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| Derek Chauvin trial: defense and prosecution make closing arguments – live | Derek Chauvin trial: defense and prosecution make closing arguments – live |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Jury to start deliberations once closings conclude and will be sequestered until it reaches a verdict – follow the latest trial news live | Jury to start deliberations once closings conclude and will be sequestered until it reaches a verdict – follow the latest trial news live |
| Court has just resumed from a brief break in Derek Chauvin’s murder trial. The former Minneapolis police officer’s attorney, Eric Nelson, has just started his closing argument. | |
| Chauvin is facing charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, in the death of George Floyd during a 25 May 2020 arrest. | |
| Chauvin, who is White, kept his knee against the neck of Floyd, who is Black, for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Floyd, who was also restrained prone on the ground, died. | |
| Prosecutor Steve Schleicher has ended his closing argument in the murder case against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. | Prosecutor Steve Schleicher has ended his closing argument in the murder case against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. |
| “It was unreasonable. It was excessive,” he says of Chauvin’s use-of-force against George Floyd during the 25 May 2020 arrest. | “It was unreasonable. It was excessive,” he says of Chauvin’s use-of-force against George Floyd during the 25 May 2020 arrest. |
| Chauvin kept his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds, while the man was subdued and restrained prone against the ground. Floyd died. | Chauvin kept his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds, while the man was subdued and restrained prone against the ground. Floyd died. |
| “It was grossly disproportionate.” | “It was grossly disproportionate.” |
| “This case is exactly what you thought,” he also says in his closing, which lasted about 1 hour and 45 minutes. | “This case is exactly what you thought,” he also says in his closing, which lasted about 1 hour and 45 minutes. |
| “You can believe your eyes. It’s exactly what you saw with your eyes. | “You can believe your eyes. It’s exactly what you saw with your eyes. |
| “It’s what you felt in your gut,” he continues. “It’s what you now know in your heart.” | “It’s what you felt in your gut,” he continues. “It’s what you now know in your heart.” |
| “This wasn’t policing. This was murder. The defendant is guilty of all three counts. All of them. And there’s no excuse.” | “This wasn’t policing. This was murder. The defendant is guilty of all three counts. All of them. And there’s no excuse.” |
| Chauvin’s lawyer will begin his closing arguments soon. | Chauvin’s lawyer will begin his closing arguments soon. |
| Prosecutor Steve Schleicher has argued how Derek Chauvin’s actions fall into the specific charges against him: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. | Prosecutor Steve Schleicher has argued how Derek Chauvin’s actions fall into the specific charges against him: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. |
| “The state does not need to prove that he intended to kill George Floyd,” he says. | “The state does not need to prove that he intended to kill George Floyd,” he says. |
| Under Minnesota state law, second-degree unintentional murder includes when a person “causes the death of a human being, without intent to effect the death of any person, while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense...” and “causes the death of a human being without intent to effect the death of any person, while intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm upon the victim...” | Under Minnesota state law, second-degree unintentional murder includes when a person “causes the death of a human being, without intent to effect the death of any person, while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense...” and “causes the death of a human being without intent to effect the death of any person, while intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm upon the victim...” |
| “If you’re doing something that hurts somebody, and you know it,” Schleicher says, “you’re doing it on purpose.” | “If you’re doing something that hurts somebody, and you know it,” Schleicher says, “you’re doing it on purpose.” |
| “He knew better. He just didn’t do better.” | “He knew better. He just didn’t do better.” |
| Schleicher also says that Chauvin’s restraint ultimately constituted “assault,” which is a crime, thus governed by the first part of this statute. | Schleicher also says that Chauvin’s restraint ultimately constituted “assault,” which is a crime, thus governed by the first part of this statute. |
