Former Minneapolis officer charged in the death of George Floyd’s released on $1M US bail

The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder of George Floyd posted bail Wednesday and was released from prison.

According to court documents, Chauvin posted $1 million bail, the Department of Corrections confirming he was no longer in custody.

Floyd, was handcuffed by police who detained him on suspicion of tendering counterfeit bills outside a store in Minneapolis, died May 25 after Chauvin, pressed his knee down on his neck for several minutes as Floyd shouted he couldn’t breathe.

Floyd’s death was captured in a viral video that set off world wide protests. Chauvin and three other Minneapolis officers were fired. Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder; Tou Thao, Thomas and Lane, J. Kueng were charged with aiding and abetting.

It was not clear where Chauvin got the $1 million to pay his bond. In Minnesota, posting bond means you must pay 10 per cent, in this case $100,000, to the bond company also have collateral to back the full amount.

A spokesperson for the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, which has a legal defense fund, did not provide money for Chauvin’s bail.

Chauvin had two bail options available. He had the option of posting bail for $1 million with conditions or $1.25 million without conditions.

Under the conditions of his release, he:

1. Must attend all court appearances.
2. Cannot have any direct or third party contact, including on social media, with any members of Floyd’s family.
3. Must not engage in law enforcement or security, nor possess any firearms or ammunition.

Chauvin’s attorney had no comment.