The most powerful responses to the George Floyd murder trial verdict
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Trigger warning: This article contains descriptions of murder that some readers may find disturbing.
Last night, a 12-member jury in Minnesota took less than a day to reach the decision that former police officer Derek Chauvin was guilty of the second and third-degree murder, and the manslaughter of George Floyd.
Floyd's tragic death took place on 25 May last year, after he was arrested in a convenience store for allegedly using counterfeit notes. The incident escalated and Chauvin, a white police officer, handcuffed Floyd before proceeding to kneel on his neck for almost ten minutes. He lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead.
Watch: Minneapolis reacts overnight to Derek Chauvin verdict
The murder was captured on camera, and footage was subsequently shared around the world via social media, sparking a wave of support for the Black Lives Matter movement and global protests against racial injustice. The verdict is a landmark result for all who have been calling for an end to police brutality, but has understandably come with mixed emotions for those who are doubtful this will signal the beginning of real and lasting change.
In the wake of Derek Chauvin's guilty charges, we share some of the most powerful responses from political and public figures in the US.
US President, Joe Biden:
“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.— President Biden (@POTUS) April 20, 2021
Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris:
Today’s verdict brings us a step closer to making equal justice under law a reality. But the verdict will not heal pain that has existed for generations. It will not take away the pain felt by the Floyd family. That’s why we must recommit to fight for equal justice.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 21, 2021
Barack Obama:
Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied. pic.twitter.com/mihZQHqACV
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 20, 2021
Hillary Clinton:
George Floyd's family and community deserved for his killer to be held accountable.
Today, they got that accountability.
Always and forever, Black lives matter.— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 20, 2021
Amanda Gorman:
A reminder that victory would be George Floyd being alive. Every day Black Americans worry if they will be next is another day without justice.
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) April 20, 2021
Oprah Winfrey:
LeBron James:
ACCOUNTABILITY
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 20, 2021
Shonda Rhimes:
This verdict does not bring back Mr Floyd. But justice is truth.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) April 20, 2021
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