Derek Chauvin Trial In George Floyd's Death: What To Know Monday

MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis is on edge as the trial for former police officer Derek Chauvin over the death of George Floyd begins Monday. Gov. Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Gaurd in February to prepare for the potential of more street violence this spring during the trial.

"There are some public safety events for which you cannot plan, and there are some for which you can. The upcoming trials of the former officers involved in the death of George Floyd have raised the potential of civil unrest in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and nearby communities," Walz said in a statement early last month.

"At the request of the City of Minneapolis and the City of Saint Paul, I have authorized the Minnesota National Guard to assist local law enforcement agencies during the upcoming trials."

"As public interest increases and decreases throughout the legal process, members of the Guard will be ready to supplement local law enforcement efforts to keep the peace, ensure public safety, and allow for peaceful demonstrations," Walz added.

The National Guard is not a law enforcement agency and must partner with local police.

Also read: Here's How Mendota Heights' PD Has Prepared For Chauvin's Trial

Following the Memorial Day death of George Floyd, nearly 1,500 Twin Cities businesses were damaged by vandalism, thefts, and fire, according to the state government. Estimates of the damage exceed $500,000,000.

Minneapolis business owners are preparing for more potential violence as well. In December, the Minneapolis City Council ended its ban on security shutters, and store owners are racing to put them up.

The death of George Floyd

Just after 8 p.m. on May 25, Minneapolis police responded to the Cup Foods store on 38th Street and Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis on a report of a "forgery in progress."

Police were told that a suspect was sitting on top of a blue car and appeared to be under the influence. Two officers arrived and found Floyd, 44, in his car. He was ordered to step out and was arrested.

In video of the incident, Floyd is heard telling officers "I can't breathe" while being forced down onto the street. He also asks for water.

Bystanders tell Derek Chauvin — who had his knee on Floyd's neck — to get off of him. A second officer — Tou Thao — ordered people to back away from the scene.

Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck for at least nine minutes and removed it when Floyd was taken away in a stretcher, according to prosecutors.

All four officers who were at the scene were fired the next day, and have since been criminally charged.

Thao, Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane all face charges of aiding and abetting unintentional second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. Those three former officers will stand in court together on Aug. 23.

The charges against Derek Chauvin

Chauvin faces third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony. In January, Judge Peter Cahill severed Chauvin's case from the case involving his three former colleagues, citing coronavirus concerns.

Trial begins Monday

On March 8, the pretrial proceedings to select a jury for the case began. The process lasted until March 23, when the 15th member of the jury was chosen.

The prosecutors and defense will deliver their opening statements Monday morning.

How to watch Derek Chauvin's trail on livestream

For the first time in Minnesota's history, the public has access to a live broadcast of the trial. Watch the trial live on CourtTV.

More reading before the trial begins Monday

Full Jury Seated In Derek Chauvin Trial That Starts March 29

2 Jurors Dropped From Chauvin Trial After $27M Settlement

LISTEN: 911 Dispatcher Reported Use Of Force In Floyd Arrest