate with evil. Protest against evil.”

This is an MPR News evening update for Thursday June 4, 2020. Hosted by Britta Greene.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.