Judge Peter Cahill Breaks Silence on Derek Chauvin Trial After Four Years: Full Insights and Reflections
For the first time in four years, Judge Peter Cahill, who presided over the globally significant Derek Chauvin trial in 2021, has spoken publicly about the case that shocked the world and intensified global conversations around police brutality, systemic racism, and the American justice system.
In an exclusive and emotional interview, Cahill opened up about the immense pressure he faced during the landmark case following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man whose killing by a white police officer sparked protests in all 50 U.S. states and across the world.
This long-awaited reflection sheds new light on the intense scrutiny, public expectations, and personal toll the trial took on the man who held the gavel during one of the most consequential legal proceedings in modern history.
George Floyd’s Death and the Trial That Shook the World
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota after former police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck and back for over nine minutes, even as Floyd pleaded, "I can’t breathe." The horrifying moment was captured on video by a bystander and quickly went viral.
The graphic footage sparked an unprecedented global outcry, with millions taking to the streets demanding justice, not just for Floyd but for all victims of police violence and racial injustice. The trial of Derek Chauvin became a historic moment in the U.S. legal system—one that Judge Peter Cahill oversaw with the eyes of the world watching.
Judge Peter Cahill: A Reluctant But Duty-Bound Referee
Speaking out for the first time since the trial, Judge Peter Cahill admitted he did not want to take the case. When he found out that the high-profile trial had landed on his desk, he reacted with shock.
“I swore out loud,” he confessed. Despite his reluctance, Cahill said he took the responsibility seriously: “It’s duty, honor, country when it comes right down to it.”
Cahill, a long-serving judge in Hennepin County, also made a rare admission about his personal views: “Part of my training is to check my bias,” he said. “And to be honest, I think I have a pro-police bias that I have to be careful not to act on.”
Such honesty is unusual for a judge and highlights the complexity and emotional toll of presiding over a case that was both legally demanding and socially explosive.
The Decision to Livestream the Chauvin Trial
One of Judge Cahill’s most impactful decisions was to allow the trial to be livestreamed to the public. This made it one of the most-watched trials in modern history, with over 23 million people tuning in to watch the verdict delivered live.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only six people were allowed inside the courtroom. Cahill said this limited the public’s constitutional right to an open trial. “That’s a violation of the principle of a public trial,” he explained, which led him to grant full public access through livestreaming.
This move not only increased transparency but also ensured that the public remained engaged and informed at every stage of the proceedings.
Personal Strain and Security Threats
With visibility came danger. Judge Cahill shared that the trial brought enormous personal strain. His phone was inundated with voicemails, and he received enough hate mail to fill two boxes.
“Most of the hate mail was, ‘You should have given him life,’” Cahill said. “You had pastors condemning me to hell for my ‘light sentence.’” Others bizarrely urged him to pardon Chauvin, which he clarified he had no legal authority to do.
Worse still, some messages threatened his family’s safety. One person even sent a letter to his home asking for an autograph—an eerie sign that people knew where he lived.
In response, Cahill increased his home security. He installed a police-monitored camera in a neighbor’s tree, and patrols began visiting his home up to three times a day. Despite the fear, his community rallied around him, offering care packages—including a bottle of whiskey, he noted with a hint of humor.
Memories from a Historic Case
Cahill remembered the exact moment he saw the video of George Floyd’s death. He knew right away how serious the situation was. “I remember thinking, ‘He’s gonna get charged,’” he said.
The trial occurred during a period of national reckoning on race, justice, and police reform. The situation grew more tense when Daunte Wright, another Black man, was shot and killed by police just miles away from where the Chauvin trial was taking place. On top of that, the Minneapolis City Council announced a $27 million settlement with Floyd’s family just as jury selection began—a decision Cahill called poorly timed.
Political Interference and Criticism of Officials
Cahill criticized public officials, including then-President Joe Biden, for publicly commenting on the trial. Biden had said he hoped the jury would reach the “right verdict.”
Cahill believed these types of remarks were irresponsible and put undue pressure on the judicial process. He rejected a defense motion to move the trial, stating that no part of Minnesota would be free from the case’s influence.
He later dismissed conspiracy theories that protest chants had influenced the jury during deliberations. He confirmed that jurors had been moved to a secure, undisclosed location and deliberated in complete seclusion.
Controlling Information and Gag Orders
Another controversial point was Cahill’s decision to limit certain information during the trial, such as George Floyd’s criminal history.
“A lot of this stuff had nothing to do with it,” he said plainly. “[Floyd’s] not on trial.” His goal was to keep the jury focused on the actions of Derek Chauvin, not to distract with unrelated background details.
Cahill also admitted to one regret: initially imposing a gag order on attorneys. He quickly reversed that decision, realizing it was both unenforceable and unnecessary.
He was especially upset about a New York Times article that reported on a potential plea deal, which he said likely came from leaks by law enforcement. “That pissed me off,” he admitted candidly.
Reflecting on Legacy and the Future of Justice
Now retired, Judge Peter Cahill has donated his courtroom robes, mask, notes, and even hate mail to the Minnesota Historical Society, ensuring that this pivotal moment in American legal history is preserved for future generations.
In reflecting on the broader impact of the trial, Cahill expressed concern about growing distrust in the justice system, particularly from politically extreme groups.
“The far right, you know, their daily bread is revisionist history,” he said. “But in this instance, it's a lack of trust in the judicial process—and that's concerning.”
Despite everything, Cahill remains proud of how the trial was handled. He spent hours speaking with jurors after the verdict, who assured him that their decision to convict Chauvin was based solely on evidence, not public opinion.
Where Is Derek Chauvin Now?
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, is currently serving a 22½-year sentence at a federal prison in Texas. He was also convicted of violating George Floyd’s civil rights, a rare and serious federal offense.
Final Thoughts
Judge Peter Cahill’s decision to break his silence gives the world an unprecedented look into the human side of the American legal system. His candid reflections underscore just how difficult it is to remain impartial in the face of public outrage, political interference, personal threats, and national trauma.
For Nigeria and other developing nations watching from afar, this case offers a blueprint for how transparency, accountability, and strong judicial leadership can play a role in delivering justice—even in the most contentious circumstances.
