Officer Who Arrested George Floyd Charged with Second-Degree Murder

The Minnesota State Attorney’s Office has escalated charges against the officer who arrested George Floyd, changing them to second-degree murder. Three other officers who were previously fired are also accused of complicity in the death of the 46-year-old Black man.

Keith Ellison, Minnesota State Attorney, announced on Wednesday, June 14 (June 3 local time) that charges against Derek Chauvin, the officer who arrested George Floyd, have been upgraded to second-degree murder (felony assault).

Those prosecuted for second-degree murder in Minnesota may face sentences of up to 40 years in prison.

However, the previous charge against him of third-degree murder (unintentional) remains on his record. This type of killing, which can carry up to 25 years in prison, is defined under Minnesota law as “an act of extreme recklessness” that results in death but without premeditation.

Derek Chauvin was the officer who pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for approximately 9 minutes, ignoring Floyd’s pleas that he could not breathe. Floyd died shortly thereafter in a hospital.

While the Attorney’s Office has taken a step toward escalating charges against Derek Chauvin, the victim’s family is calling for even more severe charges.

Benjamin Crump, attorney representing the Floyd family, told CNN that they believe the charges against Derek Chauvin should be first-degree murder.

Three other police officers who were previously fired are now accused of aiding and abetting in the murder of George Floyd and are being held in custody.

Efforts to Pursue Justice

Keith Ellison, Minnesota State Attorney General, stated: “The prosecution of cases involving violent police conduct against Black citizens has been unsatisfactory for a very long time.”

According to Ellison, “the past cannot be changed.” However, he promised that the Attorney’s Office will make every effort to “ensure justice is served” in this case.

According to Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, “This state and the entire country must work hard to honor Floyd and systematically combat racism.”

He added: “The anger underlying these protests shows that the issue is much larger than this. George Floyd’s death is a symptom of a disease.”

Ongoing Protests

Floyd’s death has sparked widespread protests across America. These protests have now entered their second week. Violent police responses to protesters have drawn widespread criticism.

On Wednesday yesterday, thousands again gathered in various locations across America, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Minneapolis, and Washington, to hold peaceful demonstrations protesting racial discrimination and social injustice.

Some in New York, Washington, and Los Angeles even defied curfew orders and continued their protests into the night. According to media reports, police arrested dozens of protesters for this reason.

In Washington as well, large crowds gathered in front of the White House. On the placard of one protest participant was written: “Racism is also a pandemic.”

Donald Trump, the U.S. President, warned in light of the escalating unrest that he would deploy the country’s military.

Mark Esper, Trump’s Defense Secretary, however distanced himself from the President’s position. On Wednesday (June 14 / June 3), Esper told reporters that “active-duty military personnel should only be used as a last resort in the most sensitive and extraordinary situations.”

According to the U.S. Defense Secretary, using the National Guard is the best solution to support local institutions under current circumstances. For this reason, he does not support invoking the “Insurrection Act.”

This law, dating back to 1807, allows the U.S. President to use military force within the country under certain conditions to prevent lawlessness and insurrection.

Source: DW