Judge Peter Cahill has ruled that only one member of Geoge Floyd's family will be allowed in court at a time during the trial of Derek Chauvin. This ruling will also apply to Chauvin's family. While in the courtroom, members of the family will be required to follow COVID-19 protocols. Family members will also be forbidden from wearing "any mask or article of clothing that contains any image, logo, letters, or numbers that are visible."
"[The past year has been] deeply painful and emotional year for every member of the Floyd family, many of whom intended to be in the courtroom to witness this trial," attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci wrote in a joint statement.
"While they understand the judge's reasons to limit attendance in the courtroom, the family is understandably disappointed by this ruling. The family is looking forward to the start of the trial as a critical milestone on the path to justice and a step toward closure in this dark chapter of their lives."
Chauvin's attorney, Eric Nelson, did not issue a statement regarding the matter. His client's trial is set to begin the week of March 8. He is facing second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. Chauvin became an infamous figure across the country after video of him pressing his knee against George Floyd's neck went viral. His fellow officers, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, are set to stand trial in August. The trio faces charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. All officers involved have pleaded not guilty.
Photo Credit: Getty Images