Murder of George Floyd: accused Derek Chauvin speaks for the first time since the events

 Sylvie Claire / June 26, 2021

White ex-police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced Friday to 22 and a half years in prison for the murder of African-American George Floyd, a heavy sentence that reflects the global impact of the tragedy. Derek Chauvin then offered his condolences to the victim's family.

Because of outstanding legal issues, I am not in a position to make a formal statement at this time but, briefly, I would like to offer my condolences to the Floyd family, the 45-year-old officer said at the sentencing hearing. There will be new information in the future, which I hope will be interesting and give you peace of mind, he added, in his first public speaking engagement since the 40-year-old's death on May 25, 2020.

His mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, had assured earlier that he had a good heart, contrary to his public image. Derek is a quiet, thoughtful, honorable and selfless man, she said. The family of George Floyd asked the court to retain the maximum sentence, 40 years in prison, against the police officer. Why? What did you have in mind when you knelt on my brother's neck when you knew he posed no threat? asked Terrence, the victim's brother, to the 45-year-old officer.