This punishment was imposed after Chauvin broke his silence for a year to express condolences to the Floyd families and hope they have “some peace” in the future. It is the longest ever handed down to a U.S. officer involved in the murder of a Black man.
Floyd’s family and others were still disappointed. The sentence was not as long as the 30-years requested by prosecutors. With good behavior Chauvin, 45 could be released on parole after he has served two-thirds of the sentence or approximately 15 years.
Nekima Levy, a Minneapolis protest leader, said that “just because it takes the longest doesn’t mean that it’s enough.”
Judge Peter Cahill went beyond the 12-1/2-year sentence required by state guidelines. He cited Chauvin’s “abuse in a position of trust, authority and also the particular cruelty shown to Floyd.”
Ben Crump, Floyd’s family attorney, said that the family has received “some measure” of accountability. However, he hopes Chauvin will get the maximum sentence at the federal civil rights trial. Crump stated that this was the longest ever sentence a Minnesota police officer received.
He added that “Real justice” in America would be Black men and Black females, and people of color, who won’t have to worry about being shot by police because of the color of the skin. This would be true justice.
A crowd of 50 people gathered outside the courthouse and held hands or put their arms on one another. People debated the length of the sentence and their reactions were subdued. Some people cursed in dismay.
George Floyd Square was the location where Floyd was pinned down to the pavement. Members of the crowd applauded and some said, “We’ll take that.”
Chauvin was quickly taken back to prison. When the judge handed down the sentence, Chauvin showed no emotion. His COVID-19 mask, which obscured much of his face, made his eyes move quickly around the courtroom.
In April, the fired white officer was convicted of second-degree unintentional and third-degree murder. Floyd also pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. Floyd had been pressing his knee against Floyd for as long as 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd gasped for air and then went limp on May 25, 2020.
Bystander Video Floyd’s arrest for passing a fake $20 bill at a corner shop sparked protests all over the globe. This led to widespread violence in Minneapolis and elsewhere, and calls for an overhaul of police departments.
Chauvin, who was not present at his trial, took off his mask and spoke briefly to the Floyd family. He said that he had “some additional legal issues” which he believed were related to the federal civil rights trial. His words could have been used against him.
