Derek Chauvin, the ex cop who was filmed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck, has been found guilty of killing Floyd.
The former Minneapolis Police officer was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in George Floyd’s death. This morning, he was found guilty of all three charges.
The jurors deliberated for less than 24 hours to reach their guilty verdict.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On May 25, 2020, Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on the neck of Black Minneapolis resident George Floyd and was subsequently arrested and charged. This was one of many Black deaths at the hands of police that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement.
Sydney Morning Herald reports that the members of the jury consisted of seven women and five men, six of whom were white, while four were Black and two were multiracial.
Ben Crump, the Floyd family’s attorney, has since released the following statement:
“Painfully earned justice has arrived for George Floyd’s family and the community here in Minneapolis, but today’s verdict goes far beyond this city and has significant implications for the country and even the world.
Justice for Black America is justice for all of America.
This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state.”
Earlier today, President Joe Biden said he had been in touch with the Floyd family and that he was “praying the verdict is the right verdict”.
“I think it is overwhelming in my view,” he said.
Meanwhile Floyd’s brother Rodney told MSNBC: “I’m feeling tears of joy, so emotional.”
His girlfriend, Courtney Ross, who was waiting outside the courtroom for the verdict, said: “He was funny and silly and prayerful and a man of God.
“He was out of this world.”
George Floyd is also remembered by his 7-year-old daughter, Gianna Floyd.
RIP George Floyd.
