Minnesota AG admits there is no evidence that race was a factor in George Floyd killing



Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) acknowledged during an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes" Sunday that there is no evidence race was a motivating factor in the killing of George Floyd.

The progressive attorney general made the stunning admission when fielding a question from interviewer Scott Pelley on why the prosecution didn't pursue a hate crime charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest last May.

"I wouldn't call it that because hate crimes are crimes where there's an explicit motive and of bias," Ellison said. "We don't have any evidence that Derek Chauvin factored in George Floyd's race as he did what he did."

“In our society, there is a social norm that killing certain kinds of people is more tolerable than other kinds of… https://t.co/ZvF5G8oblU
— 60 Minutes (@60 Minutes)1619392579.0

"You could've charged him with a hate crime under Minnesota law, and you chose not to," Pelley reiterated.

"Could have," Ellison responded. "But we only charge those crimes that we had evidence that we could put in front of a jury to prove. If we'd had a witness that told us that Derek Chauvin made a racial reference, we might have charged him with a hate crime. But I would have needed a witness to say that on the stand. We didn't have it. So we didn't do it."

Last week, Chauvin was pronounced guilty by a 12-person jury of murder and manslaughter for his role in Floyd's death. Video of the incident spread like wildfire on social media and quickly became a flashpoint in a national conversation about racial injustice and police brutality. It ignited months of violent protests and riots across the country and around the world.

To anyone following the case and its subsequent coverage in the media, Floyd's killing seemed always to be primarily about racial bias, which is what makes Ellison's admission so shocking.

"The whole world sees this as a white officer killing a black man because he is black, and you're telling me that there's no evidence to support that?" Pelley asked with palpable astonishment.

In response, Ellison argued that while there was no specific evidence of racial bias in this particular case, systemic racism was obviously at work.

"In our society, there is a social norm that killing certain kinds of people is more tolerable than other kinds of people," he said.

"In order for us to stop and pay serious attention to this case and be outraged by it, it's not necessary that Derek Chauvin had a specific racial intent to harm George Floyd," he continued. "The fact is we know that, through housing patterns, through employment, through wealth, through a whole range of other things — so often, people of color, black people, end up with harsh treatment from law enforcement. And other folks doing the exact same thing just don't."

The prosecution team in the Derek Chauvin murder trial speak to 60 Minutes www.youtube.com

Alan Dershowitz Reacts to the Derek Chauvin Verdict | Stu Does America

Alan Dershowitz Reacts to the Derek Chauvin Verdict | Stu Does America

BREAKING: Jury pronounces former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges in George Floyd killing



After roughly ten hours of deliberation, a 12-person jury considering charges of murder and manslaughter against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has delivered its long-awaited verdict.

What are the details?

Tuesday afternoon, the jury of five men and seven women unanimously pronounced Chauvin guilty on all three charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

Following the proceedings, Chauvin was immediately taken into police custody. He now awaits sentencing from Judge Peter A. Cahill for each of the charges, which carry penalties of up to 40 years, 25 years, and 10 years in prison, respectively.

The actual sentencing, however, will likely be much lower since Chauvin has no prior convictions. Minnesota's sentencing guidelines recommend 12 years in prison for each murder charge and four years for a manslaughter charge. The prosecution is expected, however, to ask for sentencing enhancements.

What's the background?

While performing an arrest, Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes to restrain him while Floyd, suspected of using a counterfeit bill, begged for the officer to release him from the hold.

Floyd, who later died, was heard repeatedly saying in video of the incident, "Please, I can't breathe."

Of immense import during the trial was Floyd's manner of death. Dr. Andrew Baker, the chief medical examiner who performed an autopsy on Floyd officially determined his cause of death to be "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression."

But in the report, Baker added that significant conditions included "fentanyl intoxication" and "recent methamphetamine use," in addition to "Arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease."

What else?

News of the Floyd's death spread rapidly on social media last May and the incident immediately became a lighting rod for outrage over racial injustice and police brutality, sparking violent protests and riots across the country and around the world.

Floyd's death also reignited the Black Lives Matter movement in America and has prompted activists to call for a reckoning over alleged systemic racial oppression in the country.

The defense team is expected to appeal the convictions.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Maxine Waters claims judge in Chauvin trial said her 'words don't matter' just minutes after the judge specifically said her comments could cause the trial to be overturned



California left-wing Rep. Maxine Waters (D) cannot get out of her own way — or the way of the judicial system and peaceful society.

