The Minneapolis ex-policeman accused of killing unarmed black man George Floyd on June 8 made his first court appearance, where his bail was set at 1.25 million U.S dollars.
Media reports say prosecutors cited the “severity of the charges” and public outrage as the reason for upping his bail from US$1 million.
According to the BBC, Derek Chauvin faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other arresting officers are charged with aiding and abetting murder.
Mr. Floyd's death in May led to global protests and calls for police reform.
Chauvin, who is white, knelt on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes while he was being arrested in Minneapolis on May 25.
He and the three other police officers have since been fired.
Derek Chauvin, a 19-year police veteran, did not enter a plea as he appeared via teleconference on Monday.
He reportedly did not speak during the 15-minute hearing, and was handcuffed and wearing an orange jumpsuit as he sat a small table.
Judge Jeannice M. Reding set a bail of US$1.25 million with no preconditions, or US$1 million with conditions that include Chauvin not contacting Floyd's family, surrendering his firearms and not working in law enforcement or security as he awaits trial.
His lawyer did not object to the bail price.
Chauvin, 44, is currently being held at the Minnesota state prison in Oak Park Heights, after being transferred several times.
His next court appearance is set for June 29.
