Arrest of Minneapolis policeman charged with 3rd-degree murder of George Floyd

#Minnepolis; #US; #Murder;#ManSlaughter; #investigation; #Protests

​
Minneapolis (United States), May 29 (Canadian-Media): The former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin  has been charged with third-degree murder and man slaughter of unarmed black man, George Floyd, who subsequently died, officials in Minnesota said on Friday, media reports said.

George Floyd. Image credit: Facebook page

Third-degree murder carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

The evidence gathered by the prosecutors included police body camera footage, witness statements and a preliminary medical examination of Floyd.
​
An investigation into Floyd's death has been launched by the U.S. Justice Department.

Floyd, 46, a Houston native who had worked as a nightclub security guard was arrested after being was accused of trying to pass counterfeit money at a corner store.

An onlooker's cellphone video captured his arrest, went viral, showing a police officer pressing his knee into Floyd's neck as he struggle to breath.

Due to violence and vandalism by raged protesters, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared a curfew order from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time on Friday and Saturday not allowing anyone in public except emergency responders and people seeking medical care, fleeing danger or those who are homeless.

During the protests, a CNN journalist reporting live on television early Friday morning was arrested by the Minnesota State Patrol, leading him and others from his crew away in handcuffs.

They were released immediately when CNN called it a clear violation of their First Amendment rights and called for the release of its three employees.

Protesters gathered outside the building retreated police tear gas and rubber bullets fired at them from the roof.

But they gathered again and eventually attacked the building, setting fire to the structure as police withdrew.

Due to imminent threats to both officers and the public, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey defended his decision on Friday to evacuate the police station.