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Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22.5 years, Internet disappointed he didn't get maximum penalty

Derek Chauvin's sentencing was met with mixed reactions as many said that people got far more years in prison for crimes they didn't even commit

The family of George Floyd wanted the maximum sentence for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The people on the streets outside the courts and on social media wanted the maximum sentence for Chauvin. But Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Chauvin to 270 months — 22 and a half years — for the murder of Floyd with 199 days credit for time already served. He added that he has a 22-page memo attached to his sentencing explaining the decision. 

Chauvin's sentencing was met with mixed reactions on social media as many took to Twitter to share their opinions. While some took to the site to celebrate the fact that a police officer was successfully convicted for the death of a Black man, for others 22.5 years were simply not enough for the loss of life. 

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Following the sentencing, Twitter was flooded with a large range of emotions. The judge made it clear that he was not basing the decision on many emotions and that it was not to send any message. "This is based on your abuse of a position of trust and authority, and also the particular cruelty shown to George Floyd," Judge Peter Cahill said before announcing the verdict. 

"Derek Chauvin has been found guilty and sentenced to 22 1/2 years Justice," one user wrote celebrating the verdict. Another wrote, "USA: 22.5 years for Derek Chauvin for murdering George Floyd. Not a maximum sentence but damn long enough, I think. #DerekChauvinSentencing."

Largely, people aren't happy. "Derek Chauvin could be as young as 59 when he's released from prison, having only served 15 years, more than enough time to enjoy the rest of his life. George Floyd will still be gone at only 46," one tweeted. Another user wrote, "You can send former police officer Derek Chauvin to jail but it won't bring back a father. A sibling. A beloved community member. Derek Chauvin deserved much more than 22.5 years, so know: This is just the beginning, NOT end, of our collective journey to justice. #GeorgeFloyd."

Many noted the hypocrisy of the sentencing. "Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for murdering George Floyd. That’s double the sentence Mohamed Noor got, and far more than the laughable probation the defense asked for," one pointed out. "Derek Chauvin sentenced to 270 months (22 1/2 years) for the murder of George Floyd. He'll end up serving only 15 years! People get 15 years for non violent drug charges! Give me a fucking break!" another frustrated user wrote. 

"ONLY 22 YEARS ???? YOURE TELLING ME THERE WERE BLACK MEN ON DEATH ROW FOR CRIMES THEY DIDNT EVEN COMMIT, BUT DEREK CHAUVIN CAN KILL A BLAVK LIVE ON CAMERA, AND HE ONLY GETS 22 YEARS ??????" another angry user wrote. 

Another user offered an example and said, "Sickening that Derek Chauvin, a white cop who’s shown no remorse, gets 22.5 years but may only serve 15 years with good behavior for murdering George Floyd - while Willie Simmons, a Black Army vet, is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for stealing $9."

Chauvin was convicted in April on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.