Former Minneapolis Police Officer Charged With Third-Degree Murder In George Floyd's Death

Police arrested the former Minneapolis officer caught on camera pressing his knee into the neck the late-George Floyd, a black man who later died in custody. Derek Chauvin, who was fired after the video went viral, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Chauvin was one of four officers involved in the incident. All were dismissed in light of the video, but Chauvin is the only arrest made in connection with Floyd's death. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced the murder charge on Friday, less than one week after the incident.

"We have now been able to put together the evidence that we need, said Freeman. "Even as late as yesterday afternoon, we did not have all that we needed."

BREAKING: Derek Chauvin, one of four former officers fired for involvement in George Floyd’s death, has been charged with murder and manslaughter, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announces. https://t.co/70BeNIjMHL pic.twitter.com/XVrvNFw2IA

— ABC News (@ABC) May 29, 2020

Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington first announced the arrest at a press conference this morning.

Floyd's death sparked days of chaos in Minneapolis and around the country as protests calling for justice began throughout the United States. News of the arrest comes the morning after Minneapolis protesters set fire to the Minneapolis Police Department 3rd Precinct, the culmination of a day of protest, riots and looting. Protesters demonstrated their anger in other U.S. cities, including New York City, Los Angeles and Denver.

The fire at the MPD’s 3rd Precinct was only at one corner 5 minutes ago. It’s now spread across the entire building. With no firefighters on scene… that building will likely be destroyed tonight. pic.twitter.com/t6p3Yv1KYV

— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan) May 29, 2020