George Floyd case police officer was ready to plead to third-degree murder – officials

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin (Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)

Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was prepared to plead guilty to third-degree murder in George Floyd’s death before then-attorney general William Barr personally blocked the plea deal last year, officials have said.

The deal would have averted any potential federal charges, including a civil rights offence, as part of an effort to quickly resolve the case to avoid more protests after riots and arson damaged a swath of the south of the city, according to two law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the talks.