The World Watches… and Waits

Georgia Fort reports: 
Closing arguments concluded Monday afternoon in the Derek Chauvin trial. 
Defense attorney Eric Nelson stressed the complicating factors in Floyd’s death, including his health, his drug addiction and the distraction of vocal bystanders.
Special Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell told the jury to believe what they saw with their own eyes: 
“You were told that Mr. Floyd died because his heart was too big,” said Blackwell. “And now having seen all the evidence, having heard all the evidence, you know the truth. And the truth of the matter is that the reason George Floyd is dead is because Mr. Chauvin’s heart is too small.”
Following closing statements, Judge Cahill provided the jurors with instructions and they left to begin deliberations. As soon as they were gone, Chauvin’s attorney Eric Nelson requested a mistrial. 
“In rebuttal there were repeated comments about how we were… ‘shading’ was one example, that we were creating Halloween stories was another example… that we misrepresented facts and put words into Dr. Baker’s mouth,” said Nelson.
Judge Cahill denied the defense’s request. The prosecution stated, if Chauvin is convicted, it will seek an aggravated sentence because of the particular cruelty shown to Floyd.  
Jury deliberations broke off at 8 p.m. Monday night and will resume Tuesday morning.
Hundreds gathered outside the courthouse, renewing their demands for Justice. 
“We’re on the clock,” said Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR Minnesota. “Either we wait until we get a guilty verdict or we stay in the streets until we get justice.”
Governor Walz, Mayor Frey and Mayor Carter held a press briefing to say they are trying to create space for protestors while also protecting business owners.