Floyd officer won’t testify

THE police officer accused of killing George Floyd by kneeling on his neck will not give evidence in his murder trial, he told a jury yesterday.

Derek Chauvin, pictured, declined to testify – and instead invoked his Fifth Amendment rights which protects individuals from incriminating themselves. He claimed he considered answering questions right up until the last minute as the trial nears a close.

His short statement was the most jurors had heard him say as they decide if he was responsible for the death of 46-year-old Mr Floyd in Minneapolis last May.

When the judge asked if Chauvin had received any threats or had been promised anything to not testify, the accused briefly smiled and said no.

Chauvin, 45, denies murder and manslaughter. The trial continues.