Former Minneapolis Police Department Officer Derek Chauvin has been released from jail on a $1 million bond. Court records show that the ex-officer posted a non-cash bond on Wednesday. His attorney, Eric Nelson, declined to comment on his client’s release.
Chauvin, 44, is facing murder and manslaughter charges after video surfaced of him pressing his knee against George Floyd’s neck. Floyd can be heard screaming out for help and attempting to tell Chauvin and his colleagues that he could not breathe.
Floyd’s death along with those of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others have sparked a nationwide uprising and ignited movements regarding social injustice. Over the last few months, former NBA player Stephen Jackson, Megan Thee Stallion and countless others have spoken about Floyd’s untimely death.
Chauvin is facing the stiffest charges of any officer involved in Floyd’s death. He is facing second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. If convicted, the ex-officer faces up to 40 years in prison.
