Jury Finds Derek Chauvin Guilty On All Counts, WI Reacts

WISCONSIN— A verdict has been reached in the murder trial against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. A Hennepin County jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts, including both third and second-degree murder in the Memorial Day 2020 death of George Floyd.

Chauvin was also convicted of second-degree manslaughter.

The verdict — which was reached in about 10 hours — was read Tuesday afternoon.

Wisconsin reacts

The Milwaukee Bucks released a statement on the verdict on Tuesday afternoon.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul tweeted a comment:

No jury verdict can bring Mr. Floyd back. Nor does this verdict mean that we don’t need to reform our criminal justice system. pic.twitter.com/XvEg3kZ0IU

— Attorney General Josh Kaul (@WisDOJ) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/WisDOJ/sta... 20, 2021

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said:

" It’s truly amazing how the idea of justice can be cause for celebration. We shouldn’t have to take “victories” when we can get them. We shouldn’t have had to go through this in the first place. Nevertheless, I hope this verdict ushers in a new era. We all deserve better. For starters, we need more prosecutors who won’t be afraid to bring charges."

Rep. Gwen Moore released the following statement:

"The world watched George Floyd's final moments and refused to look away. Communities around the country and the world demanded change. My heart continues to go out to the Floyd family, and I hope that jury's decision today gives them some comfort. But the pursuit of justice and real reform to restore trust between communities and police must continue. No more Black men or women must lose their lives.

In my 70 years of life, I have seen justice denied too many times. I realized I had to use my voice, my power, to create change in Milwaukee. I was once a young activist who cut classes to join Vel Phillips and Father Groppi in the streets to call for fair housing in Milwaukee. I remember protesting with my son after the killing of ErnestLacy and then years later, calling for change afterDontre Hamilton's death. Systemic change takes consistent time, effort, and organizing. Our work is far from over, we must continue fighting for change outside of that courtroom to improve our communities."

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today released the following statement after former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty for murdering George Floyd:

“George Floyd pleaded for his life and it’s clear to me that police officer Derek Chauvin used excessive force and took it away. Justice has been rightly served and he will be held accountable for this murder. Far too many Black lives have been taken by police and change is long overdue. This must strengthen our resolve to take action and pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to help stop systemic racism and bias in policing and start saving lives.”

Wisconsin Rep. Robyn Vining shared the following message on social media:

"My heart is with George Floyd’s family and loved ones in the wake of this verdict. We must continue working to address systemic racism in all forms."

New Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said:

"As an officer of the law, I believe that today justice has prevailed. We hear you; this moment matters. [MPD] is prepared to stand in solidarity with our community as we grieve and process the events of May 25th, 2020."

Ben Wikler, Chair, Democratic Party of Wisconsin:

"Nothing brings George Floyd back. Addressing the raw injustice of the system that led to his death—and the deaths—of so many others remains. Today, the jurors honored their duty as citizens and chose accountability under law. Let us honor our duty too, and carry forward the work."

Marches to be held

The People's Revolution of Milwaukee is holding Verdict Day: Demand Justice for George Floyd! at 920 N Water Street. People are asked to gather at Dontre Hamilton Park (Red Arrow Park) at 5:30 p.m., rally starts at 6 p.m. The march will begin at 6 p.m.

"We will be gathering to respond to the verdict in Derek Chauvin's trial. Even if Chauvin is convicted, there is still nothing to stop killer cops from going out and committing more crimes. We must demand substantial change. We need to defund and control the police," the post said.

Rally at Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St. Demonstrators asked to gather at 5:30 p.m. Rally will begin at 6 p.m. Organized by Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression.

"Kneel for Nine" event: Demonstrators will kneel for nine minutes at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of North Hawley Road and West Vliet Street.

This story is developing.