Derek Chauvin's Family Condemns Manner Of Learning Of Prison Stabbing

Derek Chauvin's family in their gratitude for his stable condition are disappointed in the prison officials. 

The clan is said to be upset that they found out about their incarcerated son's stabbing through the media rather than from prison authorities. News about the ex-cop's stabbing by another inmate first surfaced on Saturday, November 25. Derek is serving a nearly 21-year sentence for violating George Floyd's civil rights.

Members of the Chauvin inner circle have expressed their outrage at learning of their loved one's incident in prison from the U.S. media. Speaking explicitly during a recent interview, Derek's mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, said "How the h— do these news agencies know and his own mother doesn't even know?" 

She stated that even though the prison had her number listed as an emergency contact number no one called. She continued, "I can't even think what to say. I haven't been to bed and made a path in my kitchen and living room floor by pacing."

Joining in the admonishment, the former law enforcement officer's attorney, Bill Mohrman, claimed that he got involved and attempted to reach the prison for information but his calls went unreturned.

Additionally, TMZ highlighted another member of Derek's legal team, Gregory M. Erickson, who slammed prison officials for being tight-lipped with information. He declared:

"It appears to be indicative of a poorly run facility and indicates how Derek's assault was allowed to happen. How the family members who are in charge of Derek's decisions regarding his personal medical care and his emergency contact were not informed after his stabbing further indicates the institution's poor procedures and lack of institutional control."

As The Blast reported, Derek was stabbed at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona. Another inmate, whose name has not yet been announced, reportedly carried out the assault on Friday, November 24.

Chauvin is now in stable condition after prison doctors performed "life-saving" measures, but there have been no further updates on his condition. It was also shared, via a statement, that no prison employees were injured in the fracas and the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] was notified.

It was the notification to the FBI that resulted in the temporary ban of visitation at the facility, which houses an estimated 380 inmates. The update grabbed the attention of onlookers, with some taking to social media to share their thoughts.

Reacting via X, this person wrote, "Thanks to the Supreme Court who wouldn't review his case. Derek Chauvin is a political prisoner who just got stabbed in prison. He didn't deserve all of this."

A second supporter pointed out, "We're very sorry to hear about Derek Chauvin's current troubles. We offer our thoughts and prayers for the entire Chauvin family during this difficult period. Now is not the right time to have a policy debate, so let's not politicize the issue."

At the same time, another online citizen shared, "I saw that Derek Chauvin got stabbed to death in prison. The guy was innocent and the Supreme Court failed an American citizen. George Floyd was a drug-addicted thug who died from an overdose. This guy they convicted was innocent as heck. Sad day in America."

While some X users corrected the above user that Derek was only stabbed and not killed, this person typed, "Derek Chauvin should really be pardoned. He was never given a fair trial. There was not a single unbiased juror in the entire country to hear his side of the story. If he makes it through this stabbing, he deserves to tell his side of the story."

The prison violence comes two years after George's family won its lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and the four officers, including Derek, involved in his death.

On March 12, 2021, the city agreed to pay $27 million to settle the federal civil lawsuit which highlighted problems with police policies and training, particularly concerning neck restraints.

The 46-year-old lost his life when Chauvin knelt on his neck for approximately nine minutes, restricting the oxygen to his brain. Throughout the brutal incident, Floyd repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and called out for his mother.