Additional Charges For Officers In George Floyd Case Announced Today
UPDATE: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office upgraded charges against the former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who put his knee on George Floyd’s neck; Ellison also charged the other three officers at the scene with aiding and abetting murder, according to the Star-Tribune.
In a press conference, Ellison said, “We strongly believe these developments are in the interest of justice for Mr. Floyd, his family, this community and our state. George Floyd mattered. He was loved, his family was important and his life had value. We will seek justice for him and for you and we will find it.”
The other former three officers at the scene — Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane — were each charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder while committing a felony, and with aiding and abetting second-degree murder manslaughter with culpable negligence. Both charges are categorized as “unintentional” felonies.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison plans to elevate charges against Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer, while adding charges of aiding and abetting murder against the other three officers at the scene, according to the Star-Tribune.
Ellison is expected to make an announcement this afternoon on the state’s investigation into Floyd’s death.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar tweeted that Chavin’s charges will be increased to second-degree murder (he had originally been charged with third-degree murder).
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to 2nd degree in George Floyd’s murder and also charging other 3 officers. This is another important step for justice.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 3, 2020
The other three officers at the scene — Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane — will also be charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder, according to the Star-Tribune‘s anonymous sources.
Thao was recorded watching as Chauvin continued to press on Floyd’s neck with his knee. Kueng was one of the first officers on the scene and helped pin Floyd down. Lane was detailed in earlier charges as pointing a gun at Floyd before handcuffing, and later asked whether officers should roll Floyd on his side as he was restrained.