(MINNEAPOLIS) — Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, was handed his sentence Friday.
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.
June 25, 4:39 pm
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!”
Jun 25, 4:25 pm
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.
Jun 25, 4:14 pm
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.”
Jun 25, 4:39 pm
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.
Jun 25, 3:46 pm
Derek Chauvin offers condolences to Floyd family
When asked by the judge if he wanted to say anything on the record before the sentence was handed down, Chauvin shared a brief message.
“I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There’s going to be some other information in the future that will be of interest and I hope things would give you some peace of mind. Thank you.”
The court then entered a brief 15 minute recess.
Jun 25, 3:29 pm
Chauvin’s attorney asks for judge to consider ‘mitigating factors’
Defense attorney Eric Nelson lobbied for the judge to follow sentencing guidelines rather than considering the maximum sentence.
“We are here after a jury verdict finding him guilty of these offenses and the court’s consideration should not only be focused on the aggravating factors but the mitigating factors as well.”
He said, “This case is at the epicenter of a political and cultural divide.”
Jun 25, 3:35 pm
Chauvin’s mother pleads for reduced sentence
Carolyn Pawlenty asked the judge not to hand down the maximum sentence for her son.
“Derek has played over and over in his head the events of that day. I have seen the toll it has taken on him. I believe that a lengthy sentence will not serve Derek well. When you sentence my son, you will also be sentencing me,” she said.
Jun 25, 3:20 pm
Philonise Floyd says his family is under a ‘life sentence’
Philonise Floyd asked Judge Cahill to give Chauvin the maximum sentence without the possibility for parole.
“My family and I have been given a life sentence. We will never be able to get George back,” he said.
Jun 25, 3:40 pm
Floyd’s daughter says she misses her father
Floyd’s daughter Gianna shared a victim impact statement in a pre-recorded video message at the hearing.
She’s asked in the video, “Do you wish he was still here with us?” She replied, “He is.”
When asked what she would say to her father if she could speak to him right now, Gianna said, “I miss you and I love him.”
Jun 25, 3:21 pm
Terrence Floyd asks: ‘Why?‘
Terrence Floyd shared an emotional victim impact statement where he asked Chauvin “why.”
“I wanted to know from the man himself, why? What were you thinking? What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother’s neck? When you knew that he posed no threat anymore? He was handcuffed, why you didn’t at least get up?”
Jun 25, 11:36 am
Judge Cahill denies request for a new trial
Judge Cahill on Friday denied yet another attempt by Chauvin’s defense team for a new trial, hours before the sentencing hearing.
The filing stated the defendant “has failed to demonstrate that the Court abused its discretion or committed error such that the Defendant was deprived of his constitutional right to a fair trial.”
-ABC News’ Whitney Lloyd contributed to this report
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
