Derek Chauvin Ends

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Yesterday the jury in the trial for former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin found Chauvin guilty on all counts.

The trial’s closing arguments began on Monday, and in just 10 hours, a final decision was made by the jury. Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck, who was an African American, was charged with secondary manslaughter, second degree murder and third degree murder.

Chauvin was brought into custody as he awaits his sentencing, which is expected to take place in eight weeks. For citizens with no criminal history, the state of Minnesota recommends 12 and a half years for unintentional second degree murder. But if judge Peter Cahill decides that there were aggravating factors in the murder, then sentencing could extend to 40 years.

Aggravating factors are conditions that expand the intensity of a crime.

After the verdict, Chauvin was handcuffed and led into another room.

Minneapolis braced for protests that could’ve escalated to violent riots. On Tuesday, 3,000 national guard troops were called to Minneapolis, and 1,000 officers and state troopers were on the scene.

After the verdict was read by judge Peter Cahill, cheers broke out from George Floyd square in Minneapolis. Across the country similar celebrations broke out from those who oppose Chauvin.

After the verdict was announced, President Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the nation from the white house.

“I can't breathe. We can't let those words die with him. We must not turn away. We can't turn away,” said Biden in his speech. Elsewhere in the address, Harris added, “a measure of justice isn't the same as equal justice. This verdict brings us a step closer and the fact is we still have work to do. We still must reform the system on globe.”