Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd’s during 9 minutes the last year, in fact was found guilty of all the three charges against him; in one of the most controversial trials of the Black Lives Matter era.
His lawyer Eric Nelson argued that Chauvin’s use of force was reasonable; that he was distracted by hostile viewers and that Floyd died of other causes.
In the final argument, Schleicher said Chauvin bowed on Floyd for so long because of his pride and his ego.
Nelson said Chauvin acted as a “reasonable officer” would in that situation; and said there was no evidence that blame he intentionally used force.
“You have to take into account that officers are human beings, capable of making mistakes in highly stressful situations,” Nelson said.
The three other officers on scene are charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for helping and inciting. They have pleaded not guilty, and their joint trial will be held this summer.
Chauvin Case: Outside the court
In the streets of Minneapolis, the resolution led to cries of joy and sighs of relief among those who were watching the trial, including many people outside the Cup Foods store where Floyd took his final breaths. A lot of people stand in what is now called George Floyd Square.
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