Minneapolis city council pledges to dismantle local police department

A majority of Minneapolis city council has pledged to dismantle the local police department.

It is a significant move amid nationwide protests sparked by George Floyd’s death last month.

Nine of the 13 councillors said a new model of public safety would be created in a city where law enforcement has been accused of racism.

Mayor Jacob Frey earlier opposed the move, drawing boos from the crowds.

Report says, officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Mr Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, has been dismissed and charged with second-degree murder.

He will make his first court appearance later today.

Also, three other officers who were at the scene have also been sacked and charged with aiding and abetting.