Minnesota attorney general says Derek Chauvin’s sentence reflects seriousness of crime – Everett Post

Everett

(MINNEAPOLIS) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Sunday former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s 22 1/2 year sentence “reflects the gravity” of the crime.

“Given the particular cruelty, the abuse of trust to commit this crime in a group in front of children – this judgment works,” said Ellison to the ABC co-host Jonathan Karl.

Under Minnesota law, the maximum sentence for second degree murder – the heaviest charge against chauvin – is 40 years.

“Now you cannot replace George Floyd’s life, so true satisfaction is simply not available to us. But I think this is certainly a phrase that reflects the seriousness. And of course this matter is still ongoing, ”he added.

When Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 1/2 years for the murder of George Floyd, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told @jonkarl, “I think the judge was right given the particular cruelty … that sentence worked.” Https : //t.co/cYI8dXtX9Y pic.twitter.com/MtOYTRCv5x

– This week (@ThisWeekABC) June 27, 2021

Although Ellison said the verdict was fair, he also said that he believes there is more to be done in the police area.

“All over the United States, states are considering police reform. We need them to act. We need departments that act, ”said Ellison. “We need prosecutors, and we need other police officers who look inward and say, ‘What can we do to build more trust and cooperation with our communities that we protect and serve every day?” “

Ellison also expressed support for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a comprehensive law enforcement reform bill that would ban chokeholds and other potentially fatal tactics of violence and change the qualified immunity granted to police officers.

“In a larger perspective, we have a lot to do. And when it comes to Congress, I think that with the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, they could lead the way. I think it’s important and the country needs it, ”said Ellison.

Given concerns about an increase in crime this summer, @jonkarl asks MN AG Keith Ellison, “What steps need to be taken now?”

Ellison: “A community-led effort to involve neighbors … working with law enforcement could be key.” Https://t.co/AZjd0Xq4Ky pic.twitter.com/ozuYlFMa9B

– This week (@ThisWeekABC) June 27, 2021

“What steps need to be taken now that we are faced with this potential for an increase in violence? You mentioned the bill in Congress, but what needs to be done now? ”Asked Karl.

When asked about the surge in violent crime this summer, Ellison said he believes law enforcement and communities need to come together to address this trend, referring to the “21 Days of Peace Movement” in Minneapolis because “one was community-led.” Effort to get involved “and rebuilding relationships with neighbors in collaboration with law enforcement agencies across the country could be vital.”

“Let’s have religious leaders, faith leaders, community leaders working with law enforcement to try to avert a difficult summer if we don’t move forward, and I think we have to,” he added.