Tuesday’s guilty verdict to all three counts against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd drew swift reactions around the Bay Area.
“This verdict does not bring back the life of George Floyd,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “What this verdict does reflect is that the tide is turning in this country, although still too slowly, toward accountability and justice.”
Chauvin was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than 9 minutes on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis.
“Though nothing can bring back George Floyd, I hope that today’s guilty verdict can bring his family and friends some peace,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Napa. “And I hope that this measure of accountability for his tragic death can help our nation heal.”
“I feel that justice is being served,” Bishop Bob Jackson, pastor of Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland said. “I feel like it was right. He (Chauvin) was guilty of murder.”
“I’m stunned,” said Cat Brooks, co-founder of the Anti Police Terror Project, which has sought reform for years in the way police treat people of color. “A little in shock,” she said.
Brooks said the case does not signify a turning point in race relations in the U.S. but “it signifies progress.”
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said more needs to be done.
“Let us all be in conversation about what’s next,” Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said. “We still have a lot of justice work tomorrow.”
