Five years ago, on May 25, 2020, the world watched in horror as George Floyd , a 46-year-old Black man, died under the knee of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin .
The incident was captured by then-17-year-old Darnella Frazier, showing Chauvin pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, despite Floyd's repeated pleas of "I can't breathe." This footage ignited global protests and became a catalyst for the Black Lives Matter movement, bringing attention to systemic racism and police brutality .
The trial and conviction
Chauvin was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. His trial began in March 2021. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from medical experts who said that Floyd died from a lack of oxygen, not from underlying health conditions or drug use. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testified that Chauvin's actions violated department policy, reports the New York Post .
On April 20, 2021, after around 10 hours of deliberation, the jury found Chauvin guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. The verdict was met with a mix of relief and sorrow across the nation. Philonise Floyd, George's brother, said, "Today, we are able to breathe again," drawing a parallel to his brother's final words.
Who is Derek Chauvin
Derek Chauvin is a former Minneapolis police officer who served with the city’s police department for 19 years. Born in 1976, Chauvin trained as a military police officer in the Army Reserve before joining law enforcement. Over the course of his career, he received commendations but was also the subject of multiple complaints related to use of force.
Before the 2020 incident that brought him global infamy, Chauvin had been involved in several on-duty shootings and allegations of aggressive policing. However, most of those complaints did not result in disciplinary action.
Aftermath and ongoing impact
The conviction of Chauvin was seen as a significant moment in the fight against police brutality. However, it also underscored the deep-rooted issues within law enforcement and the justice system. In the years following, there have been calls for comprehensive police reform . While some cities have implemented changes, many activists argue that progress has been slow and insufficient.
In May 2025, on the fifth anniversary of Floyd's death, cities like Minneapolis and Houston held memorial events. These gatherings served as both a remembrance of Floyd and a call to action for continued reform.
Legal developments
Chauvin has sought a new trial, arguing that pre-trial publicity and other factors deprived him of a fair proceeding. His attorney contends that the media coverage "glorified Floyd and demonized Chauvin." As of now, Chauvin remains incarcerated, and his appeals are ongoing.
Speculation has also arisen regarding a potential pardon for Chauvin. Minnesota governor Tim Walz expressed concerns about such a possibility, though US President Donald Trump has denied any knowledge of plans to grant clemency. Even if a federal pardon were issued, Chauvin would still be subject to his state conviction.
The incident was captured by then-17-year-old Darnella Frazier, showing Chauvin pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, despite Floyd's repeated pleas of "I can't breathe." This footage ignited global protests and became a catalyst for the Black Lives Matter movement, bringing attention to systemic racism and police brutality .
The trial and conviction
Chauvin was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. His trial began in March 2021. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from medical experts who said that Floyd died from a lack of oxygen, not from underlying health conditions or drug use. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testified that Chauvin's actions violated department policy, reports the New York Post .
On April 20, 2021, after around 10 hours of deliberation, the jury found Chauvin guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. The verdict was met with a mix of relief and sorrow across the nation. Philonise Floyd, George's brother, said, "Today, we are able to breathe again," drawing a parallel to his brother's final words.
Who is Derek Chauvin
Derek Chauvin is a former Minneapolis police officer who served with the city’s police department for 19 years. Born in 1976, Chauvin trained as a military police officer in the Army Reserve before joining law enforcement. Over the course of his career, he received commendations but was also the subject of multiple complaints related to use of force.
Before the 2020 incident that brought him global infamy, Chauvin had been involved in several on-duty shootings and allegations of aggressive policing. However, most of those complaints did not result in disciplinary action.
Aftermath and ongoing impact
The conviction of Chauvin was seen as a significant moment in the fight against police brutality. However, it also underscored the deep-rooted issues within law enforcement and the justice system. In the years following, there have been calls for comprehensive police reform . While some cities have implemented changes, many activists argue that progress has been slow and insufficient.
In May 2025, on the fifth anniversary of Floyd's death, cities like Minneapolis and Houston held memorial events. These gatherings served as both a remembrance of Floyd and a call to action for continued reform.
Legal developments
Chauvin has sought a new trial, arguing that pre-trial publicity and other factors deprived him of a fair proceeding. His attorney contends that the media coverage "glorified Floyd and demonized Chauvin." As of now, Chauvin remains incarcerated, and his appeals are ongoing.
Speculation has also arisen regarding a potential pardon for Chauvin. Minnesota governor Tim Walz expressed concerns about such a possibility, though US President Donald Trump has denied any knowledge of plans to grant clemency. Even if a federal pardon were issued, Chauvin would still be subject to his state conviction.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 25, 2025
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