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'JUSTIFIABLE FORCE'

J Alexander Kueng ‘will plead NOT GUILTY to murder of George Floyd & claim he acted in self defense’

ONE of the cops charged over the killing of George Floyd intends to plead not guilty, using self defense, justifiable force and authorized use of force as defenses, according to reports.

J Alexander Kueng has been charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder and manslaughter.

Ex-cop J. Alexander Kueng is seen ahead of the hearing
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Ex-cop J. Alexander Kueng is seen ahead of the hearingCredit: AFP or licensors
The four officers involved in Floyd's death are set to appear in court on Monday. L-R, Derek Chauvin, J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao
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The four officers involved in Floyd's death are set to appear in court on Monday. L-R, Derek Chauvin, J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou ThaoCredit: AP:Associated Press

Kueng, who is 26, intends to use the three defenses during his trial, court filings

Kueng and the three other George Floyd cops appeared in court on Monday over the shocking killing.

The court appearances came a little more than a month after , a 46-year-old Black man, died on May 25 when cop Derek kneeled on his neck during an arrest.

Chauvin, charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, appeared in court via video, reported.

Former Minneapolis cop Thomas Lane is seen arriving for a hearing at the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility on Monday
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Former Minneapolis cop Thomas Lane is seen arriving for a hearing at the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility on MondayCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Chauvin was seen kneeling on Floyd's neck during an arrest
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Chauvin was seen kneeling on Floyd's neck during an arrestCredit: Handout
Floyd died on May 25 after Chauvin was seen kneeling on his neck during an arrest
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Floyd died on May 25 after Chauvin was seen kneeling on his neck during an arrestCredit: AP:Associated Press

The other three officers – J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao – appeared in person.

The other three ex-cops are all charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Cameras were not allowed in the court on Monday, when the former officers are set to appear midday, CNN reported.

At the hearings, Thomas Plunkett, Kueng's lawyer, filed a motion asking for the judge to reconsider allowing cameras to be used, KARE reported.

A motion said: "Cameras are essential so that the public can see the impact of the state's statements on the proceedings and to insure confidence in the results."

"This case is a very important case for the State of Minnesota and the rest of the country. The impact of this case has been felt worldwide," the motion continued.

Prosecutors, however, have said they are opposed to the use of cameras being used in court preconviction, KARE reported.

"I believe cameras in the courtroom will create more problems than it will solve," Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement.

He added that cameras "could alter the way lawyers present evidence" and that they "may be intimidating to witnesses and impair their ability and willingness to testify."

Judge Peter Cahill set the next hearing for September 11, CNN reported.

Trials are aimed to begin March 8, 2021.

Kneung and Lane both posted $750,000 bail, and were released from jail.

 Chauvin is seen in a court sketch appearing in court via video link
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Chauvin is seen in a court sketch appearing in court via video linkCredit: Cedric Hohnstadt via AP
Chauvin faces charges for second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter
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Chauvin faces charges for second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughterCredit: Rex Features
Keung (left) arrives with his lawyer, Thomas Plunkett for the hearing
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Keung (left) arrives with his lawyer, Thomas Plunkett for the hearingCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Lane (right) with his attorney Earl Gray (left)
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Lane (right) with his attorney Earl Gray (left)Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Christopher Harris (left) and Floyd (right)
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Christopher Harris (left) and Floyd (right)Credit: AP:Associated Press
Tomas Lane was the first cop to post bail
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Tomas Lane was the first cop to post bailCredit: AFP or licensors

Lane was released from prison on June 10, and Kueng was released on June 19.

Jail records still showed Thao and Chauvin were in jail as of Monday.

All four officers face a sentence of up to 50 years in prison.

Chauvin was reportedly in  before his arrest.

Public outrage was sparked following Floyd's death.

Video showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.

Floyd could be heard saying "I can't breathe" multiple times – but the cop did not move his knee.

Lane's lawyer has insisted that the .

Demonstrators across the nation have shown support for the movement, as they call for an end to systemic racism and police brutality.

Many demonstrators have called for defunding of the cops.

Keung also posted bail of $750,000
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Keung also posted bail of $750,000Credit: AFP or licensors
Thao (pictured) remains in jail, like Chauvin
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Thao (pictured) remains in jail, like ChauvinCredit: AFP or licensors

 

Protestors have favored funding being taken away from police, and putting the money into more community-based programs.

Minneapolis City Council already .

Several .