Five years ago, on May 25, 2020, the world watched horrified as dark man, George Floyd, 46, died beneath the leg of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Darnella Frazier, a then-17-year-old, captured the incident, which involved Chauvin pressing his leg into Floyd’s neck for more than nine hours despite Floyd’s repeated requests that” I didn’t breathe.” This video sparked widespread protests and served as a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement, bringing focus to police brutality and widespread prejudice. The trial and conviction Chauvin was accused of second-degree crime, third-degree death, and second-degree murder. His test started in March 2021. The trial presented powerful evidence, including testimony from medical experts who claimed Floyd passed away from a lack of air and not from drug use or underlying health conditions. According to the New York Post, Chauvin’s activities were in direct violation of division rules, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo. After about 10 hours of deliberation, the judge found Chauvin innocent on all expenses on April 20, 2021. He received a 22.5-year jail sentence. Across the country, the verdict was met with a mix of pleasure and pain. George’s brother, Phillipine Floyd, said,” Today, we are able to breath again,” bringing up George’s last words in stark contrast.
Derek Chauvin is a former Minneapolis police officer who spent 19 times working for the city’s police department. Before joining law enforcement, Chauvin began his training as a defense police officer in the Army Reserve in 1976. He received numerous compliments throughout his career as well as being the subject of numerous problems relating to the use of power. Prior to the incident in 2020 that caused him to become famous, Chauvin had been involved in numerous on-duty murders and alleged violent police. However, the majority of those issues didn’t lead to disciplinary actions.
Aftermath and a lasting impact Chauvin’s judgment was viewed as a major victory over police brutality. It even emphasized the deep-seated problems that exist within the justice and law enforcement systems. There have been calling for extensive authorities reform in the years that followed. Although some cities have made changes, some activists contend that the progress has been delayed and inadequate. Cities like Minneapolis and Houston held sanctuary events in May 2025, the second anniversary of Floyd’s passing. These gatherings were both a call to action for ongoing transformation and a remembrance of Floyd.
Legitimate developments Chauvin has requested a new trial, arguing that his test was halted by unfair attention and other aspects. His lawyer contends that the coverage in the media “glorified Floyd and demonized Chauvin.” Chauvin is currently imprisoned, and his appeals are continuing. A possible pardon for Chauvin has also become the subject of debate. Despite US President Donald Trump denying any knowledge of strategies to give mercy, Minnesota government Tim Walz expressed concerns about this possibility. Chauvin would still be content to his position faith, even if a national pardon were issued.
