Jury delivers guilty verdict in George Floyd murder case

By Vatican News staff reporter

The trial for the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has ended with a verdict of guilty for former police officer Derek Chauvin. Almost a year ago, on 25 May, Derek Chauvin killed African-American George Floyd while arresting him, by keeping his knee pressed on his neck for over nine minutes.

On Tuesday the jury found him guilty on all three counts: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. 

Chauvin left the courtroom in handcuffs and will remain in custody until the sentencing. Chauvin could spend decades in prison.

Reactions

Crowds of people awaiting the verdict outside the Minneapolis courthouse greeted the sentencing on all three counts with enthusiasm, cheers and chants. Around the world, similar scenes followed.

The death of George Floyd sparked massive anti-racism protests all around the world. 

US President's remarks

In a telephone call made to George Floyd's family after the verdict was pronounced, US President Joe Biden said "we are so relieved. Nothing's going to make it better, but at least there's some justice now." He then offered to take the family to the White House on Air Force One - the Presidential plane. 

In public remarks, President Biden said, "It was a murder in the full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism the Vice President just referred to — the systemic racism that is a stain our nation’s soul; the knee on the neck of justice for Black Americans; the profound fear and trauma, the pain, the exhaustion that black and brown Americans experience every single day".

An ongoing battle

The struggle to end systemic racism in the US has been going on for years, with anti-racism groups and campaigners demanding justice for all victims of racism. Though the conviction of ex-officer Chauvin brings some hope, activists say there is still much to be done in the fight against racism.