'Justice Prevails': Montco Leaders React To Chauvin Verdict

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Leaders from around Montgomery County on both sides of the aisle expressed support for the Tuesday conviction of Derek Chauvin in George Floyd's killing.

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

"What happened to George Floyd was tragic and wrong," shared State Rep. Melissa Shusterman. "This verdict brings accountability but will not bring George Floyd and the others who lost their lives via police violence back into their family’s arms."

Chauvin has yet to be sentenced, and that will not likely take place for weeks. He faces anywhere from a few years to decades behind bars.

"This is what accountability looks like," State Sen. Katie Muth wrote. "Justice prevails in this case, but there’s more work to be done to implement long overdue real systemic change."

Local support for the verdict was bipartisan.

"While no verdict can bring George Floyd back, today’s verdict reminds us all that nobody is above the law, everyone must be held accountable for their actions & everyone deserves equal protection under the law," State Rep. Todd Stephens said. "We must continue to demand these three ideals in our criminal justice system."

"Yesterday’s announced guilty verdict in the killing of George Floyd – and the emotional responses it elicited throughout the country – is a moment we will never forget," State Rep. Joe Ciresi said, quoting Rep. Jordan Harris, who wrote that "what should be an expectation for most is a surprise for oppressed and marginalized people."

Only four police officers have ever been charged in Minnesota for murder, reports the Star Tribune. Three of those four cases occurred in the last five years.