Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stirs controversy by commenting on rumors about President Trump potentially pardoning Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in George Floyd's death.

According to the New York Post, Walz and other Democratic leaders have amplified speculation about a possible presidential pardon for Chauvin despite Trump's previous statements indicating he was unaware of any such efforts.

Department of Justice sources have confirmed to the Post that they have not received any information regarding potential clemency for Chauvin. However, this hasn't stopped Walz, who serves as Kamala Harris' running mate in the 2024 election, from addressing the online speculation and preparing contingency plans.

Governor's stance on potential presidential pardon

Walz acknowledged that the Trump administration has not indicated any plans to grant clemency. Nevertheless, he suggested that such an action would align with the current administration's pattern of behavior.

Minneapolis officials are taking precautionary measures in response to the speculation. Community Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette emphasized that the city has updated its emergency management protocols since 2020.

Even if Trump decides to pardon Chauvin, the former officer would remain incarcerated. The dual nature of his convictions in both state and federal courts means he would simply be transferred to Minnesota state custody to serve his 22-and-a-half-year sentence.

Trump's previous response to pardon rumors

In March, when reporters at the White House asked Trump whether he would consider pardoning Derek Chauvin, he responded plainly that he hadn’t heard anything about the matter.

The federal judge who sentenced Chauvin in 2022 delivered a stern rebuke of his actions:

I really don't know why you did what you did. To put your knee on a person's neck until they expired is simply wrong. Your conduct is wrong and it is offensive.

Complex legal implications of presidential pardon

Chauvin's case involves multiple convictions at different jurisdictional levels. He pleaded guilty to federal charges related to Floyd's death in 2021 following his conviction on state murder and manslaughter charges.

The Justice Department, under Trump's first term, initiated the civil rights investigation into Chauvin's actions. This fact adds another layer of complexity to the current speculation about a potential pardon.

Some Republican figures have vocally supported the idea of pardoning Chauvin. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has publicly endorsed such action on social media.

Future remains uncertain amid political tension

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer whose actions sparked nationwide protests and riots in 2020, currently serves concurrent federal and state prison sentences for the murder of George Floyd.

While speculation about a potential presidential pardon continues, Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis officials maintain readiness for any scenario, though Trump has previously indicated no knowledge of such plans. The state's ability to retain custody of Chauvin, even in the event of a federal pardon, ensures he would continue serving his sentence regardless of any presidential intervention.