New York Times: Bill Barr Pulled Plug on Derek Chauvin Plea Deal

(KNSI) – A new report from the New York Times showed how close a plea deal was in the case against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and who pulled the plug.

Chauvin is accused of kneeling on George Floyd’s neck May 25th for more than eight minutes and ignoring his pleas for help and repeated claims of not being able to breathe.

The report shows Chauvin believed the case against him was so strong, he agreed to plead guilty to third-degree murder and serve his sentence in federal prison but wanted to avoid civil rights charges against him. Officials had called a news conference to announce the agreement, but the deal had to get the green light from then-Attorney General William Barr.

Barr said no, claiming that it was too early in the investigative process and the charge would be seen as too lenient. He also said the case was about to be taken away from Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman and handed over to state prosecutors, and Barr said they should decide how best to proceed.

Chauvin’s trial is set for March 8th. Chauvin is charged with second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Three other officers at the scene the day Floyd died are all charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. Their trial is scheduled for August.