Former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder, manslaughter in death of George Floyd
A panel of jurors has found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty Tuesday on all three charges in connection with the May 2020 death of George Floyd, after one of the most closely watched criminal trials in recent memory.
Chauvin, 45, was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. With Americans on edge as they awaited the verdict, the jury announced that it has found him guilty across the board.
His bail was immediately revoked and he was led away with his hands cuffed behind his back. Cheers and cars honking could be heard outside the Hennepin County Courthouse as the verdict was read.
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Expert witness says Derek Chauvin was justified in pinning down George Floyd Published 2 hours ago
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Print article MINNEAPOLIS — Former Officer Derek Chauvin was justified in pinning George Floyd to the ground because he kept struggling, a use-of-force expert testified for the defense Tuesday, contradicting a parade of authorities from both inside and outside the Minneapolis Police Department. Taking the stand at Chauvin’s murder trial, Barry Brodd, a former Santa Rosa, California, officer, stoutly defended Chauvin’s actions, even as a prosecutor pounded away at the witness, banging the lectern at one point during cross-examination and growing incredulous when Brodd suggested Floyd was struggling because he wasn’t “resting comfortably” on the pavement.
"Did you say 'resting comfortably'?" Schleicher asked.
Brodd: "Or laying comfortably."
Brodd: "Yes."
Schleicher went on to say that Floyd was moving, but it was because he was struggling to breathe by shoving his shoulder into the pavement.
The prosecutor hammered away at Brodd, saying a reasonable officer in Chauvin's position with his knee on Floyd's neck would have known that Floyd stopped resisting, that another officer told him he couldn't find a pulse, and that others had said Floyd had passed out and was no longer breathing.
"And the defendant's position is, and was, and remains, as we see here at this moment, in this time, in this clip — on top of Mr. Floyd on the street. Isn't that right?" Schleicher asked, as he banged his hand on the podium repeatedly.
Fred de Sam Lazaro:
Frustration over the city's handling was felt at a vigil for Wright last night, marked by emotional moments.
Hundreds then took to the streets for a new round of protests outside the police station. Lines of officers in riot gear kept watch as anger built through the night, hours past curfew.
Protester:
You just killed Daunte Wright. If I make a mistake, are you all going to kill me too?
Fred de Sam Lazaro:
Looters broke into and vandalized a Dollar Tree nearby, while others set off fireworks outside. Police began firing flashbang grenades and tear gas to disperse them. The Minnesota State Patrol said about 40 people were arrested.
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was justified in using his knees to pin down George Floyd, a use-of-force expert testified on Tuesday, contradicting testimony by former and current city police officers who said Chauvin's actions violated policy and were excessive.
Barry Brodd likened the police handling of Floyd to a situation in which officers use a Taser on someone fighting with officers, and the suspect falls, hits his head and dies.
Former officer Derek Chauvin was justified in pinning George Floyd to the ground because he kept struggling, a use-of-force expert testified for the defense Tuesday, contradicting a parade of authorities from both inside and outside the Minneapolis Police Department.