Expert Says Cop Was Justified in Pinning Down George Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A use-of-force expert says former Officer Derek Chauvin was justified in pinning George Floyd to the ground because he kept struggling.

The witness, Barry Brodd, testified Tuesday for the defense at Chauvin’s murder trial.

He contradicted a parade of authorities from both inside and outside the Minneapolis police force who said Chauvin used excessive force and violated his training.

At one point he suggested that if Floyd was being compliant, he would have had both hands in the small of his back, “and just be resting comfortably.”

That prompted an incredulous response from the prosecutor, who said Floyd was moving because he was struggling to breathe by shoving his shoulder into the pavement.

The defense began presenting its case after 11 days of prosecution testimony.