April 20, 2021
The trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin ended today with a trio of guilty verdicts for the murder of George Floyd last May. President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, NY State Attorney General Letitia James, and US Representative Adriano Espallat issued the following statements:
New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement in response to the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd:
“Almost one year ago, the Floyd family and communities across this nation were torn apart by the murder of George Floyd. We all watched in helpless desperation as a man was mercilessly killed by the knee of a police officer. Today, 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.”
Today, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement regarding the verdict reached in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin and the death of George Floyd:
“I am relieved that today, accountability was reached in the murder of George Floyd,” said Rep. Espaillat.
“Although today’s decision is a step toward progress, this does not change the fact every day, Black and brown men and women across the country continue to face excessive force and unjust policing practices. Justice has been served, yet justice is not truly achieved until justice for all is achieved.
“We must continue to fight to transform our nation’s policing system so that what happened to George Floyd, to Breonna Taylor, to Adam Toledo, Duante Wright, Rayshard Brooks, Atatiana Jefferson – say their names – and to so many others, never happens again. These men, women, and children should still be alive. Institutionalized racism and white supremacy are at the crux of why police continue to get away with murdering our people, and it is long past time for a reckoning and transformation in our nation. We must reckon with the racist roots of our institutions and undertake radical change for our legal system to value Black lives and to truly achieve justice, today and for generations of the future.
“George Floyd should be alive, and it is incumbent upon each of us to carry the mantle of justice to create positive change for the future – lives depend on it. Today, was a step in the right direction, and I pray George Floyd’s family and all who knew and loved him can feel some comfort following today’s decision. Our fight continues, for the people and for the future of our nation.
“Black Lives Matter. Rest in Power, George.”
Remarks by VP Harris and President Biden:
Photos: #BLM Mobilization, Washington Square Park, NYC, June 6, 2020.