Minneapolis
Televised trial: A judge here ruled last week that the four officers charged in the death of George Floyd should stand trial together—while the world watches. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill took the unusual move of allowing TV cameras into the courtroom for next spring’s trial of fired officers Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao. He cited the pandemic and the court’s inability to provide adequate room as the reason. Cahill also shot down a request for a change of venue. “The murder of George Floyd occurred in Minneapolis, and it is right that the defendants should be tried in Minneapolis,” he said. Cahill also said the officers “acted in concert” and the evidence against them is “similar.” All four intend to argue that their use of force was necessary and that Floyd’s end was caused by drugs and comorbidities. The coroner has ruled his death a homicide.