Over the weekend, Waters hurled incendiary language during a rant during a protest in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, about the case of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin for his role in the death of George Floyd during an arrest.

But despite a statement from the judge in the case responding directly to the congresswoman's remarks and his admission that those words could be used to get the Chauvin trial tossed on appeal, Waters remained defiant and claimed that the judge had said her "words don't matter."

What happened?

Water demanded Saturday during a rally that the Chauvin jury return a guilty verdict for murder, and told the crowd that if that didn't happen, then "we got to stay on the street, and we've got to get more active. You've got to get more confrontational. You got to make sure that they know we mean business."

Chauvin's lawyer, Eric Nelson, used Waters' remarks to ask for a mistrial: "It is so pervasive. I just don't know how this jury can really be said to be that they are free from the taint of this. Now that we have U.S. representatives threatening acts of violence in relation to this specific case, it's mind-boggling to me, judge!"

Judge Peter Cahill denied Nelson's request, but he did say that Waters' rhetoric could come back to bite the prosecution on appeal.

"I will give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned," Cahill said.

The judge continued to blast Waters' and her ilk's "abhorrent" and "disrespectful" manner of discussing the case.

"I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law, and to the judicial branch and our function," Cahill said. "I think if they want to give their opinions they should do so in a respectful and in a manner that is consistent with their oath to the Constitution to respect a coequal branch of government."

"Their failure to do so is abhorrent!" he continued.

CNN's Manu Raju caught up with Waters shortly after Cahill made his remarks and asked her about the judge's direct rebuke of her language.

Raju reported that Waters said, "The judge says my words don't matter."

He pressed the lawmaker about Cahill saying that her rant could be grounds for appeal. She replied, "Oh no, no they didn't."

Just asked Maxine Waters about the judge’s rebuke of her words, and she said repeatedly: “The judge says my words d… https://t.co/EsRRuFEFsL
— Manu Raju (@Manu Raju)1618875725.0

Cahill did say, following his ripping of Waters' remarks, that, because he trusted the jury to not watch television, "a congresswoman's opinion really doesn't matter a whole lot anyway."

But he in no way let the radical left-wing congresswoman off the hook as she claimed to Raju.

CNN Reporter SAVAGES Jen Psaki On Biden's Chauvin Comments

CNN Reporter SAVAGES Jen Psaki On Biden's Chauvin Comments

Report: Democrats are 'so angry' with Rep. Maxine Waters they would support censure effort against her



Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) is not only facing backlash from Republicans and Judge Peter Cahill for her incendiary comments related to the Derek Chauvin trial, but she also reportedly angered her Democratic colleagues.

The development comes after House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) vowed to censure Waters.

What are the details?

According to Fox News reporter Chad Pergram, Democrats found Waters' comments "revolting" and there is "disgust" among the House Democratic caucus, which "metastasized" after Cahill publicly rebuked Waters.

"Congressional Democrats have a major problem with House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and her 'confrontational' comments in Minnesota over the weekend," Pergram reported. "Fox is told that rank-and-file Democrats found what Waters said revolting. But that disgust among Democrats further metastasized after Hennepin, MN County Judge Peter Cahill criticized Waters from the bench, describing her remarks as 'disrespectful to the rule of law.'

In fact, some Democrats would reportedly support an effort to discipline Waters with a formal censure, Pergram reported.

But Fox is told that a lot of Democrats are angry at Waters, are concerned about the optics of potential violence being linked back to her and Democrats generally. Don't forget how many moderate Democrats were beside themselves following the midterms and the "defund the police" movement. With such a narrow majority, Democrats can only lose two votes on their side.

Fox is told that some Democrats could in fact support what one lawmaker termed a "reasonably worded" censure resolution to rebuke Waters. Plus, voting to punish Waters may well be good politics for some battleground district Democrats. One knowledgeable Democrat told Fox that some Democratic members are so angry at Waters now that they would relish the opportunity to censure her.

What is the background?

Over the weekend, Waters urged protesters in Minnesota to "get more confrontational" if Chauvin is found not guilty in the death of George Floyd.

"You got to make sure that they know we mean business," Waters said, also openly dismissing the curfew enacted by law enforcement.

In response, Judge Cahill, who is presiding over the Chauvin trial, blasted Waters, and said her comments could be used by the defense in an appeal to argue for a mistrial.

"I will give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned," Cahill said after denying the defense's motion for a mistrial over Waters' remarks.

