The judge presiding over the Minneapolis murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged in the death of George Floyd, had harsh words Monday for Los Angeles Rep. Maxine Waters, saying comments she made during a weekend protest could be grounds for an appeal of the trial verdict.
Waters, D-Los Angeles, attended a protest in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on Saturday, saying she was looking for a conviction of Chauvin, and saying protesters should “get more confrontational” if he is acquitted.
“If nothing (happens), then we know … we’ve got to not only stay in the streets, that we’ve got to fight for justice,” she said. “That I am very hopeful, and I hope that we’re going to get a verdict that is a guilty, guilty, guilty. And if we don’t, we cannot go away.”
After closing arguments in Chauvin’s trial concluded Monday, the defense moved for a mistrial based on publicity surrounding the case, including Waters’ comments.
Judge Peter Cahill denied the motion, but added, “I’ll give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned.”
“I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch and our function,” Cahill said. “I think if they want to give their opinions, they should do so in a respectful and in a manner that is consistent with their oath to the Constitution, to respect a coequal branch of government.
“Their failure to do so, I think, is abhorrent, but I don’t think it’s prejudiced us with additional material that would prejudice this jury,” he said.
Waters’ comments drew criticism over the weekend from some Republicans — most notably House Minority Leaders Kevin McCarthy, who accused her of trying to incite violence. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also blasted Waters’ remarks, calling them “beyond the pale.”