Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has asked a judge for a new trial two weeks after he was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the killing of black man George Floyd.

Derek Chauvin demands new trial in George Floyd case

Derek Chauvin, Former Minneapolis Officer, was convicted of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the US.

Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades. The jury of six white people and six Black or multiracial ones came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days. 
 
Chauvin was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-george-floyd-whose-fall-fuelled-a-complete-movement-368697">In Pics: George Floyd, whose fall, fuelled a complete movement</a> 
 
A crowd gathered outside the heavily guarded downtown Minneapolis courtroom erupted in cheers, and some wept tears of relief when the verdicts were announced after a three-week trial that had an entire nation on edge.

Chauvin, who had been free on bail, was put in handcuffs after Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill read out the unanimous verdicts reached by the racially diverse, seven-woman five-man jury.

Wearing a facemask and displaying no visible emotion, Chauvin was escorted out of the courtroom by a deputy as one of Floyd's brothers, Philonise Floyd, embraced prosecutors.

Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison on the most serious charge -- second-degree murder. Sentencing will be at a later date.

The 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis police force was seen on video kneeling on the neck of Floyd for more than nine minutes as he lay face down and handcuffed on the ground saying repeatedly "I can't breathe."

The 46-year-old Floyd's death during his May 25, 2020 arrest for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality around the world.

Ahead of the verdict, cities across the United States had been braced for potential unrest and National Guard troops have been deployed in Minneapolis.

George Floyd's brother Rodney told AFP that Black people in America had been victims of deadly injustice at the hands of the authorities for hundreds of years.

"We needed a victory, in this case, it's very important, and we got it and hey, we might breathe a little bit better now," he added.

President Joe Biden called members of the Floyd family to say he was "relieved" by the verdicts, then later he and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the nation in televised remarks.

"This can be a giant step forward in the march towards justice in America," Biden said, as he called on citizens to "unite" against racism and violence.

Harris, America's first female and first Black vice president, told the family it was "a day of justice in America," and that "history will look back at this moment."

- 'Turning point' -

Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump hailed the conviction as a landmark victory for civil rights and a springboard to legislation currently before Congress to reform police forces in their dealings with minorities.&nbsp;

"This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement," Crump tweeted.

"Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!"

Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president, said "a jury did the right thing" but "true justice requires much more."

Three other former police officers involved in Floyd's arrest are to go on trial later this year.

Minneapolis has been tensely awaiting the Chauvin verdict and the city has seen nightly protests since Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was shot dead in a suburb of the Minnesota city on April 11 by a white policewoman.

In Washington, the National Guard said some 250 troops were being deployed "to support local law enforcement" in response to potential demonstrations.

Prosecutors, in closing arguments Monday, showed excerpts from the harrowing bystander video of Floyd's death that was seen by millions around the world.

"This case is exactly what you thought when you saw it first when you saw that video," prosecutor Steve Schleicher told the jury.&nbsp;

"You can believe your eyes," Schleicher said. "It's exactly what you knew, it's what you felt in your gut, it's what you now know in your heart."

"This wasn't policing, this was murder," Schleicher added. "Nine minutes and 29 seconds of shocking abuse of authority."

Much of the evidence phase of the trial involved testimony from medical experts about Floyd's cause of death.

A retired forensic pathologist called by the defence said Floyd died of cardiac arrest brought on by heart disease and the illegal drugs fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Medical experts for the prosecution said Floyd died from a lack of oxygen from Chauvin's knee on his neck and that drugs were not a factor.

Among the 38 witnesses who testified for the prosecution were some of the bystanders who watched Floyd's arrest and pleaded with Chauvin to get off him.

Darnella Frazier, the teenager who took the video that went viral, said Floyd was "scared" and "begging for his life."

"It wasn't right. He was suffering," Frazier said.

US Senator Tim Scott, one of just three Black Republicans in Congress, said there was "no question" that the jury rendered the right decision.

"While this outcome should give us renewed confidence in the integrity of our justice system, we know there is more work to be done to ensure the bad apples do not define all officers," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Derek Chauvin, Former Minneapolis Officer, was convicted of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the US.

