Wife of officer charged with George Floyd's murder divorcing him

The wife of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with murdering George Floyd, says she will divorce him.

Kellie Chauvin issued a statement through her lawyer, saying she is devastated over Mr Floyd's death while in her husband's custody.

"Her utmost sympathy lies with [Floyd's] family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy," the statement read.

"She has filed for dissolution of her marriage to Derek Chauvin.

"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."

Mass outrage erupted across the US when video was captured by a member of the public of Mr Floyd's arrest on Monday.

In the video, Mr Floyd is lying on the ground in handcuffs, as Chauvin kneels on his neck while the 46-year-old pleads for his life, saying he cannot breathe.

In pictures: Riots and violence escalate over George Floyd's death in custody

Protests and riots have erupted across Minneapolis and other states, with the masses demanding action over the death of Mr Floyd and chanting "black lives matter".

Several buildings have been set alight and armed police are struggling to control crowds filling the streets.

Chauvin is now facing murder charges after the video, which shows him kneeling on the victim's neck for over eight minutes, went viral.

While Ms Chauvin's lawyer has confirmed she intends to end her marriage, they have not specified if it is because of Mr Floyd's death in custody.

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