The Minneapolis police officer who knelt on the neck of a black man who afterwards died will now be charged with second-degree murder, and his three colleagues will also face charges, Senator Amy Klobuchar said on Wednesday (June 3).
The May 25 death of George Floydwho had been accused of trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit billhas ignited protests across the United States over systemic racism and police brutality.
"Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to 2nd degree in George Floyd's murder and also charging other 3 officers," Klobuchar tweeted.
"This is another important step for justice."
Chauvin was charged the previous week with third-degree murder, which is roughly akin to manslaughter.
A charge of second-degree murder doesn't suggest premeditation however, carries stiffer penalties.