'Guilty!' LI Reacts To Verdict In George Floyd Death

LONG ISLAND, NY — Many on Long Island breathed a collective sigh of relief Tuesday as Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty on all three counts in the murder of George Floyd.

During the trial, the world watched Chauvin, his actions documented on video, press his knee on Floyd's neck as Floyd called out "I can't breathe!" and "Mama!" before he died — the event sparked large protests across Long Island and the nation.

Chauvin, 45, was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death on Memorial Day 2020.

After the verdict was read, Chauvin was immediately taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs; Chauvin's bail was revoked and he was taken into custody before his sentencing in eight weeks.

Across Long Island, residents, many of whom participated in large and anguished but largely peaceful "Black Lives Matter" rallies in the weeks and months after Floyd's death, reacted with emotion to the news.

"Justice has finally been served!" Willie Jenkins, who organized many of the rallies, said. "It's putting my faith back in the justice system and lifting my hopes that America is on the right road to equality and fairness for all people. Black Lives Matter! Say his name!"

Leon Goodman, who walked 137 silent miles from New York to Montauk to protest police brutality said his mission had not been in vain: "Guilty! Guilty! Guilty! Black Lives Matter!"

Added Angela Drinkwater of Greenport: "Little children of color can now rest assured that the world is changing and their lives do matter."

Across Long Island after Floyd died, thousands of people, Black and White, young and old, waving signs that read "Black Lives Matter," "Justice for Floyd," "Silence = Violence" and "Be the Change" crowded streets during protests.

The groups marched, chanting "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" and "Black Lives Matter."

Bridget LeRoy of Moriches, who was traveling when the news broke, said the news was celebrated in Costa Rica. "I’m here with my 80-something-year-old parents and there are tears of joy all around. Even the sky over Costa Rica started crying!" she said.

Celia Marszal Iannelli echoed the words of many: "Justice was served," she said. "This murder was televised. How many others have gotten away with abuse? It's a start."

And, said Liz Duerschmidt, formerly of Westhampton Beach and who now lives in Rocky Point: "A heavy weight has been lifted off of the chest of humanity."

Donna Zurek-Goldense of Southold said the verdict meant things are starting to change. "No one is above the law, including those who are supposed to uphold it. Justice prevailed today."

Linda Howard-Kloepfer of Westhampton Beach said she was "so incredibly relieved."

Floyd's death triggered a call for police reform: In New York, police departments and municipalities were told to create those plans for change or forfeit state funding.

Jennifer Eager of Riverhead added that change needs to continue: "It's so incredibly sad that I have spent all day in a state of anxiety and dread, assuming he would be only found guilty on the least serious charge. This is how sick our nation is, that we could all watch a man be brutally murdered by cops and have no faith he would pay any real price. I am crying for George, his family, and all the innocents police have murdered. I am disgusted by anyone who doesn't think this is a real and true problem. The system is broken and needs to be fixed."

Some said the system was long broken.

"Not once in nine-and-a-half minutes did Chauvin ever expect to be held accountable. The officers who stood by without intervening are proof that this system cannot be reformed," Kim Curran of Mastic Beach said.

Others said voices needed to continue to be raised.

"This is a moment in time, and a moment for all allies of Black and Brown citizens to rejoice," said Aimee LoMonaco of Hampton Bays. "It’s no cause for celebration but a validation that accountability begins now. We as the majority have an obligation to be a loud voice in the room to see something and say something for those whose voices haven’t been heard for centuries."

Gwen Groocock of Cutchogue said there are statistics of "people shot and killed by police in the United States every year, broken down by sex, race, and location. Reporting on actual statistics, however, might not be well received in the current atmosphere. Best save facts for a less emotional day. As for this particular case, justice was served. Any reasonable person could watch that video and understand that it was murder."

Lisette Coly of Greenport said simply: "Thank God. Perhaps there is hope for change."

"Finally, a breath of social justice for a nation that has been waiting to exhale," said Georgette Keller of South Jamesport.

Jeffrey Reynolds of Garden City said he prayed the verdict "provided some solace to parents and caregivers who often struggle to find the right words as they look into the eyes of their frightened Black and Brown children. May this moment be a turning point, not only for communities of Color, but for our entire nation as we bend that long arc of social justice with equal parts compassion and resolve."