Why Third-Degree Murder May Be Wrong Charge Against Derek Chauvin

Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who arrested George Floyd and proceeded to press his knee into Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Some legal experts are asking whether these are the most appropriate charges to be brought against Chauvin. 

>>> Update: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Wednesday afternoon that the state also will charge Chauvin with second-degree murder, and that the three other former Minneapolis police officers involved are being arrested and charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

Amy Swearer, a legal fellow in The Heritage Foundation’s Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, joins The Daily Signal Podcast to discuss the legal implications of Chauvin’s use of deadly force against Floyd and whether the charges brought against him are correct for the crime committed. 

We also cover these stories: 

• President Donald Trump has been critical of how New York has handled the riots and unrest following the death of George Floyd. 
• Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York is asking the inspector general of the Department of Defense to look into law enforcement’s treatment of protesters near the White House. 
• Trump is receiving criticism from religious leaders after visiting St. John’s Episcopal Church and St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington. 

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