Rep. Omar Calls Bail System 'Unjust' After Chauvin's Release

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Rep. Ilahn Omar called the nation's bail system "broken" and "unjust" following the release of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin Wednesday. He was released from the state correctional facility in Oak Park Heights after posting $1 million on a non-cash bond.

Chauvin faces charges of third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony in the death of George Floyd.

"Unjust system: black men across the country sit in jail without having been convicted of a single crime. And for nonviolent crimes," Omar said on Twitter Wednesday. "Meanwhile, everyone involved in the murder of George Floyd has been released, including the man who knelt on his neck for 8 minutes & 46 seconds."

A court document shows that Chauvin used the Allegheny Casualty Company to secure money for bail.

"Young Black men are 50% more likely to be detained pretrial than white defendants. The average bail for Black/brown defendants is twice as high – and they’re less likely to afford it. We can’t fix our broken justice system without fixing our broken bail system."

Omar also cited a report on racial disparities in the nation's cash bail system.

Chauvin's release from prison sparked protests in Minneapolis Wednesday night. The Minneapolis Police Department, State Patrol, and the Department of Natural Resources made a combined 51 arrests in Minneapolis Wednesday night after responded to "disturbances and civil unrest."

Read more: Photos: 51 Arrests During 'Civil Unrest' In Minneapolis Wednesday