Officer Charged of George Floyd’s Death Released From Custody in $1 Million Bond

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A George Floyd mural is created in Houston to commemorate the loss of his life.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was released from custody on Wednesday, Oct. 7, after being charged for George Floyd’s death. He was the last of the four officers to be released. Mr. Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter for his role in George Floyd’s death. During this time, Mr. Floyd gasped for breath and said the words, “I can’t breathe.”

“It’s something that I’m not happy with,” Mr. Floyd’s aunt, Angela Harrelson, said to Fox-9 News.  “I just drew a blank like oh my god, is it true? He has supporters, and I guess he was able to raise enough money to post that [bail].”

Mr. Chauvin’s family created a Derek Chauvin Bail Fund on GiveSendGo.com, a free Christian donation site, on Saturday, Sept. 12. According to the site, as of Wednesday, Oct. 7, $4,198 were donated, with donations from more than 35 people. It is not clear where the remaining money came from to cover the $1 million bond. In Minnesota, anyone who posts a bond is required to pay at least 10 percent of the total bond, which in this case, would equal out to $100,000.

Mr. Chauvin’s $1 million bond comes with many conditions. For one, he is not allowed to leave his home state without written approval. He is also not allowed to contact Mr. Floyd’s family, possess any firearm or ammunition, work in law enforcement or security, and he must make all future court appearances.

In response to Mr. Chauvin’s $1 million bond, Attorney Ben Crump sent out a tweet reminding citizens that justice had not been served. When asked about this topic, Mr. Chauvin’s attorney had no comment.

“Derek Chauvin posted a $1M bail today, buying his freedom after robbing George Floyd of his life over $20,” Mr. Crump said in the tweet. “His release on bond is a painful reminder to George’s family that we are still far from achieving justice.”

The other three officers charged in Mr. Floyd’s death had previously posted a $750,000 bond. Since then, they have all been sent home. All four men are currently scheduled for trial in March; however, the judge is yet to decide if the four men should be tried together or separately.