Former Minnepolis policeman Derek Chauvin convicted of George Floyd’s murder
“This is the time to unite as Americans and fight the racial prejudice,” said US President Joe Biden.
Former Minnepolis policeman Derek Chauvin has been convicted of George Floyd’s murder. The ex-cop- who had pressed his knee against George Floyd’s neck, that eventually led to his death, was finally found guilty on all three charges against him.
Following the verdict, Chauvin was handcuffed and taken into custody by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. The sentencing for the case will happen in eight weeks. Chauvin is expected to spend decades in prison.
As per a CNN report, Chauvin was transferred to Minnesota Correctional Facility- Oak Park Heights. After 10 hours of deliberations, a twelve member jury found Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter.
Judge Peter Cahill announced the jury’s verdict at Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. He thanked jury for their “heavy-duty service”, and announced the annulment of Chauvin’s bail.
President Joe Biden said that conviction of former police officer, Derek Chauvin was a “giant step forward for justice in America”, but he called on lawmakers to seize the moment and ensure that the legacy of Gerge Floyd was not his murder, but lasting police reform.
“I can’t breathe”
“Those were George Floyd’s last words. We cannot let them die with him. We have to keep hearing them. We must not turn away. We cannot turn away,” US President Joe Biden tweeted after former Minnepolis policeman Derek Chauvin was convicted of George Floyd’s murder.
Meanwhile, The White House had been bracing for possible violence alongwith the president and other members of the administration coordinating with the state and local officials in Minnestoa, had the verdict by the jury supported the aquital of Chauvin. Vice president Kamla Harris spoke alongside president and said that the case shows that the system needs to be “reformed”.
Earlier Biden had told Floyd’s family that he was relieved by conviction, and hoped that verdict would lead to broader change.
