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The death of George Floyd in 2020 sparked widespread protests and a national debate about police conduct. New attention has focused on the medical details of the case, with some arguing the original autopsy findings support former officer Derek Chauvin’s innocence.
Ben Shapiro and other conservative voices claim Floyd’s death resulted from preexisting health problems and drug use, not police actions. They point to the Hennepin County autopsy report, which listed heart disease and fentanyl in Floyd’s system as contributing factors. Shapiro’s documentary argues Chauvin used a restraint technique taught in police training, suggesting he followed protocol during the arrest.
The county medical examiner, Dr. Andrew Baker, ruled Floyd’s death a homicide caused by “cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement restraint.” However, he testified that Floyd’s heart condition made him more vulnerable to stress during the encounter. Conservatives highlight this detail to argue Chauvin’s actions alone didn’t cause the death.
An independent autopsy commissioned by Floyd’s family concluded he died from asphyxiation due to neck pressure. Shapiro dismisses this finding, claiming the independent exam lacked access to full medical data. He insists the original autopsy’s focus on drugs and heart issues undermines the murder conviction.
Chauvin’s supporters note the lack of bruising on Floyd’s neck, which they say disproves claims of fatal pressure. They argue the officers on scene attempted CPR, showing no intent to harm. Bodycam footage showing Floyd’s distress is reinterpreted as evidence of a drug-related medical emergency rather than police brutality.
The push to pardon Chauvin has gained traction in conservative circles, with over 50,000 signing Shapiro’s petition. Elon Musk and Charlie Kirk have amplified the campaign, framing Chauvin as a victim of political correctness. Critics counter that the medical examiner clarified Floyd wouldn’t have died without police restraint.
Shapiro’s documentary series seeks to revisit other high-profile cases like Michael Brown and Breonna Taylor, alleging media bias in favor of liberal narratives. The effort reflects broader skepticism about systemic racism claims and a focus on individual accountability in policing incidents.
While the legal system upheld Chauvin’s conviction, the renewed debate highlights ongoing divisions over police conduct and racial justice. Conservative commentators urge reconsidering the case through what they call “facts over feelings,” emphasizing Floyd’s health struggles and the officers’ training protocols.
