Chauvin verdict: Floyd’s death was murder
While millions around the world tuned in, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three charges against him in the death of George Floyd.
On late Tuesday afternoon inside the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Chauvin, 45, was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The 11-day trial came to an end after just over 10 hours of deliberation.
Chauvin could face up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 for third-degree murder and up to 10 for manslaughter. His sentencing is scheduled for roughly eight weeks from the date of conviction.
In an address to the nation Tuesday evening, President Joe Biden said, “The guilty verdict does not bring back George. But through the family’s pain, they are finding purpose so George’s legacy will not be just about his death, but about what we must do in his memory.”
Biden continued on social media, “The verdict is a step forward. And while nothing can ever being George Floyd back, this can be a giant step forward on the march towards justice in America.”
When Chauvin was videotaped restraining Floyd with his knee for more than 9 minutes last May sparked outrage, Cape Coral Police Department officials denounced his actions.
“As a nation, we are all shocked and outraged by the actions of four Minneapolis Police Department officers as they arrested George Floyd. Floyd tragically died as a result of the encounter, whereby the officers acted outside of acceptable training, policy, and tactics,” said former CCPD Chief David Newlan in a statement. “As a 30-year law enforcement professional, and current Chief of Police, I have never seen or heard of a tactic whereby an officer kneels on an individual’s neck. Much less someone already handcuffed, prone, and non-combative. I, along with my officers, share the outrage and disappointment with the actions taken by these former officers.”
While interim CCPD Chief Anthony Sizemore declined to comment directly on the outcome of the trial, he shared an internal email with The Breeze sent out to department personnel on his behalf. It states:
“To all:
“As you are all aware, the trial of Derek Chauvin concluded today with a guilty verdict.
“Last year, after the initial incident, our agency came out strongly in condemning the actions of Chauvin during his arrest of George Floyd, which resulted in Floyd’s death.
“Chauvin’s tactics were contrary to how we train and perform on the street. His actions were inconsistent with the heart and spirit of our officers as well as our agency’s mission and values.
“Oftentimes, the days after a high profile negative incident involving law enforcement can be difficult for us all. It is normal to experience uneasiness… or a feeling that all eyes are upon you, looking negatively.
“Today is not one of those times.
“As much as some in the national media, and political carnival barkers would like to suggest, this trial in Minneapolis was not about “Policing in America.”
“Our nation’s law enforcement profession, and the Cape Coral Police Department in particular, were not on trial.
“One man was. A former officer who acted outside of accepted modern law enforcement (and basic human) standards.
He doesn’t wear the badge anymore, nor should he. He doesn’t represent the professionalism, heart and compassion that our officers do each and “every shift.
“Hold your heads high and be proud of your chosen profession, the agency and city you represent as well as the morals, ethics and character you all display.
“Your community is grateful for the work you do, as am I.
-Tony”
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Carmine Marceno declined to comment Wednesday on the outcome of the trial.
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To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com