Bail set at U$1 million for cop charged in George Floyd death
Bail was set at US$1 million (RM4.2 million) on Monday for the Minneapolis officer charged with the murder of George Floyd as mourners in his hometown of Houston paid their respects to the African-American man whose death has sparked massive protests for racial justice in america and beyond.
In Washington, Democratic lawmakers knelt in silent tribute to Floyd before unveiling a package of police reforms in response to the killing of unarmed black Americans for legal reasons enforcement.
The congressional move came a day following the Minneapolis city council voted to dismantle and rebuild the police department in the town where in fact the 46-year-old Floyd died throughout a May 25 arrest.
Derek Chauvin, the white cop who was filmed pressing his knee on the handcuffed Floyd's neck for practically nine minutes, made his first court appearance on Monday.
Chauvin, 44, appeared by video from a Minnesota state prison to handle charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
The 19-year veteran of the authorities force could face decades in prison if convicted.
Chauvin did not enter a plea and the Hennepin County District Court judge set his bail at US$1 million with conditions, or US$1.25 million without conditions.
The conditions would require him to surrender his firearms, not work in law enforcement or security in virtually any capacity, and also have no connection with Floyd's family.
Three other Minneapolis policemen appeared in court the other day to handle a charge of aiding and abetting Floyd's murder because of their roles in his arrest for allegedly passing a counterfeit US$20 bill.
All four officers have already been fired. - AFP
