Derek Chauvin, former officer charged in George Floyd's death, released from jail on bail
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who has been charged in the killing of George Floyd, was released from a correctional facility on bail on Wednesday.
Chauvin, who was seen on disturbing video pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes during the fatal Memorial Day arrest, had been at the maximum-security prison in Oak Park Heights since late May. Floyd's death sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism and led to the firing of Chauvin and three other officers.
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. He was transferred to a Hennepin County jail, where he posted a $1 million conditional bail around 11:30 a.m. local time, CBS affiliate WCCO reported.
Due to the conditions of the bond, Chauvin is not allowed to leave the state without approval or have contact with Floyd's family, WCCO reported.
Three other former officers charged as accomplices in Floyd's death had all previously been released after posting bail.
Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Floyd's family, decried Chauvin's release in a statement.
"Derek Chauvin's release on bond is a painful reminder to George Floyd's family that we are still far from achieving justice for George. The system of due process worked for Chauvin and afforded him his freedom while he awaits trial. In contrast, George Floyd was denied due process, when his life was ended over a $20 bill," he said. "There was no charge, no arrest, no hearing, no bail. Just execution."