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Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence
“An unforgettable reading experience.”―Eric Holder
With this powerful and intimate trial diary, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison asks the key How do we break the wheel of police violence and finally make it stop?
The murder of George Floyd sparked global outrage. At the center of the conflict and the controversy, Keith Ellison grappled with the means of bringing justice for Floyd and his family. Now, in this riveting account of the Derek Chauvin trial, Ellison takes the reader down the path his prosecutors took, offering different breakthroughs and revelations for a defining, generational moment of racial reckoning and social justice understanding.
Each chapter of BREAK THE WHEEL goes spoke to spoke along the wheel of the system as Ellison examines the roles of prosecutors, defendants, heads of police unions, judges, activists, legislators, politicians, and media figures, each in his attempt to end this chain of violence and replace it with empathy and shared insight.
Ellison’s analysis of George Floyd’s life and the rich trial context he provides demonstrates that, while it may seem like an unattainable goal, lasting change and justice can be achieved.
With this powerful and intimate trial diary, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison asks the key How do we break the wheel of police violence and finally make it stop?
The murder of George Floyd sparked global outrage. At the center of the conflict and the controversy, Keith Ellison grappled with the means of bringing justice for Floyd and his family. Now, in this riveting account of the Derek Chauvin trial, Ellison takes the reader down the path his prosecutors took, offering different breakthroughs and revelations for a defining, generational moment of racial reckoning and social justice understanding.
Each chapter of BREAK THE WHEEL goes spoke to spoke along the wheel of the system as Ellison examines the roles of prosecutors, defendants, heads of police unions, judges, activists, legislators, politicians, and media figures, each in his attempt to end this chain of violence and replace it with empathy and shared insight.
Ellison’s analysis of George Floyd’s life and the rich trial context he provides demonstrates that, while it may seem like an unattainable goal, lasting change and justice can be achieved.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2023
18 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Keith Ellison
7 books14 followersCongressman Keith Ellison represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Fifth District includes the City of Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs and is one of the most vibrant and ethnically diverse districts in Minnesota.
Rep. Ellison’s guiding philosophy is based on “generosity and inclusion” and his priorities in Congress are building prosperity for working families, promoting peace, pursuing environmental sustainability, and advancing civil and human rights.
Rep. Ellison’s commitment to consumer justice led him to write legislation that was included in the Credit Cardholder’s Bill of Rights of 2009. This law prevents an unfair practice called “universal default,” which allowed lenders to increase their customers’ interest rates if they had late payments with another lender. In response to the foreclosure crisis that began in 2008, Rep. Ellison also wrote the Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure Act, which requires banks and other new owners to provide at least 90 days’ notice of eviction to renters occupying foreclosed homes.
As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, the congressman helps oversee the nation’s financial services and housing industries, as well as Wall Street. He also serves on the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee, which decides committee assignments for Democratic Members and sets the Democratic Caucus' policy agenda. In the past he served on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Rep. Ellison was elected co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 113th Congress that promotes the progressive promise of fairness for all.
He is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, founded the Congressional Consumer Justice Caucus, and belongs to more than a dozen other caucuses that focus on issues ranging from social inclusion to environmental protection.
Before being elected to Congress Rep. Ellison was a noted community activist and ran a thriving civil rights, employment, and criminal defense law practice in Minneapolis. He also was elected to serve two terms in the Minnesota State House of Representatives.
Keith was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He has lived in Minnesota since earning his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1990. Keith is the proud father of four children.
Rep. Ellison’s guiding philosophy is based on “generosity and inclusion” and his priorities in Congress are building prosperity for working families, promoting peace, pursuing environmental sustainability, and advancing civil and human rights.
