An appeal has been filed by an attorney representing former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in his conviction for the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota in 2020. The appeal comes as federal prosecutors have announced attempted murder charges against an Arizona inmate, John Turscak, who stabbed Chauvin 22 times inside a library at the Tucson penitentiary where both are currently incarcerated. Turscak, 52, is also facing multiple assault charges and inflicting serious bodily injury with an improvised knife. The attack took place on Black Friday, a day Turscak allegedly chose to symbolize the “Black Lives Matter” movement, which gained prominence following Floyd’s death and led to widespread protests across the country.
Federal corrections officers swiftly intervened, using pepper spray to subdue Turscak. He reportedly admitted to the guards that he intended to kill Chauvin if they hadn’t reacted quickly. During questioning by the FBI, Turscak waived his Miranda rights and revealed that he had planned the attack for a month, citing the symbolism of Black Friday. Experts had previously warned that Chauvin, as a high-profile inmate, was likely to be targeted by other prisoners.
The city of Minneapolis is also making legal settlements worth nearly $9 million to individuals who were victims of Chauvin’s actions prior to his confrontation with George Floyd. Chauvin, who is currently serving a sentence of over 20 years for Floyd’s murder, has filed an appeal claiming new evidence that exonerates him. However, the Supreme Court recently rejected his request for a new trial.
Following Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, during an encounter with four Minneapolis police officers, a Minnesota judge has ordered the release of footage from two police body cameras that captured the incident. The release of the footage has been a subject of public interest.
Chauvin’s health status after the stabbing has not been disclosed by authorities due to safety and privacy concerns. However, prison staff managed to isolate and contain the incident before providing life-saving measures to Chauvin, who was subsequently treated at a hospital outside the prison.
If convicted on all charges, Turscak could face an additional 60 years in federal prison. He was originally scheduled for release in 2026, according to the Bureau of Prisons.
In conclusion, the appeal in Derek Chauvin’s conviction for George Floyd’s murder, coupled with the recent stabbing incident in prison, has brought renewed attention to the case. The release of body camera footage and the ongoing legal settlements also contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding police accountability and the Black Lives Matter movement.
