Yet Another Officer-Involved Shooting Increases Tensions in Minnesota

“Following the shooting, Officer Potter announced she would resign from the force stating it would be “in the best interest of the community, my department, and my fellow officers.” Resignation is not sufficient for some in the community as tension is already high due to the murder trial of Derek Chauvin, prompting many to flood the streets outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department and protest. Protesters have reportedly thrown fireworks and bottles at police who responded with teargas; additionally around 20 businesses nearby have been broken into. In response, the Minnesota National Guard has been deployed.”

NationalSeth MooreApril 19, 2021George FLoyd, Police Brutality, Police Reform, ViolenceComment

What You Should Know About The Derek Chauvin Murder Trial

“George Floyd died after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him on the ground with his knee, sparking protests around the world. Now, ten months later, arguments in the momentous trial that will determine Chauvin’s legal consequences are coming to a close. Chauvin faces charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter.”

NationalBrennan MaynardApril 18, 2021George FLoyd, Derek Chauvin, Black Lives MatterComment

Despite Video of Killing, Chauvin Murder Trial Hinges on Cause of Death

“On March 29th, the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin commenced as the defense and prosecution stated their cases for the charges of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin is accused of killing George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, by kneeling on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds in an event that highlighted police brutality and racial injustice in the United States. The killing and subsequent violent police to protests has spurred calls for police reform and abolition. With the trial nationally televised, the country waits with bated breath anxious to see if Chauvin will be held to account for his actions.”

NationalDavid WoodliefApril 15, 2021Derek Chauvin, Police Brutality, George FLoydComment

N.C. Senate Bill Promotes Controversial Increased Rioting Penalties Alongside Police Reform

“North Carolina Senate Bill 300 seeks to reform policing in North Carolina, addressing some of the issues highlighted by the horrific death of George Floyd this past summer. More controversially, however, the bill would reclassify rioting offenses from Class 1 misdemeanors to Class H or G felonies in response to violence that occurred during some protests over the summer. With a vague definition of what constitutes a riot, however, some believe that this could harm individuals wrongly arrested.”

LocalDavid WoodliefMarch 31, 2021Protests, George FLoyd, NCPOL, NC SenateComment