President Biden says he is “praying” for jurors to convict former Minneapolis police adviser Derek Chauvin of murder for killing George Floyd less than 24 hours after the judge asked the elected officials to stop talking about the trial .
“I am praying that the verdict is the right verdict. What it is, I think is overwhelming in my opinion, ”Biden told reporters at an unrelated Oval Office event on Tuesday.
The forceful assessment of the nation’s top elected official comes the morning after the judge in the Chauvin case asked politicians to shut their lips.
Judge Peter Cahill said Monday that statements by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California) urging protesters to be more confrontational in the event of an acquittal could cause the entire case to be “overturned.”
He went on to say: “This goes back to what I have been saying from the beginning. I would like the elected officials to stop talking about this case, especially in a way that does not respect the rule of law, the judiciary and our function ”.
Biden said he called Floyd’s family Monday night after jurors began deliberating on the case.
“I’ve known George’s family,” Biden said. “And his brother, both brothers.”
Biden said he waited to call Floyd’s family until the arguments were over so he wouldn’t be seen putting pressure on jurors, as they accuse Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California) of doing.
“I waited until the jury was kidnapped and I called,” Biden said, without directly mentioning the controversy over Waters ’inflammatory statements, who said in a crowd of protests Sunday near Minneapolis,“ We need to be more confronted “if Chauvin is acquitted.
Biden said Floyd’s family does not want violence if Chauvin is found guilty.
“They are a good family and ask for peace and quiet, no matter what that verdict is,” Biden said.
Republicans are pushing for a House resolution to censor Waters. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (California) defended her and said Monday, “Maxine spoke of confrontation in the manner of the civil rights movement.” House minority whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) On Tuesday rejected Waters’ omission of the “peaceful” word from his call to action.
Chauvin’s fate is being closely monitored due to intense interest in the case and fear of civil unrest if he is not found guilty.
Prosecutors said Chauvin murdered Floyd kneeling on his neck for 9 minutes. But Chauvin’s defense argued that heart disease, drug use and fumes that could escape the car killed Floyd.
Floyd’s death sparked protests and riots nationwide last year, causing up to $ 2 billion in damages, according to insurance company estimates.
Biden has repeatedly denounced Floyd’s death, but had previously failed to consider the trial. His comments came as his administration has been privately studying how to handle the next verdict, including whether Biden should address the nation and sending specially trained community facilitators from the Justice Department, they said. in the Associated Press assistants and officials.
The jury resumed deliberations Tuesday morning after spending a few hours Monday discussing the case behind closed doors.
According to two White House aides who were not allowed to speak publicly about private talks, plans for possible presidential statements are still fluid, although the timing, location and nature of the statements are considered, in part based on the moment of verdict. and spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity.
The White House has been watching carefully as the trial unfolds in Minneapolis – and then another shooting of a black man by a white police officer last week – and is preparing for the possibility of riots if not a verdict of guilt is reached. Biden may also speak after a guilty verdict, White House aides said.
But on Monday the White House stopped condemning Waters’ statements, which called on Minneapolis protesters to “confront the police more.” Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden believes “protests should be peaceful,” in response to a reporter’s question about Waters’ call for action.
With Associated Press