The judge overseeing the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin called recent comments made by U.S. Rep Maxine Waters “abhorrent,” saying they could lead to an appeal by the defense.
What We Know:
- Waters was present in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on Saturday at a racial justice protest over the police killing of Daunte Wright. When asked what would happen if the trial of Chauvin ends in acquittal, Waters responded by saying, “We’ve got to stay on the street, and we’ve got to get more active. We’ve got to get more confrontational, we’ve got to make sure that they know that we mean business.”
- Chauvin’s defense attorney had called for a mistrial in light of Waters’ comments, but Judge Peter Cahill denied the motion. However, Cahill did say that elected officials commenting on the outcome of the trial is “disrespectful to the rule of law.”
- Waters, who is no stranger to conservative criticism, faced a wave of backlash over her comments. Republicans have accused her of “inciting violence,” with several calling for her removal from Congress, NBC reported. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia introduced legislation to expel Waters, calling her “a danger to our society.”
- Democrats control Congress, however, so Waters as a longstanding member is unlikely to be removed. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters that Waters had meant “confrontation” in the context of civil rights. She continued saying, “No, I don’t think she should apologize.”
- Waters defended her comments, saying that Republicans were only going to distort her words. “This is who they are and this is how they act. And I’m not going to be bullied by them,” said Waters.
Waters is currently serving her 15th term in Congress. Throughout her career, she has been a powerful voice for racial justice advocating in communities across the country.