"This goes back to what I've been saying from the beginning. I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law, and to the judicial branch and our function," the judge added. "I think if they want to give their opinions they should do so in a respectful and in a manner that is consistent with their oath to the Constitution to respect a coequal branch of government."

"Their failure to do so is abhorrent!" he said.

What did Pelosi say?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) outright dismissed criticism, and even defended Waters.

"No, I don't think she should apologize," Pelosi said Monday.

"Maxine talked about confrontation in the manner of the Civil Rights movement. I myself think we should take our lead from the George Floyd family. They've handled this with great dignity and no ambiguity or lack of misinterpretation by the other side," Pelosi explained.

Jaws Drop as Maxine Waters Appears to Call for Violence | DIRECT MESSAGE | Rubin Report

Jaws Drop as Maxine Waters Appears to Call for Violence | DIRECT MESSAGE | Rubin Report

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy threatens action against Maxine Waters as calls to punish her mount after she allegedly incites protesters



Calls to punish Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) have mounted after she called for protesters and activists to "get more confrontational" on Minnesota's streets if former police officer Derek Chauvin is not convicted for murder in the death of George Floyd.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) also promised to bring action against her if Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) chooses not to act.

What are the details?

During a Saturday appearance in Brooklyn Center, Waters said, "We're looking for a guilty verdict. We're looking for a guilty verdict. And we're looking to see if all of this ... that took place and has been taking place after they saw what happened to George Floyd. If nothing does not happen, then we know that we've got to not only stay in the street, but we've got to fight for justice, but I am very hopeful and I hope that we're going to get a verdict that will say 'guilty, guilty, guilty.' And if we don't, we cannot go away."

She added that activists must "stay on the street" if Chauvin is not convicted and insisted that demonstrators have to "get more active."

"[We've] got to get more confrontational," the Democratic lawmaker insisted. "[We've] got to make sure that they know we mean business."

What has been the response?

In a statement, the New York Post editorial board said that the California congresswoman was "trying to create a civil war" and that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ought to strip Waters of her committee assignments and "move for a vote to remove Waters from office."

A lengthy op-ed added, "In supporting the second impeachment of President Trump, California Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters said he was 'inciting' his followers, and was 'trying to create a Civil War.'"

"By her own standards, Maxine Waters should be impeached and removed," the board noted.

Other notable voices included Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who said that Democrats were "actively encouraging riots & violence."

"They want to tear us apart," he added.

Democrats actively encouraging riots & violence. They want to tear us apart.“'We gotta stay on the street,' Wat… https://t.co/SdJslGdKea
— Ted Cruz (@Ted Cruz)1618751756.0

Comedian and BlazeTV host Steven Crowder added, "If Trump was removed from Twitter AND Facebook for 'inciting violence' then Maxine Waters needs to be federally charged and impeached."

If Trump was removed from Twitter AND Facebook for “inciting violence” then Maxine Waters needs to be federally cha… https://t.co/9pkiiRb5fk
— Steven Crowder (@Steven Crowder)1618757579.0

Attorney and columnist Kurt Schlicter added, "This is an insurrection."

This is an insurrection https://t.co/6ja9Yvh4dG
— Kurt Schlichter (@Kurt Schlichter)1618752980.0

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) tweeted, "The Radical Left don't care if your towns are burning, if there's violence in your streets, or if the police are too defunded to defend their communities. As long as the Left appeases their anti-America base, their job is done."

The Radical Left don’t care if your towns are burning, if there’s violence in your streets, or if the police are to… https://t.co/J03jJ7N3eP
— Rep Andy Biggs (@Rep Andy Biggs)1618752880.0

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Sunday night vowed that if Pelosi doesn't bring action against Waters, he will.

"Maxine Waters is inciting violence in Minneapolis — just as she has incited it in the past," he tweeted. "If Speaker Pelosi doesn't act against this dangerous rhetoric, I will bring action this week."

Maxine Waters is inciting violence in Minneapolis — just as she has incited it in the past. If Speaker Pelosi doesn… https://t.co/iUicQJYq3f
— Kevin McCarthy (@Kevin McCarthy)1618793152.0
George Floyd Trial: Facts Media HID From You! | Louder With Crowder

George Floyd Trial: Facts Media HID From You! | Louder With Crowder

Will Police Officer Derrick Chauvin Receive a FAIR Trial In George Floyd Case?

Will Police Officer Derrick Chauvin Receive a FAIR Trial In George Floyd Case?