Demanding Justice, Judgment and Repentance

For those of you who don’t know, on Monday, May 25th, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed by Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, who had his knee on his neck for eight minutes - all while knowingly being filmed. All while he, and three other officers, held him down after being repeatedly told by Mr. Floyd and several bystanders that he couldn’t breathe. Needless to say, his death sparked a global outrage as protesters filled the streets demanding justice. On June 1st, Officer Chauvin was charged, and two days later, so were officers King, Lane, and Thao.

Throughout the eight days of protesting I found myself commenting on the events. But because I value freedom, I tend to shy away from calling for someone to be incarcerated. Why I’m that way, especially after someone attempted to take my life several years ago, can only be the grace of God. Nonetheless, in situations like this, I typically comment (i.e. judge) on other issues surrounding their culpability. But after watching the Minnesota Attorney General’s press conference, I began to think about the four officers.

Eight days ago, they left their loved ones and home to go do a job they’d done every day. They got into their patrol vehicles and went to a precinct, just as they’d probably done for years. Eight days later, they were now facing felony charges; each carrying a minimum of 40 years. Forty. Though you may not agree, when I thought that, my heart went out to them. Why? Because those four officers will no longer enjoy what most take for granted – freedom.