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Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has urged former President Donald Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin for his federal crimes related to George Floyd’s death. Shapiro, known for his outspoken views, launched a petition and public letter, arguing that Chauvin was "unjustly convicted" and is "rotting in prison" due to political and media pressure.
Why is Ben Shapiro Supporting Chauvin ?
On his show, The Ben Shapiro Show, he claimed that the trial against Chauvin was influenced by external pressures. According to Shapiro, there was "massive overt pressure" on the Minnesota jury, including threats and coercion, which prevented a fair trial. He asserted that politicians publicly judged the case before the verdict, leaving no room for "blind justice."
Shapiro called Chauvin’s conviction "the defining achievement of the woke movement in American politics," suggesting that his imprisonment serves as a political statement rather than true justice.
Derek Chauvin’s Convictions Explained
Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted in April 2021 for the May 2020 death of George Floyd. A local jury found him guilty of:
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Unintentional second-degree murder
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Third-degree murder
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Second-degree manslaughter
He was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for these crimes. In 2022, he also pleaded guilty to violating federal civil rights laws and received an additional 21-year sentence.
Shapiro is urging Trump to pardon only the federal charges, which would not affect Chauvin’s state-level conviction and sentence.
What Happened on May 25, 2020 ?
On May 25, 2020, Chauvin confronted George Floyd after a store clerk accused him of trying to use a counterfeit $20 bill. The encounter escalated, and Floyd ended up on the ground, where Chauvin was recorded kneeling on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes.
During this time, Floyd repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe before losing consciousness. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Shapiro’s Arguments in Favor of Chauvin
Ben Shapiro claimed on his show that Floyd had a high level of fentanyl in his system and a pre-existing heart condition. He argued that Floyd had already stated he couldn’t breathe before he was even out of the police car.
Shapiro also pointed out that Floyd’s autopsy showed no damage to his trachea, questioning whether Chauvin’s actions directly caused his death. He suggested that Floyd may have died from excited delirium, a condition linked to drug use.
Moreover, Shapiro emphasized that Chauvin was never charged with a hate crime, meaning there was no legal claim that he targeted Floyd due to his race.
What Could Happen Next ?
Shapiro’s call for a Trump pardon has gained attention, including from Elon Musk, who responded on social media platform X, saying it was "something to think about."
If Trump were to win the 2024 presidential election, he would have the power to pardon Chauvin’s federal convictions. Trump has previously used his pardon powers extensively, including granting clemency to January 6 Capitol riot defendants.
For now, Chauvin remains in a low-security federal prison in Texas, serving both his state and federal sentences.
Final Thoughts
Ben Shapiro’s petition adds to the ongoing debate about Derek Chauvin’s conviction, political influence in the justice system, and the role of media in high-profile cases.
While some believe Chauvin received the sentence he deserved, others, including Shapiro, argue that he was a scapegoat for a larger political agenda. With Trump’s history of issuing controversial pardons, it remains to be seen whether he will act on this request if he returns to office.
