Minnesota Attorney-General Keith Ellison has upgraded the murder charge against police officer Derek Chauvin.Credit:AP
"This is a significant step forward on the road to justice,and we are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyd's body was laid to rest.
"That is a source of peace for George's family in this painful time."
Walz,the Minnesota Governor,described the new charges as"a meaningful step toward justice for George Floyd".
But he added:"We must also recognise that the anguish driving protests around the world is about more than one tragic incident."
Former president Barack Obama urged local governments to review their policing polices and commit to reforms during a town hall debate livestreamed by his foundation.
Beginning his speech by saying he and wife Michelle were keeping the families of victims of police violence in their prayers,the former US president said"as tragic as these past few weeks have been – as difficult and scary and uncertain as they've been – they've also been an incredible opportunity for people to be awakened to some of these underlying trends".
- with Star Tribune (Minneapolis),AP
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