Prosecutors charged Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin with second-degree murder on Wednesday, more than a week after the cop pressed his knee against George Floyd's neck, resulting in fatal asphyxiation.

The other three police officers present at the scene — Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao — have also now been charged with aiding and abetting a second-degree murder.

All four police officers had already been fired.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to 2nd degree in George Floyd’s murder and also charging other 3 officers. This is another important step for justice.

— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 3, 2020

Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, but the criminal complaint filed Wednesday said that the charges were upgraded due to the "prolonged period" in which he restrained Floyd.

"Officer Chauvin's restraint of Mr. Floyd in this manner for a prolonged period was a substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness, constituting substantial bodily harm, and Mr. Floyd's death as well," the criminal complaint said.

In Minnesota, the maximum sentence for a third-degree murder is 25 years and a fine of up to $40,000. A second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years.

Protests against the death of George Floyd, police brutality and systemic anti-Black racism have taken place across Canada this week, with thousands of Canadians taking to the streets.

The 3 other cops involved #GeorgeFloyd’s death have been arrested and charged for aiding and abetting in murder. While charges against Derek Chauvin have been upgraded

There has truly been #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd and I hope they deserve to be in jail ✊✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

— Connor Jackson ☮️🇨🇦 (@connrjack93) June 3, 2020

Today, Canadians have taken to social media to express their relief that the four police officers involved in George Floyd's death are being held accountable for their actions.

Finally!!! The 3 officers were complicit in the murder. This sends a message to all cops that if you witness a fellow officer breaking the law you MUST intervene. #GeorgeFloyd

— Dino Riccardi (@DinoRiccardi) June 3, 2020

Although some Canadians are disappointed that the decision to upgrade Chauvin's charges and charge the other three police officers present at the scene came so late.

"This [is] good news, imagine if it had been done a week ago," one person wrote.

So the primary officer got his charge upgraded to 2nd degree murder for the death of George Floyd.

Y’all I’m so happy but they just needa make sure the court finds this man guilty or we’re gonna have to fight 😤

— Ev 🇦🇬🇨🇦 (@bellissimo_99) June 3, 2020

Some Canadians even feel that the charge against officer Derek Chauvin should be upgraded to first-degree murder.

There’s also another aspect of police brutality (or murder in some cases). That is no bystanders can offer any help. These 4 policemen were slowly executing an unarmed man in public and no civilian could interfere. This murder case should be upgraded.

— Justin (@dozel) June 3, 2020

Although charging Chauvin with first-degree murder would require proving that he had premeditated Floyd's murder — a difficult task for any lawyer considering the two had no prior connection except for "crossing paths" at a nightclub they both worked at.

"I really wish that guy got charged with first-degree murder, but sadly evidence of premeditation is circumstantial at best," one Canadian wrote.

For anyone that’s confused, since there was intent it was raised to the second degree but there’s not enough evidence to prove premeditation. Raising it to the first degree would only allow his lawyers to argue that he didn’t pre-plan the murder and he would win the case.

— 𝒮𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓎ᴬᴰ² (@kthinheaven) June 3, 2020

And some Canadians are acknowledging that while the upgraded murder charge is an important step forward, there's still plenty of work to be done on addressing systemic anti-Black racism across North America.

“All four officers have now been charged and and they upgraded Chauvin’s to 2nd degree murder...thoughts?” pic.twitter.com/z8pBkDUMCl

— Ricky Casimir (@ricky_casimir14) June 3, 2020

More protests against the death of George Floyd and anti-Black racism are scheduled to take place across Canada this week, including multiple demonstrations in Toronto scheduled for this weekend.