Ben Shapiro has launched a campaign urging former President Donald Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd. This call comes as Chauvin serves a 22.5-year sentence for second-degree murder and a federal charge related to civil rights violations. Shapiro’s push for a pardon has sparked renewed debate about the events surrounding Floyd’s death and the subsequent protests that erupted across the country.
In a recent video, Shapiro argued that Chauvin was unjustly convicted and that the public outrage following Floyd’s death was largely fueled by misinformation. He stated, “The evidence demonstrates that Derek Chauvin did not, in fact, commit the murder of George Floyd.” Shapiro highlighted factors such as Floyd’s drug use and pre-existing health conditions, suggesting these contributed to his death. He also referenced the widely circulated video of the incident, claiming it showed Chauvin’s knee was on Floyd’s shoulder, not his neck.
Chauvin is currently incarcerated in Texas after surviving a brutal attack in a previous prison in Arizona. He was stabbed multiple times by another inmate, which has raised concerns about his safety.
To support his campaign, Shapiro linked to a petition site, PardonDerek.com, where supporters can sign a petition advocating for Chauvin’s release. The petition has gained traction, especially among some conservative circles, and has been shared widely on social media. Notably, Elon Musk amplified Shapiro’s message by reposting it on X, prompting further discussion.
During his presidency, Trump expressed sympathy for Floyd’s family and called for investigations into his death. However, he has not publicly commented on the possibility of pardoning Chauvin. In a past interview, Trump noted that the situation surrounding Floyd’s death was troubling and suggested that the officer involved was in a “very bad category.”
The conversation around this pardon reflects ongoing tensions in the U.S. regarding police actions and racial justice. As the debate continues, many are watching to see how Trump will respond to Shapiro’s call and what it might mean for the future of Chauvin’s case.