Charges were elevated to second-degree murder against Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police Department officer who was recorded kneeling on the neck of a handcuffed George Floyd for more than eight minutes, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Wednesday.
Arrest warrants were issued for three additional former Minneapolis police officers for aiding and abetting second-degree murder, he said.
“Trying this case will not be an easy thing,” given the difficulty of convicting a police officer of murder, said Ellison, the first African American and the first Muslim American to be elected to statewide office in Minnesota. “History does show that there are clear challenges here, and we’re going to be working very hard. “
“George Floyd mattered,” Ellison said. “He was loved. His family was important. His life had value. We will seek justice for him, for you.”
Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. He and the other officers at the scene were fired May 27 after video of Chauvin’s use of force surfaced.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2TwO8Gm
QUICKTAKE ON SOCIAL:
Follow QuickTake on Twitter: twitter.com/quicktake
Like QuickTake on Facebook: facebook.com/quicktake
Follow QuickTake on Instagram: instagram.com/quicktake
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/2FJ0oQZ
Email us at quicktakenews@gmail.com
QuickTake by Bloomberg is a global news network delivering up-to-the-minute analysis on the biggest news, trends and ideas for a new generation of leaders.