Chauvin opts not to testify in his trial

People stand on a police cruiser as protesters take to the streets after Brooklyn Center police shot and killed Daunte Wright during a traffic stop on April 11, 2021 in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota./Getty Images

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for several minutes, invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify on Thursday, and the defense rested its case as the court trial continued.

Closing arguments are scheduled to be heard on Monday, a year after Floyd's encounter with the Minneapolis police officers.

Chauvin said it was his own decision not to testify.

He is accused of second-degree unintentional murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death, which was filmed and made public by bystanders, causing public out roar and weeks of mass protests.

Had he decided to testify, prosecutors would have been allowed to cross-examine him.

Multiple witnesses have taken to the stand in the case, including retired Sgt. David Pleoger of the Minneapolis Police Department.

Pleoger testified about a phone call he had with Chauvin after the former officer kneeled on George Floyd's neck.

The former police officer's defense team called seven witnesses in their attempt to acquit Chauvin.

(With input from agencies)