Derek Chauvin, Former Minneapolis Officer, was convicted of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the US. Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades. The jury of six white people and six Black or multiracial ones came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days. Chauvin was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. In Pics: George Floyd, whose fall, fuelled a complete movement A crowd gathered outside the heavily guarded downtown Minneapolis courtroom erupted in cheers, and some wept tears of relief when the verdicts were announced after a three-week trial that had an entire nation on edge. Chauvin, who had been free on bail, was put in handcuffs after Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill read out the unanimous verdicts reached by the racially diverse, seven-woman five-man jury. Wearing a facemask and displaying no visible emotion, Chauvin was escorted out of the courtroom by a deputy as one of Floyd's brothers, Philonise Floyd, embraced prosecutors. Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison on the most serious charge -- second-degree murder. Sentencing will be at a later date. The 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis police force was seen on video kneeling on the neck of Floyd for more than nine minutes as he lay face down and handcuffed on the ground saying repeatedly "I can't breathe." The 46-year-old Floyd's death during his May 25, 2020 arrest for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality around the world. Ahead of the verdict, cities across the United States had been braced for potential unrest and National Guard troops have been deployed in Minneapolis. George Floyd's brother Rodney told AFP that Black people in America had been victims of deadly injustice at the hands of the authorities for hundreds of years. "We needed a victory, in this case, it's very important, and we got it and hey, we might breathe a little bit better now," he added. President Joe Biden called members of the Floyd family to say he was "relieved" by the verdicts, then later he and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the nation in televised remarks. "This can be a giant step forward in the march towards justice in America," Biden said, as he called on citizens to "unite" against racism and violence. Harris, America's first female and first Black vice president, told the family it was "a day of justice in America," and that "history will look back at this moment." - 'Turning point' - Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump hailed the conviction as a landmark victory for civil rights and a springboard to legislation currently before Congress to reform police forces in their dealings with minorities. "This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement," Crump tweeted. "Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!" Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president, said "a jury did the right thing" but "true justice requires much more." Three other former police officers involved in Floyd's arrest are to go on trial later this year. Minneapolis has been tensely awaiting the Chauvin verdict and the city has seen nightly protests since Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was shot dead in a suburb of the Minnesota city on April 11 by a white policewoman. In Washington, the National Guard said some 250 troops were being deployed "to support local law enforcement" in response to potential demonstrations. Prosecutors, in closing arguments Monday, showed excerpts from the harrowing bystander video of Floyd's death that was seen by millions around the world. "This case is exactly what you thought when you saw it first when you saw that video," prosecutor Steve Schleicher told the jury. "You can believe your eyes," Schleicher said. "It's exactly what you knew, it's what you felt in your gut, it's what you now know in your heart." "This wasn't policing, this was murder," Schleicher added. "Nine minutes and 29 seconds of shocking abuse of authority." Much of the evidence phase of the trial involved testimony from medical experts about Floyd's cause of death. A retired forensic pathologist called by the defence said Floyd died of cardiac arrest brought on by heart disease and the illegal drugs fentanyl and methamphetamine. Medical experts for the prosecution said Floyd died from a lack of oxygen from Chauvin's knee on his neck and that drugs were not a factor. Among the 38 witnesses who testified for the prosecution were some of the bystanders who watched Floyd's arrest and pleaded with Chauvin to get off him. Darnella Frazier, the teenager who took the video that went viral, said Floyd was "scared" and "begging for his life." "It wasn't right. He was suffering," Frazier said. US Senator Tim Scott, one of just three Black Republicans in Congress, said there was "no question" that the jury rendered the right decision. "While this outcome should give us renewed confidence in the integrity of our justice system, we know there is more work to be done to ensure the bad apples do not define all officers," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US ex-cop Derek Chauvin found guilty of murder, manslaughter in the death of George Floyd

Prosecutors and defence attorneys have ended closing arguments Monday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after making their cases to jurors in the death case of George Floyd. After several weeks of testimony amid nationwide concerns over potential unrest that could follow once a verdict is reached.&nbsp;

The jury of six white people and six people who are Black or multiracial began deliberating after nearly a full day of closing arguments in which prosecutors argued that Chauvin squeezed the life out of Floyd last May in a way that even a child knew was wrong.

The defence contended that the now-fired white officer acted reasonably and that the 46-year-old Floyd died of a heart condition and illegal drug use.

After closing arguments were done, Judge Peter Cahill rejected a defence request for a mistrial based in part on comments from California Rep. Maxine Waters that protesters could get more confrontational if there is no guilty verdict.

&nbsp;The judge told Chauvin's attorney: Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned.

He added: I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law and the judicial branch.

Chauvin (45), is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, all of which require the jury to conclude that Chauvin's actions were a substantial causal factor in Floyd's death and that his use of force was unreasonable.

The most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.

Use your common sense. Believe your eyes. What you saw, you saw, prosecutor Steve Schleicher said in closing arguments, referring to the excruciating bystander video of Floyd pinned down on the pavement with Chauvin's knee on or close to his neck for up to 9 minutes, 29 seconds, as bystanders yelled at the officer to get off.

Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson countered by arguing that Chauvin did what any reasonable police officer would have done after finding himself in a dynamic and fluid situation involving a large man struggling with three officers.

As Nelson began speaking, the now-fired Chauvin removed his COVID-19 mask in front of the jury for one of the very few times during the trial.

The duelling arguments got underway with some stores boarded up in Minneapolis, the courthouse ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire, and National Guard members on patrol. Floyd's death last spring set off protests in the city and across the US that sometimes turned violent.

&nbsp;The city has also been on edge in recent days over the police killing of a 20-year-old Black man in a nearby suburb on April 11.

Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell had the final word, offering the state's rebuttal argument. The prosecutor, who is Black, said the questions about the use of force and cause of death are so simple that a child can understand it.

A child did understand it, when the 9-year-old girl said, Get off of him,' Blackwell said, referring to a young witness who objected to what she saw. "That's how simple it was. 'Get off of him.' Common sense.

Under the law, police have a certain latitude to use force, and their actions are supposed to be judged according to what a reasonable officer in the same situation would have done.

Nelson noted that officers who first went to the corner store where Floyd allegedly tried to pass a counterfeit USD 20 bill were struggling with Floyd when Chauvin arrived as backup. The attorney also noted that the first two officers on the scene were rookies and that police had been told that Floyd might be on drugs.

A reasonable police officer understands the intensity of the struggle, Nelson said, saying that Chauvin's body-worn camera and his police badge were knocked off his chest.

Nelson also showed the jury pictures of pills found in Floyd's SUV and pill remnants discovered in the squad car. Fentanyl and methamphetamine were found in Floyd's system.

The defence attorney said the failure of the prosecution to acknowledge that medical problems or drugs played a role defies medical science and it defies common sense and reason.

During the prosecution's argument, Schleicher replayed portions of the bystander video and other footage as he dismissed certain defence theories about Floyd's death as nonsense." He said Chauvin killed Floyd by constricting his breathing.

Schleicher rejected the drug overdose argument, as well as the contention that police were distracted by hostile onlookers, that Floyd had superhuman strength from a state of agitation known as excited delirium, and that he suffered possible carbon monoxide poisoning from auto exhaust.

The prosecutor sarcastically referred to the idea that it was heart disease that killed Floyd as an amazing coincidence.

"Is that common sense or is that nonsense? Schleicher asked the jury.

&nbsp;Blackwell, his fellow prosecutor, likewise rejected the defence theory that Floyd died because of an enlarged heart: The truth of the matter is that the reason George Floyd is dead is that Mr Chauvin's heart was too small.

Earlier, Schleicher described how Chauvin ignored Floyd's cries and continued to kneel on him well after he stopped breathing and had no pulse. Chauvin was on top of him for 9 minutes and 29 seconds and he had to know, Schleicher said. He had to know.

He said Chauvin heard Floyd but he just didn't listen.

The prosecutor said Floyd was "not a threat to anyone" and was not trying to escape when he struggled with officers but instead was terrified of being put into the tiny backseat of the squad car. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prosecutors and defence attorneys have ended closing arguments Monday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after making their cases to jurors in the death case of George Floyd.

