Former US police officer convicted of murder and manslaughter in George Floyd’s death
Derek Chauvin, the former American police officer who killed African-American man George Floyd, was found guilty by the court.
The Minneapolis court has confirmed that Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. As the court finds him guilty, the verdict will be pronounced within eight weeks.
Chauvin (45) has been charged with offences that carry a maximum sentence of 75 years in prison. A large crowd had gathered outside the courtroom to hear the verdict.
Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump hailed the court’s ruling as a landmark victory for civil rights. He also believes that this decision will pave the way for legislation to reform how police forces deal with minorities.
“Painfully earned justice has finally arrived for George Floyd’s family. This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement. Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!,” Mr. Crump tweeted.
George Floyd, a black man, was strangled to death outside a grocery store by Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes. Mr. Floyd was handcuffed during the incident on May 25, 2020, which was based on accusations of using a fake bill. Although Floyd made it clear that he was out of breath, Chauvin continued his cruelty.
The United States has been on the defensive since the news of George Floyd’s death spread around the world. As the demand for action against those who killed Floyd grew stronger in the US, the government handed over the investigation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). All three officers, including Derek Chauvin, were later fired from the force.
Following the court’s decision, US President Joe Biden, who was watching the proceedings from the White House, contacted Floyd’s family.
According to court records, the jury consisted of four white women, two white men, three black men, one black woman, and two multiracial women.
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