Ben Shapiro of The Daily Wire released a video asking President Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin. Of course, Chauvin was convicted in the death of George Floyd that took place in Minneapolis in 2020. Chauvin is the officer featured in the famous photo of himself kneeling on Floyd. Floyd’s death sparked a flurry of nationwide protest and billions of dollars in property damage. His death also brought about what we know of as DEI programs in the workplace.
Chauvin was convicted on both state and federal charges with the former sentence being 21 years and the latter being 22 and 1/2 years. The sentences are being served concurrently, meaning at the same time. If pardoned, Chauvin would get just 1 and 1/2 years off of his prison time. There is an argument that a federal pardon would help with his state conviction appeals process, but there is no guarantee or reliable odds to count on. Pardoning Chauvin may or may not help in his release.
Many people question the timing of such a request. To do such a thing so early into his second Presidency would be completely distracting and politically disadvantageous. There is little to nothing to gain from it as the majority of the general public would not be on board with it. Protests and riots would be likely after a hypothetical Chauvin pardon. Property damage and overall crime in general are most certain to happen as a result and the damage could be worse than the initial 2020 incident.
SOURCES:
What to Know About the Campaign for Trump to Pardon Derek Chauvin | TIME
Elon Musk comments on new petition push for ex-Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin – KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News
There are calls to pardon Chauvin. Here’s why it wouldn’t get him out of prison | MPR News
Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh arrive at the Capitol ahead of Trump’s speech | AP News
Read the Criminal Complaint Against Derek Chauvin – The New York Times
The Ben Shapiro Show on X: “The Derek Chauvin conviction represents the defining achievement of the Woke movement in American politics. The country cannot turn the page on that dark, divisive, and racist era without righting this terrible wrong. Pardon Derek! https://t.co/iujd6AwuKx” / X
Biden pardons his siblings and their spouses | AP News
