News

Lawmakers react to guilty verdict in Chauvin murder trial: ‘Our work is far from done’

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took to social media to share their thoughts after a verdict was reached in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin.

Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd.

Many politicos expressed approval over the trial outcome, and noted its influence on helping to hold law enforcement accountable.

Many acknowledged that despite a guilty verdict, the issues of the United States’ “deeply broken” justice system still exist.

Several senators and representatives called for the passage of the Justice In Policing Act, a sweeping police reform act passed by the House in March.

GOP Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) applauded the jury’s verdict, but shared messages that were more supportive of the justice system.

Former President Obama weighed in with words of condolence to the Floyd family.

 

Some legislators simply issued statements of mourning or hope.

The conclusion of Chauvin’s trial comes almost a year after Floyd died in Minneapolis last may. The other officers involved in the incident will be tried separately later this year.