The 12 jurors didn’t even need 12 hours for all to agree that Derek Chauvin committed murder. A three-week trial in Minneapolis in the death of George Floyd resulted in victory, vindication for all across the country who witnessed Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes on that fateful May 25, 2020, evening.
Judge Peter Cahill, with the nation watching, read the verdicts just after 5 p.m. Eastern time, submitted moments prior by the jury. Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. As the verdicts were read, Chauvin’s emotions were subtle, hidden by the blue mask. Moments later, he was placed in handcuffs and whisked off to prison.
– by Rob Taylor Jr., Courier Staff Writer
Statement of Rep. Ed Gainey, candidate, Mayor of Pittsburgh, following the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd:
“Justice was achieved today (April 20) in the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 death of George Floyd. Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds while Floyd could be heard crying out, ‘I can’t breathe,’ and calling for his mother, was a painful reminder of the injustices that have been inflicted on communities of color in our country at the hands of police for generations. This historic decision is a measure of justice for the Floyd family, the Black community, and our whole country, that is long overdue. But there are still too many deadly incidents involving police, and still much work to do. In Pittsburgh, we want a city where we can all move through our communities without fearing for our lives or loved ones. To honor the memories of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Breonna Taylor, Antwon Rose, Johnny Gammage and all of the victims of police violence, we have to continue to fight not only to hold officers accountable for their actions, but to create a more just system where no person is senselessly killed at the hands of police.”
Statement of Jerry Dickinson, candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District, following the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd:
“I am pleased to hear that the jury has decided to convict Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. However, this conviction must not be misplaced for the broad systematic change desperately needed in our country to protect Black and Brown communities from police brutality. We must dismantle institutionalized racism.
Today, racial disparities pervade every aspect of law enforcement activity by police in Pittsburgh and across the country. In 2020, 3,883 Black men were arrested at least once in Pittsburgh, while only 1,746 White men, who greatly outnumber Black men, were arrested. I have personally felt the physical and emotional pain of police brutality. Until we enact bold action to reform law enforcement, there is much more work to be done.
We need to end federal laws that permit the federal government to send military surplus to local law enforcement agencies. We need to provide the Department of Justice with the resources and latitude to effectively go after unconstitutional police practices. Congress must abolish qualified immunity. And we need to create democratically-elected and community-controlled public oversight entities. We need a representative in Congress who will step up to the plate and lead the fight on these critical reforms.”
Oprah reacts to Chauvin guilty verdict
“Relieved—and emotional in ways I didn’t expect. I cried tears of joy as each verdict was read. I’m grateful to the witnesses and their testimonies. Grateful to Darnella Frazier. Grateful to every Juror for seeing and acknowledging what the world saw on that tape. Thank you God for real!”
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