GOP Rep Greene Renew Calls for Chauvin Pardon Amid Federal, State Sentences

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has publicly called for President Donald Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted for the murder of George Floyd, claiming Floyd died from a drug overdose rather than Chauvin's actions. This claim has been widely disputed, with medical examiners ruling Floyd's death a homicide caused primarily by Chauvin kneeling on his neck, although Floyd had fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system which were considered contributing factors but not the main cause. The Georgia NAACP and other officials have strongly condemned Greene's statements as a misunderstanding of justice and a disservice to Floyd's family and supporters. Despite rumors and calls for clemency from some conservatives including Greene, Minnesota officials and the White House have denied any credible information about a pardon, emphasizing that Chauvin would continue to serve his state sentence regardless of any federal pardon. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis authorities have expressed concern about potential unrest if a pardon were to be issued, but no official indication has been given that such a pardon will occur. Chauvin is currently serving concurrent state and federal sentences totaling over 40 years for his role in Floyd's death and other civil rights violations.