April 20, 2021

Leaders and Organizations React to the Derek Chauvin Guilty Verdict

By Shannon Royster | WJCL | April 20, 2021

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Several leaders and organizations responded to the Derek Chauvin guilty verdict. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson wrote on his Facebook page, "Today was not about justice, it was about accountability, which is the first step to justice, he said. While today's verdict does not bring #GeorgeFloyd back to life, it holds people accountable that break the law while wearing the uniform and badge of a law enforcement agency."
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott released this statement: "George Floyd died because Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck and stopped him from breathing for more than nine minutes. There is no question in my mind that the jury reached the right verdict," said Senator Scott. "While this outcome should give us renewed confidence in the integrity of our justice system, we know there is more work to be done to ensure the bad apples do not define all officers - the vast majority of whom put on the uniform each day with integrity and servant hearts. we must all come together to help repair the tenuous relationship between law enforcement and Black and minority Americans. To deny the progress we've made is just as damaging as not making progress at all. I urge people across this nation to peacefully make their voices heard and engage in conversations that will continue to move us toward a more just America. I believe in the goodness of our country; we can and will do better."
The ACLU of Georgia issued a statement: "Across the state of Georgia people stood up and demanded justice for George Floyd, said executive director Andrea Young. This verdict is an affirmation that democracy can be made to work. The impact of Mr. Floyd will be felt across our state in the new elected officials who were inspired to run on platforms of police and criminal justice system reform and the voters who marched from the streets to the voting booth and supported policy reform."
The NFL tweeted a message in response to the verdict saying, "Today's outcome in the Derek Chauvin trial in Minneapolis does not undo the loss of life. Mr. George Floyd should be here with us today. Our hearts remain with the Floyd family, and we understand the pain, anger and frustration does not go away even when justice is delivered. Importantly, even as we identify reasons for hope, we must continue to help move our society toward a more equal and just tomorrow. We are proud to partner with NFL players and clubs and remain committed to do the important work needed to make positive change in our society."