The former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin charged with the murder of George Floyd has been released from prison after posting bond.
Derek Chauvin, 44, was released from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Oak Park Heights on Wednesday morning, the Department of Corrections confirmed.
The ex-cop walked free after posting a non-cash $1million bond signed by A-Affordable Bail Bonds, Inc, online court records show.
Chauvin had been in custody at the maximum security prison since May 31 after video showed him pressing his knee onto Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes shortly before his death.
He is charged with second and third degree murder as well as second-degree manslaughter. His bail was initially set at $1.25million or $1million with conditions.
A release receipt posted by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office showed Chauvin was freed at 11.22am.
Under the conditions of his release, he must attend all court appearances and cannot have any direct or indirect contact – including social media – with any members of Floyd’s family.
He is also not permitted to work in law enforcement or security, and must not possess any firearms ammunition.
Floyd’s death was captured in widely seen bystander video that set off protests against police brutality and racial injustice around the world.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on May 25 while being arrested for using a counterfeit $20 bill at a local Minneapolis deli.
Chauvin, who is white, knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes, causing Floyd to pass out, while three other responding officers stood by.
All four cops were fired from Minneapolis Police Department after footage of the fatal confrontation went viral.