Officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck during fatal arrest charged with murder

The Minneapolis police officer who was kneeling on George Floyd's neck during the arrest that would lead to Floyd's death has been arrested and charged with murder, city officials reported Friday. 

Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington confirmed that Derek Chauvin, one of the four police officers fired after the incident that ended with Floyd dead, was arrested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Friday. 

Following the arrest, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

The four officers were fired after a bystander video showed the incident Monday in which the 46-year-old Floyd was heard saying, "I can't breathe." 

The arrest comes amid the violent protests in Minneapolis, which have now spread to other cities and states, with rioters and activists demanding a strong response by officials in connection with Floyd's death.

Minneapolis and St. Paul have both been in flames over the past few days as rioters and protesters burned down buildings and looted stores in response to the killing.