Judge Rejects Federal Government Request, Allows Derek Chauvin to Examine George Floyd’s Heart

The U.S. Department of Justice had requested the judge reconsider his decision.

Jordan and Royal Pacheco learn about George Floyd's death, at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images

A federal judge has turned down the federal government’s bid to stop Derek Chauvin from examining George Floyd’s heart tissue.

“The Court is not persuaded by the Government’s arguments, which provide no compelling reason that the Court should change its previous determination,” U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson said in a two-page order filed on Dec. 19.