Derek Chauvin seeks new trial in George Floyd case

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, is seeking a new trial.

In an 82-page brief filed Monday, Chauvin’s attorney, William Mohrman, argued that it was impossible for his client to get a fair trial in Minneapolis given the tense climate surrounding the trial and the publicity ahead of the trial.

He said media coverage of the case “glorified Floyd and demonized Chauvin.”

Mohrman also argued that the jury was concerned for her safety and that of her family and the possible consequences of Chauvin’s acquittal. Floyd’s death was followed by massive nationwide protests and riots in many cities, sometimes leading to violent clashes between law enforcement and protesters, and the city “prepared for a riot” should Chauvin be acquitted.

“Judge #87 stated that she was ‘nervous’ because this is a high profile case and Minneapolis ‘blew up after the incident,'” the brief said. “Juror 28 stated, ‘The jury’s decision may have broader implications, reactions from the general public,’ and ‘knowing that people, the general public, are paying attention to the decision and I think putting more pressure on it to get it right do. ‘”

Mohrman also argued that the jury was not seized as tensions flared over the police killing of Daunte Wright in nearby Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, during the trial.

Chauvin’s legal team also argued that the trial should have been moved out of Hennepin County. He was finally convicted in April 2021 and sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to depriving Floyd of his civil rights.

The other three former Minneapolis police officers charged in the May 2020 death of Floyd — Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng — are scheduled to stand trial.

On Tuesday, a Hennepin County judge said he would not allow the upcoming trial to be live streamed.