Chauvin judge cuts 2 jurors who learned of settlement
MINNEAPOLIS – Two jurors seated last week in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin were excused Wednesday because they said they couldn’t be impartial after hearing about the city’s historic $27 million settlement with George Floyd’s family.
Floyd, a Black man, died in police custody on May 25, 2020, when Chauvin, who is white, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes. As he lay on the ground under Chauvin, Floyd cried out, “I can’t breathe” more than 20 times. The incident sparked protests worldwide.
Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill questioned the seven jurors over Zoom about their exposure to the news of the civil settlement, which was announced Friday. Two jurors – a Hispanic man in his 20s and white man in his 30s – said they were shocked and swayed by the announcement, particularly the dollar amount.
At least nine of 12 jurors have been seated so far, as of Wednesday afternoon; two alternates will also be selected.
Chauvin is charged with seconddegree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The judge was visibly angry Wednesday morning about reporting the day before that described security arrangements on the floor where the trial is taking place. He threatened to close the courtroom to media if they acted irresponsibly. The media has two seats, one for print and one for TV. News outlets take turns reporting from the courtroom and share their work.
The judge has not yet ruled on whether the jury would be allowed to hear any evidence evidence related to Floyd’s 2019 arrest.
Among the jurors selected so far is a man who immigrated from Africa to the U.S., a chemist, a man who works in banking and teaches youth sports, a mother of two who worried about her safety in serving on the jury, a woman who said she was “super excited” to serve, a single mother, and a groom who will likely have to postpone his wedding to serve on the jury.