Attorney General Keith Ellison takes over George Floyd murder case

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has taken over the prosecution of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

Floyd was unarmed and handcuffed who died in Chauvin’s and three other officers custody. 

Attorney General Keith Ellison takes over George Floyd case

“It is with a large degree of humility and great seriousness, I accept for my office, the responsibility for leadership in this critical case involving the killing of George Floyd,” Ellison said during a news conference in Minneapolis.

“We are going to bring to bear all the resources necessary to achieve justice in this case,” he pronounced.

Ellison’s appointment came following a telephone meeting between hip-hop icon Jay-Z and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

JAY-Z described the conversation as “very earnest” and thanked Governor Walz.

“Earlier today, Governor Walz mentioned having a human conversation with me – a dad and a Black man in pain,” Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, wrote in a statement.

“Yes, I am human, a father and a black man in pain, and I am not the only one. This is just a first step. I am more determined to fight for justice than any fight my would-be oppressors may have.”

Derek Chauvin’s actions

Derek Chauvin is seen on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes while Floyd pleaded he couldn’t breathe. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Three other officers on scene , Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thoa, have not been charged, despite the family’s and protesters’ wishes.