Second degree murder charge remains, third degree dropped against Derek Chauvin

Second degree murder is still on the table for former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd.

While Chauvin faces both second degree murder and second degree manslaughter, a judge today dismissed the lesser murder charge of third degree. The former officer is currently out on a million dollar bond.

Judge Peter Cahill also denied motions to dismiss aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges against the three other now-former Minneapolis police officers, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, who are accused of participating in the killing of Floyd, who was handcuffed and unarmed.

Floyd's May 25 killing sparked worldwide outrage and intense local protests that resulted in both loss of life and substantial property damage throughout the Twin Cities.

Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin

"In light of developments in the George Floyd case, we’ve taken the precautionary step of asking the Minnesota National Guard to prepare to help ensure safety for Minnesotans," said Gov. Tim Walz. “I want to remind Minnesotans that today’s ruling marks a positive step in the path toward justice for George Floyd.”

The mobilization follows a request made by the City of Minneapolis. The Minnesota National Guard is currently mobilizing 100 National Guard soldiers as well as providing equipment and facilities.

Additionally, the Minnesota State Patrol has mobilized state troopers as part of a coordinated response to aid local law enforcement.In a related story, the driver of a semi-tanker truck that barely avoided running into protesters on the Interstate 35W bridge has been charged with a felony count of threats of violence and a gross misdemeanor count of criminal vehicular operation. According to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, the investigation showed that Bogdan Vechirko, 35, of Otsego, wanted to scare people out of his path, according to the complaint.

On May 31, more than 1,000 peaceful protesters were sitting and standing on the interstate bridge just east of downtown Minneapolis. A petroleum tanker truck, driven by Vechirko, approached the bridge from the south and headed right for the crowd at a high rate of speed. He did not stop until a person in the crowd stumbled and fell forward, according to the complaint.