MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd has been hit with an upgraded charge.
Derek Chauvin has now been charged with second degree murder.
He had been facing a third degree charge.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison formally made the announcement Wednesday afternoon during a news conference.
A second degree murder charge carries a possible sentence of 40 years in prison.
The maximum punishment for third degree murder is 25 years.
The other three officers who were on scene also now face charges.
Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane have been charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder.
Ellison said their arrest warrants have been issued.
