Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody on Tuesday and his bail was dropped just after he was found guilty of all charges brought against him in George Floyd’s death.
Less than a day after the jury began deliberations in the trial following closing arguments from the prosecution and defense, jurors reached a verdict Tuesday afternoon finding the former officer guilty of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder.
Derek Chauvin remanded into custody after guilty verdict https://t.co/Bd0iHNMioZ pic.twitter.com/alGI2G1q9R
– The Hill (@thehill) April 20, 2021
Shortly after Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict, Chauvin was handcuffed and the Hennepin County sheriff took the former officer into custody.
The prosecution also requested that Chauvin’s bail be withdrawn, a motion granted by Cahill as the former officer awaits sentencing in the coming weeks.
Later, Cahill thanked the judges for their efforts during the weeks-long trial.
“I have to thank you on behalf of the people of the State of Minnesota, not only for the jury service, but for the tough jury service,” he said.
Once the verdict was announced, people outside the courtroom were cheered and celebrated. A number of civil rights groups have also responded to the news, saying the decision amounted to justice in the process.
The long-awaited verdict comes after the nation has protested for months against police brutality and racial inequality following Floyd’s murder last summer.