Rep. Ellison’s commitment to consumer justice led him to write legislation that was included in the Credit Cardholder’s Bill of Rights of 2009. This law prevents an unfair practice called “universal default,” which allowed lenders to increase their customers’ interest rates if they had late payments with another lender. In response to the foreclosure crisis that began in 2008, Rep. Ellison also wrote the Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure Act, which requires banks and other new owners to provide at least 90 days’ notice of eviction to renters occupying foreclosed homes.
As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, the congressman helps oversee the nation’s financial services and housing industries, as well as Wall Street. He also serves on the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee, which decides committee assignments for Democratic Members and sets the Democratic Caucus' policy agenda. In the past he served on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Rep. Ellison was elected co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 113th Congress that promotes the progressive promise of fairness for all.
He is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, founded the Congressional Consumer Justice Caucus, and belongs to more than a dozen other caucuses that focus on issues ranging from social inclusion to environmental protection.
Before being elected to Congress Rep. Ellison was a noted community activist and ran a thriving civil rights, employment, and criminal defense law practice in Minneapolis. He also was elected to serve two terms in the Minnesota State House of Representatives.
Keith was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He has lived in Minnesota since earning his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1990. Keith is the proud father of four children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 30, 2023
This book gave a first-hand account of the George Floyd trial in which four Minneapolis policemen were found guilty in the death of a black man. The author was and is the attorney general of Minnesota and was asked to prosecute the case by the governor.
The author gives the reader great insight in all that goes into preparing for a high-profile trial. The amount of time, money and people devoted to win the case is amazing.
Did the conviction change the way blacks are treated by police? Jury is still out.
The author gives the reader great insight in all that goes into preparing for a high-profile trial. The amount of time, money and people devoted to win the case is amazing.
Did the conviction change the way blacks are treated by police? Jury is still out.
October 19, 2023
One of the most devastating observations Ellison makes is that police forces can create endless diversity awareness and tolerance courses for recruits, but in the end it will be the service's culture that governs the way its employees interact with the public and their (own, in some cases) communities. It's a bit buried in one of the final chapters, but he goes on to say that it's important- as a BIPOC person and, I would argue, a 2SLGBTQ+ person- to never forget that the carceral system always/already enforces the interests of those in power and does not mete out true justice in many cases.
This book is worth reading if you want an insider's view of a high-profile trial by jury, if you're a legal nerd, or if you have an interest in policing and the tensions within it.
October 10, 2023
Breaking the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence by Keith Ellison is an amazing read. I know the details of the death of George Floyd. Yet, Ellison provides much of the background on why it is hard to hold police accountable. The fact that there were bystanders, some of who filmed the incident makes a huge difference. These were also people who also told the police to stop, who called 911 and recognized the injustice. The video went viral and during the pandemic, people were playing attention. The protests were significant in the city and around the nation and the world. Ellison as Attorney General of Minnesota was right in the middle of it. The Governor, Tom Walz, asked him to oversee the case, since other people had questionable records. There were requests from many political people, including the family of George Floyd.
What the book helps us see are the obstacles, but also the attention to detail necessary to win a case. Ellison pulled together a great team and they worked together thinking about strategies, rehearsing, grooming witnesses, and also paying attention to the Floyd family. There are many parts to consider, and they did that with attention and of course, the contributions of many. It is very readable, not bogged down in legal language, but words and concepts readers can understand. The prosecution had support from many on the police force, identifying that these culprits did not honor the badge. They testified that these men used excessive force.
I was on a jury once, where they witnesses were not well prepared. In contrast, we read about the care and support for witnesses. They took the witnesses into the courtroom before they testified, got them comfortable with the space, and were supportive of them. The children who testified were not filmed, but their voices were used. These young people wanted to contribute because they witnessed someone being killed.
We see their strategy of the prosecution and the care to all details. The defense side is presented from the data, but few insights into their planning. They relieved on the decision the decision that they police were best able to access the situation. Ellison notes that Derek Chauvin never testified, which was his right. However, the defense did little to make him human to the jury. Yet, the prosecution did call witnesses to speak to the humanity of George Floyd. There are many moving parts, but his is a blueprint on what prosecutors have to do the win. The win is important for many in this country. And after challenging the police, Ellison wins reelection as Attorney General. Maybe real change is possible.
