Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer accused of murder in the death of George Floyd in May has posted a bond for $1 million in bail and has been released from state prison pending his trial.

Gov. Tim Walz, acting out of “an abundance of caution,” activated the Minnesota National Guard and mobilized 100 state troopers and 75 conservation officers, to help Minneapolis keep the peace.

We would hope those who took to the streets in May and June, demanding the arrest and prosecution of Chauvin and three other officers involved with the death of Floyd will not find it necessary to protest Chauvin posting bail and being released while he awaits trial. It is his right, just as it is the right of anyone accused of a crime, including those who were arrested in the violent protests that followed Floyd’s death.