Prosecutors and defense attorneys ended closing arguments Monday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after making their cases to jurors following weeks of testimony amid nationwide concerns over potential unrest that could follow once a verdict is reached.
Chauvin faces second- and third-degree murder and manslaughter charges in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.
At the end of the day’s proceedings, defense attorney Eric Nelson voiced concerns over the impartiality of the jury given the media attention the case has received. He also cited comments from Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who has voiced support for protesters in Minnesota.
“I just don’t know how this jury can really be… that they are free from the taint of this,” Nelson told Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill. “Now that we U.S. representatives threatening acts of in relation to this specific case. It’s mind-boggling.”
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