Wife of former Minneapolis officer charged with murder, manslaughter filed for divorce

Kellie Chauvin, the wife of Derek Chauvin, said she is filing for divorce after 10 years of marriage.

Former Minneapolis police officer Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter Friday afternoon after a viral video of him pinning down a 46-year-old unarmed black man surfaced. George Floyd died in police custody begging for his life on video. His death sparked protests and riots in the city of Minneapolis and across the country.

A statement from Kellie Chauvin's attorney said she filed for divorce as a result of this week's incident.

"Her utmost sympathy lies with [Floyd's] family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy," the statement read in part. "While Ms. Chauvin has no children from her current marriage, she respectfully requests that her children, her elder parents, and her extended family be given safety and privacy during this difficult time."