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April 5, 2021

Veteran Minneapolis Police Officer Calls Chauvin Kneeling on Floyd's Neck "Totally Unnecessary"
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The first week of former police officer Derek Chauvin's murder trial
wrapped up Friday with testimony from the longest-serving officer in the
Minneapolis Police Department, who said Chauvin violated police policy
when he kneeled on George Floyd's neck for nine-and-a-half minutes last
May as Floyd repeatedly gasped "I can't breathe." This is Lieutenant
Richard Zimmerman responding to questions from the prosecution.

Matthew Frank: "What is your view of that use of force during that time
period?"

Lt. Richard Zimmerman: "Totally unnecessary."

Matthew Frank: "What do you mean?"

Lt. Richard Zimmerman: "Well, first of all, pulling him down to the
ground, face down, and putting your knee on a neck for that amount of
time, is just uncalled for."

More police testimony is expected this week, including Minneapolis
Police Chief Arradondo, who in June said Floyd's death was murder and
"not due to a lack of training."


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