Derek Chauvin, Former Minneapolis Officer Charged With George Floyd’s Murder, Released On $1M Bail

Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer who fatally pressed his knee against the neck of George Floyd and sparked months of protests across the United States, was released from jail on a $1 million bond on Wednesday, court documents showed.

Chauvin was fired from his position and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter following the May 25 death of Floyd. Chauvin was seen in a video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for several minutes as the victim pleaded he couldn’t breathe.

Chauvin was being held at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights. "I can confirm he is no longer in our custody," Sarah Fitzgerald, spokeswoman for the Minnesota Department of Corrections, told CNN.

Chauvin reportedly posted a non-cash bond guaranteed by Allegheny Casualty, an insurance company. His bail bond comes with several conditions including a bar on making direct contact with Floyd’s family, according to CBS Minnesota.

Minnesota laws allow a bail bond agency to charge a maximum of 10% of the bail amount, in this case, up to $100,000, but it wasn’t clear who paid the bond company. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, which maintains a legal defense fund, didn’t pay the money, CNN reported, citing a spokesperson from the association.

Governor Tim Walz mobilized at least 100 personnel from the Minnesota National Guard "out of an abundance of caution" following Chauvin’s release, according to USA Today.

Ben Crump, a lawyer representing Floyd’s family, called Chauvin’s release a painful reminder for Floyd’s family. “Although George Floyd was denied justice in life, we will not rest until he is afforded full justice in death,” Crump said in a tweet.

Chauvin is reportedly due in court on March 8, 2021.