Derek Chauvin: Ex-police officer, convicted for George Floyd's murder, stabbed in prison. Know in detail

Derek Chauvin is in the news once again. The police officer who was indicted for murdering George Floyd has been stabbed in prison. The 47-year-old police officer is serving a 22-and-a-half-year sentence for the murder of Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. In a viral video, he could be seen kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes outside a corner store in a row over a fake $20 bill. The victim complained he was unable to breathe. It sparked nationwide protests against alleged police brutality and racism.

Chauvin suffers life-threatening injuries

Associated Press has reported that Chauvin suffered life-threatening injuries after being attacked by a fellow inmate at a maximum security prison in Tucson, Arizona, on Friday. Confirming the attack the Bureau of Prisons said the attack happened at around 12.30 pm local time and employees were required to perform 'life-saving measures' before the inmate was taken to a hospital.

The Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson said in a statement that Chauvin was in a stable condition. It said, "Responding employees initiated life-saving measures for one incarcerated individual."


Earlier, Chauvin’s lawyer pleaded that he should be kept away from the general population in prison because he would be a target for attacks. He recently sought to appeal his conviction at the US Supreme Court, but he failed.

Attorney General not happy

According to CNN, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office prosecuted Chauvin in the George Floyd case, has expressed sorrow over the incident. He said in a press release, "I am sad to hear that Derek Chauvin was the target of violence."

He said further, "He was duly convicted of his crimes and, like any incarcerated individual, he should be able to serve his sentence without fear of retaliation or violence."

Three other former officers who were at the scene of Floyd’s death were awarded prison sentences of between three years and 57 months. The US Justice Department found in its investigation that the Minneapolis police officers often used violent and racist practices, "including unjustified deadly force".

FAQs:

Who is Derek Chauvin, why is he in the news now?
Derek Chauvin is the police officer, indicted for murdering George Floyd. He has been stabbed in prison. The 47-year-old police officer is serving a 22-and-a-half-year sentence for the murder of Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020.

How did Derek Chauvin stoke controversy in May 2020 that stirred a nationwide protest against police excesses?
In a viral video, Derek Chauvin could be seen kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes outside a corner store in a row over a fake $20 bill. The victim complained he was unable to breathe. It sparked nationwide protests against alleged police brutality and racism.