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Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin Charged With George Floyd's Murder

Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin Charged With George Floyd's Murder
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Derek Chauvin, ex-officer, filmed kneeling on George Floyd's neck moments before his death, is charged with murder and manslaughter.

Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck for about eight minutes shortly before he died on May 25.

The officer's arrest came after nearly four days of protests culminating in the burning of a Minneapolis police station.

Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin Charged With George Floyd's Murder
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Chauvin is one of the four cops who were present at the time of Floyd's death. The horrifying incident was captured in a viral bystander video.

How Did Floyd Die?

Video footage shows these events unfold. And witnesses at the scene recall Floyd pleading with the police to stop hurting him.

Chauvin is seen holding Floyd to the ground, While Floyd pleaded:

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"I can't breathe, man. Please. Please let me stand."

Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin Charged With George Floyd's Murder
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News first broke that Chauvin had been arrested following the incident.

However, it wasn't immediately clear what charges investigators brought against the disgraced police officer.

Hennepin County District Attorney Mike Freeman later announced that investigators charged Chauvin with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

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Freeman added that subsequent charges are possible. And they anticipate to charge other officers involved.

How Did the Family React After Chauvin Arrest?

Floyd's family also released a statement following the arrest. They described the arrest as a "welcome but overdue step on the road to justice."

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The family said they want to see Chauvin charged with murder and charges for the three other officers.

As per The Washington Post, Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said the four-day turnaround in charging Chauvin is 'extraordinary.'

Harrington added that they've 'never charged a case in that time frame.'

Protests broke Throughout Minneapolis in the Days that Followed

There have also been demonstrations elsewhere, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Louisville, Phoenix, Columbus, and Memphis.

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According to the Associated Press, cops have arrested over 4,100 people in US cities over the weekend.

Several people have also died amid the protest nationwide.

Nearly a week after Floyd's death, it remains unclear whether tensions across the country are calming or escalating.

George Floyd's death has also sparked protests in other parts of the world, including London, Berlin, and across Europe.

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On Sunday, May 31, thousands of people gathered across Central London. The protesters held up signs declaring "Justice for George Floyd" as they made their way to the US Embassy.

Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin Charged With George Floyd's Murder
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The protests weren't only in London. Hundreds also marched through Manchester, Germany, Wales, and in other countries, including Jerusalem.

Shockingly, Floyd and Chauvin knew each other before the fatal encounter, according to reports.

As reported by CNN, Floyd and Chauvin were long-time co-workers who worked security at the same bar, El Nuevo Rodeo.

Rest in peace, George Floyd.

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