Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, known for his conviction in the death of George Floyd, was reportedly stabbed Friday at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson. Sources from various news outlets, including The Associated Press and The New York Times, revealed the incident involving Chauvin’s assault within the facility.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the assault occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time at the medium-security prison. The Bureau of Prisons confirmed the incident in a statement, mentioning that an “incarcerated individual” was involved and that prompt responses from prison employees included life-saving measures. Chauvin, identified as the assaulted inmate by sources, was swiftly transferred to a hospital and is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who led the prosecution against Chauvin in the George Floyd case, expressed his concern over the incident, stating, “I am sad to hear that Derek Chauvin was the target of violence. He was duly convicted of his crimes, and like any incarcerated individual, he should be able to serve his sentence without fear of retaliation or violence.”
Chauvin, who gained notoriety for his involvement in Floyd’s death, faced charges on both state and federal levels. He was found guilty in April 2021 on state charges, including second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, receiving a sentence of 22 and a half years in prison. Later, in June 2022, he pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights and received an additional 21-year sentence.
The incident involving Chauvin’s assault comes amidst ongoing conversations about racial injustice and police brutality following Floyd’s tragic death in May 2020. Floyd’s killing sparked widespread protests, drawing attention to the treatment of Black Americans, and prompted significant scrutiny of law enforcement practices regarding people of color, particularly within the Minneapolis Police Department.
The recent assault on Chauvin at the Tucson prison has added a layer of complexity to an already contentious and high-profile case. Despite the assault, Chauvin is expected to survive, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.
