Pandemic shapes trial of Minneapolis ex-cop in Floyd’s death
By The Associated Press - | Mar 10, 2021
In this image from video, defense attorney Eric Nelson left, and defendant, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, right, listen as Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill presides over jury selection in Chauvin s trial, Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. Chauvin is charged in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. (Court TV, via AP, Pool)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Because the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death is being held during the coronavirus pandemic, the courtroom has been overhauled for safety.
Prosecutors tried unsuccessfully to persuade Judge Cahill to reconsider his decision to hold two trials.
They argued instead for holding a single joint trial sometime this summer when they hoped enough Minnesotans would have been vaccinated to reduce the risk of any participants getting COVID-19.
They submitted an affidavit from prominent University of Minnesota epidemiologist Michael Osterholm, who warned that it could be âextremely dangerousâ to try Mr Chauvin this month, with âpotentially catastrophic consequences for public heath .
He expressed fear that it could become a âsuperspreader event, given the large number of protesters and out-of-town journalists it was likely to draw, especially if more-contagious coronavirus variants cause a spike in cases.
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