‘Please, I can't breathe': Handcuffed black man dies after white Minneapolis cop arresting him for forgery kneeled on his neck while he screamed in pain - as FBI launch investigation and officers are put on leave The man, who was being arrested for forgery, is repeatedly heard telling officers he can't breathe. About four minutes into the video, he appears to lose consciousness The black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday after a white officer was seen kneeling on his neck for several minutes during his arrest, has been identified as George Floyd. Video footage taken by a bystander emerged on Tuesday showing a white cop pinning Floyd to the ground moments before he loses consciousness and dies. Floyd, who was arrested on suspicion of forgery, was heard repeatedly telling officers that he cannot breathe as he lay on the ground next to the tire of a squad car. 'Please, please, please, I can't breathe. Please, man,' Floyd, who is shirtless, begs the cop.