This week saw a massive, nationwide uprising against police brutality in every state of the USA - with thousands of #BlackLivesMatter supporters taking to the streets in protest against the killing of a 46-year-old African American man named George Floyd, with all four police officers involved now facing charges.

The now ex-cop primarily responsible for Floydâs death, Derek Chauvin, faces a more serious charge of second-degree murder, and for the first time prosecuters have levelled charges against three other officers, issuing warrants for their arrests. While the story is far from over, citizens from every state showed up in massive numbers to display their dissent - often at the risk of being assaulted, beaten or tear-gassed by police forces.

so the police have been firing tear gas and flashbangs consistently for the last twenty minutes at protesters chanting "hands up, don't shoot". there's no curfew in Iowa City and this protest is completely peaceful. the Iowa City police instigated violence pic.twitter.com/fftlFtxP3m

â grumpydragon.jpg (@t_a_ylorann) June 4, 2020

Despite the massive ground the movement has gained across the last few days, thereâs no shortage of detractors - some of whom have accused protestors of looting and pillaging empty retail stores while others have resorted to racist attacks in person and over social media.

To those who are bitching about rioting. And to those who are bitching about looting. Donât get it twisted: protesters are protesting. Looters are looting. Stay focused and remember when two months ago you were panic buying and punching people over toilet paper.

â Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) June 4, 2020

While this is nothing new for America, perhaps the most insensitive and appalling sign of the times is a recent trend thatâs caught steam across TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms - whatâs been called the âGeorge Floyd Challengeâ.

âTHE GEORGE FLOYD CHALLENGEâ I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS. DISGRACEFUL. pic.twitter.com/NKUUaKkVYt

â BLACK LIVES MATTER (@TeaSeshYT) June 2, 2020

Imitating the horrific actions that led to Floydâs death, the trend (which seemingly seems to have picked up with white teenagers) led to widespread outrage - and perhaps five minutes of fame for the irresponsible people behind them. 

Fortunately, the challenge sparked action from some social media giants, with #GeorgeFloydChallenge not returning any results on Facebook and being met with a "Hashtag is Hidden" message on its sister site, Instagram. 

Several people were appalled over social media - especially considering that the crime happened barely a week ago, on May 25. 

As if whatâs going isnt sad enough, people are really making this a form of humor and entertainment. If anyone knows these people I highly recommend blurting out because âGeorge Floyd challenge is absolutely disgusting!!!!!!! #BlackLivesMattter #RIPGEORGEFLYOD pic.twitter.com/ftbWU8JvUC

â ðð§ðð®ð¨ð¤ð£ (@GraysonRowles) June 2, 2020

I see that alot people need to be sitting in a mental asylum vs their house right now.... since when did people make someone's death a challenge? #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/jBJbxFZDAB

â Precious (@PreciousShuntae) June 4, 2020

To all the white people doing the âGeorge Floyd challengeâ... why? Why do you feel the need to insult the death of an innocent man by kneeling on other peopleâs necks when you know damn well that, even though you may not be killing them, you are just as bad as the cops who did?

â Taylor (@bonbon_pro) June 4, 2020

Activist Ambreena Syed also took a moment to compare the insensitivity with context to Indian politicians making light of human rights atrocities in Kashmir.

Two different countries but same kind of sick people.

In US, they started #GeorgeFloyd challenge and in India a ruling party leader was selling T shirts with a Kashmiri tied to jeep bonnet as human shield. pic.twitter.com/uaU0Pe5SJv

â Ambreena Syed (@Ambreen62986028) June 4, 2020

 Fortunately, whether out of honest goodwill or social pressure, local police have taken action, issuing the following statement: 

âWe can confirm we are investigating after an image was shared on social media which showed two men imitating the recent death of US citizen George Floyd. 

An investigation was launched and yesterday (Sunday) officers arrested two males aged 19 and another male aged 18 on suspicion of sending communications causing anxiety and distress. 

They have since been released on bail. We understand that this social media post has caused significant upset and we want to reassure the public it is being investigated robustly and is being treated as a hate crime.â

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