Published on May 29, 2020

Geoff Martha
Chief Executive Officer, Medtronic

Below is a letter I shared with Medtronic employees in Minnesota in light of the tragic events in Minneapolis this week.

Colleagues,

The news and video of the apprehension and death of George Floyd and the ensuing unrest in Minneapolis has rattled me, and I know it has rattled you. I’m sick to my stomach. I’m frustrated, and I’m angry.

This isn’t how we treat people, and, like you, I am hopeful that justice will be served for Mr. Floyd. And like you, I also understand that there are men and women in police uniforms who do their jobs the right way, and we thank them for it. 

I’ve come to learn that some of our employees knew Mr. Floyd, and they are mourning his loss. My sympathies to you and to Mr. Floyd’s family. 

I can’t find the right words to explain this or make it better. It is senseless. Every time I think we are moving beyond these kinds of acts, they happen again. 

What I can say is that I won’t tolerate it – whether it be the act that killed Mr. Floyd or the acts of those burning this city. What I can say is that I - and we - must be better than that and that we will continue to give our time, our resources and our attention to make this better.

Please know that I am reaching out to our partners in this city, and I’ll lend my contributions of time and resources to continue to try and make progress on the issues of community and race. I will also continue to provide all of my support to our Networks and ERGs so that Medtronic continues to have a mechanism to help drive change inside and outside of our walls.

A year or so ago, after yet another unfortunate event like this one, Omar passed along a quote from Dr. King that resonates with me in times like this:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. 

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Our emotions are high. We are frustrated. We are angry. But, let’s not turn away from light and love at this time.

Let’s be respectful of our varied emotions and opinions. Let’s continue to respect and support all of our colleagues – no matter their race, gender or orientation. Let’s continue to be peaceful and safe.

I will continue to pray for Mr. Floyd’s family and this city. I will continue to pray for healing and understanding. And, I will continue to demand progress.

Sincerely,