Minnesota GOP convention holds silence for Chauvin

Delegates at the Minnesota Republican Party’s state convention held a brief moment of silence for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd, during proceedings in Duluth on Saturday. The action, which occurred days after the sixth anniversary of Floyd’s death, has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic officials and raised questions about political divisions surrounding the case.

The moment of silence was initiated by a delegate, Christopher Rocco, who requested a 30-second pause. State Representative Danny Nadeau, who chaired the convention, said he had advised Rocco against making the motion, calling it a divisive issue and not the appropriate time or place. Nadeau nonetheless put the request to a voice vote. According to audio recordings and witness accounts, a loud chorus of “aye” votes supported the motion, while opposing votes were quieter. Nadeau then led a moment of silence that lasted approximately 10 seconds before moving on with the convention’s business.

Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash stated that the motion arose spontaneously from the convention floor and was not supported by party leadership. He...