Just over a year after George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis by Derek Chauvin a judge has finally sentenced him to over 22 years in prison for the charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

ABC News

Former officer Derek Chauvin was called to a convenience store where Floyd was suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill, as officers were arresting Floyd they believe him to be refusing arrest which leads Chauvin to detain Floyd by placing his knee on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. This lead Floyd to cry out for help, saying “I can’t breathe” a statement that has been heard many times and used as a call in the fight for Black Lives Matter protests.

After the death of George Floyd men, women, and children all took to the streets all over the United States to protest for Floyd, for his life and the lives of others who have and could be in the same position. The summer of 2020 and continuing to today have been an ongoing rally for Black Lives Matter.

Chauvin sentence comes from Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahil, in a statement he claimed, “I’m not basing my sentence on public opinion. I’m not basing it on any attempt to send any messages,” this statement shows that judge Cahil wasn’t sentencing Derek because of the protests, but because Chauvin took his power and authority as a police officer and went too far, 9 minutes too far.

Chauvin’s sentence was tried by his lawyer, asking for probation and time served, while Floyd’s family asked for maximum sentencing. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated “one of the longest sentences a former police officer has ever received for unlawful use of deadly force.” This statement alone shows the ordeal that has taken place, that many police officers who have or haven’t got caught for their wrongful actions have not been properly reprimanded for their actions. This Chauvin vs Floyd case is going to be one of the cases that changes the laws regarding police officers and citizens, and hopefully creates a better more safe space for the innocent.