VERDICT REACTION
Local politicians express opinions on Derek Chauvin court decision
CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » On Tuesday, April 20, a jury convicted former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, 45, guilty on all counts for the murder and manslaughter of George Floyd.
Last year a video showing Chauvin pinning Floyd to the pavement with his knee on his neck for more than nine minutes, sparked outrage and protests around the world.
The jury of six whites and six black or multiracial people returned its verdict following approximately 10 hours of deliberations across two days. The nowfired white officer was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, thirddegree murder, and seconddegree manslaughter.
After the verdict was rendered, reactions were mixed from relief that justice was served to the realization that there’s still a long way to go in mending community-police relations.
Reactions poured in locally around New York, following the jury’s decision.
“I’m thankful for George Floyd’s family that justice was served. America was forever changed by the video of Derek Chauvin killing George Floyd. However, a guilty verdict doesn’t mean the persistent problem of police misconduct is solved. We’ll keep working for meaningful change,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY.
Schumer’s senate colleague, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, also issued a statement on the verdict.
“[The] verdict delivers a small measure of justice to the family of George Floyd, but nothing can ever erase the pain of losing a loved one. Our nation remains in a moment of moral reckoning and we must take bold and decisive action. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address the systemic and institutional racism that plagues our criminal justice system and continues to lead to the deaths of countless Black Americans,” Gillibrand stated.
In the House, Rep. An
tonio Delgado, D-Rhinebeck, and Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam also shared their thoughts on the trial.
“[The] verdict will not bring George Floyd back to his family and loved ones, but it does deliver accountability. And while the verdict by itself will not heal the devastatingly deep and tragically persistent wounds our nation carries born of racial oppression, may it inspire us all to earnestly and thoughtfully, with love in our hearts, confront the scourge of racism that lives with us daily,” Delgado stated.
“The evidence, in this case, was overwhelming, as are the lessons and commitments for change we must take from it. Policing should make all communities safer. As a nation and a people who believe in fundamental principles of liberty and justice for all, we must accept nothing less,” Tonko added.
Officials at the state level also levied their reactions.
“Almost one year ago, the Floyd family and communities across this nation were torn apart by the murder of George Floyd,” New York Attorney General Letitia James stated. “We all watched in helpless desperation as a man was mercilessly killed by the knee of a police officer.
“There is finally accountability for this atrocious crime that stole the life of a father, brother, son, and friend. I pray that the Floyd family finds some semblance of justice and peace for this horribly unjust act. While true justice will never be served as long as Black men and women are subjected to such inequality, today, we are one step closer to a fairer system,”
“The verdicts delivered were a powerful statement of accountability. George Floyd’s family and his loved ones got well-deserved closure, and all of us who deeply and personally felt his loss gained hope in the possibility of progress,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated.
In the state legislature, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle appeared to be in unison regarding the jury’s decision.
“The guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin is a positive step towards equality in our criminal justice system. Hopefully, this step leads to many other positive advancements in the fight for racial justice,” said Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Bethlehem.
“The verdict in the Chauvin trial demonstrates that, while far from perfect, our American judicial system can and does work as justice was served for the memory of George Floyd. Those who would perpetrate acts of racism, antiSemitism, discrimination, and prejudice like the murder of George Floyd represent the center of evil! In every way, always and at any time wherever it appears, we all must stand up and speak out strongly in peaceful opposition,” said Sen. Jim Tedisco, R,C,IREF-Glenville.
In the state Assembly, much of the reactions echoed those in the Senate.
“The courageous work of principled law enforcement officials across the country is too important to be stained by individuals like Derek Chauvin. I believe that [the] verdict is an example of the justice system at work and, ultimately, held him accountable for his actions,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, R,C,I-Ballston.
“No one in this country, Republican or Democrat, police officer or protestor, governor or every day citizen, is above the law,”
Walsh added.
“The verdict coming out of Minneapolis is an important step toward accountability and a reminder that no one is above the law. This does not change the fact that George Floyd’s life was taken and his family and friends still mourn his loss, added Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, DRound Lake.
“It is critical that we do not rest at this moment but instead move forward together with empathy and a willingness to listen and grow. That is the appropriate tribute to George Floyd, his family, and countless others who have suffered a similar fate,” said Assemblyman John McDonald III, D-Cohoes.