George Floyd trial LIVE – Cop Derek Chauvin’s murder trial underway and on live stream as family watch grim footage

DEREK Chauvin’s murder trial got underway today 10 months after the killing of George Floyd sent shockwaves around the world.

The high-profile trial began today after Floyd’s family knelt outside of the courthouse for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the length of time Chauvin was filmed kneeling on the 46-year-old’s neck before he died.

On the first day of the trial:

• Prosecution showed video footage taken by bystanders of Floyd’s death
• Defense claimed the video alone can not be used as proof as “evidence far greater than nine minutes”
• Both opening statements referenced Floyd’s opioid addiction
• Chauvin faces charges of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter

The trial began with Judge Peter Cahill reminding the jury that they should not seek out further information about the trial and warning that it would contain graphic footage.

The prosecution led the opening statements with attorney Jerry Blackwell playing a video from one of the bystanders to the jury, showing what Floyd’s family has branded as “torture.”

Blackwell said that Chauvin “betrayed the badge” when using the “excessive force” seen in the video while arresting Floyd on May 25 last year.

The first footage showed Chauvin continuing to kneel on Floyd despite both the father-of-one’s own pleas for help and those of the angered bystanders.

Follow our George Floyd trial live blog below for the very latest news and updates…