It was a moment of tears, laughter, and goosebumps for not just the family of George Floyd but also the black race and other supporters of justice in the world as Derek Chauvin was pronounced guilty of George Floyd’s death.
Like a Tsunami, protest for justice after the death of George Floyd spread across the world last May after a video recording of how Derek Chauvin, a former Minnesota police officer knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes.
The jury unanimously found Derek Chauvin of second, third, and manslaughter, as they concluded that he killed 46yr-old George Floyd last May by criminal assault – kneeling on his neck to the ground till he died.
Huge cheers immediately went up among a crowd of several hundred people outside the heavily fortified courthouse with people chanting “All three counts” and “Whose victory? Our victory!”
“Don’t let anyone tell you protest doesn’t work,” a man told the crowd through a bullhorn.
Floyd’s brother, Philonise, was the only family member in court. He sat praying in the minutes before the verdict and was visibly shaking as it was announced. As the guilty verdicts were proclaimed, he closed his eyes and nodded his head repeatedly.
“I was just praying they would find him guilty. As an African American, we usually never get justice,” he said immediately afterward.
Benjamin Crump, a lawyer for the Floyd family, said in a statement: “Justice for Black America is justice for all of America. This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state.”
President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and Jill Biden, the first lady, called members of the Floyd family moments after the verdict, according to video posted by Crump. Biden told the family: “Nothing is going to make it all better, but at least now there is some justice.” He added: “We’re all so relieved.”
Derek Chauvin who showed little while the verdict was being read could face up to 40 years in prison but he could face a shorter sentence according to legal guidelines.
Curled from Sky News