| Third-degree murder, under the state’s law, includes the language: “Whoever, without intent to effect the death of any person, causes the death of another by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life...” | Third-degree murder, under the state’s law, includes the language: “Whoever, without intent to effect the death of any person, causes the death of another by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life...” |
| Schleicher says that Chauvin’s actions show “conscious indifference” to Floyd’s life. | Schleicher says that Chauvin’s actions show “conscious indifference” to Floyd’s life. |
| Second-degree manslaughter, under state statute, includes: “culpable negligence whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another...” | Second-degree manslaughter, under state statute, includes: “culpable negligence whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another...” |
| Schleicher says Chauvin’s actions had a “strong probability of injury to others” resulting in Floyd’s death. | Schleicher says Chauvin’s actions had a “strong probability of injury to others” resulting in Floyd’s death. |
| “You can look for yourself and see exactly what was happening,” he says. | “You can look for yourself and see exactly what was happening,” he says. |
| Prosecutor Steve Schleicher has repeatedly implored jurors in the Derek Chauvin murder trial to trust their senses and reasoning when it comes to assessing his guilt. | Prosecutor Steve Schleicher has repeatedly implored jurors in the Derek Chauvin murder trial to trust their senses and reasoning when it comes to assessing his guilt. |
| Schleicher has brought up a defense witnesses’ claim that carbon monoxide from the car tailpipe near Floyd’s head might have contributed to his death. He wants jurors to focus on the fact that Chauvin continued to restrain an ailing Floyd. | Schleicher has brought up a defense witnesses’ claim that carbon monoxide from the car tailpipe near Floyd’s head might have contributed to his death. He wants jurors to focus on the fact that Chauvin continued to restrain an ailing Floyd. |
| The prosecution is working to dispel arguments from Derek Chauvin’s lawyer that George Floyd died because of underlying health conditions and drug use. | The prosecution is working to dispel arguments from Derek Chauvin’s lawyer that George Floyd died because of underlying health conditions and drug use. |
| Steve Schleicher has pointed out that the jury has to determine whether Chauvin’s actions were a significant cause of Floyd’s death. So, even if jurors are concerned about Floyd’s health problems, they are still able to find Chauvin guilty. | Steve Schleicher has pointed out that the jury has to determine whether Chauvin’s actions were a significant cause of Floyd’s death. So, even if jurors are concerned about Floyd’s health problems, they are still able to find Chauvin guilty. |
| “What you have to find is that 9 minutes and 29 seconds, with knees on his neck and on his back, being held down, was a substantial factor in George Floyd’s death,” he says. | “What you have to find is that 9 minutes and 29 seconds, with knees on his neck and on his back, being held down, was a substantial factor in George Floyd’s death,” he says. |
| “We know how George Floyd died.” | “We know how George Floyd died.” |
| “Believe your eyes,” he argues, stating, “unreasonable force pinning him to the ground, that’s what killed him.” | “Believe your eyes,” he argues, stating, “unreasonable force pinning him to the ground, that’s what killed him.” |
| While many Americans are looking to the Derek Chauvin trial outcome as speaking more broadly about policing and accountability, prosecutor Steve Schleicher has focused on the facts of this case. | While many Americans are looking to the Derek Chauvin trial outcome as speaking more broadly about policing and accountability, prosecutor Steve Schleicher has focused on the facts of this case. |
| From a strategic standpoint, this makes sense: Jurors are routinely loathe to convict police accused of brutality. So, focus on Chauvin’s actions creates distance between the former officer and an institution about which some refuse to recognize longstanding problems. | From a strategic standpoint, this makes sense: Jurors are routinely loathe to convict police accused of brutality. So, focus on Chauvin’s actions creates distance between the former officer and an institution about which some refuse to recognize longstanding problems. |
| In other words, Schleicher has created a situation where jurors can vote against Chauvin but remain pro-cop, if that’s how they lean. | In other words, Schleicher has created a situation where jurors can vote against Chauvin but remain pro-cop, if that’s how they lean. |
