I’m inside of #GeorgeFloyd ’s memorial service for the @AP . Floyd’s golden casket flanked by flowers and a self portrait. The now-iconic mural painted at the site of his arrest is projected above the stage. I’ll be tweeting throughout the service.

Based on reserved seat in the auditorium, several dignitaries and celebrities expected to attend the #GeorgeFloydMemorial . They include actors and comedians Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and Regina Hall; actor and producer Tyler Perry.

I’ve spotted the civil rights leaders Martin Luther King III and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is also here, talking to Jackson now. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

Other politicians expect, based on reserved seats: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rep. Robin Kelly, Rep. Ayana Pressley, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee and others. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

Several musicians and actors have just arrived at the #GeorgeFloydMemorial . They include rappers T.I. (with his wife Tiny) and Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Will Packer and Marsai Martin.

The service is underway. The Floyd family was led into the sanctuary Rev. Al Sharpton and Attorney Ben Crump. A school official announced a memorial scholarship in Floyd’s honor. A soloist sang a rousing rendition of Amazing Grace. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

Just a moment ago, @AttorneyCrump wanted it clear that COVID-19 did not kill #GeorgeFloyd . (A possible reference to the release of a full autopsy report that confirmed he had the virus.) Racism and police brutality killed Floyd, Crump said. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

Members of the family just shared touching and funny memories of #GeorgeFloyd . “If we learned one thing, the Floyd boys like to eat,” Crump said as they returned to their seats. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

“When we fight for the George Floyds of the world — and more importantly the unknown George Floyds if the world — we are helping America be America for ALL Americans,” @AttorneyCrump said. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

“George Floyd’s story has been the story of Black folks. ... The reason why we couldn’t be who we dreamed and wanted to be is because you had your knee on our necks,” said @TheRevAl , who is up now delivering the eulogy. “Get your knee off our necks!” #GeorgeFloydMemorial

“This is the era to deal with policing and criminal justice,” @TheRevAl declared. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

Rev. Sharpton asked attendees to observe an 8 min and 46 second long moment of silence — the time that Officer Derek Chauvin had his knee pressed into George Floyd’s neck. Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, and actress Tiffany Haddish joined him on stage. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

During the moment of silence, Rev. Jesse Jackson, standing, cried out “I can’t breathe” at least twice. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

The Floyd family has exited the sanctuary, followed by the musicians and actors. #GeorgeFloydMemorial

Finally coming up for air, after updating the #GeorgeFloydMemorial story a few times. Outside of the sanctuary, hundreds of people who could not get into the service gathered to pay their respects and chant for justice.

I left the service and went back to the makeshift memorial site — likely for the last time before I head home. Well over 1,000 people were listening to artists, eating BBQ and fellowshiping. The site of Floyd’s death really has become a space of love and community. #GeorgeFloyd

And while I was there, @common made an appearance. He’d been in town for an event with elected leaders and local grassroots organizers. It was his first time visiting the memorial site, so he took a moment there. He also was nearly mobbed for pictures with fans.

@aaronlmorrison