A throng of George Floyd supporters are gathered outside a Minneapolis courthouse for what’s supposed to be jury selection day in ex-cop Derek Chauvin‘s murder case.
The judge in the case on Monday paused jury selection for at least a day and said he wants to hear from the State Court of Appeals as to whether a third-degree murder charge can be added to Chauvin’s counts. He had reportedly said he would initially start jury selection with the matter unresolved but has now changed course.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune … Chauvin’s attorney will ask the State Supreme Court to overturn Friday’s ruling from the Court of Appeals which said the judge can reinstate the third-degree murder charge. The judge told prospective jurors to be ready to return to court on Tuesday.
The news came after a huge crowd had gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center … holding signs that read “Hope,” “Reflect,” “Stronger Together,” and “This is what community looks like.” They had also gathered there Sunday.
There was also a huge law enforcement presence in the area to keep things under control … though things look very much peaceful. Chauvin, who is out on a $1 million bond, was seen inside the courtroom … wearing a suit and face mask.
The ex-cop is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. He’s accused of murdering Floyd after he was seen on video pressing his knee on the back of Floyd’s neck for nearly 9 minutes.