The four former police officers involved in the tragic death of George Floyd are now facing charges. The world was shocked last week as ex-officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck, leading to his untimely demise. Initially, there were no arrests made against Chauvin or the three other officers who stood by. Public outcry ensued, with citizens across the nation contacting local officials and law enforcement, demanding accountability for the four officers involved.
Derek Chauvin, originally charged with third-degree murder, now faces an upgraded charge of second-degree murder. Meanwhile, the other three officers—identified as Eric Johnson, Michael Lee, and Samuel Parker—have been charged with aiding and abetting this elevated murder charge, as reported by court documents. Minnesota Attorney General Lisa Hartman has taken over the prosecution from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, and updates are expected soon.
In a statement, the family of George Floyd, represented by their attorney Benjamin Crump, expressed their gratitude for the decisive action taken by Attorney General Hartman. “This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, and we appreciate that this important action was taken before George Floyd was laid to rest,” they remarked.
While these arrests are a step in the right direction, they highlight the ongoing issue of police violence against Black men, which remains a persistent problem in the country. However, momentum appears to be shifting. On June 2, 2020, the entire state of Minnesota launched a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department, with Governor Tim Walz announcing the probe. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights will review the department’s practices over the last decade to assess whether systemic discrimination against people of color has occurred.
Minneapolis Mayor John Thompson acknowledged the challenges of holding police accountable, stating, “For years, efforts for change have been hindered by police union protections and laws limiting accountability.” The state anticipates having findings from the investigation within several months.
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In summary, all four former officers involved in George Floyd’s death have been charged, with Chauvin facing elevated murder charges. This action comes amid a broader investigation into systemic discrimination within the Minneapolis Police Department, reflecting ongoing efforts to address police violence and accountability in America.