![]() He called for local law enforcement and the federal government to "step up" to end police murders so that people do not have to fear for their lives every day. "'I can't breathe.' Those were George Floyd's last words," Biden said. Biden and Vice President Harris urged Congress to move quickly on police reform, including a bill named after Floyd. He acknowledged that for many such convictions are "too rare" and in this case, the conviction only happened due to an array of overwhelming factors. We can and must do more to reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this will ever happen again," the president said. "We are going to deliver real change and reform. President Biden held a press conference to speak on the verdict. "Today's verdict is a step forward" and it can be "a giant step forwards toward justice in America," he said.Īt the same time, he warned that the verdict was "not enough." National Guard and law enforcement were brought in to protect the Hennepin County courthouse where the final verdict was read out Image: Scott Olson/Getty Images Three other officers who have been charged with aiding and abetting in Floyd's murder will go on trial in August. Sentencing will take place at a later date. Judge Peter Cahill said Chauvin was placed in the custody of the Hennepin County Sheriff. "History will look back at this moment," she told Floyd's relatives. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is of Black and Indian origin, hailed a "day of justice in America." The president told the family that "nothing is going to make it all better, but at least there is some justice." ![]() "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."Ĭrump also shared a video of Floyd's family receiving a call from US President Joe Biden. ![]() "Justice for Black America is justice for all of America," the Floyd family's attorney Benjamin Crump said in a statement. The crowds erupted in cheers and chants of "George Floyd" and "all three counts" after the conviction was announced. People had gathered to wait for the news of the verdict outside the court as well as at the intersection where Floyd was murdered - now named George Floyd Square. Floyd's death sparked outrage and protests against police violence and racial discrimination across the US and the world.įollowing the verdict, the judge revoked Chauvin's bail and he was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. People across the US waited anxiously for the result of the trial with many seeing the entire justice system hanging in the balance Image: Carlos Barria/REUTERSĬhauvin, a 45-year-old white man, was found guilty of killing Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, after kneeling on his neck for 9 ½ minutes in May last year. Police officers in the US have rarely been convicted of murder. The verdict was read out later in the day as thousands of National Guard troops and police officers stood by. The jurors deliberated for 10 hours over two days before arriving at their historic decision on Tuesday morning. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison. The jury declared Chauvin guilty on all three charges, namely second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The 12 members of the jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd on Tuesday in a Minneapolis courthouse.
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