Ex-cop Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 22 years and six months in prison for the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020.
Although Floyd’s brother Terrence Floyd had demanded the maximum sentence available, being 40 years, Chauvin’s sentencing was based on his “abuse of a position of trust and authority, and also the particular cruelty shown” to Mr. Floyd, according to the judge.
The judge explained that Floyd’s case was a painful one as it affected the community, the country, and most of all, Floyd’s family.
Judge Peter Cahill then explained: “What the sentence is not based on is emotion, or sympathy, but at the same time, I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family.”
Terrence asked Chauvin: “Why? What were you thinking? What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother’s neck?”
George Floyd died at the hands of ex-cop Derek Chauvin after he knelt down for nine minutes on his neck. A brutal act that subsequently sparked worldwide protests against racism and police brutality.
Last month, Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of second-degree murder as well as additional counts after his lawyer termed the death as “an error made in good faith” during his trial.
Chauvin was also informed that he needed to register as a predatory offender and that he would be prohibited from owning firearms for the rest of his life.
Following Chauvin’s sentencing, the family of George Floyd seemed to have welcomed the sentence with attorney ben Crump tweeting:
“This historic sentence brings the Floyd family and our nation one step closer to healing by delivering closure and accountability.”
Sister of George Floyd also said that the sentence “shows that matters of police brutality are finally being taken seriously” although we still had “a long way to go”.
U.S. President Joe Biden also stated that the sentence “seemed to be appropriate” but confessed that he was unaware of all the details.
Derek Chauvin and the three other former cops have all been charged separately with violating George Floyd’s civil rights.
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