'Idiots who wanted defunded police': Derek Chauvin case judge calls out Minneapolis City Council

The judge in the Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin's trial has given insight into his attempts to manage the "media circus" and specifically called out the Minneapolis city council for making the situation "worse."Also Read: George Floyd's uncertain legacy is marked five years on"It did not help that people were saying ‘defund the police’ — all these idiots on the Minneapolis City Council," the New York Post quoted retired judge Peter Cahill as saying in his first interview since the conclusion of the high-profile trial linked to the killing of George Floyd.Cahill further called out the city council for announcing a record pre-trial $27 million settlement to Floyd’s family even as the jury was preparing for their duties.He also defended his decision to have the trial broadcast live. Due to COVID-era social distancing policies, only six people were permitted to be in the court room. This, he believed, was contrary to the US Constitution’s guarantee to a public trial.Also Read: Ex-Minneapolis police chief recalls 'absolutely gut-wrenching' moment of seeing George Floyd video“The six seats were designated for family members. So is that a public trial?” Cahill asked in the interview.Further, the 66-year-old expressed frustration with politicians such as then-President Joe Biden, who commented publicly about the jury reaching the “right verdict," and others.The retired jurist also admitted he has a “bias” towards police officers, adding that he consciously attempted to put that aside during Chauvin's trial.“Part of my training is to check my bias. And to be honest, I think I have a pro-police bias… that I have to be careful not to act on,” the retired judge said, adding contextually that his brother is a police officer in Wisconsin.Though confident in how he handled the controversial case, Cahill revealed that he changed the frame of his glasses so he’s "less likely to be recognized."“I changed my look so I don’t look like that Chauvin judge,” he told the outlet.