Minnesota residents whose loved ones were killed by police are condemning the state’s Republican Party after it holds a public prayer for Derek Chauvin, the former officer imprisoned for the killing of George Floyd. Multiple reports describe people speaking out publicly, saying the prayer has retraumatized families affected by police violence and raised concerns about how their experiences are recognized by elected leaders. The accounts focus on the reaction from community members directly impacted by police actions, rather than the specifics of the prayer service itself or the party’s stated rationale. The residents call for accountability and justice, arguing that honoring Chauvin in a public religious setting clashes with efforts to address misconduct and protect public safety. The reports characterize the criticism as part of a broader dispute over the political response to high-profile police-involved deaths, with Chauvin’s case remaining a central reference point. While details differ across coverage, all accounts describe the same core event—a public prayer for Chauvin—and the same type of response from those who say they have suffered losses due to police conduct.