Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a press conference that Friday’s sentencing of former police officer Derek Chauvin “is not justice, but it is another moment of real accountability on the road to justice.” Former Minneapolis policeman was sentenced on Friday to 22.5 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. Chauvin was found guilty for the murder George Floyd on all counts in his trial that took place in April.
Ellison continued, “Today is also an important moment for our country. The outcome of this case is critically important, but by itself it’s not enough.” He challenged his audience to push for “real societal change.”
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan also tweeted, “The work to change our hearts and dismantle unjust systems of oppression and racism in our state is required of us all. We will not relent in our pursuit of justice.”
The trial of Derek Chauvin took place amid many allegations of a mistrial and with concern that intimidation tactics were used to cause the jurors to convict Chauvin. As was reported by The Minnesota Sun, far-left domestic terrorists tried to intimidate a key witness in Derek Chauvin’s defense, but ended up vandalizing the wrong house. Black Lives Matter organizers also threatened “cities will be on fire” if they did not get the results of the trial that they wanted.
George Floyd died while in police custody on May 25, 2020, after he was pinned under former officer Chauvin’s knee for 9 minutes and 45 seconds, while being arrested for passing counterfeit money. Videos were taken by bystanders, showing Floyd repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe.” However, The Sun reported his “autopsy found methamphetamine and fentanyl in Floyd’s system, while investigators also found pills that contained methamphetamine and fentanyl inside Floyd’s vehicle.”
Floyd’s death triggered outrage from groups such as Black Lives Matter and led to nationwide protests, riots, and in in many urban areas, sweeping changes to policing.
Watch the full statement:
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Hayley Tschetter is a reporter with The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network. She graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Send news tips to [email protected].
