Attorney General William Barr released a statement on Friday on the death of George Floyd, who died earlier this week after he was arrested by police in Minneapolis.
“The video images of the incident that ended with death of Mr. Floyd, while in custody of Minneapolis police officers, were harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing,” Barr said in a statement. “The state prosecutor has been in the process of determining whether any criminal charges are appropriate under state law.”
“On a separate and parallel track, the Department of Justice, including the FBI, are conducting an independent investigation to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated,” Barr continued. “Both state and federal officers are working diligently and collaboratively to ensure that any available evidence relevant to these decisions is obtained as quickly as possible.”
Barr concluded, “Under our system, charging decisions must be, and will be, based on the law and facts. This process is proceeding quickly. As is the typical practice, the state’s charging decisions will be made first. I am confident justice will be served.”
Statement from Attorney General Barr following the arrest and charging of Minneapolis police officer with third-degree murder of Mr. George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/WISZJufA4Z
— KerriKupecDOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) May 29, 2020
Barr’s statement came as local law enforcement officials arrested the officer at the center of the controversy, fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
“Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Derek Chauvin, who was one of four officers fired this week, was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, after the office gathered enough evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt,” ABC 13 reported. “Freeman did not have immediate details, but said a criminal complaint would be made available later. The charges come after three days of protests, which had been escalating in violence.”
At a press conference, Freeman said, “We have now been able to put together the evidence that we need. Even as late as yesterday afternoon, we did not have all that we needed. This is by far the fastest that we’ve ever charged a police officer.”
Barr’s announcement also comes as President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter, saying that he had directed federal authorities to immediately look into what happened.
“At my request, the FBI and the Department of Justice are already well into an investigation as to the very sad and tragic death in Minnesota of George Floyd,” Trump tweeted on Wednesday afternoon. “I have asked for this investigation to be expedited and greatly appreciate all of the work done by local law enforcement. My heart goes out to George’s family and friends. Justice will be served!”
….I have asked for this investigation to be expedited and greatly appreciate all of the work done by local law enforcement. My heart goes out to George’s family and friends. Justice will be served!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2020
In the meantime, riots and looting has broken out in areas in Minneapolis in response to Floyd’s death and the National Guard was deployed last night after rioters burned down the police precinct that the officers who were involved in the incident were stationed at.
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