Former Officer Derek Chauvin Stabbed in Prison; Expected to Survive, Prompting Concerns Over Communication

Nov 28, 2023, 12:00 PM

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence for the killing of George Floyd, was stabbed by a fellow prisoner at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona, according to sources. The attack, which occurred on Friday afternoon, has raised concerns about communication with Chauvin's family and attorneys.
 
 Chauvin, who became infamous for his role in the death of George Floyd, was seriously injured in the assault, but he is expected to survive, as reported by the Associated Press. The Minnesota Attorney General's office later confirmed the incident, and Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed his sadness over the violence.
 
 “I am sad to hear that Derek Chauvin was the target of violence,” said Ellison in a statement. “He was duly convicted of his crimes and, like any incarcerated individual, he should be able to serve his sentence without fear of retaliation or violence.”
 
 Gregory M. Erickson, an attorney representing Chauvin, expressed outrage over the lack of communication regarding Chauvin's condition. Erickson stated that Chauvin's family members were not informed promptly after the stabbing, raising concerns about their ability to stay updated on his well-being.
 
 "As an outsider, I view this lack of communication with his attorneys and family members as completely outrageous," Erickson remarked, highlighting the need for transparency and prompt updates on Chauvin's situation.
 
 The Bureau of Prisons confirmed that an attack had occurred but did not disclose the identity of the inmate involved. They mentioned that employees took "life-saving measures" to assist Chauvin before he was transported to a hospital. Multiple unnamed sources cited by ABC News indicated that Chauvin was expected to survive the attack.
 
 Chauvin's current attorney, William Mohrman, has not provided an immediate comment on the incident. Previously, Eric Nelson, Chauvin's former attorney, had sought to have him placed in solitary confinement for his own protection during his time in the Minnesota state prison.
 
 The stabbing incident took place shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Derek Chauvin's appeal against his murder conviction. Chauvin had been found guilty of murder in April 2021 by a state-level jury, resulting in a 22-year sentence. In December of the same year, a federal court found him guilty of violating George Floyd's civil rights, adding 21 more years to his sentence.
 
 The attack on Chauvin has ignited discussions about the safety and security of high-profile inmates and the need for transparent communication with their legal representatives and families. As Chauvin continues to serve his sentence, questions surrounding his safety within the prison system persist.
 
 The incident serves as a reminder of the deep-seated emotions and tensions surrounding the case of George Floyd's death, which prompted massive Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and led to Chauvin's convictions. As the legal process unfolds, Chauvin's attorneys, family, and supporters will undoubtedly closely monitor his condition and security.
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