In George Floyd case, judge warns that public officials speaking out could force venue change

Comments made by public officials and others about the May 25 killing of George Floyd and the former Minneapolis police officers charged in his death threaten to move court proceedings outside of Hennepin County, a judge warned Monday.

At an omnibus hearing Monday afternoon, several of the defense attorneys representing the former officers - Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao - criticized city, county and state officials for expressing opinions they believe have tainted their clients' constitutional right to a fair trial.

"I'm fighting the battle with one hand," because of the public statements, said Thao's attorney, Robert Paule, adding that he planned to file a motion for a change of venue.

https://www.startribune.com/change-of-venue-possible-in-george-floyd-case-judge-warns/571542412/