The trial of the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd last year will be broadcast live on Court TV, according to a press release from the cable network.
Jury selection begins Monday, March 8, in the criminal trial of Derek Chauvin, who was recorded on May 25 kneeling on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes as the Black man pleaded that he couldn’t breathe.
Floyd was arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill at a grocery store. He was handcuffed and lying on his stomach, when Chauvin — who is White — pressed a knee into his neck. The officer refused to budge even as Floyd’s body went limp and bystanders pleaded with him to stop.
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Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case of Minnesota v Derek Chauvin.
His attorney, Eric Nelson, has argued in court documents that Floyd likely died from drug use and underlying health conditions — not as a result of Chauvin’s knee on his neck.
Three other officers who were there that day also lost their jobs and are scheduled to be tried in August for allegedly aiding and abetting.
Floyd’s death sparked nationwide protests, renewed interest in the Black Lives Matter movement and calls for police reforms.
Court TV says it will offer gavel-to-gavel coverage of Chauvin’s trial from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
