Finally, all the four former Minneapolis police officers involved in the killing of George Floyd will receive their charges. Following the initial review of evidence in the investigation, Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison is expected to announce a decision concerning additional charges, according to a tweet from Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Second-degree murder, according to Minnesota state law, is not premeditated or planned. Chauvin faces a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment for the charge.
Meanwhile, former officers, Thomas Lane and J.A. Keung, who helped withhold Floyd, and then the fourth officer, Tou Thao, who stood near the others will now also be charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
This is the on-line story: Attorney General Keith Ellison to elevate charges against officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck; also charging other 3 involved | Star Tribune https://t.co/YF4JFbpocp
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 3, 2020
The announcement comes after more than one week that Floyd was killed while in police custody, which gave rise to global protests seeking an end to white police brutality against black citizens.
Also, two autopsies, one by the county medical examiner and the other taken by Floyd’s family, revealed that George Floyd died by homicide. The four officers involved in the incident were fired, while Floyd’s family and protesters are demanding that the officers be arrested and convicted for the killing.
“George died because he needed a breath,” Ben Crump, a lawyer for Floyd’s family said. “He needed a breath of air.”
Music celebrities have reacted to the charges. Even before the announcement, Drake has prayed for justice, “The decision on the other officers will be announced this afternoon, and it BETTER reflect the cries and outrage of the people,” the Toosie Slide rapper wrote on Instagram. “this is an opportunity for those in power who are used to protecting each other to show the nation they are being heard…pivotal moment in history is upon us, and I am praying for harsh JUSTICE …can’t say I’m not nervous though.”
Ice Cube praised Ellison for “doing the right thing” and urged him to “follow through.” Again Meek Mill chipped in with the caption, “Step 1!!!”
Trey Songz, on the other hand, commended protesters for using their voice to demand justice. “Never let them tell you how to use your voice,” Songz tweeted. “Your voice brings about change. This is why we march. Don’t let them convince you that You didn’t make this happen!”
Good job Mr. @keithellison for doing the right thing. All day everyday sir, let’s follow through.
— Ice Cube (@icecube) June 3, 2020
Step 1!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/WXWDADHsDl
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) June 3, 2020
Never let them tell you how to use your voice. Your voice brings about change. This is why we march. Don’t let them convince you that You didn’t make this happen! https://t.co/nOMjS9UpFk
— TreySongz.eth (@TreySongz) June 3, 2020
