George Floyd’s death: Murder charges filed against all four sacked officers

MINNEAPOLIS (AFP): Authorities have announced new charges against all of the sacked police officers who were present at the death of African American George Floyd.

According to details, the former Minneapolis Police officer who pressed his knee into George Floyd’s neck was charged with a more serious count of second-degree murder, and the three other officers on scene during his killing were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

Announcing the charges, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said, “I strongly believe that these developments are in the interest of justice for Mr. Floyd, his family, our community and our state.”

In a statement, Floyd’s family described news of the new charges as a bittersweet moment. “This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, and we are gratified that this important action came before George Floyd’s body was laid to rest,” the statement said.

The May 25 death of George Floyd — who had been accused of trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit bill — has sparked huge protests across the United States against racism and the police killings of black Americans.

The vast majority of demonstrations over the past eight days have been peaceful, but some have turned violent and curfews have been imposed in a number of cities.

Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, had initially faced charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. These will stay on his charge sheet. The other three sacked officers are Thomas Lane, J Alexander Kueng, and Tou Thao.