The four former Minneapolis Police Department officers, who were involved in George Floyd’s tragic killing, are now all set to face charges, according to Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Officers Thomas Lane and J.A. Keung, who helped to restrain Floyd, as well as a third officer, Tou Thao, who stood near the others while this happened, were not initially charged for his death.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is also increasing charges against the fourth officer involved, Derek Chauvin, from third-degree murder to second-degree murder after he had his knee pressed into George Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, causing him to die from asphyxia.
In a tweet, Senator Klobuchar went on to state that “this is another important step for justice”, while Attorney General Ellison is expected to deliver an announcement on the charges soon.
This comes after Benjamin Crump, an attorney for George Floyd’s family, recently expressed that he is “confident” that the other three officers involved will be facing charges, ahead of the public memorial service for Floyd on Thursday, 4th June.
He said: “I am confident that these officers will be charged before people in Minneapolis say their final goodbyes to George Floyd, may he rest in peace.”