Family of Convicted Officer Derek Chauvin Left Uninformed After Prison Assault, Lawyer Claims

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Gregory M. Erickson, the attorney representing Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer found guilty in the murder of George Floyd, voiced his concerns on Saturday regarding the lack of information provided to Chauvin’s family following his stabbing in a federal prison. Chauvin was assaulted by another inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona, on Friday, in a facility known for security issues and understaffing.

Sources disclosed to The Big Big News that Chauvin suffered serious injuries from the attack. This information was shared under anonymity due to restrictions on public discussions about the incident. Brian Evans, a representative for the Minnesota attorney general’s office, indicated that Chauvin is expected to make a recovery.

DEREK CHAUVIN
Derek Chauvin, convicted for the death of George Floyd, becomes a victim of prison violence, according to an AP insider.

Erickson criticizes the Federal Bureau of Prisons for their silence, noting that Chauvin’s family and legal team have struggled to get details about his condition. They have had to rely on media reports to assume he is stable, despite repeated attempts to contact the prison for updates.

Erickson condemned the communication gap, labeling it as “completely outrageous” and reflective of the mismanagement within the facility. This situation echoes longstanding concerns about the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ failure to inform families about the well-being of inmates who suffer severe injuries or illnesses while in custody. Previous reports by the AP highlighted similar issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing problem prompted legislative proposals in the U.S. Senate last year, aiming to establish mandatory notification protocols for families in cases of serious illness, life-threatening injuries, or death of incarcerated individuals.

Erickson further criticized the facility for not informing Chauvin’s family, who are responsible for his medical decisions, about the stabbing incident. This, according to Erickson, underscores the prison’s poor procedures and lack of control.

The Bureau of Prisons has acknowledged an assault at the Arizona facility and noted that staff performed emergency measures. However, they have withheld the identity and condition of the victim citing privacy and security reasons.

Prosecutors from the 2021 trial, which led to Chauvin’s conviction of second-degree murder, expressed concern over the attack. Terrence Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, stated he felt indifferent about the incident, emphasizing his focus was on Chauvin’s conviction rather than events occurring inside the prison.

This incident marks the second notable assault on a federal inmate in recent months, following the stabbing of Larry Nassar in July. Chauvin, 47, was transferred to FCI Tucson in August 2022, serving concurrent sentences for violating Floyd’s civil rights and second-degree murder.

Another lawyer for Chauvin, Eric Nelson, had previously argued for his isolation from the general prison population due to safety concerns. Chauvin’s appeal of his murder conviction was recently rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. He is also attempting to overturn his federal guilty plea, claiming new evidence exonerates him in Floyd’s death.

George Floyd’s death, which occurred on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin knelt on his neck for over 9 minutes, sparked global protests and a widespread call for police reform.

Other officers present at Floyd’s death received lesser sentences. Chauvin’s attack comes amid growing scrutiny of the Bureau of Prisons, exacerbated by high-profile incidents like Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide and the assault on Ted Kaczynski.

The Bureau of Prisons, facing criticism for its management and transparency, has been under investigation by the AP, revealing systemic issues such as staff misconduct, inmate violence, and response failures to emergencies.

Bureau Director Colette Peters, appointed last year, pledged reforms and greater transparency, focusing on community integration over mere detention.

Reported by Sisak from New York City, with contributions from Big Big News writers Amy Forliti in Minneapolis and Michael Balsamo in New York.

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• Derek Chauvin Conviction
• Federal Correctional Institution, Tucson
• Federal Bureau of Prisons Management Issues
• Legislation on Family Notification in Prisons
• Challenges in U.S. Prison Systems