We welcome you back to our live coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial. The final arguments in the murder case against the former Minneapolis police officer are scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. local time in Minneapolis.
Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police department officer, faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, third-degree murder and second-degree murder on the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. During an arrest, Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck, which was black, for nine minutes and 29 seconds.
Floyd was pushed against the pavement, restrained and subdued while Chauvin held his knee in place. Floyd died. He was 46 years old. His death sparked protests for racial justice around the world.
Chauvin’s trial began in earnest on March 29 with opening statements and included 14 days of testimony. The jury will begin deliberating once the closures are over and will be kidnapped until a verdict is reached.
Chauvin’s prosecution and lawyer have focused on two main issues: the use of force and the cause of death.
Prosecutors argue that Chauvin’s use of force was excessive, deviating from the department’s policy and national police rules. They also maintain that Floyd died due to the lack of oxygen that resulted from police restraint.
Eric Nelson, who represents Chauvin, has claimed that Floyd died due to an acute heart event that arose from underlying heart disease, the use of methamphetamine and fentanyl and / or a combination of these factors. Nelson has also stated that the proper use of force is situational and that actions that seem bad can be lawful and justified. The lawyer also said a crowd near the place of detention posed a risk to officers.
While Minneapolis awaits a verdict, this city and other U.S. countries are preparing for possible protests. Demonstrations were held this weekend against police killings in the United States, with tensions rising further with two recent killings.
Daunte Wright, 20, was shot dead in a Minneapolis suburb by a white police officer during an April 11 traffic stop. The recent release of camera footage showing the murder in Chicago of a 13-year-old man, Adam Toledo, who had his hands raised, has also sparked numerous protests.
We will provide you with breaking news as it happens, as well as analysis and reports from our field journalists.