The jury finds Derek Chauvin guilty of George Floyd’s murder
Chauvin was found guilty on three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Derek Chauvin, 45, was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes during his arrest last May. The widely watched footage sparked worldwide protests against racism and excessive use of force by police. His bail was immediately revoked, and he was placed in custody. Sentencing is likely to happen in two months, and the former officer could spend decades in jail.
The 12-member jury took less than a day to reach their verdict, which followed a highly charged, three-week trial that left Minneapolis on edge. The verdict prompted celebratory scenes outside the court, where several hundred people cheered as it was announced. The Floyd family's lawyer, Ben Crump, said it marked a "turning point in history" for the US. President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris called the Floyd family immediately after the verdict.
Meanwhile, Ms Harris urged lawmakers to pass the George Floyd bill to reform policing in the US. "This bill is part of George Floyd's legacy. This work is long overdue," she said. The Minneapolis police federation, a not-for-profit organisation representing police - thanked the jury for their "dedicated They say one of the most likely avenues of appeal is the huge publicity given to the case, with the defence team arguing that this might have influenced the jury. Presiding Judge Peter Cahill said on Monday that public comments by Democrat Congresswoman Maxine Waters could be grounds for an appeal.
Over the weekend, Ms Waters had urged protesters to "stay on the street" and "get more confrontational" if Chauvin were acquitted. On hearing the verdict, people were screaming and cheering, and a little girl in a pink coat held up a tiny fist in jubilation. Activists say justice has been done, and they will feel as though a weight has been lifted from their shoulders. Few officers are charged with manslaughter or murder, and fewer still are convicted. But protesters say the calls for justice for George Floyd do not stop after this verdict.
0 Comment