This archive report was first published on 26 June 2021.
On June 25, 2021, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, a death that sparked international outrage.
Chauvin showed no reaction as the verdict was announced by Judge Peter Cahill in a Minnesota courtroom.
Outside the courthouse, about a hundred people gathered, with reactions initially muted before turning more hostile.
Chauvin could have been sentenced to as many as 40 years in prison, but the prosecution had requested 30 years.
"I thought it was going to be 40," said Ashley Dorelus, who flew from California to watch the trial. "I thought they were going to give us a little bit of hope."
Benjamin Crump, the Floyd family attorney, described the sentence as "historic," the longest prison sentence ever for a Minnesota police officer, and said it would bring the nation "one step closer to healing by delivering closure and accountability."
During the sentencing, George Floyd's seven-year-old daughter spoke of missing her father and the games they played together in a videotaped interview.
Philonise Floyd, George's brother, spoke tearfully in court about having nightmares while watching endless replays of the infamous cellphone video that showed Floyd pleading for air under Chauvin's neck.
Chauvin only spoke briefly during the sentencing to offer his condolences to the Floyd family, saying, "I do want to give my condolences to the Floyd family."
His mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, testified to his character, calling him a "good man with a big heart," but her testimony was met with groans and cat-calls outside the courthouse.
