'Justice Was Served': RI Leaders On Chauvin Conviction

PROVIDENCE, RI — "Justice was served."

That was the overall message shared by Rhode Island lawmakers and leaders Tuesday evening following the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on three charges related to the death of George Floyd last year. The jury found Chauvin guilty on all counts: third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder.

Chauvin, who is white, 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 protestations that he could not breathe. Floyd's death sparked nationwide protests demanding racial justice and police reform.

Chauvin's bail was revoked and he was released to the county sheriff. He is set to be sentenced in eight weeks.

The Rhode Island Police Chief's Association praised the verdict Tuesday evening, saying that "justice was served this afternoon in a Minneapolis courtroom when a jury rightly convicted Derek Chauvin for murdering George Floyd nearly a year ago."

"Our thoughts are with the Floyd family. The verdict is a sign that there is accountability for those who take the life of another, and an affirmation that Black Lives Matter," the statement continued. "On behalf of every police chief in Rhode Island, we wish to reiterate that we stand with Black Americans today and every day. Every decent man and woman who wears a badge is committed to doing the essential work of ensuring equity in policing and confronting systemic racism that has plagued our nation for too long."

"While today’s verdict will never bring back George Floyd, whose life was tragically taken, it reaffirms a fundamental tenant of our country — that no one is above the law," read a joint statement from Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos. "Our thoughts are with the Floyd family and the people of Minnesota. Justice was served today, but we have a lot of work to do to put a stop to police brutality, root out systemic racism, and build a more equitable state and nation."

Congressman David Cicilline echoed the governor's sentiment, saying that although "justice was served ... there is nothing that can ever fully heal the pain felt by the Floyd family today."

"I hope that today’s verdict brings some measure of relief," Cicilline continued. "We have a lot of work to do in changing the ways police interact with those they are sworn to protect."

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha applauded the work of his Minnesota counterpart, saying Keith Ellison and his team did "strong work in prosecuting this ongoing case."

"The killing of George Floyd by police last summer was a heartbreaking loss for his family and resulted in pain and anger across the nation," Neronha said. "The ensuing conversations and protests concerning our criminal justice system were raw and necessary, as we begin to address flaws in and reforms to that system. At the same time, the criminal justice system as it presently exists needed to deliver justice for Mr. Floyd and his family."

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said the verdict "confirmed what millions had witnessed — the cold-blooded murder of George Floyd by a police officer who was sworn to protect him."

"While I hope this verdict gives the Floyd family some peace, justice will not bring George back," Elorza said. "We cannot rest until we address the centuries of racial injustices and social inequities that brought us to this moment. Tonight, we will again mourn the loss of George Floyd and so many others and tomorrow we will recommit to this work so that we do not lose another person to racial violence."

More on the verdict from Patch.