Chauvin's release triggered two nights of protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Gov. Tim Walz mobilized National Guard troops and state law enforcement officers to help keep the peace.

"Taking that video, I think many folks know, is maybe the only reason that Derek Chauvin will go to prison," Walz said. The impact of Frazier's video extended far beyond Chauvin's case.

The length of time Chauvin kept Floyd pinned to the ground under his knee was “particularly cruel” and an “egregious abuse” of Chauvin’s authority as a peace officer, the judge said.