Ricketts blasts Minneapolis officer's handling of Floyd

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is blasting a white Minneapolis police officer’s handling of George Floyd, the black man whose death has triggered racially charged protests throughout the nation.

Ricketts says Derek Chauvin’s actions are an egregious violation of Floyd’s rights, and he says the now-fired officer who placed a knee on Floyd's neck should be charged and tried.

Ricketts says the incident reflects poorly on law enforcement and creates more distrust between police and communities of color, and he's encouraging protesters to express their anger peacefully. Nebraska has already seen small but vocal gatherings in Omaha and Lincoln, and more are expected this weekend.