Derek Chauvin Found Guilty of George Floyd’s Murder
Derek Chauvin, a white former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted of murdering African-American George Floyd after a racially charged trial that was seen as a pivotal test of police accountabili
On 25th May 2020 46-year-old black man George Floyd was arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota by the police. He was arrested for passing a counterfeit $20 note. When Floyd was arrested Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes as he lay face down and handcuffed on the ground saying repeatedly "I can't breathe”.Someone recorded a video of the incident and it went viral all over social media. The incident sparked protests against the USA’s racial injustice and police brutality around the world. Chauvin was removed from the police force, arrested and a case was filed against him. He was charged with trying to murder Floyd. He was later released on bail. For the last 3-weeks the trial was going on. On 20th April, a Jury deliberated for 11 hours about whether Chauvin was guilty of murder. Finally it was announced that Chauvin was guilty of murder. Wearing a facemask and displaying no visible emotion, Chauvin was escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs. Sentencing will be at a later date. Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison.
Three other former police officers who were involved in Floyd's arrest are to go on trial later this year. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris phone called members of the Floyd family after the verdicts. Harris, America's first Black Indian vice president said, “This is a day of justice in America. History will look back at this moment. Police officials will always be held accountable for their actions.”
