Calls for Pardon of Derek Chauvin Spark Controversy and Debate

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has publicly urged President Donald Trump to pardon former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for his federal conviction related to the 2020 death of George Floyd, a plea met with criticism from Minnesota‘s attorney general and notable support from Trump advisors.

Shapiro’s statement raises critical questions about the extent of presidential pardoning powers and the implications for Chauvin, who is already serving state sentences for his convictions in Floyd’s death. On his video podcast Tuesday, Shapiro claimed that Chauvin was not responsible for Floyd’s death, directly contradicting the jury’s findings.

“I think it’s absolutely necessary,” Shapiro said, acknowledging the controversial nature of his request. He argued that Chauvin’s conviction stemmed from immense jury pressure, asserting that Floyd’s preexisting health conditions contributed to his death, rather than Chauvin’s actions.

Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes during an arrest. The medical examiner ruled Floyd’s death a homicide, citing “cardiopulmonary arrest” resulting from law enforcement restraint.

In April 2021, Chauvin was convicted of unintentional murder and manslaughter charges in Minnesota, receiving a 22-and-a-half-year prison sentence. He later pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights and was sentenced to an additional 21 years.

Keith Ellison, the Minnesota attorney general, criticized the call for a pardon as a “blatant disrespect for the law,” emphasizing that Chauvin’s state convictions would remain unaffected by a federal pardon. He stated, “Those (state) convictions are solid.”

Experts pointed out that a presidential pardon would only absolve Chauvin of his federal charges. University of Minnesota law professor Mark Rozenshtein explained, “Even if he’s pardoned on the federal conviction, the state conviction continues.”

Chauvin’s projected release dates indicate he might spend a longer time in federal custody despite the state sentence being slightly shorter. It can be easier for federal prisoners to achieve release because they must serve a greater portion of their sentences than state prisoners.

Shapiro’s plea drew additional attention when Elon Musk, an influential figure in Trump’s circle, shared his comments on social media. The political climate surrounding Chauvin’s case remains tense as advocacy groups and the community reflect on racial justice issues in the wake of Floyd’s death.

In an interview, Floyd’s brother, Terrence, expressed the emotional toll the pardon request has taken on their family. “We were supposed to see progress,” he said, lamenting a perceived regression in commitments toward racial equality.

While Chauvin could use a federal pardon as a basis to seek a state pardon, the process in Minnesota is lengthy and complex. It requires an application to the Board of Pardons and subsequent approval from the governor and board members.