Family of Derek Chauvin Left in the Dark Following Prison Stabbing, Attorney Claims
The family of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, is reportedly being kept in the dark regarding his condition after being stabbed in a federal prison. Attorney Gregory M. Erickson criticized the Federal Bureau of Prisons for its lack of communication following the incident, which occurred at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona.
According to a law enforcement source, Chauvin sustained serious injuries from the attack. Brian Evans, a spokesperson for the Minnesota attorney general’s office, indicated that Chauvin is expected to survive. However, Erickson asserts that Chauvin’s family has been unable to obtain any official information from prison authorities about his current condition, relying solely on media reports.
Erickson expressed his frustration at the situation, stating, "This lack of communication with his attorneys and family members is completely outrageous.” He went on to describe it as an indication of poor management at the facility and a sign of how the assault was allowed to occur.
The lack of information provided to families of incarcerated individuals who suffer serious injuries or illnesses has been a longstanding issue in federal custody, sparking calls for legislative action. A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate last year aims to mandate the Justice Department to establish guidelines for family notifications in such situations.
Erickson further criticized the prison's procedures, saying, “The fact that family members who are responsible for Derek’s medical decisions were not informed after his stabbing shows the institution’s poor procedures and lack of control.”
As of now, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson has not responded to requests for comment. The Bureau has confirmed an assault at the facility and stated that life-saving measures were taken, but did not disclose the identity of the victim or provide medical status updates, citing privacy and safety reasons.
The incident has raised concerns among prosecutors who were involved in Chauvin’s conviction. Terrence Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, shared his reaction, stating that while he would not wish harm upon anyone, his focus was on ensuring Chauvin’s conviction and he remains detached from events occurring inside the prison.
This stabbing marks the second high-profile attack on a federal prisoner in recent months, following a similar incident involving Larry Nassar in July.
Chauvin, 47, was transferred to FCI Tucson in August 2022 to serve his federal and state sentences concurrently. His legal team had previously advocated for keeping him separated from the general prison population for his safety.
This latest development in Chauvin’s imprisonment adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the high-profile case and its aftermath.
