Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz activated the state National Guard this week after the officer charged with second-degree murder on the death of George Floyd was released on bond.
Walz released a statement announcing his plans to deploy the Minnesota National Guard, along with 100 state troopers and 75 conservation officers, on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 7
“Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of Minnesotans, we have asked the Minnesota National Guard to prepare to assist in keeping the peace,” the governor’s statement.
Former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin, who had initially been booked into the Hennepin County Jail before being transferred a state prison, walked out of that facility on Wednesday at 11:22 a.m., per the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. He was released on a $1 million noncash bail. The funding source for that arrangement is unknown. However, a bail fund posted on Christian fundraising site GiveSendGo raised $5,000 of a $125,000 goal for Chauvin.
Floyd died on Memorial Day after Chauvin kneeled on his neck for more than 8 minutes. He is charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao, three other MPD officers were charged with aiding and abetting. They are also out on bond.
Chauvin’s bond comes with several conditions, reported CBS Minnesota. He is not allowed to leave Minnesota without written permission, he must attend all future court appearances and he cannot have any contact with Floyd’s family. The former officer is also banned from working in law enforcement or security.
Minneapolis Police Department Public Information Officer John Elder acknowledged Chauvin’s release in a statement to KARE 11.
“We are aware of current and future possible flashpoints that present challenges on both a local and national level,” Elder said. “We are, and will, continue to work with our law enforcement partners, locally, regionally and federally in order to properly respond to situations as they unfold. “
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Floyd’s family, called Chauvin’s release “a painful reminder to George Floyd’s family that we are still far from achieving justice for George.”
“The system of 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. … We will not rest until he is afforded full justice in death. The civil litigation team looks forward to our day in court,” Crump said in a written statement to USA Today.
Chauvin’s trial is set to begin in March.
