Minnesota State Wire

State Attorney General Keith Ellison has been appointed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to lead all prosecutions related to the case of George Floyd.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death.

Ten members of the Minnesota House asked Walz via letter to transfer the case to Ellison. The letter stated that constituents of color had lost confidence in the Hennepin County prosecutor to be fair and impartial in these cases. The Hennepin County prosecutor has also asked Ellison to assist in the investigation. 

Walz stated that he had spoken with Floyd's family who also requested that Ellison take over the case in hopes that the system would be fair and justice would be served to them. 

"This decision is one that I feel takes us in that direction and the step to start getting the justice for George Floyd," Walz said according to NBC News.

Ellison said it is too early to answer questions about the case, but he and Hennepin County prosecutor Mike Freeman will be working together.

"Prosecuting police officers for misconduct, including homicide and murder, is very difficult, and if you look at the cases that have been in front of the public in the last many years, it's easy to see that is true," Ellison said to NBC News. "Every single link in the prosecutorial chain will come under attack as we present this case to a jury or a fact finder."