Why Third-Degree Murder May Be Wrong Charge Against Derek Chauvin

Virginia Allen /

Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who arrested George Floyd and proceeded to press his knee into Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Some legal experts are asking whether these are the most appropriate charges to be brought against Chauvin. 

>>> Update: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Wednesday afternoon that the state also will charge Chauvin with second-degree murder, and that the three other former Minneapolis police officers involved are being arrested and charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

Amy Swearer, a legal fellow in The Heritage Foundation’s Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, joins The Daily Signal Podcast to discuss the legal implications of Chauvin’s use of deadly force against Floyd and whether the charges brought against him are correct for the crime committed. 

We also cover these stories: 

The Daily Signal podcast is available on Ricochet, Apple Podcasts, Pippa, Google Play, or Stitcher. All of our podcasts can be found at DailySignal.com/podcasts. If you like what you hear, please leave a review. You can also leave us a message at 202-608-6205 or write us at [email protected]. Enjoy the show!