Prosecutors and defence attorneys have ended closing arguments Monday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after making their cases to jurors in the death case of George Floyd. After several weeks of testimony amid nationwide concerns over potential unrest that could follow once a verdict is reached. The jury of six white people and six people who are Black or multiracial began deliberating after nearly a full day of closing arguments in which prosecutors argued that Chauvin squeezed the life out of Floyd last May in a way that even a child knew was wrong. The defence contended that the now-fired white officer acted reasonably and that the 46-year-old Floyd died of a heart condition and illegal drug use. After closing arguments were done, Judge Peter Cahill rejected a defence request for a mistrial based in part on comments from California Rep. Maxine Waters that protesters could get more confrontational if there is no guilty verdict. The judge told Chauvin's attorney: Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned. He added: I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law and the judicial branch. Chauvin (45), is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, all of which require the jury to conclude that Chauvin's actions were a substantial causal factor in Floyd's death and that his use of force was unreasonable. The most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison. Use your common sense. Believe your eyes. What you saw, you saw, prosecutor Steve Schleicher said in closing arguments, referring to the excruciating bystander video of Floyd pinned down on the pavement with Chauvin's knee on or close to his neck for up to 9 minutes, 29 seconds, as bystanders yelled at the officer to get off. Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson countered by arguing that Chauvin did what any reasonable police officer would have done after finding himself in a dynamic and fluid situation involving a large man struggling with three officers. As Nelson began speaking, the now-fired Chauvin removed his COVID-19 mask in front of the jury for one of the very few times during the trial. The duelling arguments got underway with some stores boarded up in Minneapolis, the courthouse ringed with concrete barriers and razor wire, and National Guard members on patrol. Floyd's death last spring set off protests in the city and across the US that sometimes turned violent. The city has also been on edge in recent days over the police killing of a 20-year-old Black man in a nearby suburb on April 11. Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell had the final word, offering the state's rebuttal argument. The prosecutor, who is Black, said the questions about the use of force and cause of death are so simple that a child can understand it. A child did understand it, when the 9-year-old girl said, Get off of him,' Blackwell said, referring to a young witness who objected to what she saw. "That's how simple it was. 'Get off of him.' Common sense. Under the law, police have a certain latitude to use force, and their actions are supposed to be judged according to what a reasonable officer in the same situation would have done. Nelson noted that officers who first went to the corner store where Floyd allegedly tried to pass a counterfeit USD 20 bill were struggling with Floyd when Chauvin arrived as backup. The attorney also noted that the first two officers on the scene were rookies and that police had been told that Floyd might be on drugs. A reasonable police officer understands the intensity of the struggle, Nelson said, saying that Chauvin's body-worn camera and his police badge were knocked off his chest. Nelson also showed the jury pictures of pills found in Floyd's SUV and pill remnants discovered in the squad car. Fentanyl and methamphetamine were found in Floyd's system. The defence attorney said the failure of the prosecution to acknowledge that medical problems or drugs played a role defies medical science and it defies common sense and reason. During the prosecution's argument, Schleicher replayed portions of the bystander video and other footage as he dismissed certain defence theories about Floyd's death as nonsense." He said Chauvin killed Floyd by constricting his breathing. Schleicher rejected the drug overdose argument, as well as the contention that police were distracted by hostile onlookers, that Floyd had superhuman strength from a state of agitation known as excited delirium, and that he suffered possible carbon monoxide poisoning from auto exhaust. The prosecutor sarcastically referred to the idea that it was heart disease that killed Floyd as an amazing coincidence. "Is that common sense or is that nonsense? Schleicher asked the jury. Blackwell, his fellow prosecutor, likewise rejected the defence theory that Floyd died because of an enlarged heart: The truth of the matter is that the reason George Floyd is dead is that Mr Chauvin's heart was too small. Earlier, Schleicher described how Chauvin ignored Floyd's cries and continued to kneel on him well after he stopped breathing and had no pulse. Chauvin was on top of him for 9 minutes and 29 seconds and he had to know, Schleicher said. He had to know. He said Chauvin heard Floyd but he just didn't listen. The prosecutor said Floyd was "not a threat to anyone" and was not trying to escape when he struggled with officers but instead was terrified of being put into the tiny backseat of the squad car. (With inputs from agencies)

Derek Chauvin trial: Murder case against ex-cop in George Floyd's death goes to jury

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin declined to testify in his murder trial over the killing of George Floyd as the defence wrapped up its case after just two days of testimony.

Prosecution, Defence rests case in Floyd's murder trial

A medical expert testifying for the defence in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin told jurors that the manner of George Floyd's death should be classified as "undetermined" rather than "homicide."

Derek Chauvin trial: Medical expert from defence testifies before jury

The attorney for Derek Chauvin began his defence of the former Minneapolis police officer on Tuesday. A use of force expert called by Chauvin's defence team said that former police officer was justified in kneeling on George Floyd's neck.

Chauvin's defence begins case: Expert says use of force on Floyd was justified

Dr. Martin Tobin, a pulmonary expert testified George Floyd died from a lack of oxygen. He listed up four reasons as to why Floyd was unable to get enough oxygen.

Pulmonary expert: Floyd died of low oxygen level, prone position contributed

Use-of-force expert has testified that former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin had no need to kneel on the neck of George Floyd once he was handcuffed and prone. Floyd's drug use history also came under scrutiny.

Use-of-force expert testifies in Floyd murder trial says 'no force was reasonable'

Lawyers for both the prosecution and the defense continued to argue on Tuesday over whether Derek Chauvin violated police policy when he knelt on George Floyd.

George Floyd Murder Trial: What happened in the Derek Chauvin trial on Day 7?

Earlier this week, Chauvin's defense attorney, Eric Nelson, tried to limit what Williams could testify about in court.

Derek Chauvin trial: 'I believed I witnessed a murder', says eyewitness Donald Williams

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