RI Leaders Respond To Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

Cranston RI

20 April, 2021

5:23 PM

Description

PROVIDENCE, RI — "Justice was served." That was the overall message shared by Rhode Island lawmakers and leaders Tuesday evening following the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on three charges related to the death of George Floyd last year. The jury found Chauvin guilty on all counts: third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder. Chauvin, who is white, was charged in the death of Floyd, a Black man who died after Chauvin kneeled on him for more than nine minutes despite Floyd's protestations that he could not breathe. Floyd's death sparked nationwide protests demanding racial justice and police reform. Chauvin's bail was revoked and he was released to the county sheriff. He is set to be sentenced in eight weeks. "While today's verdict will never bring back George Floyd, whose life was tragically taken, it reaffirms a fundamental tenant of our country — that no one is above the law," read a joint statement from Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos. "Our thoughts are with the Floyd family and the people of Minnesota. Justice was served today, but we have a lot of work to do to put a stop to police brutality, root out systemic racism, and build a more equitable state and nation." Congressman David Cicilline echoed the governor's sentiment, saying that although "justice was served ... there is nothing that can ever fully heal the pain felt by the Floyd family today." "I hope that today's verdict brings some measure of relief," Cicilline continued. "We have a lot of work to do in changing the ways police interact with those they are sworn to protect." Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said the verdict "confirmed what millions had witnessed — the cold-blooded murder of George Floyd by a police officer who was sworn to protect him." "While I hope this verdict gives the Floyd family some peace, justice will not bring George back," Elorza said. "We cannot rest until we address the centuries of racial injustices and social inequities that brought us to this moment. Tonight, we will again mourn the loss of George Floyd and so many others and tomorrow we will recommit to this work so that we do not lose another person to racial violence." More on the verdict from Patch.