Derek Chauvin: Judge Rejects Mistrial Request Over Rep. Maxine Waters Comments

Judge Peter Cahill rejected a defense request for a mistrial in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, based in part on comments from California Rep. Maxine Waters, who said “we’ve got to get more confrontational” if Chauvin isn’t convicted of murder.

The judge told Chauvin’s attorney: “Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned.” He called her comments “abhorrent” and “disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch.”

Defense Attorney Eric Nelson made the case for a mistrial, describing how pervasive news about the Chauvin trial has become. Judge Cahill replied that jurors have been instructed not to watch the news, adding that "a Congresswoman's opinion really doesn't matter a whole lot."

Chauvin, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. All of the charges require the jury to conclude that Chauvin's actions were a “substantial causal factor” in Floyd’s death and that his use of force was unreasonable.

The defense contended that the now-fired white officer acted reasonably and that the 46-year-old Floyd died of a heart condition and illegal drug use.

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[artturnas]

This was yesterday, he says they have a good case for miss trial,

[danieljvossvoiceover]

This was filmed pre verdict! Why does the judge say this maybe something for an appeal/! Almost like he already new the outcome! This whole trial and situation seems so fishy to me. Including Chavez reaction to verdict, Almost like he wasn't there!

[prominence]

27 million payout
Mayor bias
Congress woman bias

[jo]

What about the president weighing in on this trial this is a kangaroo court with a clown judge

[francestencza]

Maxine Waters is the one who should be on trial for insighting violence if Chavin was not convicted!The trail should be sequestered and Chavin should receive extensive counseling and the police forces should be educated on how to handle persons resisting arrest who are on drugs!No defunding police!!

[quabirahwalker]

Derek Chauvin needs to be sentence to life in prison

[kisha]

Good! Dereks' ass is going down! Even the judge knows this!

[stoegerstewie]

He didn't have to support his body weight on one knee for 9 minutes and 29 seconds