What the book helps us see are the obstacles, but also the attention to detail necessary to win a case. Ellison pulled together a great team and they worked together thinking about strategies, rehearsing, grooming witnesses, and also paying attention to the Floyd family. There are many parts to consider, and they did that with attention and of course, the contributions of many. It is very readable, not bogged down in legal language, but words and concepts readers can understand. The prosecution had support from many on the police force, identifying that these culprits did not honor the badge. They testified that these men used excessive force.
I was on a jury once, where they witnesses were not well prepared. In contrast, we read about the care and support for witnesses. They took the witnesses into the courtroom before they testified, got them comfortable with the space, and were supportive of them. The children who testified were not filmed, but their voices were used. These young people wanted to contribute because they witnessed someone being killed.
We see their strategy of the prosecution and the care to all details. The defense side is presented from the data, but few insights into their planning. They relieved on the decision the decision that they police were best able to access the situation. Ellison notes that Derek Chauvin never testified, which was his right. However, the defense did little to make him human to the jury. Yet, the prosecution did call witnesses to speak to the humanity of George Floyd. There are many moving parts, but his is a blueprint on what prosecutors have to do the win. The win is important for many in this country. And after challenging the police, Ellison wins reelection as Attorney General. Maybe real change is possible.
February 13, 2024
Break The Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence, by Keith Ellison, 2023. The prosecution and conviction of Derek Chauvin and three other Minneapolis police officers for the murder of George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020 represents a historic event in the work for racial justice – for justice, period – in the United States. The crime happened two blocks from my home in south Minneapolis. It, along with the previous killings of Jamar Clark, Philando Castile and others, made me realize to a deeper extent than ever before how black and brown Americans have been routinely killed and brutalized by police on a regular basis throughout my entire life, in my hometown of Chicago, here in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and all across the United States.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s recounting of the trial is riveting and incredibly important. He lays out, day after day, the ins and outs of the work to make the case to convict the (ex)police officers and counteract a long history of the courts protecting police power against the rights and very lives of Black people in America.
Throughout the book I was struck by Mr. Ellison’s sharp insight and compassionate heart. There is no vindictiveness in Ellison’s account, only a determined pursuit of justice. Even so, as Ellison said when the verdict was announced in April 2021, “I would not call today’s verdict justice…because justice implies true restoration, but it is accountability, which is the first step towards justice. And now the cause of justice is in your hands…I urge everyone to continue the journey to transformation and justice. It’s in your hands now.”
Indeed. There is so much more work to be done. But as Ellison recounts, when we allow compassion and courage to inform our actions, we can take powerful action for justice. Such was the case of the bystanders at 38th and Chicago in Minneapolis who tried to save George Floyd’s life, who spoke out and videotaped, and who testified at the trial. Such was the case also of Attorney General Ellison, who showed political courage in taking on the case and providing unstinting leadership and support for the legal team he assembled.
May we all find the work we will do, acting with determination and compassion, to strive for a just society.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s recounting of the trial is riveting and incredibly important. He lays out, day after day, the ins and outs of the work to make the case to convict the (ex)police officers and counteract a long history of the courts protecting police power against the rights and very lives of Black people in America.
Throughout the book I was struck by Mr. Ellison’s sharp insight and compassionate heart. There is no vindictiveness in Ellison’s account, only a determined pursuit of justice. Even so, as Ellison said when the verdict was announced in April 2021, “I would not call today’s verdict justice…because justice implies true restoration, but it is accountability, which is the first step towards justice. And now the cause of justice is in your hands…I urge everyone to continue the journey to transformation and justice. It’s in your hands now.”
