Ex-police officer Derek Chauvin has been released from jail after posting a $1 million bond. Chauvin had been jailed in isolation at the maximum-security Oak Park Heights, Minnesota prison.
What We Know:
- A spokesperson from the Minnesota Department of Corrections has corroborated that Chauvin was no longer detained at the prison on Wednesday. State court records state that he posted a non-cash $1 million bond on October 7, endorsed by A-Affordable Bail Bonds of Brainerd, Minnesota. A notice of release was published at 10:34 a.m. on October 7. According to jail records, he was let go from Hennepin County Jail at 11:22 a.m.
- Everyone saw how on May 25, ex-officer Chauvin, 44, placed his knee against George Floyd‘s, a Black man, neck for about eight minutes as Floyd screamed he couldn’t breathe and ultimately stopped breathing and moving. The charges against Chauvin are second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter.
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has activated the National Guard “just to be cautious” due to public safety concerns after the numerous protests. Additionally, Walz stated 100 state troopers and 75 Department of Natural Resources conservation officers were also deployed to help local authorities.
- By posting the lower bail amount, Chauvin will have to follow all laws, which include having no contact with Floyd’s family and give up any guns and firearms licenses. He will also be demanded not to leave Minnesota.
- Judge Jeannice M. Reding had set bail for Chauvin four months ago, putting it at $1 million with conditions or $1.25 million without conditions.
- George Floyd family’s attorneys Ben Crump and co-counsel Antonio Romanucci announced the statement below on ex-police officer Derek Chauvin’s freedom on bond:
”Derek Chauvin’s release on bond is a painful and hurting reminder to George Floyd’s family that we are still far from achieving justice for George. The system of the due process worked for Chauvin and afforded him his freedom while he awaits trial. In contrast, George Floyd was denied due process when his life was ended over a $20 bill. There was no charge, no arrest, no hearing, no bail—just execution. Although George Floyd was denied justice in life, we will not rest until he is afforded full justice in death. The civil litigation team looks forward to our day in court.”
Currently, the trial date for Derek Chauvin has been arraigned for March 8.
