The guilty verdicts on all three charges former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin faced in the murder of George Floyd unleashed a flood of emotions.
This was the scene outside Cup Foods, now known as George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
Another woman in the area nearly collapsed in tears when the three guilty pronouncements were made. She told the New York Times when asked about her emotional reaction, she had a four-word answer:
“We matter. We matter.”
The Floyd family’s attorney, Ben Crump said at a press conference after the verdict that today was a watershed day for America.
The Reverend Al Sharpton noted that the guilty verdict is a step in the right direction towards finding racial equality.
The murder of George Floyd proved to be a milestone in the ongoing debate over race and the relationship between the police and Black Americans. Watch as the Congressional Black Caucus learn about the guilty verdicts.
The Black Caucus held a press conference shortly after. Here is what House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had to say.
California Representative Maxine Waters, who found herself at the center of controversy for comments she made at a Minnesota protest last weekend, shared her reaction to the verdict. Waters said “someone said it better than me, I’m not celebrating. I’m relieved.” Other lawmakers shared their thoughts on the verdict with reporters.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a statement praising the verdict and promising that the state still has much work to do.
“Today’s verdict is an important step forward for justice in Minnesota. “The trial is over but our work has only begun. We promise the pursuit of justice for George does not end today.”
