EX- COP IN FLOYD DEATH IS RELEASED ON BOND
MINNEAPOLIS — The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd posted bail and was released from prison on Wednesday, leading Minnesota’s governor to activate the National Guard in case of protests.
According to court and jail documents, Derek Chauvin posted a $ 1- million bond and was released from detention at the state’s facility in Oak Park Heights shortly before 11: 30 a. m.
Floyd, a Black man already in handcuffs, died May 25 after Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for several minutes as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe. His death was captured in bystander video that set off protests around the world.
Chauvin and three other officers were f ired. Chauvin is charged with second- degree murder, third- degree murder and manslaughter; Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting seconddegree murder and manslaughter.
Upon news of Chauvin’s release, Gov. Tim Walz activated the National Guard to help local law enforcement. Walz said the Guard was mobilizing 100 soldiers and providing equipment and facilities “out of an abundance of caution.” The Democratic governor also said 100 state troopers and 75 Department of Natural Resources conservation officers were mobilized to help local authorities.
Floyd family lawyers Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci released a statement saying Chauvin’s release “is a painful reminder” that the family is far from getting justice.
“The system of due process worked for Chauvin and afforded him his freedom while he awaits trial. In contrast, George Floyd was denied due process, when his life was ended over a $ 20 bill. There was no charge, no arrest, no hearing, no bail. Just execution,” they wrote.
Floyd’s aunt Angela Harrelson told FOX- 9 that she was still trying to process the news.
“I’m not pleased with it,” she said. “But I know I have to accept it because this is what the judge allowed to happen.... I know our family is not happy with this decision.”
It was not immediately clear how Chauvin paid his bond. In Minnesota a defendant must pay 10%, in this case $ 100,000, to the bail bond company.
A message left with Allegheny Casualty Co., which posted the bond, was not immediately returned.
The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Assn. did not provide any money for bail, a spokeswoman said. Minneapolis Police Officers Federation President Bob Kroll said his union was not involved either.
Christian crowdfunding website GiveSendGo. com has a Derek Chauvin Bail Fund that says it was created by his family. As of late Wednesday the site showed the fund had raised $ 4,645 of its $ 125,000 goal, with 43 donations.
Under the conditions of his release, Chauvin cannot have direct or indirect contact with Floyd’s family, cannot work in law enforcement or security, and must not possess any firearms ammunition.
Chauvin’s attorney had no comment Wednesday.
It was not clear where Chauvin would be staying, but he is not allowed to leave Minnesota without permission. His wife, Kellie Chauvin, f iled for divorce shortly after Floyd’s death.
The other three former officers previously posted bail amounts of $ 750,000 and have been free pending trial.
All four men are scheduled to face trial together in March, but the judge is considering a request for separate trials.