MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted in the death of George Floyd, was the victim of an attack at a prison in Arizona. The incident was confirmed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Saturday. The attack on Chauvin, who was earlier reported to have been stabbed and seriously injured on Friday, has sparked concerns about his safety while serving his prison sentence.

“I am sad to hear that Derek Chauvin was the target of violence,” Ellison stated in an email. “He was duly convicted of his crimes and, like any incarcerated individual, he should be able to serve his sentence without fear of retaliation or violence.”

Chauvin is currently serving a 21-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights, in addition to a concurrent 22-1/2 years for murder on his conviction in Minnesota state court. The attack on Chauvin took place at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona, where an unidentified inmate was assaulted, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The inmate was provided with life-saving measures by employees and was then transported to a hospital by emergency medical services.

The death of George Floyd in 2020 led to protests worldwide against police brutality and racism after a video showed Chauvin, who is white, kneeling on the neck of the handcuffed Black man for more than nine minutes. The incident resulted in Chauvin’s conviction, as well as heightened attention to issues of racial injustice and use of force by law enforcement.

Chauvin’s safety in prison is now under scrutiny following the recent attack, raising questions about the protection of inmates, particularly high-profile ones. The incident has also reignited discussions about the larger societal impact of Chauvin’s case and the ongoing efforts to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system.

In summary, Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in George Floyd’s death, was attacked in a prison in Arizona, prompting concerns about his safety as he serves his sentence. The incident has renewed conversations about the broader implications of Chauvin’s case and the well-being of incarcerated individuals.