Axios
‘A remarkable move’: Minneapolis police chief is expected to testify against Derek Chauvin
Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo is expected to take a stand as soon as today, as the evidence in the Derek Chauvin trial continues for a second week. Why it matters: The city’s chief will tell jurors that Chauvin’s “behavior was inconsistent” with MPD’s training and policies, according to Special Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell’s opening statement. Keep up to date with the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Sign up for free “He will not invent words. He is very clear. He will be very decisive that it was excessive force.” Flashback: Arradondo, who fired all four officers involved in George Floyd’s murder last summer, had earlier characterized Chauvin’s actions as “murder.” “Mr George Floyd’s tragic death was not due to a lack of training – the training was there. It was murder – it was not a lack of training.” Between the lines: It’s rare for a chief to testify against an officer, The Guardian notes. One expert called the decision “a fairly remarkable step.” ‘Note: Arradondo also testified at the trial of former officer Mohamed Noor in 2019. He was assistant chief when Noor Justine Ruszczyk, the caller of the 911, fatally shot dead in southern Minneapolis. The timing: Judge Peter Cahill told the court’s pool reporter that Arradondo would probably testify today, but that could change. An MPD spokesman told us the principal was on standby, given the “varying cadences of the trial.” This story first appeared in the Axios Twin Cities newsletter, designed to help readers get faster with the most important news appearing in their own backyard. Sign up here. More from Axios: Register to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Sign up for free