Elon Musk has ignited a storm of controversy by sharing a plea to Donald Trump for the pardon of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd.

Musk jumped into the fray by reposting a contentious message from conservative pundit Ben Shapiro suggesting that the evidence indicated Chauvin was not responsible for Floyd’s death. The post claimed Floyd was under the influence of fentanyl and had prior health issues, casting doubt on the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing.

Despite the arguments presented by Shapiro about the positioning of Chauvin’s knee and the cause of Floyd’s death, it was ultimately confirmed by medical experts that it was indeed Chauvin’s actions that led to Floyd’s demise. These events ignited widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality, fueling the Black Lives Matter movement.

Musk’s decision to amplify the call for Chauvin’s pardon on his massive platform sparked immediate backlash, with many condemning his stance and accusing him of endorsing racist sentiments.

Even with the potential of a presidential pardon, Chauvin is serving a lengthy prison sentence, rendering any formal pardon purely symbolic. Authorities and public figures continue to emphasize the gravity of Floyd’s death and the importance of upholding justice in the face of such injustice.

The exchange on social media between Musk, Shapiro, and others has reignited conversations about systemic racism, law enforcement accountability, and the need for solidarity in the fight against discrimination.