Gov. Tim Walz feeds rumor mill about Derek Chauvin pardon despite denials

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other Democratic leaders are stirring up speculation about President Trump possibly pardoning Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of killing George Floyd. Despite Trump’s previous statement that he had not heard of any efforts to grant Chauvin a reprieve, sources close to the Department of Justice have also denied knowledge of such a pardon.

Walz, who is rumored to be Kamala Harris’ running mate for the 2024 election, commented on the online rumors, stating that while the Trump administration has not indicated plans to pardon Chauvin, it wouldn’t be surprising given the nature of the presidency. He added that if Trump were to issue a pardon, Chauvin would simply be transferred to serve his sentence in a Minnesota state prison.

Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette emphasized the city’s readiness for any potential developments, stating that emergency management plans have been overhauled since 2020 to prepare for various scenarios.

It is important to note that even if Chauvin were pardoned by Trump, he would not be released from custody. Having been convicted in both state and federal courts for Floyd’s killing in 2020, Chauvin would be transferred from federal custody to a Minnesota state prison.

During his sentencing in 2022, Chauvin was admonished by a federal judge for his actions, with the judge stating that putting a knee on someone’s neck until they die is wrong and offensive. Chauvin pleaded guilty to federal charges related to Floyd’s death and was also convicted of state murder and manslaughter charges.

Under Trump’s administration, the Justice Department launched a civil rights probe into Chauvin’s actions. Some supporters of the former president, including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have called for Chauvin to be pardoned and released from prison.

The unrest sparked by Floyd’s death led to widespread protests and property destruction across the country, with the Minneapolis police precinct being burned down by rioters. Chauvin’s case has been a focal point in the ongoing discussions about police brutality and racial injustice in the United States.