Murder trial for the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the death of George Floyd, Derek Chauvin, began this week.
On May 25, 2020, Floyd, a black man, died after Chauvin held his knee pressed to Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes. The manner of death was ruled as a homicide in the crime examiner’s report. However, it was also noted that a “pretty high” level of fentanyl was in his system.
This case quickly sparked nationwide protests and racial unrest all over the country with those on the left calling to “defund the police” and more violent protest after Chauvin was released on a one-million-dollar bond.
Opening statements for the trial began on Monday. Chauvin is being charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, as well as manslaughter.
Chauvin spent nearly two decades with the Minneapolis Police Department and gained several medals throughout his career for bravery but also racked up 17 civilian complaints against him.
Fox News is reporting with live updates.
