Yesterday, former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering Mr. George Floyd. That, of course, was the correct verdict. Some people in the conservative media have tried to question and taint the verdict by pointing out the victim's misconduct and history. Did Mr. Floyd commit a crime (pass a counterfeit $20 bill), causing the store clerk to call the police? Yes. Did Mr. Floyd then resist arrest/transport? Yes. Was Mr. Floyd under the influence of illegal narcotics during the incident? Yes. Did Mr. Floyd have some serious, pre-existing medical problems? Yes. Did Mr. Floyd have an extensive criminal history? Yes. Does any of that really matter when the evidence clearly showed ex-officer Chauvin used unjustified, deadly force against a restrained, and essentially helpless, Mr. Floyd? NO. The video evidence and witness testimony was clear: Ex-officer Chauvin pressed his knee into Mr. Floyd's neck and kept it there, even as Mr. Floyd repeatedly said he couldn't breathe and begged for help, until Mr. Floyd finally stopped breathing. Mr. Floyd, restrained and face down on the ground, posed no significant threat to ex-officer Chauvin or others. Regardless of Mr. Floyd's prior conduct or history, former officer Chauvin's intentional, unjustifiable actions were clearly illegal and directly caused the death of Mr. Floyd.
Before retiring in 2019, I proudly served 30 years at the Harris County Sheriff's Office. It has been my experience that the vast majority of peace officers are dedicated, hardworking people who simply want to protect and serve (to be "the good guys" in the community). That said, there are some bad officers in every agency, and Chauvin was clearly one of them. The conservative media needs to stop defending Chauvin and acknowledge the facts. As a former peace officer, take it from me: Chauvin is obviously GUILTY. Mr. Floyd - Rest In Peace.
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