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Police Officer Who Pinned His Knee On George Floyd’s Neck Charged With Third Degree Murder, Second-Degree Manslaughter

Brian Ives // Managing Editor, Beasley Media May 29th, 2020
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - MAY 28: Two men walk past a wall that has "RIP George Floyd" written on it during a protest May 28, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Today marks the third day of ongoing protests after the police killing of George Floyd. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I can’t breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Derek Chauvin, 44, the Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd on Monday, was arrested earlier today and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman on Friday afternoon announced the murder and manslaughter charges against Chauvin, who has already been fired from his position.

Chauvin, as seen on video, pinned his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly 9 minutes although Floyd, who was handcuffed, told him he couldn’t breathe. Bystanders also begged Chauvin and three other officers at the scene to relent to no avail. Floyd grew unresponsive and later died.

The Star-Tribune reports that Chauvin is the first white officer in Minnesota to be criminally prosecuted in the death of a black civilian.

Floyd was put in a squad car after police suspected him of using a fake $20 bill.

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