On Monday, June 8, 2020, Derek Chauvin appeared in court for the first time after being charged with the second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter of George Floyd. Before being fired for the murder of Floyd, Chauvin was an officer with the Minneapolis Police Department for almost 19 years. According to the department of internal affairs, Chauvin had been the subject of at least 18 prior complaints.
The video showing Mr. Chauvin’s knee on the neck of Mr. Floyd for eight minutes and 46 seconds has brought global attention to police brutality and sparked historic protests all over the world. Derek Chauvin, who has been behind bars since his arrest on May 29, appeared for his hearing via video conference from the Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility. Officials say Chauvin is being held there for safety measures.
Judge Denise Reilly set Chauvin’s bail at $1.25 million without conditions or $1 million with conditions. The requirements include no contact with Floyd’s family, no work in law enforcement, or security. Chauvin also has to turn in all guns and permits and is unable to leave Minnesota without permission.
The other officers on the scene – J. Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao, are charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of George Floyd. The former officers remain in the Hennepin County jail, each with a bond of $750,000.
Sweeping Reform Bill Offered By Democrats.
Meanwhile, Democrats such as Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris and the Congressional Black Caucus are creating legislation to halt the growing number of police brutality cases taking place around the country. This is a powerful movement, and it has made legislation like this, that was probably impossible to do a month ago, possible,” said Booker in an interview on CNN. As Chauvin stood before Judge Reilly on closed-circuit television in Minnesota, thousands of mourners lined up in Houston, TX, for a public viewing to pay respect and celebrate the life of George Floyd.
Chauvin’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 29.
Anthony Ellis McGee is an author and freelance writer living in the Chicagoland area. Find him on social media @AEMHighProductions.
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