Derek Chauvin, the ex-cop accused of murdering George Floyd is now allowed to leave the state of Minnesota after a judge ruled on Friday October 9, citing safety concerns
Recall the 44-year-old is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death after he was captured in a video with his knee on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes.
On Wednesday, Chauvin posted $1 million bond and was allowed to walk free out of the maximum-security Oak Park Heights prison in Minnesota. He was initially ordered not to leave the state as part of the bail conditions until a Hennepin County judge changed the conditions of the bond.
The decision came after the Department of Corrections provided evidence supporting safety concerns for Chauvin, according to the judge’s order.
The former Minneapolis police officer can now reside in Minnesota or a bordering state but must report his new address to law enforcement and remain under normal supervision pending trial.
Chauvin is required to obtain a cell phone and keep it close to him at all times and answer all calls from the Minnesota Dept. of Corrections.
Three of his former colleagues, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng are also charged with aiding and abetting in the death, which sparked off protests globally.
Their trial is set for March 8, 2021.
