The push to pardon Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, has gained momentum among conservative voices. Ben Shapiro, a prominent conservative commentator, argues that Chauvin’s trial was deeply flawed and influenced by political pressure. He claims the jury faced threats and that public figures, including Minneapolis’ mayor and President Biden, prejudiced the case by condemning Chauvin before the trial concluded. Shapiro insists Chauvin’s federal conviction on civil rights charges should be overturned to correct what he calls a miscarriage of justice.
Shapiro points to George Floyd’s history of drug use and pre-existing heart conditions as factors that contributed to his death, downplaying Chauvin’s role. He argues the medical evidence did not support murder charges and that the officers involved followed training protocols. Despite Chauvin pleading guilty to federal charges, Shapiro claims the plea was coerced by an unfair system.
Elon Musk has echoed these concerns, calling the idea of a pardon “something to think about.” Supporters argue that a federal pardon would signal a rejection of “woke” activism they blame for stoking racial division during the 2020 protests. They frame Chauvin as a scapegoat sacrificed to appease political agendas rather than uphold fair legal standards.
Critics, including legal experts, counter that Chauvin’s guilt was established through rigorous court processes. The medical examiner ruled Floyd’s death a homicide caused by police restraint, contradicting claims that drugs alone were responsible. Appeals courts have repeatedly upheld the verdicts, noting the evidence of excessive force.
A Trump pardon would only apply to Chauvin’s federal sentence, leaving his state conviction intact. Nonetheless, Shapiro’s campaign taps into broader conservative frustrations with what they see as systemic bias against law enforcement. The effort reflects ongoing tensions over policing, race, and the legacy of the George Floyd movement.
