With US Congress deadlocked over how to address racism and excessive use of force, President Joe Biden signed an executive order on policing to mark the two-year anniversary of George Floyd's death.
The bill pushes for accountability by creating a national database of police misconduct to bolster investigations and discipline, bans chokeholds and restricts no-knock warrants.
“It is a measure of what we can do together to heal the very soul of this nation,” he said.
The bill also requires new standards limiting the use of force and annual anti-bias training, while the president said Congress needs to “get meaningful police reform legislation on my desk”.
The black man was killed on May 25, 2020, at the hands of Minneapolis police officers and his murder ignited protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and around the world as bystander video quickly spread.
Floyd's family, including his daughter, Gianna, were in attendance at the White House.
“I promised the Floyd family, among others, George's name is not just going to be a hashtag daddy's name,” Mr Biden said, addressing Gianna.
A candlelight vigil to honour Floyd‘s memory at the intersection where he died was among the remembrances scheduled in addition to a rally at the governor's residence in St Paul, Minnesota's capital city.
The intersection of 38th and Chicago streets became known informally as George Floyd Square following his death, with a large sculpture of a clenched fist as the centrepiece of memorials.
The city planned to unveil a street sign officially calling the corner George Perry Floyd Square before the vigil, with Floyd’s brother, Terrence, among those attending.
“Today we honour two years since George Floyd was murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement.
“Each day since, we have remembered George Floyd’s life and legacy as a friend, father, brother and loved one. His name has been heard in every corner of our world.”
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Protesters march on the Brooklyn Bridge during a demonstration on the first anniversary of the death of George Floyd, in New York. Reuters -
Some streets in Manhattan were closed due to the demonstrations on Tuesday evening. AP -
The musician Common performs with the Sounds of Blackness at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd's death in May 2020 led to worldwide protests and calls for police reform or abolition. Getty -
Robin Puttin leads a prayer while kneeling and raising her hand on the first anniversary of George Floyd's death, at George Floyd Square, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reuters -
Electric and LED candles bearing the names of people killed by police illuminate the fist sculpture as people gather at the George Floyd Square. Reuters -
A man is reflected in a sign during a vigil held to remember George Floyd in Lynn, Massachusetts. Reuters -
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi meets the family of the late George Floyd at the US Capitol in Washington. The family met President Joe Biden and various US politicians, and participated in a memorial at Black Lives Matter Plaza. EPA -
People gather at the sight where George Floyd was killed one year ago, at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis - an area now called George Floyd Square. EPA -
A man stands next to a mural of George Floyd in Houston, Texas. Reuters -
A family member holds onto Gianna Floyd, daughter of George Floyd, at the White House following their meeting with President Biden in Washington. Reuters -
Gianna Floyd and other family members and lawyers, raise fists after meeting President Biden in Washington. Reuters -
Community organiser Tommy McBrayer leads a chant in solidarity with George Floyd, at George Floyd Square, in Minneapolis. Reuters -
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Reverend Al Sharpton kneel with community leaders for nine minutes and 29 seconds, symbolising Floyd's ordeal at the hands of police. Reuters -
Philonise Floyd, brother to George Floyd, puts his arm around Speaker Nancy Pelosi, near Rep. Karen Bass, as he and other members of the Floyd family meet politicians at the US Capitol. Reuters -
A man places a candle at a memorial in honour of George Floyd, at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. Reuters -
Black Lives Matter protesters hold placards and shout slogans in Brooklyn, New York. AFP -
People gather at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. AP -
A man sits in front of the Say Their Names cemetery, close to George Floyd Square, in Minneapolis. AP -
Two women sit on a roof as they listen to a memorial music performance, at George Floyd Square, in Minneapolis. EPA
Floyd died after Chauvin, who is white, pinned his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes as Floyd was handcuffed and pleaded that he couldn’t breathe.
Chauvin is serving 22 1/2 years in prison after being convicted of state charges of murder and manslaughter last year.
The ex-officer also pleaded guilty to violating Floyd’s civil rights in a federal case, where he now faces a sentence ranging between 20 and 25 years.
Associated Press contributed to this report
