Anxious and curious people around the world waited to find out if Derek Chauvin would be convicted of murder and manslaughter in George Floyd’s death. April 20, 2021, was a historic day when former Minneapolis Police officer Chauvin was convicted on all counts in the death of a man who said he could not breathe when Chauvin placed
his knee on Floyd’s neck in May of 2020. The jury found Chauvin guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
In a video shared by CBS, Chauvin sat quietly while Judge Peter Cahill announced that his bail had been revoked. Chauvin was led away in handcuffs.
Now, the real work to promote change in the social justice system is set to begin. CNN reported
that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called Floyd’s family after the jury found Chauvin guilty on all charges.“Nothing is going to make it all better, but at least there’s some justice,” President Joe Biden said. The president mentioned that he think’s of Floyd’s daughter, Gianna’s comment that “My Daddy’s going change the world. Biden stated that Floyd will start to change it now.
“I’m just—we’re all so relieved. Not just one verdict, but all three. Guilty on all three counts. And it’s really important. I’m anxious to see you guys. I really am. We’re going to get a lot more done. We’re going to get police. We’re going to do a lot. We’re going to stay at it until we get it done,” Biden also said.
A call participant responded to Biden’s remark, then said that he hoped that the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would get passed, while reminding the president would have to sign it.
Biden responded affirmatively and added that a lot more would be done as a part of the ‘first shot of dealing with genuine systemic racism.’
Vice President Kamala Harris joined the call. She thanked the Floyd family for their courage, commitment, and strength. She later continued this was a day of justice in America, and in Floyd’s name and memory, they would make sure Floyd’s legacy is intact. Harris further stated that with the family’s leadership and the president that they will make something good come out of the tragedy.
Biden and Harris delivered remarks following the verdict, during a special news report. They spoke about systemic racism being “a stain on the nation’s soul.” Biden spoke about the pain and exhaustion that Black and brown people experience daily, which connects to safety for loved ones and themselves. Also, Biden highlighted that the verdict was a step forward. He mentioned that he felt the Chauvin verdict is too rare, considering all of the factors needed for the judicial system to deliver justice and basic accountability. However, Biden reminded that most who wear a police badge serve their community honorably.
“No one should be above the law and today’s verdict sends that message, but it’s not enough. We can’t stop here,” Biden said.
The president also spoke about fighting for the delivery of full justice and equality being delivered to all Americans, and what must be done in Floyd’s memory. He also mentioned that it is time for Americans to unite. In the process of responding to the Chauvin verdict, Biden mentioned the need to restore trust between law enforcement and the community, while reforming the criminal justice system, and fighting for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
“We have a chance to begin to change the trajectory in this county. It’s my hope and prayer that we live up to the legacy,” Biden said.