(Photo by Mario Tama\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe moment of silence was reportedly requested by a delegate and lasted approximately 10 seconds before convention business resumed. Party leaders later indicated the gesture was not part of the planned agenda.<\/p>\n
The timing immediately drew criticism, as the convention occurred just days after the sixth anniversary of Floyd\u2019s death, which sparked worldwide protests and renewed conversations about police brutality and racial justice. <\/p>\n
Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder for Floyd\u2019s 2020 killing and is currently serving his prison sentence.<\/p>\n
Not surprisingly, the reaction from Democrats was swift.<\/p>\n
\nMinnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who led the prosecution against Chauvin, issued a blistering statement condemning the tribute.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am heartbroken and frankly shocked,\u201d Ellison said, calling the moment of silence \u201can act of profound cruelty\u201d toward Floyd\u2019s family and anyone who believes in accountability under the law. <\/p>\n
He added that honoring Chauvin \u201cdishonors the memory of George Floyd\u201d and \u201cwounds his loved ones all over again.\u201d<\/p>\n
The controversy comes as some conservative commentators continue to argue that Chauvin did not receive a fair trial. Those claims have fueled calls from some right-wing activists for a presidential pardon, though legal experts have noted that any federal pardon would not erase Chauvin\u2019s state murder conviction.<\/p>\n
Critics, meanwhile, were left stunned that a state political convention would choose to honor a man convicted of murder.<\/p>\n
The Minnesota GOP has not issued a formal apology for the incident, and the moment has quickly become a flashpoint in the state\u2019s political landscape heading into the 2026 election cycle.<\/p>\n
What was supposed to be a routine weekend of endorsements and campaign planning has now turned into a national headline.<\/p>\n
And judging by the reaction on social media, this controversy isn\u2019t fading away anytime soon.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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