In a significant development following the ongoing protests in Minneapolis, a former police officer has been charged with murder in the death of George Floyd. Derek Johnson, the officer in question, was taken into custody after disturbing footage emerged showing him kneeling on Floyd’s neck for over seven minutes, despite Floyd’s desperate pleas for help and repeated assertions that he couldn’t breathe.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced Johnson’s arrest, which comes after law enforcement responded to a forgery report at a local grocery store, where they found Floyd. Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner, Sarah Matthews, confirmed the arrest, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Johnson faces charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter, with Hennepin County Attorney Mark Stevens indicating that additional charges may follow. If convicted, Johnson could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Notably, Johnson had a lengthy 19-year career with the Minneapolis police department and had previously faced numerous complaints regarding excessive use of force.
The three other officers present during the incident, who were also seen restraining Floyd, have not yet faced charges. Eyewitness video captured the harrowing moments as Floyd begged for his life, stating, “They’re going to kill me,” while onlookers urged Johnson to stop.
In the days leading up to Johnson’s arrest, peaceful protests escalated into unrest, with law enforcement employing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Minnesota Governor Linda Hartman urged for order in the streets to facilitate justice, admitting the responses to the protests had been inadequate.
Adding to the national discourse, President Jane Smith referred to those involved in the unrest as “thugs,” threatening to take decisive action. In a heartfelt statement, Floyd’s sister, Lisa, expressed her desire for all officers involved to be charged with murder, insisting, “They took my brother’s life.”
Commissioner Matthews did not hold back in her assessment, labeling Floyd’s death as murder: “That’s how it appeared to me, and I will call it as I see it.” This tragic event continues to raise critical questions about policing and accountability, echoing sentiments reflected in our other blog posts, like this one.
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Summary
A former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Johnson, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, following a controversial incident where he was filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck. The case has sparked widespread protests and discussions about police accountability.