State officials, lawmakers, law enforcement react to Chauvin verdict

Local leaders and lawmakers shared their reactions to the Derek Chauvin verdict, where he was found guilty on all counts in the death of George Floyd.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Local leaders and lawmakers shared their reactions to the Derek Chauvin verdict, where he was found guilty on all counts in the death of George Floyd.

In a joint statement, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos said:

“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. 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.”

“Although 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. We have a lot of work to do in changing the ways police interact with those they are sworn to protect.”

“The jury has 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. 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.”

“Derek Chauvin’s actions were inexcusable. While the vast majority of police officers serve their communities honorably, officers who fail in this responsibility breed suspicion and distrust among those they are sworn to ‘protect and serve.’ Chauvin, and any other member of law enforcement, must be held accountable for their behavior when they violate the public trust.

“Our nation is still in the early stages of reckoning with the legacy of racism and bigotry still present across the country. It is my hope that today’s decision is a step toward justice and healing for all Americans.

“I am happy that justice was served.  Reform of the Law Enforcement Bill of Rights is a priority of many members of the House.  Several different bills have been heard recently by the House Judiciary Committee and they will go through the normal legislative process.”

“But as the countless, tragic events that took place at the hands of law enforcement before and after George Floyd’s death make clear, there is much to do to correct, reform and reimagine the way law enforcement officers are trained, and how they and their departments are held accountable for their actions.

“Massachusetts enacted one of the most comprehensive police training, transparency and accountability laws in the country at the end of last year. We owe it to all those whose lives have been lost to do all we can to successfully implement that law, and sustain its aspirations far into the future.”

Senator Jack Reed wrote in a statement:

“I think every American was rightfully angered by that video of George Floyd being brutally, unjustly killed by someone who was supposed to uphold the law and instead grossly abused their power.  This was a just, unanimous verdict reached by a jury that carefully examined the evidence, followed the law, and reached its own conclusion.  Nothing can bring George Floyd back, but we as a nation must move forward together.  There is more work to be done.”

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha wrote:

“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. 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. That has now happened with today’s verdict. I congratulate Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and his team, and applaud their strong work in prosecuting this ongoing case.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse shared his statement:

“The images of George Floyd’s death shocked our collective conscience, and the case against Mr. Chauvin was overwhelming.  This is the right decision.

“Today’s verdict is only a first step toward full justice for George Floyd.  We have much work to do to deliver on our Constitution’s promise of equal protection under law.  I hope this trial opens a path for people of good will in law enforcement and Black and Brown communities to reach agreement on lasting reform.”

Rhode Island Police Chief Association Executive Director Sid Wordell and President Richard Ramsay provided a joint statement:

“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.

“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 systematic racism that has plagued our nation for too long.”