The Minnesota Republican Party has come under criticism after reportedly opening its endorsement convention with a brief moment of silence for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd.According to reports from the Minnesota Reformer and comments from a state lawmaker, the convention began with a 10-second silence for Chauvin.The timing of the gesture drew particular attention as it came only days after the sixth anniversary of George Floyd’s death in May 2020.

Chauvin was convicted in 2021 for the murder of Floyd after kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis, an incident that sparked widespread protests across the United States and internationally, as well as renewed scrutiny of policing and racial justice.He is currently serving a combined federal and state sentence, which run concurrently.

The reported moment of silence was strongly condemned by Democratic state representative Jamie Long, who described it as “disgusting” in a post on social media platform X.He contrasted it with what he characterised as missed opportunities to honour victims of gun violence or fallen soldiers.A journalist from the Minnesota Reformer also commented critically, highlighting the political contrast between the parties.The Independent reported that it had requested comment from the Minnesota Republican Party regarding the decision.

The gesture has been interpreted by critics as indicative of ongoing political tensions in the United States surrounding policing, racial justice, and accountability following Floyd’s death.

Meanwhile, Chauvin continues to pursue legal appeals against his convictions, although previous attempts, including a request reviewed by the US Supreme Court, have been unsuccessful.