Welcome back to our live coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial. The closing arguments in the murder case against the former Minneapolis police officer begin at 9:00 a.m. local time in Minneapolis.
Chauvin, a white former Minneapolis police officer, is charged with unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. During an arrest, Chauvin pressed nine minutes and 29 seconds his knee against Floyd’s neck, which was black.
Floyd was pushed against the sidewalk, restrained and subdued while Chauvin held his knee in place. Floyd passed away. He was 46. His death sparked protests for racial justice around the world.
Chauvin’s trial began in earnest on March 29 with preliminary statements and consisted of 14 days of witness statements. The jury will begin to deliberate once the closings are completed and will be isolated until a judgment is reached.
The Prosecution and Chauvin’s attorney have focused on two main issues: use of violence and cause of death.
Prosecutors allege Chauvin’s use of force was inordinate, deviating from the department’s policies and national police standards. They also claim that Floyd died from lack of oxygen due to police reluctance.
Eric Nelson, who represents Chauvin, has stated that Floyd died of an acute cardiac event resulting from underlying heart conditions, the use of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and / or a combination of these factors. Nelson has also argued that the correct use of force is situational and that actions that look bad can be lawful and justified. The lawyer has also said that a crowd near the arrest scene posed a risk to agents.
While Minneapolis awaits a verdict, this city and others in the US are bracing for potential protests. Demonstrations against police killings took place in the US this weekend, but tensions were further heightened by two recent murders.
Daunte Wright, 20, was shot dead by a white police officer in a suburb of Minneapolis during a traffic stop on April 11. The recent release of body camera footage showing the murder of 13-year-old Adam Toledo in Chicago, who had his hands in the air, has also sparked extensive protests.
We’ll bring you the latest news as it happens as well as analysis and reports from our on-site reporters.