MN Braces For Possible Pardon Of Derek Chauvin: Report

Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted in both the Minnesota state court and the federal court in 2021.

By William Bornhoft, Patch Staff

May 14, 2025 9:32 am CDT | Updated May 14, 2025 10:43 am CDT

While Trump has the authority to pardon Chauvin’s federal conviction, he has no power over the former officer’s state conviction for second-degree murder. That sentence can only be addressed through state-level action. (Minnesota Department of Corrections)

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — State and local leaders are reportedly preparing for potential unrest amid the possibility that President Donald Trump may pardon Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in George Floyd’s killing.

According to KSTP, Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the Minnesota National Guard, and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt have all been briefed about possible fallout if a federal pardon is issued.

Chauvin was convicted in both state and federal court in 2021. While Trump has no authority over Chauvin’s second-degree murder conviction under Minnesota law, he can issue a pardon for the federal charges related to Floyd’s civil rights.

Even a partial pardon could impact Chauvin’s time behind bars. His 22.5-year state sentence and 21-year federal sentence are being served concurrently, and Minnesota’s early-release policies could reduce his total time served to about 15 years with good behavior.

Pressure From The Right

Since Trump’s return to office, some conservative figures have publicly urged him to pardon Chauvin.

In March, commentator Ben Shapiro published an open letter calling Chauvin "unjustly convicted" and a political scapegoat.

"Make no mistake — the Derek Chauvin conviction represents the defining achievement of the Woke movement in American politics," Shapiro wrote. "The country cannot turn the page on that dark, divisive, and racist era without righting this terrible wrong."

Elon Musk, a Trump ally and advisor, reposted a video of Shapiro discussing the issue on X, commenting, "something to think about."

Conviction, Background

Chauvin pleaded guilty in December 2021 to violating George Floyd’s civil rights in federal court. Prosecutors said Chauvin used excessive force and then failed to provide medical care while Floyd was handcuffed and no longer resisting.

According to the federal indictment, Chauvin:

Pressed his left knee on Floyd’s neck and his right knee on Floyd’s back and arm;
Continued applying pressure even after Floyd became unresponsive;
Willfully violated Floyd’s constitutional rights by showing “deliberate indifference” to his serious medical needs.

In 2023, Chauvin was stabbed 22 times by a fellow inmate in the law library at the federal prison in Tucson, Arizona, where he is serving his sentence.