Topline
Billionaire Elon Musk called for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd, to be freed on Wednesday, reprising his push for Chauvin’s conviction to be overturned in his latest reversal of his previously more liberal-leaning politics.
In this handout provided by Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin poses for a mugshot after being charged in the death of George Floyd. (Photo by Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)
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Key Facts
Musk wrote on X Wednesday that “Derek Chauvin was unjustly convicted of murder, therefore he should be freed,” and retweeted others who spoke out against Chauvin’s conviction.
Musk made the statements after Chauvin on Tuesday again filed a petition to vacate his murder conviction, alleging new procedural failures related to his trial.
Other prominent right-wing figures applauded Musk, with right-wing activist Jack Posobiec replying, “it’s time for truth to prevail,” while Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted a bullseye emoji in response.
Last year, Musk advocated for President Donald Trump to consider pardoning Chauvin, marking a reversal from his stance in the wake of Floyd’s 2020 death, when he wrote on X, “definitely not right that the other officers were charged with nothing. What message does this send in general to officers who stand by while another does wrong? #JusticeForGeorge”
Tangent
Musk has slowly waded back into the political sphere since feuding with Trump last year after leaving his White House role heading up the Department of Government Efficiency. He plans to contribute up to $120 million to elect Republicans in the midterms, according to multiple reports. He told The Economist recently he got “a little too involved in politics.”
Key Background
Chauvin asked a judge on Tuesday to pause his appeal so he can pursue his third petition for postconviction relief, claiming there was “structural error” in the initial proceedings. A jury found Chauvin guilty in 2021 for three counts in Floyd’s murder. He was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in state prison. He also pleaded guilty to violating Floyd’s civil rights and is serving a concurrent 21-year federal sentence for that charge. Floyd’s death prompted a nationwide movement against police violence after video footage of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck while he was pinned to the ground for more than nine minutes went viral. Three other officers were also convicted of violating Floyd’s civil rights in the case.
further reading
Trump Reportedly Says His Relationship With Musk Will Never Be The Same After Epic Fallout (Forbes)