Bail set at $1.25M for ex-officer in Floyd case
MINNEAPOLIS — The white ex-police officer charged with murder in the killing two weeks ago of George Floyd, a black man whose death in custody has led to nationwide and global protests, was given a bail of $1.25 million Monday afternoon.
Derek Chauvin, a 19-year veteran who was fired from the force after Floyd’s death, participated in his initial hearing at the heavily fortified Hennepin County courthouse on a video feed from jail. Mr. Chauvin, who has been behind bars since he was arrested May 29, faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree murder, a more serious count than he had originally faced. He faces up to 40 years in prison.
Prosecutor Matthew Frank argued that the “severity of the charges” and the strength of public opinion against Chauvin made him a more likely flight risk. Mr. Frank asked Circuit Court Judge Jeannice Reding to raise bail from $1.25 million from $1 million without conditions, and to $1 million from $750,000 with conditions.
Mr. Chauvin and his lawyer, Eric Nelson, did not object in the short hearing, which lasted 15 minutes.
The conditions Mr. Chauvin was offered that would reduce his bail from $1.25 million to $1 million include that he not work in security or law enforcement, not have contact with Floyd’s family, not leave Minnesota, and surrender all firearms and permits.
Mr. Chauvin did not enter a plea; his next court appearance was set for June 29.
Mr. Chauvin placed his knee on the neck of Floyd for nearly nine minutes in a video that prompted anguish and outrage across the nation and world.