The trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd is underway in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Chauvin, who is white, is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with the death of George Floyd, who was Black, during an arrest last May. 

For 8 minutes and 46 seconds, Floyd – handcuffed and face down on the pavement – said repeatedly that he could not breathe, while other officers looked on.

A video of Floyd’s agonizing death soon went viral, triggering last summer’s unprecedented wave of mass protests against police violence and racism. 

Chauvin’s murder trial is expected to last up to four weeks.

These five stories offer expert analysis and key background on police violence, Derek Chauvin’s record and racism in U.S. law enforcement.

1. Police violence is a top cause of death for Black men

2. Chauvin has a track record of abuse

3. Bad police interactions hurt Black families

4. This happens far less in Europe

5. American policing has racist roots

This history persists today in the negative stereotypes of Black men as dangerous. 

That makes people like George Floyd more likely to be treated aggressively by police, with potentially lethal results.

Source TheConversation.com