San Diego Officials React To Guilty Verdict In Chauvin Trial

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego-area elected officials and local leaders reacted to Tuesday's conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd, with many saying the verdict represented a positive step toward addressing racial inequities and accountability in policing, though much work remains to be done.

"The jury has rightly called this case what it was: murder," San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. "Derek Chauvin's actions were an abuse of power and a disservice to the men and women who nobly protect and serve our communities -- and now, he will be held accountable.

"Today, millions of Americans know that their cries for justice were heard," he said. "In the same way people across the country rallied to speak up for George Floyd, it is my hope we will take up the important work that remains to address the systemic wrongs against Black people in this country and come together to heal. I encourage all San Diegans to honor George Floyd's memory peacefully."

Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego, and Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, said the verdict addressed a growing need for accountability in law enforcement. They urged passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would set a series of national standards on policing, including banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants, and requiring de-escalation techniques before use of deadly force.

"True justice would mean George Floyd returning home to his daughter," Jacobs said. "Today's guilty verdict is one step in the long march toward equality."

Levin said, "Justice has prevailed. Derek Chauvin will be held responsible for his actions, but that doesn't change the fact that George Floyd should be alive today. We must do more to improve policing & hold law enforcement accountable."

Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, said the verdict "marks a defining moment in our nation's history" and "delivered accountability." Peters said, however, that work "to pursue a more fair and equitable America does not stop today. We as individuals, communities, and institutions must do more to change our systems, so they ensure justice, safety, and opportunity for all."

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, D-San Diego, said "systemic racism is the real root of the problem. We have to continue that change from within, accept the reality of what has been happening, and chart a course for change. If we don't start with that -- even as we work to implement laws, policies, guidelines, and measures to ensure progress -- it either won't have a lasting impact or won't happen at all."

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said, "In the wake of this gut-wrenching murder, San Diego County has enacted several reforms and we are committed to boldly continuing on this path. The jury system is the cornerstone of our democracy and today it delivered a just verdict that I hope will provide a measure of comfort to George Floyd's family, and help us move forward as a nation toward justice for all."

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said that while "justice was served today in Minnesota," there remains a "serious problem of systemic racism and perpetual violence against communities of color across our nation."

"The work to fundamentally deliver justice and fairness for communities of color must continue," Fletcher said.

County Supervisor Nora Vargas said Floyd's death was representative of "an inequity in how justice is dispensed and denied to people of color."

"George Floyd did not deserve to die, and his killer acted of his own volition in playing judge, jury and executioner," Vargas said. "The verdict, in this case, will not heal the loss George Floyd's family and community must live with. We continue to be reminded almost daily through the various injustices in the news and the various stories that don't make the news, that we have a long way to go as a country to dismantle the institutions that have unfairly and discriminately been used against communities of color, particularly our Black communities."

Akilah Weber, who was recently elected to represent the 79th Assembly District, said, "The jury handed down the right verdicts today. Accountability is the first step to achieving justice. There is still much work that needs to be done."

San Diego City Councilman Stephen Whitburn said, "While a measure of justice was served in Minneapolis today, our work to gain the confidence of our communities is just beginning."

Local activist the Rev. Shane Harris called the verdict "a major mark in the path toward reimagining policing in America. However, it is only a mark and we must acknowledge that. The reality is that there is a Derek Chauvin in a police department near you and the question is whether our local, state and federal governments will step up to protect the next George Floyd from being killed in our country."

— City News Service