Presidential Contender Joe Biden Met With George Floyd’s Family at Houston Restaurant Lucille’s

While meeting with the family of George Floyd, the longtime Houstonian who was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden visited beloved Houston eatery Lucille’s.

Even though Lucille’s is typically closed on Mondays, chef-owner Chris Williams opened up the restaurant for a private dinner with Biden, his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and relatives of George Floyd’s. A public viewing for Floyd was held on Monday at Houston’s Fountain of Praise Church, and a private service is set for Tuesday. Before the meeting began, Williams and Biden, both wearing face masks, shared a socially distanced fist-bump.

“We are completely filled with gratitude and honored to have been selected to host Vice President Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, and the Floyd family for this historic meeting,” Williams said in a statement provided to Eater. “It’s unfortunate that Floyd’s death was the catalyst for this meeting, but we are so inspired by the Floyd family’s resilience are hopeful that this meeting continues to advance the mission of justice for George Floyd.”

According to National Public Radio, Biden did not attend the actual funeral because of concerns about his Secret Service detail causing a “distraction.” Hundreds of Houstonians lined up in the heat to say their goodbyes to Floyd, who attended high school in Houston and was involved with the city’s illustrious rap scene.

While at Lucille’s, Biden also filmed an interview with CBS Evening News in the dining room that aired on Monday night.

• Mourners Pay Their Respects To George Floyd At Public Viewing In Houston [NPR]