Indeed. There is so much more work to be done. But as Ellison recounts, when we allow compassion and courage to inform our actions, we can take powerful action for justice. Such was the case of the bystanders at 38th and Chicago in Minneapolis who tried to save George Floyd’s life, who spoke out and videotaped, and who testified at the trial. Such was the case also of Attorney General Ellison, who showed political courage in taking on the case and providing unstinting leadership and support for the legal team he assembled.
May we all find the work we will do, acting with determination and compassion, to strive for a just society.
August 2, 2023
Engrossing account of the adtermath of the George Floyd tragedy, with a focus on MN Attorney General Ellison's prosecution of the four officers responsible for Floyd's death. Ellison does not attempt to paint himself as the hero. He offers an eyewitness acount of the many developments over the months that separated outrage from justice. I was struck by his sidebar comments , particularly his retelling of the Good Samaritan parable to frame the work of bystanders, judges, activists and jurors. He praises Alyssa Funari and Kaylynn Gilbert , two 17 year old white young women who along with 9 year old Judeah Reynolds were key prosecution witnesses who gave testimonoy off-camera because the were underage. Ellison also introduces the reader to reluctant witnesses such as Charles McMillan who off camera prompted Officer Chauvin to explain why he chose to kneel on Floyd's neck We also meet Lieutenant Richard Zimmerman, homicide investigator, who testified courageously that the use of force b ythe officers was "totally unnecessary" As Ellison highlights more than once, the courage of ordinary citizens led to the successful prosecuton of the state's case. The testimony of Special Agent James reyerson of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was an invaluable part of the trial evidence put before the jury. The final witness testimony by Seth Stoughton is haunting: "No reasonable officer would have believed that this was an appropriate, acceptable, or reasonable use of force."
July 4, 2023
Having lived in Minnesota for 64 years of my life but no longer reside there now(or at the time of the George Floyd tragedy), I was interested in seeing what Ellison had to say about the entire trial preparation and trial process as I am a retired trial attorney who practiced law in the Twin Cities for 42+ years. Ellison's "inside view" of the proceedings was something we don't get a chance to witness very often and so it was interesting to see what he had to say about what happened. He was very straight forward with his praise and evaluation of the cast of characters both on the prosecution and defense side as well as the judge, court officials and jurors. I watched the proceedings from afar and Ellison's book "filled in" a number of the details that were not available in the media coverage or the live telecast of the trial. My only adverse comment is that Ellison should probably have had the book reviewed by a criminal defense attorney before it gets published because his disclosure of the Mock Jury proceedings his office conduct(but never disclosed to the defense) may provide the defendants with an appealable issue going forward. All in all, a worthwhile read for those folks who want to be privy to some "inside baseball" that surrounded one of the most significant cases tried in a Minnesota court in the last 100 years.
July 28, 2023
I read this because the title and the marketing language on it said it is about "Ending the Cycle of Police Violence."
The book IS a diary of the trial of Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd, taking us from the original incident step by step through the end of the trial, from the point of view of the Attorney General of Minnesota, who led the prosecution. For that, it provides loads of information and perspective you wouldn't otherwise have known. You thought systematic police violence against people of color was bad? It's much worse than you thought. For this insight alone, the book is well worth your time, and it is a quick read.
But the book IS NOT a guide for "Ending the Cycle of Police Violence". If anything, this reader's takeaway is how many large obstacles there are in the way of that goal, and the truly Herculean efforts that were required just to convict one bad cop in one city. So it was disappointing to learn that "Ending the Cycle of Police Violence" would seem to be - unlikely in the extreme.
The book IS a diary of the trial of Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd, taking us from the original incident step by step through the end of the trial, from the point of view of the Attorney General of Minnesota, who led the prosecution. For that, it provides loads of information and perspective you wouldn't otherwise have known. You thought systematic police violence against people of color was bad? It's much worse than you thought. For this insight alone, the book is well worth your time, and it is a quick read.
