The trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd is set to begin Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern time.
The jury, which was selected after more than two weeks of questioning, is expected to review several bystander videos of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck. The incident sparked anger in the U.S. and activism resulting in sometimes violent protests.
Floyd died after. Chauvin held his knee against Floyd's neck for nine minutes. Chauvin has being charged with unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Legal experts said that prosecutors will want to immediately remind jurors of the event.
"If you're a prosecutor you want to start off strong. You want to frame the argument - and nothing frames the argument in this case as much as that video," experts at Berkeley Research Group said.
Jurors will have to decide if Chauvin's actions led to Floyd's death.
The trial is expected to last for at least four weeks. It will be held in downtown Minneapolis and authorities have barricaded the area to prevent demonstrations. Authorities have fortified the courthouse with concrete barriers, fences and barbed wire. The National Guard has been mobilized.
Chauvin's defense lawyer Eric Nelson will argue that Floyd had used drugs before he was arrested. Legal experts said that Nelson will attempt to reason that Floyd may have been partially responsible for his death.
