Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes last year, has been found guilty of murder and manslaughter. Chauvin was convicted for second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, and now faces up to 40 years in prison.
The verdict comes after nearly three weeks of a tense and emotional criminal trial, which saw eyewitnesses, medical experts, and police authorities recount their experiences in dealing with Floyd’s case. Those who testified also included three teenagers and a nine-year-old girl, who had to relive the devastating trauma of watching Chauvin kill Floyd and not being able to do anything about it. Following the conviction, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo released a statement expressing hope that people could now find ways to begin healing from this tragedy, and said that the police department will strive to do its “very best” to earn the people’s trust.
Chauvin, for his part, showed little emotion after the verdict was announced, and was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. His sentencing is expected to take place in about eight weeks.
Floyd’s death in May 2020 sparked renewed debate about racism and policing in the United States (US), and triggered major Black Lives Matter nationwide protests calling for extensive police reform and accountability. US President Joe Biden on Tuesday praised the verdict as an important step forward in delivering “basic accountability,” and said that the tragedy had exposed the deeply rooted problems plaguing America. “It was a murder in the full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see,” Biden said in nationally televised remarks. “Systemic racism is a stain on the nation's soul.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also made brief remarks, in which she urged the US Senate to pass the ‘George Floyd Justice in Policing Act,’ which aims to put an end to aggressive law enforcement tactics that ultimately target African American minorities. “A measure of justice isn't the same as equal justice. This verdict brings us a step closer,” she added.
Floyd’s family and friends also celebrated the verdict and thanked all the jurors, protesters, bystanders, and prosecutors who helped deliver justice. “Today, the tears are pure joy,” said Chris Stewart, a lawyer for the family. “Pure joy and pure shock, because days like this don’t happen.” However, Floyd’s brothers said that though this was a welcome step forward, their fight was not over, citing the recent fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, who was killed just a few miles outside of Minneapolis. “We ought to always understand that we have to march,” he said, adding, “We will have to do this for life. We have to protest, because it seems like this is a never-ending cycle.”
Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin Found Guilty of George Floyd’s Murder
Chauvin was convicted for second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, and now faces up to 40 years in prison.
April 21, 2021
SOURCE: NBC NEWS