MINNEAPOLIS – Derek Chauvin, a white former Minneapolis police officer, was yesterday convicted of murdering African-American George Floyd after a racially charged trial that was seen as a pivotal test of police accountability in the United States.
A jury deliberated less than 11 hours before finding the 45-year-old guilty of all three charges against him – second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
A crowd gathered outside the heavily guarded downtown Minneapolis courtroom erupted in cheers when the verdicts were announced after the three-week trial.
Chauvin, who had been free on bail, was put in handcuffs after Hennepin county judge Peter Cahill read out the unanimous verdicts reached by the racially diverse seven-woman five-man jury.
Chauvin, who was wearing a face mask when the verdicts were read and displayed no visible emotion, was escorted out of the courtroom by a deputy, as George Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, embraced prosecutors.
The former officer faces up to 40 years in prison on the most serious charge – second-degree murder. Sentencing will be at a later date.
Chauvin, a 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis police force, was seen on video kneeling on the neck of Floyd for more than nine minutes as he lay handcuffed on the ground saying repeatedly “I can’t breathe”.
Cities across the US had been braced for potential unrest as the verdict was awaited in the closely watched trial and Minneapolis is under an unprecedented security lockdown.
Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump hailed the verdict as a landmark victory for civil rights that could be a springboard to legislation to reform police forces in their dealings with minorities.
“Painfully earned justice has finally arrived for the Floyd family.
“This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement,” Crump tweeted.
“Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!”
Speaking to reporters ahead of the verdict, President Joe Biden said he hoped for the “right” decision.
Biden told reporters he had spoken with the Floyd family by telephone, and said “I can only imagine the pressure and anxiety they’re feeling. So, I waited till the jury was sequestered and I called”.
“They’re a good family and they’re calling for peace and tranquillity, no matter what that verdict is.” – AFP, April 21, 2021
