(The Center Square) – Republicans are facing backlash after delegates at the Minnesota Republican Party's state convention voted to hold a moment of silence for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin during the party’s endorsement convention last weekend.

The gesture, which occurred just days after the sixth anniversary of George Floyd's death, drew swift condemnation from Democrats and mixed responses from Republican leaders.

Elyse Apel, a graduate of Hillsdale College, is a reporter for The Center Square covering Colorado, Minnesota, and Michigan. Her work has appeared in a range of national outlets, including the Washington ExaminerThe American Spectator, and The Daily Wire.

Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.