‘FLOYD’ TRIAL TO OPEN

Jury pick for slay cop starts today

Jury selection is set to get under way Monday in the highly anticipated murder trial of former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd.

Minnesota officials are on high alert over the case, which has sparked worldwide demonstrations for racial equality and condemnation of police brutality.

The selection of jurors starts in the morning in Hennepin County District Court in Minnesota, with opening arguments scheduled for no earlier than March 29.

Those arguments could be delayed thanks to a court of appeals ruling last week that said Hennepin District Judge Peter Cahill erred by dismissing an additional third-degree murder charge against Chauvin — which may present further legal challenges. Once underway, the trial is expected to last between two and four weeks.

Chauvin, 44, is accused of pressing his knee to the back of Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes while the black man was handcuffed, leading to his death (left). Viral video of the incident sparked global protests.

The white now-ex-cop, who was fired after the incident, is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Depending on Cahill’s ruling or a possible appeal, the third-degree murder charge could be reinstated for jurors to consider as well.

Prospective jurors will be interviewed individually because of coronavirus restrictions, with eight potential panelists questioned by lawyers from both sides each day.

The court will select a panel of 12 jurors and four alternates, two more alternates than normal.

Space in court will be severely limited because of social-distancing requirements.

In addition to the judge and required court personnel, there will be Chauvin and his lawyers, as well as a team of prosecutors from the state Attorney General’s Office and special attorneys assigned to the case.

Only one member each of Floyd’s and Chauvin’s families will be allowed in the room at a time, and two seats are reserved for members of the media, who will rotate pool duties.

The trial will take place under unprecedented security measures in the state. A massive law-enforcement presence inside and outside the courthouse will include Minneapolis police, county sheriff ’s deputies, state troopers and National Guard members.

Authorities have also ringed the courthouse with concrete barriers.