Bail conditions set for Derek Chauvin, ex-officer accused of pinning down George Floyd
Derek Chauvin, the former police officer accused in the death of George Floyd, appeared in court via video on Monday during which a judge ordered him held on a $1.25 million bail.
Prosecutor Mathew Frank argued that Chauvin could be at risk for fleeing because of the case's high-profile.
Bail conditions include: surrendering guns; not working in law enforcement or security; no contact with the victim's family; and not leaving the state without permission.
Chauvin's attorney Eric Nelson did not object in court.
Floyd, a black man, died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, who prosecutors say held his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.
Second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter charges have been filed against Chauvin. He has not yet entered a plea.
Chauvin, 44, wearing a prison jumpsuit, waived his right to appear in person on Monday and opted to appear via video from the state prison where he is being held, located about 25 miles from the courthouse in Minneapolis.
Chauvin was moved to the state prison within days of his arrest. Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson made the request over concerns about COVID-19 and the large number of people who might be booked into the local jail during protests, officials said.
The three other officers who were at the scene of Floyd's death have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter.
All four officers have been fired.
As Floyd was pinned down, his pleas for help, telling the officer, "I can't breathe," was caught on cell phone video by a bystander. Floyd's death has sparked outrage, protests and calls for police reform in Minneapolis, across the United States and around the world.
Floyd's brother, Terrence Floyd, last week urged protesters to avoid destroying their own cities.
Floyd "would want us to seek justice" but to channel the anger "another way," Terrence Floyd, told ABC News.
"If his own family and blood are trying to deal with it and be positive about it, and go another route to seek justice, then why are you out here tearing up your community?" Terrence Floyd said. "Because when you’re finished and turn around and want to go buy something, you done tore it up. So now you messed up your own living arrangements. So just relax. Justice will be served."
Chauvin's next court date was set for June 29.
