Jersey City Officials React To Chauvin Trial Guilty Verdict

JERSEY CITY, NJ —A jury found ex-police officer Derek Chauvin guilty in the murder of George Floyd.

Chauvin, a white former police officer, 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.

Chauvin was found guilty on all counts, including both third and second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin faces a max of 75 years in prison under Minnesota law. Sentencing for Chauvin will happen in a few weeks.

Jersey City officials, legislators and activists spoke out about the verdict as soon as it was released. Assemblywoman Angela McKnight tweeted in celebration "This is what justice looks like. Thank you GOD!"

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop made a statement celebrating the verdict:

"Today justice was served by the jury in the Derek Chauvin trial returning a verdict of guilty on all three counts. The sadness and loss that George Floyd’s family and friends feel will unfortunately never totally go away. That sadness is shared throughout our country and here in Jersey City.This verdict also serves as proof that there is still justice and accountability in our country, and I am hopeful that it can be a starting point for bringing more meaningful reforms nationally and locally so that we will no longer be hearing name after name of black lives that were taken too soon by law enforcement that swore to protect them."

Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman told Patch that the verdict was a bittersweet moment for Black America — while the Floyd family will have justice for their loved one, "Another family will have their father taken from them." For Jersey City residents, Watterman said the verdict brings "A hope that when police officers cross a line they have to be held accountable."

Councilman At-Large Rolando Lavarro Jr. told Patch he was deeply relieved after hearing the verdict. "Countless people across the country and throughout the world are breathing a sign of relief, including me," Lavarro said. He added that while the verdict doesn't bring Floyd back or address the countless Black and brown people who have died at the hands of police, "For one moment in time we see justice."

On the ground throughout the city, Lavarro said he hopes activists and people fighting for police accountability and reform see the verdict as a glimmer of hope. "This verdict, what is shows is that it's possible to get justice."

Councilman James Solomon of Ward E said there was more work to be done following the verdict:

"George Floyd should still be alive today. The jury's verdict convicting his murderer does not change that. It does, however, deliver justice and a small piece of mind to his family. It affirms the fact that his life mattered.

The hard work lies ahead of us. We must strive to dismantle systemic racism and reform our justice system here in Jersey City. We must hold members of law enforcement accountable for police violence. We must affirm, through action, that black lives matter. There is much more work to do."

The County Prosecutors Association called the verdict justice for millions of Americans of color:

“Today, the jury delivered justice not only for the family and loved ones of George Floyd, but for the millions of Americans of color who for decades have experienced a different reality of uneven treatment by law enforcement. What we witnessed in Minneapolis last May was not policing, but was murder and an absolute abdication of the values of protecting and serving. With this verdict, our country can begin the long and complex process of healing, which we know will also involve continued dialogue between communities and law enforcement, as well as ongoing police reform, increased transparency, and accountability. We thank the Jury for their service.”

Black Men United, a Jersey City advocacy organization, tweeted "Our justice is in our liberation, anything else is an endorsement of our oppression."

Patch is awaiting comment from the mayor's office and the rest of the city council and assembly-people.