Calls for a Presidential Pardon
Recently, there’s been talk about possibly pardoning Chauvin. A well-known politician, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, has openly supported the idea. She claims that George Floyd died from a drug overdose, which goes against what the official medical report says. This has sparked a lot of debate and strong reactions.
Prison Transfer After Attack
At the same time, Chauvin was moved to a different prison in Texas. This happened after a serious attack at his last prison in Arizona, where he was stabbed 22 times by another inmate. The transfer was done to keep him safe.
Current Sentences and Appeals
Right now, Chauvin is serving a 22-and-a-half-year sentence for second-degree murder. On top of that, he’s also serving a 21-year federal sentence for violating George Floyd’s civil rights. He tried to appeal these sentences, but both the Minnesota Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his appeals.
Governor’s Statement on Pardon
Minnesota’s Governor, Tim Walz, has been clear about one thing: even if Chauvin gets a federal pardon, he would still have to finish his state prison sentence. So a pardon wouldn’t mean he’s free right away.
Preparing for Possible Unrest
Officials are also getting ready for the possibility that any pardon might lead to protests or unrest. They’re making plans with the National Guard and other agencies to keep the peace and protect the community.