Trump Directs FBI, US Justice Dep. To Investigate 'Tragic' Murder Of George Floyd

US President, Donald Trump, has directed that an investigation into the recent murder of an African American man, George Floyd, whose death has stirred an outcry on social media and the streets.

Trump described the killing of Floyd as "very sad and tragic".

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been prompted by the president to take up the matter, while the US Justice Department is to facilitate the probe into the case.

In a tweet, the POTUS said, “At my request, the FBI and the Department of Justice are already well into an investigation as to the very sad and tragic death in Minnesota of George Floyd.

“I have asked for this investigation to be expedited and greatly appreciate all of the work done by local law enforcement. My heart goes out to George’s family and friends. Justice will be served!”

READ ALSO: George Floyd: African American Dies After Police Officer Chokes Him With A Knee

George Floyd was killed after he was apprehended by police officers on a street in Minneapolis, shirtless, and pressed to the ground, with the knee of one of the officers on his neck.

In a footage that went viral, Floyd could be heard pleading with the officer, saying "I can't breathe...please stop," with the officer choosing to ignore his pleas.

After the incident on the ground, he was taken to a hospital where he passed on.

The four police officers involved in Floyd's death were dismissed at the order of the Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, who said, “What I saw was wrong at every level.

“For five minutes, we watched as a white officer pressed his knee into the neck of a black man. Being black in America should not be a death sentence."

Protesters filled the streets, demanding "Justice for George Floyd," also trending the hashtag on Twitter alongside the resuscitated "Black Lives Matter."