But the book IS NOT a guide for "Ending the Cycle of Police Violence". If anything, this reader's takeaway is how many large obstacles there are in the way of that goal, and the truly Herculean efforts that were required just to convict one bad cop in one city. So it was disappointing to learn that "Ending the Cycle of Police Violence" would seem to be - unlikely in the extreme.
September 21, 2023
Break the Wheel is an extraordinary behind-the-scenes view of the prosecution of Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed George Floyd in Minneapolis in May, 2020. This event shook the world and resulted in one of the very few successful times that police officers were held accountable for the excessive force and death of a civilian.
From the moment that the horrifying video was posted on social media through the conviction of Chauvin and the plea deals of the other 3 officers involved, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison walks readers through the process. He describes assembling the team, jury selection, the witnesses, the lawyers' opening and closing statements, the Floyd family and finally the verdict. It's a unique look into all that goes into a trial. AG Ellison also references other prosecutions and notes the amount of work yet to be done to curb excessive force by law enforcement.
From the moment that the horrifying video was posted on social media through the conviction of Chauvin and the plea deals of the other 3 officers involved, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison walks readers through the process. He describes assembling the team, jury selection, the witnesses, the lawyers' opening and closing statements, the Floyd family and finally the verdict. It's a unique look into all that goes into a trial. AG Ellison also references other prosecutions and notes the amount of work yet to be done to curb excessive force by law enforcement.
January 9, 2024
Rounded up from 4.5 stars.
Well written book that takes you through the process of prosecuting the people responsible for the death of George Floyd. I liked the organization of the chapters which lead you through the preparation and then trial. There's a small amount of repeated information. The chapter on the trial could've been further subdivided into the phases of the trial. And it would've been helpful to have a guide at the front summarising who each person is in the book, at least the main people. And also a definition at the front defining each charge that Chauvin was charged with. I think there were a couple of typos. The first was when Ellison wrote the date of Floyd's death as May 26 and I'm pretty sure he meant May 25. And the spelling of one of the witnesses was different from online articles.
But overall, it's a very thorough and methodical account that leads you through the prep and the trial. And I feel like I learned a lot about how court trials work.
Well written book that takes you through the process of prosecuting the people responsible for the death of George Floyd. I liked the organization of the chapters which lead you through the preparation and then trial. There's a small amount of repeated information. The chapter on the trial could've been further subdivided into the phases of the trial. And it would've been helpful to have a guide at the front summarising who each person is in the book, at least the main people. And also a definition at the front defining each charge that Chauvin was charged with. I think there were a couple of typos. The first was when Ellison wrote the date of Floyd's death as May 26 and I'm pretty sure he meant May 25. And the spelling of one of the witnesses was different from online articles.
But overall, it's a very thorough and methodical account that leads you through the prep and the trial. And I feel like I learned a lot about how court trials work.
December 4, 2023
The only thing this book reveals is what a shameless psychopathic liar it's author is. Ellison's lies are not harmless. His race-grifting & hysteria-provoking malevolence has caused enormous harm and death (to all races) over the last 3 years. And none of it had to happen if we had just been told the truth about the Floyd incident instead of having monsters like Ellison forcing a completely false "racial injustice" narrative on us. For a wealth of documented evidence proving that Ellison is a monstrous liar, here's a good place to start: https://www.thefallofminneapolis.com/
July 10, 2024
Some of this -- much of this -- made for difficult reading. I had watched the entire trial, so when witnesses were quoted, for example, I could picture them. One terrible moment was when the medical expert for the state narrated the Frazier video, when he said about Floyd's last breath that that was the moment he died. Chokes me up to even write this.
The book is well worth reading, if only for the description of what it takes to prepare and conduct major litigation.
I recommend it highly.
The book is well worth reading, if only for the description of what it takes to prepare and conduct major litigation.
I recommend it highly.
