Did Maxine Waters interfere with Derek Chauvin trial? Democrat's 'call for riots if no conviction' explained
The judge presiding over the trial of Derek Chauvin conceded that the defense has a strong argument for turning over any guilty verdict. The concession came after California Rep Maxine Waters shocking comments days ago on George Floyd's death protests. Judge Peter Cahill though, denied Chavin's defense team's motion for a mistrial, saying, "I don't think it's given additional material with which to prejudice the jury. A congresswoman’s opinion really doesn't mean much."
After the jury was sent out on Monday, April 19, Chauvin's attorney Eric Nelson made a fresh attempt to throw up the case against his client, this time using Waters as an excuse. "Now that we have US representatives threatening acts of violence in relation to this trial it’s frankly mind-blowing," he said. After considering his appeal, Judge Cahill responded, "I grant you Congresswoman Waters may have handed you grounds for appeal and the turning over of this trial."
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Comments 'abhorrent' says judge
The judge, calling Waters' comments "abhorrent" also added, "I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case. They should respect a co-equal branch of government." The case concluded on Monday, April 19, as both sides made their arguments. The jury has now retired to deliberate the matter. It is very likely that Chavin will appeal any guilty verdict, which could drag out the demand for justice by Floyd's family.
What Waters said
Waters joined protesters in Brooklyn Centre, Minneapolis, to protests against the death of Daunte Wright on Saturday, April 17. Waters said she would fight for justice on their behalf just one day after protests descended into violence. 'I hope we get a verdict that says guilty, guilty, guilty,' she said of the Chauvin trial. 'And if we don't, we cannot go away. We've got to stay on the street. We get more active, we've got to get more confrontational. We've got to make sure that they know that we mean business.' She told those present, "I hope we get a verdict that says guilty, guilty, guilty. And if we don't, we cannot go away. We've got to stay on the street. We get more active, we've got to get more confrontational. We've got to make sure that they know that we mean business."
Both Chauvin's defense team and Republicans have condemned the words, saying Waters is asking for violence if Chauvin is found not guilty. However, the Congresswoman has defended herself, slamming her critics. In an interview with The Grio, she said, "Republicans will jump on any word, any line and try to make it fit their message and their cause for denouncing us and denying us, basically calling us violent. I am not intimidated. I am not afraid, and I do what needs to be done.” She also clarified her comments that night in Minneapolis. "I talk about confronting the justice system, confronting the policing that’s going on, I’m talking about speaking up."
Republicans want Waters out
Waters' comments have been widely panned by Republicans, who are also attempting to have her expelled from Congress. Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeted,, "Maxine Waters is inciting violence in Minneapolis — just as she has incited it in the past. If Speaker Pelosi doesn’t act against this dangerous rhetoric, I will bring action this week."
Maxine Waters is inciting violence in Minneapolis — just as she has incited it in the past. If Speaker Pelosi doesn’t act against this dangerous rhetoric, I will bring action this week.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) April 19, 2021
Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, who herself has faced multiple calls for expulsion, has introduced a motion to expel "Maxine Waters for Inciting Black Lives Matter Violence". Other Republicans have taken public shots at the outspoken Democratic Representative, but it may be to little end. Since Democrats control the House, it is very unlikely Waters will be punished for her comments. Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters, "No, I don't think she should apologize. Maxine talked about 'confrontation' in the manner of the civil rights movement."
Nonetheless, the nation is preparing for the worst. 250 members of the DC National Guard will be deployed in Washington DC as the capital braces for protests should the verdict be not guilty. The army approved the request on April 20, to have the Guard work with DC Metropolitan Police Department on traffic and crowd control. The National Guard has also been deployed to Minneapolis, with over 3,000 members stationed in the city.