Derek Chauvin, policeman charged with George Floyd murder, released on US$1 million bail
- Officer was seen kneeling on black man’s neck in bystander video that set off protests around the world
- Under conditions of release, Chauvin cannot have contact with victim’s family, work in law enforcement or security, or possess any firearms ammunition
The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd posted bail on Wednesday and was released from prison.
According to court documents, Derek Chauvin posted US$1 million bond, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections confirmed he was no longer in custody at the state’s facility in Oak Park Heights, where he had been detained. Hennepin County jail records show he was released shortly before 11.30am.
Floyd, a black man in handcuffs, died May 25 after Chauvin, who is white, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes as Floyd said he could not breathe.
Floyd’s death was captured in widely seen bystander video that set off protests around the world.
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Anti-racism and police brutality protests sparked by death of George Floyd continue around the globe
Chauvin and three other officers were fired. Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter; Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter.
