George Floyd death: what are the charges for third-degree murder and manslaughter?

Following the public backlash that has now escalated into riots across the United States, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter of 46-year-old George Floyd.

After footage emerged of the Chauvin kneeling on the neck of Floyd, who subesquently died after telling the officers on the scene that he could not breathe, the 44-year-old police officer was fired earlier this week.

A few days later, on Friday, the state’s bureau of criminal apprehension took Chauvin into custody, where he faces charges of third degree murder and manslaughter. Although Hennepin county attorney, Mike Freeman, said “there may be additional charges later”, with Floyd’s family saying they expected a first-degree murder charge.

Freeman said that the case has moved at “extraordinary speed,” noting it’s the fastest the county has ever charged a police officer.

“I’m not insensitive to what’s happened in the streets,” Freeman said when asked if public outrage led to the expedition the charges. “My job is to do it only when we have sufficient evidence, we have it today.”

Follow latest updates on the George Floyd case and the protests across the United States.

What punishment could Chauvin face under the current charges?

Most states classify murder as first or second degree, however Minnesota is one of a three states (along with Florida and Pennsylvania) where prosecutors can consider the lesser charge of third-degree murder.

The higher murder charges in Minnesota require that a person plans and willingly carries a killing or has the intention to kill in the spur of the moment.