Cortez Rice, 31, of Minneapolis, cries as he calls for justice during a protest outside the Hennepin County Government Center, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in Minneapolis, in response to former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, posted bond and was released from jail a day earlier. Rice says Floyd was his uncle, related by loyalty, not blood. Rice says he marched to Washington, D.C., to call for justice for Floyd, encountering racist incidents along the way. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota judge cited safety concerns Friday as he issued new conditions of release for an ex-Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd that would allow him to live in a neighboring state while he awaits trial.
Derek Chauvin posted $1 million bond on Wednesday and was allowed to walk free from the maximum security state prison where he had been held for his safety since shortly after his arrest. Floyd died after Chauvin, who is white, pressed his knee against Floyd's neck for several minutes even after the handcuffed Black man pleaded for air before his death May 25. Chauvin was later charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Chauvin's release triggered two nights of protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Gov. Tim Walz mobilized National Guard troops and state law enforcement officers to help keep the peace. Three other fired former officers who also face charges in the case were released on bond earlier. Their trial is set for March.
Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill said the state Department of Corrections, which is supervising Chauvin while he's on release, presented evidence in private 'œsupporting safety concerns that have arisen.'ť The order did not say what that evidence entailed.
Chauvin's previous conditions prohibited him from leaving Minnesota without court permission and ordered him to sign extradition waivers if he was released. Under the new conditions, he 'œmust establish residency somewhere in the State of Minnesota or a contiguous state as soon as possible" and report it to his supervising officer. His address will be shared with local law enforcement, but anyone who is given his address is ordered to keep it confidential.
The former officer must also carry a cellphone and keep it on, charged and in range so that the Department of Corrections can reach him at all times. He must also surrender his passport.
Cahill's order said the defense and prosecution had agreed to the new terms.
FILE - This June 3, 2020 file photo provided by the Hennepin County, Minn., Sheriff's Office shows former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd. Chauvin posted bail on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, and was released from prison, according to court documents. Chauvin posted a $1 million bond, and the Department of Corrections confirmed he was no longer in custody at the state's facility in Oak Park Heights, where he had been detained pending trial. (Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via AP)
The Associated Press
A protester wears a United States flag, with a pig's head painted on it, to a protest outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. The protest was held outside the center a day after the release on bail of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin who faces charges of murder and other counts in the death of George Floyd in May. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
A protester holds a sign while listening to speakers outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. Protesters took to the streets of Minneapolis on Thursday night, angry that Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer who faces charges of murder and other counts in the death of George Floyd in May, posted a $1 million bond Wednesday and was released. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Demonstrators chant outside the 1st Precinct office in downtown Minneapolis, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. Demonstrators took to the streets of Minneapolis on Thursday night, angry that Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer who faces charges of murder and other counts in the death of George Floyd in May, posted a $1 million bond Wednesday and was released. Gov. Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on Wednesday. (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press