State Braces For Possible Unrest Due To Potential Derek Chauvin Pardon Rumors

Minnesota officials are preparing for potential civil unrest amid speculation that former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin could be pardoned for his federal conviction related to the killing of George Floyd. According to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota National Guard, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt have been briefed on possible responses if a pardon occurs. The Minnesota Department of Corrections is reportedly ready to transfer Chauvin from a federal prison in Texas to Oak Park Heights Prison in Minnesota to complete his 22-and-a-half-year state sentence if needed.

When asked in March about the possibility of a Chauvin pardon, President Trump told White House reporters, “No, I have not heard about that.” However, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, speaking on MSNBC over the weekend, dismissed the likelihood of Chauvin’s release, stating, “He still owes Minnesota 22-and-a-half years. And, he’s going to do it either in Minnesota or somewhere, but he’s not getting out.” Governor Walz echoed this cautious stance on Monday, noting, “No indication whether they’re going to do it, or not, but I think it behooves us to be prepared for it. With this presidency, it seems like something they would do.”

Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette also responded to the speculation, telling KSTP, “We’ve heard the same rumors as everyone else – but the bottom line is that Derek Chauvin would remain behind bars serving his state sentence even if his federal charges are pardoned. To be clear, we have no credible intelligence about any pardon or planned disruptions here in Minneapolis. Since 2020, we’ve overhauled our emergency management plans and out of an abundance of caution are planning for any eventuality.”

Additionally, sources indicate that the U.S. Department of Justice is expected to file a petition to end the consent decree over the Minneapolis Police Department as early as next week. If the DOJ moves forward, the city is expected to challenge the filing, which could take up to six weeks for a final court ruling.

Link: KSTP