Family members of Floyd, Chauvin speak out at sentencing
The following are excerpts from statements made by family members of George Floyd, former police officer Derek Chauvin and Chauvin’s mother during the sentencing hearing Friday.
Carolyn Pawlenty, mother of Chauvin:
“I am the mother of Derek Chauvin. I am here to speak on behalf of my entire family … Derek devoted 19 years of his life to the Minneapolis Police Department. It has been difficult for me to hear and read what the media, public and prosecution team believe Derek to be — an aggressive, heartless and uncaring person. I can tell you that is far from the truth. My son’s identity has also been reduced to that as a racist. I want this court to know that none of these things are true, and that my son is a good man. Derek always dedicated his life and time to the police department even on his days off. He would call in to see if they needed help. Derek is a quiet, thoughtful, honorable and selfless man. He has a big heart. And he always has put others before his own. The public will never know the loving and caring man he is, but his family does.
Derek Chauvin:
“At this time, due to some additional legal matters at hand, I’m not able to give a full formal statement at this time. But very briefly, though, I do want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There’s going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope things will give you some peace of mind.”
George Floyd’s family: Seven-year-old daughter Gianna Floyd by video: “How did my dad get hurt?” “I want to play with him, have fun, go on a plane ride.” “My dad used to always help me brush my teeth.” “I miss you and I love you.”
Floyd’s nephew Brandon Williams speaking in court.
“Chauvin killed George. Not only did he kill George but he also displayed a total lack of consideration for human life as he did so. You saw it, I saw it and millions of people across the country and globe … The sudden murder of George has forever traumatized us. … Our family is forever broken.”
Terrence Floyd, Floyd’s brother: “The facts of this case were proven beyond reasonable doubt and three guilty verdicts have been rendered. … I wanted to know from the man himself: Why? What were you thinking? What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother’s neck? Why, when you knew that he posed no threat anymore, he was handcuffed, why didn’t you at least get up? Why did you stay there?
Philonise Floyd, Floyd’s brother:
“One year ago, May 25, my brother George was murdered by Derek Chauvin and his co-defendants in broad daylight, with a knee to his neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds . ... For an entire year, I had to relive George being tortured to death every hour of the day . ... My family and I, most of all my niece Gianna, she needs closure … My family and I have been given a life sentence. We will never be able to get George back.”