51 arrested during protests after former MPD officer charged in George Floyd’s death released on bond

Fifty-one people were arrested Wednesday night during protests after Derek Chauvin, the former officer charged in the killing of George Floyd, was released from prison on bond.

Of the 51 arrests, 49 were for misdemeanor, one was for probable cause fourth-degree assault and one was for a felony warrant, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.

The Minnesota State Patrol said that their officers as well as DNR officers made 34 of the 51 total arrests at protests in Minneapolis Wednesday night.

According to Hennepin County records, Chauvin was released at 11:22 a.m. Wednesday from the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Oak Park Heights where he spent most of his time since Floyd’s death.

Derek Chauvin, former MPD officer charged in killing of George Floyd, released from prison on $1 million bond

Chauvin used a bail bonds company, and—according to Rachel Moran, a legal expert at the University of St. Thomas—likely paid about 10 percent of the $1 million bond.

Though legal experts said Chauvin’s release isn’t unusual, it has outraged Floyd’s family and others in the Twin Cities.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spoke with Floyd’s uncle about Chauvin’s release. He called it horrific but inevitable.

"You’ve seen a grown man plead, beg, call for mom, tell them not to kill me, and he died and the dude that killed him is walking around the streets just like you and me," Selwyn Jones said. "You’re going to tell me this system is right?"

Chauvin will have to follow certain conditions until his trial next year. He will not be able to leave Minnesota without court approval. He cannot contact Floyd’s family, have any weapons, and he must make all future court appearances.

At this point, it’s unclear where Chauvin is now staying.

Property records show his Oakdale home sold in August.

The three other officers involved in Floyd’s death are also out on bond. They’re charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter.

All four men are slated to be tried together in March, but they have each motioned to have their own trials.