As we reported moments ago, has been patiently awaiting what charges will be brought down on the three other police officers who accompanied Derek Chauvin as he killed . Chauvin was seen on camera, calm, cool and collected as he pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck, while Floyd pleaded with him: “I can’t breathe.” A phrase that we’ve seen used tragically in the past involving cops killing innocent Black men.
Derek Chauvin, as the man who caused Floyd’s death, — a move that is among the fastest charges in history. At the time, he was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Even though he was charged immediately, many weren’t happy that it was just a third-degree murder charge given all the footage of the incident which screams otherwise. Thankfully, Chauvin’s charge has been upgraded to a second degree murder charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years, as opposed to a third degree charge, for 25 years maximum.
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The news of Chauvin’s upgraded charges comes alongside news of charges for the three accompanying officers– their names are: Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao. Senator Amy Klobuchar shared this information in a tweet, writing: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to 2nd degree in George Floyd’s murder and also charging other 3 officers. This is another important step for justice.”
As far as the charges on Lane, Kueng and Thao, the Attorney General Keith Ellison is expected to announce these formally any minute now.
We’ll keep you posted.