Justice Department opens probe of Minneapolis police after Chauvin conviction

Washington — Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Wednesday the Justice Department has opened a civil investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department's policing practices following the conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd. Floyd's killing, caught on camera, shocked the nation and sparked widespread protests against police brutality.

In brief remarks from the Justice Department, Garland said the sweeping probe will determine whether the Minneapolis Police Department engages in a "pattern or practice" of unconstitutional or unlawful policing. The new civil investigation is separate from an ongoing federal criminal probe into Floyd's death from the Justice Department. While Garland praised the verdict rendered by the Hennepin County, Minnesota, jury Tuesday, he said it "does not address potentially systemic policing issues" in Minneapolis.