Four former Minneapolis police officers face federal civil rights charges for their role in the arrest and murder of George Floyd, according to federal court documents unsealed on Friday, demonstrating the US Justice Department’s tougher stance in such cases.
A grand jury issued a three-count indictment charging Derek Chauvin — the white former officer convicted of murdering Floyd — and three fellow former officers of violating his constitutional rights, including his right to not have his medical needs ignored.
“The defendants saw George Floyd lying on the ground in clear need of medical care, and willfully failed to aid Floyd,” the indictment says.
Also charged were Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane.
Lawyers for the four men did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the charges.
