Former Minneapolis police officer J. Alexander Kueng and his defense attorney Thomas Plunkett arrive at Hennepin County District Court. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - An attorney representing one of the fired Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd's death is requesting a change of venue for the trial, according to court documents.
Defense attorney Thomas Plunkett filed the motion Thursday afternoon in Hennepin County District Court for a change of venue. Plunkett is representing J. Alexander Kueng, who is charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
In the motion, Plunkett argues that "'potentially' prejudicial material has been disseminated publicly by the prosecution," impacting the possibility of a fair trial. He calls for the trial to be held outside of the seven-county metro, "such as Stearns County or another county with appropriate facilities and demographics".
Plunkett also points to the widespread media coverage of the Floyd case as a factor.
"Many of the articles stem from comments from the State of Minnesota and is several State actors. The State’s actions have stripped Mr. Kueng’s rights to a fair trial," read the motion.
According to the court document, Plunkett plans to voice this request at a hearing on September 11.
Derek Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder without intent, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Tou Thao and Thomas Lane are also charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. All four officers were fired following the death of George Floyd.