| “This case is called the state of Minnesota versus Derek Chauvin,” he says. “This case is not called the state of Minnesota versus the police.” | “This case is called the state of Minnesota versus Derek Chauvin,” he says. “This case is not called the state of Minnesota versus the police.” |
| “Policing is a noble profession.” | “Policing is a noble profession.” |
| “This is not an anti-police prosecution, it’s a pro-police prosecution,” he later says. “The defendant abandoned his values, abandoned his training, and killed a man...” | “This is not an anti-police prosecution, it’s a pro-police prosecution,” he later says. “The defendant abandoned his values, abandoned his training, and killed a man...” |
| Prosecutor Steve Schleicher, who is now presenting the state’s closing in Derek Chauvin’s murder trial, has begun his argument with an impassioned description of George Floyd’s final moments. | Prosecutor Steve Schleicher, who is now presenting the state’s closing in Derek Chauvin’s murder trial, has begun his argument with an impassioned description of George Floyd’s final moments. |
| Schleicher has repeatedly stated “nine minutes and 29 seconds,” the amount of time Chauvin kept his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck during an arrest last spring. Floyd died after this encounter with police. | Schleicher has repeatedly stated “nine minutes and 29 seconds,” the amount of time Chauvin kept his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck during an arrest last spring. Floyd died after this encounter with police. |
| “On May 25, 2020 George Floyd died face down on the pavement,” he has told jurors. “Nine minutes and 29 seconds, nine minutes and 29 seconds. During this time, George Floyd struggled, desperate to breathe, to make enough room in his chest to breathe.” | “On May 25, 2020 George Floyd died face down on the pavement,” he has told jurors. “Nine minutes and 29 seconds, nine minutes and 29 seconds. During this time, George Floyd struggled, desperate to breathe, to make enough room in his chest to breathe.” |
| “But the force was too much. He was trapped with the unyielding pavement underneath him, as unyielding as the men who held him down, pushing him, a knee to the neck, a knee to the back, twisting his fingers, holding his legs for nine minutes and 29 seconds, the defendant on him.” | “But the force was too much. He was trapped with the unyielding pavement underneath him, as unyielding as the men who held him down, pushing him, a knee to the neck, a knee to the back, twisting his fingers, holding his legs for nine minutes and 29 seconds, the defendant on him.” |
| Schleicher says that the pavement was “tearing into his skin” as Floyd struggled to breathe | Schleicher says that the pavement was “tearing into his skin” as Floyd struggled to breathe |
| “George Floyd was not a threat to anyone,” he says. “He was not trying to hurt anyone.” | “George Floyd was not a threat to anyone,” he says. “He was not trying to hurt anyone.” |
| “All that was required was a little compassion. And none was shown on that day.” | “All that was required was a little compassion. And none was shown on that day.” |
| “What the defendant did to George Floyd killed him,” he also says. | “What the defendant did to George Floyd killed him,” he also says. |
| Closing arguments in the Derek Chauvin murder trial have just started, with prosecutor Steve Schleicher now addressing the jury. | Closing arguments in the Derek Chauvin murder trial have just started, with prosecutor Steve Schleicher now addressing the jury. |
| Chauvin, a White former Minneapolis police department officer, has stood trial on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, for the death of George Floyd during an arrest on 25 May 2020. | Chauvin, a White former Minneapolis police department officer, has stood trial on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, for the death of George Floyd during an arrest on 25 May 2020. |
| Chauvin held his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Floyd, who is Black, was subdued against the ground, and restrained in the prone position. Floyd died after this encounter. | Chauvin held his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Floyd, who is Black, was subdued against the ground, and restrained in the prone position. Floyd died after this encounter. |
| Prosecutors maintain that Chauvin’s use-of-force was improper, and that Floyd died from a lack-of-oxygen as it restricted his breathing. Chauvin’s lawyer maintains that Floyd died because of underlying heart problems and drug use. | Prosecutors maintain that Chauvin’s use-of-force was improper, and that Floyd died from a lack-of-oxygen as it restricted his breathing. Chauvin’s lawyer maintains that Floyd died because of underlying heart problems and drug use. |
| The Minneapolis Star Tribune has spoken with several attorneys about what they think prosecutors must do to prove their case. | The Minneapolis Star Tribune has spoken with several attorneys about what they think prosecutors must do to prove their case. |
