MINNEAPOLIS: President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for the “right” verdict in the racially charged trial of an ex-policeman accused of murdering George Floyd and described the case now before a Minneapolis jury as “overwhelming.”
Biden’s unusually strong comments in the White House came on the tense, second day of jury deliberations.
The president stressed that he would not be speaking out if the jury had not been sequestered, meaning that it is isolated from the public until it reaches a decision.
Derek Chauvin, 45, is charged with murder and manslaughter over Floyd’s May 25, 2020 death during an arrest.
The experienced officer, who is white, restrained Floyd by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes, even as the handcuffed 46-year-old Black man said repeatedly “I can’t breathe,” then died.
The shocking incident, captured on video by bystanders and repeatedly replayed around the nation, ignited global protests against racial injustice and quickly became seen as a landmark test of US police accountability.
US cities are braced for possible violence, depending on the verdict, and Minneapolis is under an unprecedented security lockdown.
Biden told reporters he had spoken with the Floyd family by telephone and said “I can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they’re feeling. So I waited till the jury was sequestered and I called.” “They’re a good family and they’re calling for peace and tranquility, no matter what that verdict is,” Biden said.
“I’m praying the verdict is the right verdict which is — I think it’s overwhelming in my view.”
Prosecutors and the defense presented closing arguments on Monday and Judge Peter Cahill sent the case to the seven-woman, five-man jury. The racially diverse group is being sequestered during deliberations and their identities will not be known until afterward.
In his final instructions to the jury, the judge noted the gravity of the case, which comes amid heightened tensions fueled by other police killings.
“You must not let bias, prejudice, passion, sympathy or public opinion influence your decision,” Cahill said. “You must not consider any consequences or penalties that might follow from your verdict.”
Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2021
