Crime & Safety
Verdict Reached In Chauvin Trial: AZ Prepares, Leaders React
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty on all 3 charges. Here's how Arizonans reacted to the verdict.
ARIZONA — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder charges in George Floyd's death.
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 protests that he could not breathe. Floyd's death sparked nationwide protests demanding racial justice and police reform.
The verdict elicited a wide range of opinions from Arizonans, ranging from politicians to community groups, and more.
Find out what's happening in Across Arizonafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Related: Jury Finds Derek Chauvin Guilty On All Counts
Here's how Arizonans have responded to the Chauvin verdict so far:
Find out what's happening in Across Arizonafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While the guilty verdicts will never bring back George Floyd it is an important step in the right direction.
— Representative Daniel Hernandez Jr (@danielforaz) April 20, 2021
While today’s verdict is a step forward in the fight for police accountability and may help heal a grieving community, the systems that allowed a police officer to murder Mr. Floyd, ripping him away from his family and the communities, remain fully intact. https://t.co/NOz71KH1Kc
— ACLU of Arizona (@ACLUaz) April 20, 2021
Last May, we all watched in horror as we witnessed a video documenting the death of George Floyd. 1/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/dougducey/... 20, 2021
Accountability. Finally.
Now we keep working towards justice and major reform.
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/RepRubenGa... 20, 2021
While today’s verdict is a step forward in the fight for police accountability and may help heal a grieving community, the systems that allowed a police officer to murder Mr. Floyd, ripping him away from his family and the communities, remain fully intact. https://t.co/NOz71KH1Kc
— ACLU of Arizona (@ACLUaz) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/ACLUaz/sta... 20, 2021
All. Of. This. Those of us who sit in elected positions of power have a short window to do something that really matters. We have an obligation not to waste it. Let's do more than just lean into accountability, let's demand it and force it to happen. https://t.co/4bpzCFCWWK
— Sen. Martín Quezada (@SenQuezada29) April 20, 2021
Guilty on all 3 counts
Posted by Black Lives Matter Tucson on Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Our judicial system may not be perfect, but it was designed to seek justice. Today, justice was served.
— Paul Penzone (@Penzone4sheriff) April 20, 2021
There's no justice for George Floyd or others unjustly killed by police. He's gone forever. The verdict won't bring him back. His killer is guilty. The trial made it clear. We're also guilty if we allow history to repeat. True justice is prospective. #NeverAgain #BlackLivesMatter
— David Schapira (@dschapira) April 20, 2021
As a former police officer, I know how important it is that those who have sworn to protect and serve are held to the highest standards. Today, Derek Chauvin was held accountable by a jury of his peers. (1/2)
— Rep. Tom O'Halleran (@RepOHalleran) April 20, 2021
pic.twitter.com/9M6WhkR6Aw
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) April 20, 2021
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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