| Prof. Richard Petry, an adjunct at Mitchell Hamline Law School, tells the newspaper that prosecutors must “go element by element through each crime [Chauvin] has been charged with, and making sure you covered everything that you need to cover.” | Prof. Richard Petry, an adjunct at Mitchell Hamline Law School, tells the newspaper that prosecutors must “go element by element through each crime [Chauvin] has been charged with, and making sure you covered everything that you need to cover.” |
| But, Petry reportedly warns, “This jury is probably tired and has heard a lot. If they are fading off, you should probably take a cue from that.” | But, Petry reportedly warns, “This jury is probably tired and has heard a lot. If they are fading off, you should probably take a cue from that.” |
| Prof. David Schultz, of the University of Minnesota and at Mitchell Hamline Law School in St. Paul, has also voiced the potential of juror fatigue in an interview with the newspaper. | Prof. David Schultz, of the University of Minnesota and at Mitchell Hamline Law School in St. Paul, has also voiced the potential of juror fatigue in an interview with the newspaper. |
| “You don’t want to reargue the case again,” Schultz says. “I don’t think the jury wants to be sitting in the jury box until 3 in the afternoon” | “You don’t want to reargue the case again,” Schultz says. “I don’t think the jury wants to be sitting in the jury box until 3 in the afternoon” |
| The criticism of how police treat protesters across America, as well as law enforcement’s handling of journalists covering them, has intensified once again, as thousands are demonstrating against police killings. | The criticism of how police treat protesters across America, as well as law enforcement’s handling of journalists covering them, has intensified once again, as thousands are demonstrating against police killings. |
| However, protesters in New York City have won a victory in gaining protection against law enforcement, stemming from litigation that started several years ago. | However, protesters in New York City have won a victory in gaining protection against law enforcement, stemming from litigation that started several years ago. |
| Several Black Lives Matter protesters filed a lawsuit suit after being blasted with a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) during a 2014 demonstration, claiming the deployment of this device constituted excessive force and a violation of their constitutional rights, explains NBC News. | Several Black Lives Matter protesters filed a lawsuit suit after being blasted with a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) during a 2014 demonstration, claiming the deployment of this device constituted excessive force and a violation of their constitutional rights, explains NBC News. |
| The Guardian has learned that protesters “will receive a total of $98,000” in a settlement and that a “new Administrative Guide section has been created which includes a ban on the LRAD’s alert tone,” according to city officials | The Guardian has learned that protesters “will receive a total of $98,000” in a settlement and that a “new Administrative Guide section has been created which includes a ban on the LRAD’s alert tone,” according to city officials |
| Under the agreement, the protesters’ attorneys will receive $650,000 in fees and costs, city officials said this morning. | Under the agreement, the protesters’ attorneys will receive $650,000 in fees and costs, city officials said this morning. |
| Court has just reconvened this morning in the case against Derek Chauvin. Closing arguments are expected to begin soon. | Court has just reconvened this morning in the case against Derek Chauvin. Closing arguments are expected to begin soon. |
| Jurors will begin deliberating when closings end. The judge in Chauvin’s case, Peter Cahill, is now giving jurors instructions on the law for when they start deliberating, such as how they are to weigh evidence. | Jurors will begin deliberating when closings end. The judge in Chauvin’s case, Peter Cahill, is now giving jurors instructions on the law for when they start deliberating, such as how they are to weigh evidence. |
| Chauvin, a White former Minneapolis police department officer, faces charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, in the death of George Floyd during a 25 May 2020 arrest. | Chauvin, a White former Minneapolis police department officer, faces charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, in the death of George Floyd during a 25 May 2020 arrest. |
