George Floyd: Charges increased against Derek Chauvin to 2nd degree murder
The news was confirmed by U.S. Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar with the representative adding that the other three officers present will also be charged.
46-year-old George Floyd died in Minneapolis on Monday 25 May after a police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck during an arrest.
Local police officer Derek Chauvin was charged initally with third-degree murder and manslaughter of Floyd with footage which later emerged of the Chauvin kneeling on the neck of Floyd, who subsequently died after telling the officers on the scene that he could not breathe, causing a wave of revulsion across the globe.
Second degree murder charges for Derek Chauvin
"This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, and we are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyd's body was laid to rest," the family's and Crump's statement said. "That is a source of peace for George's family in this painful time."
The statement urged Ellison to continue the investigation and upgrade the charges to first-degree murder, which carries a life sentence.
George Floyd protests: live coverage
You can follow live coverage of the protests over the killing of George Floyd here.