Derek Chauvin reportedly stabbed in federal prison
Ex-Minneapolis officer Chauvin, convicted in George Floyd’s murder during a 2020 arrest, is serving over 20 years in prison.
Derek Chauvin, Former Officer Convicted in George Floyd’s Death, Survives Prison Stabbing
In a startling incident that unfolded on Friday, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who gained notoriety for the murder of George Floyd in 2020, was stabbed at a federal prison in Tucson, Arizona, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed the stabbing at 12:30 p.m., with the victim not officially identified in their statement. Although Derek Chauvin’s name was not disclosed, reliable sources affirm his involvement.
The attack occurred as part of a disturbing trend of violence against high-profile inmates, shedding light on the challenges faced by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Derek Chauvin, currently serving just over two decades for state murder charges and violating George Floyd’s constitutional rights, was quickly attended to by emergency medical technicians. They initiated lifesaving measures before transporting him to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation.
Despite the severity of the attack, no other inmates or prison staff were harmed, and the situation was swiftly contained, indicating the efficiency of the prison’s response. While details about Derek Chauvin’s condition remain undisclosed, one source with knowledge of the incident asserted that he survived the assault.
The 47-year-old former officer, convicted of second-degree murder in April 2021, had become a focal point of global attention after kneeling on George Floyd, a Black man, for nine and a half minutes in May 2020. The incident, captured on video by a teenager, sparked widespread protests against police violence and racism, ultimately leading to Derek Chauvin’s conviction.
Derek Chauvin’s legal team has been notably silent on the recent attack, and the Supreme Court had rejected his appeals earlier this week. As part of a plea deal in his federal case, Chauvin had opted to serve his sentence in a federal prison, considered safer than a state prison. This decision followed his earlier confinement in solitary for 23 hours each day in a Minnesota state prison, citing concerns for his safety.
Keith Ellison, the attorney general of Minnesota, who oversaw Derek Chauvin’s prosecution, condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of incarcerated individuals serving their sentences without fear of retaliation or violence. This sentiment echoes broader concerns about the safety of high-profile inmates within the prison system.
Recent years have seen several attacks on federal prisoners, including the stabbing of Larry Nassar earlier this year, convicted of sexually abusing young gymnasts, and the 2018 killing of mobster James (Whitey) Bulger in a West Virginia prison.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons faces a significant challenge with a widespread shortage of corrections officers. The agency has had to rely on various staff, such as teachers, case managers, counselors, facilities workers, and secretaries, to fill shifts. As of September 2022, approximately 21 percent of funded corrections officer positions were unfilled, amounting to 4,293 vacancies, as reported by the Justice Department’s inspector general’s office in March 2023.
The tragic incident that occurred on May 25, 2020, marked the beginning of Chauvin’s legal battle. Responding to a report of George Floyd allegedly using a fake $20 bill, Chauvin and three other officers approached the scene. The situation escalated, culminating in Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for an extended period, as captured on video.
Floyd’s death triggered a global outcry against police brutality and racism, leading to a televised trial in which Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder. Three other officers present at the scene were also later convicted of violating Floyd’s rights.
Despite Chauvin’s mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, defending him as a good man wrongly depicted as racist during his sentencing in June 2021, the legal system held him accountable. In a federal court, Chauvin pleaded guilty to violating Floyd’s constitutional rights, resulting in an additional 21-year sentence.
The recent stabbing incident raises questions about the safety and security measures in place within the federal prison system. As the Federal Bureau of Prisons grapples with staffing shortages, the well-being of high-profile inmates remains a growing concern. As Chauvin recovers from this shocking attack, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the criminal justice system in ensuring the safety of all incarcerated individuals, regardless of their crimes.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
