Chauvin Guilty, Easing Fears Of Protests In MA, Boston

MASSACHUSETTS — A jury in Minnesota convicted a former Minneapolis police officer on all charges stemming from the death of George Floyd last year. The verdict eased fears that protesters would take to the streets in dozens of U.S. cities, including Boston.

Derek Chauvin, who is white, was charged in the death of George 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 was tried on third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder charges in Floyd's death. Chauvin was taken into custody immediately after the verdict was read just after 5 p.m. local time.

Reaction to the verdict came swift from local, state and federal officials consistently along the theme of recognizing that while no verdict can undo a tragic action, there is some assurance in newfound accountability.

"Make no mistake —true justice would look like George still here us with us right now," U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, of Salem, said in a statement, "but today's verdict is proof that police officers are not above the law, and equally important, that Black lives matter."

More on the verdict from Patch.

Latest updates (5:10 p.m.):

• The jury in the trial of Minneapolis police officer found Derek Chauvin guilty Tuesday afternoon.
• Massachusetts State Police and other law enforcement agencies had been preparing for protests and rallies in Boston and other parts of the state following the verdict.
• Boston officials are being criticized for releasing records detailing sex abuse accusations against former Boston police officer Patrick M. Rose Sr. minutes after the Associated Press reported the jury had reached a verdict.

The verdict — which was reached in about 10 hours — comes after nearly three weeks of testimony from more than 45 witnesses.

Massachusetts officials had been preparing for widespread protests if Chauvin was acquitted.
"We’ve had lots of conversations over the course of the past several days with our colleagues about this," Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters outside the State House Tuesday afternoon. "We’ll continue to monitor of channels that we historically monitor around this stuff."

Law Enforcement On Alert In Boston

Earlier on Tuesday Boston Mayor Kim Janey said she has been working with law enforcement officials to prepare for possible protests and civil unrest.

"I would certainly encourage everyone regardless of what the verdict is to stay engaged in the work," Janey told reporters. "Even if justice is served in this case, it does not mean the work is over. It is important that we continue to move forward with the racial justice agenda here in Boston.

Timing Of Document Release Questioned

Within minutes after the Associated Press reported the jury had reached a verdict, Janey's administration released records showing former Boston police officer Patrick M. Rose kept his job for 25 years after former Boston Police Commissioner Paul F. Evans was first told Rose had likely sexually abused a child. Rose, according to the Boston Globe, which first reported on the release of the documents, was allowed to stay on the job with the help of pressure from his union.

The documents show Rose went on to abuse five more children after Evans was told about the allegations. Janey's decision to release the internal affairs investigation reverse the position of her predecessor, Marty Walsh.

But the timing of the release drew immediate criticism on social media.

Rose's "alleged behavior is disgusting, and the apparent lack of leadership shown by the department at the time is extremely troubling. This culture of secrecy cannot be tolerated," Janey said in a statement as the documents dating back to the 1990s were released. "When members of law enforcement violate their sacred duty to protect and serve the community, we have no choice but to expose their misconduct and attempt to rebuild trust."

State Police Prepare For Protests

Massachusetts State Police said they were working with other law enforcement agencies on a "multi-layered, scalable plan to protect people’s safety, property, and rights of assembly and free speech."

Police will "adjust operations as necessary to ensure that all citizens may exercise their Constitutionally-protected rights in a safe and secure manner, and stand ready to assist our local law enforcement partners throughout the state," State Police said in a statement.

More coverage on Patch:

• Jury Finds Derek Chauvin Guilty On All Counts
• President Biden On Chauvin Trial: Praying For 'Right Verdict'
• Read The Jury Instructions Given In The Derek Chauvin Trial