| Chauvin kept his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds, while the man was subdued against the ground, and restrained in the prone position. Floyd, who is Black, died following this encounter. | Chauvin kept his knee pressed against Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds, while the man was subdued against the ground, and restrained in the prone position. Floyd, who is Black, died following this encounter. |
| Welcome back to our live coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial. Closing arguments in the murder case against the former Minneapolis police officer are scheduled to begin at 9am local time in Minneapolis. | Welcome back to our live coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial. Closing arguments in the murder case against the former Minneapolis police officer are scheduled to begin at 9am local time in Minneapolis. |
| Chauvin, a white former Minneapolis police department officer, faces charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the 25 May 2020 death of George Floyd. During an arrest, Chauvin pressed his knee against the neck of Floyd, who was Black, for nine minutes and 29 seconds. | Chauvin, a white former Minneapolis police department officer, faces charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the 25 May 2020 death of George Floyd. During an arrest, Chauvin pressed his knee against the neck of Floyd, who was Black, for nine minutes and 29 seconds. |
| Floyd was pushed against the pavement, restrained and subdued while Chauvin kept his knee in place. Floyd died. He was 46. His death stoked protests for racial justice around the world. | Floyd was pushed against the pavement, restrained and subdued while Chauvin kept his knee in place. Floyd died. He was 46. His death stoked protests for racial justice around the world. |
| Chauvin’s trial began in earnest on 29 March with opening statements and featured 14 days of witness testimony. The jury will start to deliberate once closings conclude and will be sequestered until it reaches a verdict. | Chauvin’s trial began in earnest on 29 March with opening statements and featured 14 days of witness testimony. The jury will start to deliberate once closings conclude and will be sequestered until it reaches a verdict. |
| The prosecution and Chauvin’s attorney have focused on two main themes: use-of-force and cause of death. | The prosecution and Chauvin’s attorney have focused on two main themes: use-of-force and cause of death. |
| Prosecutors contend that Chauvin’s use of force was excessive, veering from department policy and national policing standards. They also maintain Floyd died from a lack of oxygen that resulted from police restraint. | Prosecutors contend that Chauvin’s use of force was excessive, veering from department policy and national policing standards. They also maintain Floyd died from a lack of oxygen that resulted from police restraint. |
| Eric Nelson, who represents Chauvin, has posited that Floyd died from an acute cardiac event that stemmed from underlying heart conditions, methamphetamine and fentanyl use and/or a combination of these factors. Nelson has also claimed proper use of force is situational and that actions which look bad might be lawful and justified. The attorney has also said that a crowd near the arrest scene posed a risk to officers. | Eric Nelson, who represents Chauvin, has posited that Floyd died from an acute cardiac event that stemmed from underlying heart conditions, methamphetamine and fentanyl use and/or a combination of these factors. Nelson has also claimed proper use of force is situational and that actions which look bad might be lawful and justified. The attorney has also said that a crowd near the arrest scene posed a risk to officers. |
| As Minneapolis awaits a verdict, this city and others across the US are bracing for possible protests. Demonstrations against police killings took place across the US this weekend, tensions heightened further by two recent killings. | As Minneapolis awaits a verdict, this city and others across the US are bracing for possible protests. Demonstrations against police killings took place across the US this weekend, tensions heightened further by two recent killings. |
| Daunte Wright, 20, was fatally shot in a Minneapolis suburb by a white police officer during an 11 April traffic stop. The recent release of body camera footage showing the killing in Chicago of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who had his hands up, has also spurred extensive protests. | Daunte Wright, 20, was fatally shot in a Minneapolis suburb by a white police officer during an 11 April traffic stop. The recent release of body camera footage showing the killing in Chicago of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who had his hands up, has also spurred extensive protests. |
| We will bring you breaking news as it happens, as well as analysis and reports from our reporters on the ground. | We will bring you breaking news as it happens, as well as analysis and reports from our reporters on the ground. |