Convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of violating George Floyd’s civil rights.
In September, Chauvin pleaded not guilty to the charges but changed his mind in his federal court’s latest appearance.
Chauvin also pleaded guilty to violating a 14-year-old’s civil rights in a fashion eerily similar to him placing his knee on Floyd’s neck.
The teenager involved in the 2017 incident was handcuffed and not resisting.
Prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 25 years for Chauvin over the two federal crimes, served concurrently with his current sentence.
“Defendant Chauvin has pleaded guilty to two federal civil rights violations, one of which led to the tragic loss of George Floyd’s life,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “While recognizing that nothing can repair the harm caused by such acts, the Justice Department is committed to holding accountable those who violate the Constitution, and to safeguarding the civil rights of all Americans.”
In April, Chauvin received a 22.5 years sentence after conviction for killing Floyd by placing his knee on his neck for almost 10 minutes.
According to the pool reporter, Floyd’s family attended the hearing, as was the teenager Chauvin admitted to assaulting.
“It’s a good day for justice,” Philonise Floyd, Floyd’s brother, reportedly told the juvenile after the hearing concluded with Chauvin’s guilty plea.