Remember when George Floyd was supposed to be arrested but was laid on the ground while an officer knelt on George's neck for 9 minutes? As all protesters gathered outside of Minneapolis on Derek Chauvin's trial. The court finds out guilty of all charges, as all protesters rejoiced followed by a noise barrage, and waving flags of Black Lives Matter.
Who was Derek Chauvin?
The former police officer who's responsible for the death of George Floyd. A former Army Reservist from 1996 to 2004, a member of the Minneapolis Police Department from 2001 to 2020, he took a bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement from Metropolitan State University and graduated in 2006.
During his tenure as a police officer, Derek was involved in 3 police shootings. 18 complaints on his official record. On May 25, 2020, George bought a pack of cigarettes then hands over a $20 bill. The cashier suspected it was a counterfeit. As they call 911, Derek and 3 other officers went to the scene to arrest George. Handcuffed and placed on the ground, Derek knelt on George's neck for 9 minutes.
His other colleagues, James Alexander Jueng, and Thomas Lane assisted Derek to restrain George, while Tou Thao stood there as other bystanders prevented them to record it from their smartphones. The video circulated all over the internet. All 4 officers were dismissed by the Minneapolis Police Department on the next day. On May 29, Derek was arrested and charged with murder & manslaughter.
What about the other 3 officers?
They were also arrested, but Thomas Lane was released on bail last June 10, 2020. He warned Derek and his other colleagues that it wasn't the right way. In the following days, Alexander and Tou were also released on bail. Yes, they were able to get out of jail, but their trial will be in the next 4 months of August 23, 2021.
Impact on George's Family & for the Black Lives Matter
The Floyd Family received the news of the verdict, as they thanked everyone who showed their support from activists to advocates. Through the power of prayer, they received their answer. As for the Black Lives Matter movement after the protests, they will not stop fighting for their rights, and their liberty as citizens of the United States.
However, it might happen again, but let this be a clear reminder for those who are chosen as guardians of our city. The scars of brutality & injustice must be prevented. Now that Derek was led away in handcuffs. He will remain in jail until his sentencing, and for the 3 other officers hoping they would meet the same fate as for their colleague.