July 4, 2023
A comprehensive and beautifully written personal account of Keith Ellison's experience before, during, and after the trial of Derek Chauvin, convicted of murdering George Floyd. As a resident of Minneapolis, I'd experienced much of the events discussed, and it was clarifying to learn more about what was going on behind the scenes. Ellison does an excellent job portraying the legal process, communities involved, and complicated dynamics regarding the case.
November 23, 2024
MN Attorney General Keith Ellison’s personal account of how his office convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of the murder of George Perry Floyd. Even though the murder was videoed and millions of us watched it happen, this case was hardly a slam dunk. The insight into Ellison’s legal and political skills plus his deep care for justice and human dignity makes this a must-read.
June 12, 2023
well worth reading
Very well written. Tells the story in layman’s terms with lots of insight into the case, evidence and trial strategy. Does not suggest any real solutions to the problems it discusses. Glad I bought this book.
Very well written. Tells the story in layman’s terms with lots of insight into the case, evidence and trial strategy. Does not suggest any real solutions to the problems it discusses. Glad I bought this book.
June 19, 2023
Defintely a must read. Such a wonderful perspective from AG Ellisons POV. Although it's not about justice, it's about accountability and a step towards justice. Gives me hope to never give up and continue the fight.
August 1, 2023
Details of the trial of Derek Chauvin after the murder of George Floyd, given by the Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison. Includes insight from all the players: from legislators to the media. Hard to listen to because of the reality, but very good to know.
November 22, 2023
336:2023
Obviously Ellison is one perspective, but a really well outlined (almost like he's a lawyer used to setting up a court case ;) ) overvue of George Floyd's murder, to some extent its impact on the Twin Cities and beyond, and his work to try and convict Derek Chauvin.
Obviously Ellison is one perspective, but a really well outlined (almost like he's a lawyer used to setting up a court case ;) ) overvue of George Floyd's murder, to some extent its impact on the Twin Cities and beyond, and his work to try and convict Derek Chauvin.
April 13, 2024
This book was Keith Ellison’s telling of George Floyd’s death and the trial of Derek Chauvin. Fascinating behind-the-scenes preparation for trial and insights not found in the news media. Of course it is told from his lens as AG of MN in charge of the prosecution.
July 21, 2024
It felt like this book was just an opportunity for Congressman Ellison to toot his own horn. He had some good points, but there were also necessarily some big moments where he missed the point - which is what you get from someone who has really bought into the US and their criminal justice system.
July 18, 2023
Read this book for a unique insider’s view of one of the most important cases of our time. The author’s voice shines through on every page of this book. The prose is stirring and authentic.
August 10, 2023
Fascinating behind the scenes look at the brilliant strategy of the Century's most earthshaking trial.
September 11, 2023
The story is told in a very straight-forward, without grandiose or lecture. It's an interesting and sad state of facts.
November 14, 2023
Wasn't what I thought it would be based on the title, but still so glad I read it! Great read about the trial of Derek Chauvin (and the others.)
January 2, 2024
Not as prescriptive as the title suggests, but a compelling insider's account of the prosecution of Chauvin and his accomplices.
January 16, 2024
A detailed chronicle of the Derrek Chauvin case creating a legal framework for prosecuting cops credibly accused of murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
A detailed analysis of the prosecution of the police. Helps bring closure to the George Floyd story.
January 21, 2025
A lean, yet dramatic, review of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s prosecution of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. You are given an enlighteneing glimpse of the day to day of a trial of such immense public focus ( 20 million watching the verdict announcement!).
You get a sense of the depraved, callous and arrogant attitudes of the all four defendants involved ( not just Chauvin).
And you also get a sense of the intelligence, moral strength, commitment and integrity of Keith Ellison.
4.5/5
You get a sense of the depraved, callous and arrogant attitudes of the all four defendants involved ( not just Chauvin).
And you also get a sense of the intelligence, moral strength, commitment and integrity of Keith Ellison.
4.5/5
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews