Reaction to Chauvin Trial Verdict: Guilty on All Three Counts

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responded Tuesday afternoon to the verdict reached in the trial of Derek Chauvin. A 12-member jury found the former Minneapolis police officer guilty on all three charges in the killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man who died May 25 under Chauvin’s knee during his arrest.

“Today’s verdict is an important step forward for justice in Minnesota. The trial is over, but our work has only begun,” said Walz in a statement to the media.

Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

“True justice for George only comes through real, systemic change to prevent this from happening again. And the tragic death of Daunte Wright this week serves as a heartbreaking reminder that we still have so much more work to do to get there.”

State Rep. Cedrick Frazier, who’s been pushing for additional police reform measures, says the verdict “isn’t justice” in his eyes.

“We need a system of public safety that values Black life. Yes, this case is historic. But we got so much work to do, Minnesota,” said Frazier, DFL-New Hope.

The guilty verdict is great news. Derek Chauvin will face consequences for the murder of George Floyd.

But this isn’t justice in my eyes.

We need a system of public safety that values Black life.

Yes, this case is historic.

But we got so much work to do, Minnesota.

— Cedrick Frazier (@CedrickFrazier) April 20, 2021

Hennepin County commissioners, including Irene Fernando, also weighed in on the verdict.

“I’m relieved that Derek Chauvin was found guilty today, however we must remember that this is not justice. George Floyd should be alive today. Our current systems of policing still don’t serve and they actively work to harm the lives of BIPOC people,” said Fernando, who represents District 2, which includes Golden Valley and southeast Plymouth.

I’m relieved that Derek Chauvin was found guilty today, however we must remember that this is not justice. George Floyd should be alive today. Our current systems of policing still don’t serve and they actively work to harm the lives of BIPOC people.

— Irene Fernando – Hennepin County Commissioner (@HennepinD2) April 20, 2021

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