Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22 1/2 years in death of George Floyd
He was convicted in the May 2020 death of Floyd.
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, was handed his sentence Friday.
Chauvin was handed a 270-month sentence, minus time served, by Judge Peter Cahill.
In April, Chauvin, 45, was found guilty on three counts: Second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes. He is widely expected to appeal.
Chauvin was sentenced on the most serious charge, second-degree unintentional murder, which under Minnesota law has a maximum sentence of 40 years.
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Chants of 'Say his name!'
As news of the sentencing broke, chants of “Say his name!” erupted in George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, the site where Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck.
Earlier in the day the crowd had shouted “30 years! 30 years!”
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison reacts to sentencing
“Today's sentencing is not justice, but it is another moment of real accountability on the road to justice,” Ellison said in a statement following the sentencing. “The outcome of this case is critically important, but by itself it’s not enough.”
He demanded that Congress pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, saying, “Lives are depending upon it.”
Ellison also issued a warning to law enforcement leaders. “By bringing accountability in law enforcement, you actually promote public safety,” he said.
Bridgett Floyd says 'we have a long way to go' after sentencing
Bridgett Floyd, the sister of George Floyd and the founder of the George Floyd Memorial Foundation, praised the judge's decision but said it is not enough.
"The sentence handed down today to the Minneapolis police officer who killed my brother George Floyd shows that matters of police brutality are finally being taken seriously," she said. "However, we have a long way to go and many changes to make before Black and Brown people finally feel like they are being treated fairly and humanely by law enforcement in this country."
Chauvin given 22-and-a-half year sentence
Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Chauvin to 270 months in prison.
“This is based on your abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty shown to George Floyd,” Cahill said.
Cahill said a 22-page memorandum will be attached to the sentencing order.
“What the sentence is not based on is emotion or sympathy, but at the same time I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family. You have our sympathies," he said.