After jurors came back with a murder conviction and two other guilty verdicts filed against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin for his role in the death of George Floyd, supporters of Floyd across the nation expressed their happiness and relief over what many believe was a just outcome. Chauvin is being held without bond until his sentencing and faces up to 40 years in prison for causing the death of Floyd by kneeling on his neck.
Florida Democrats, including many state and federal legislators, expressed their thoughts on the verdict on social media.
State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith —Can’t begin to imagine what this #GUILTY verdict must feel like for Black Americans. There are no words. But I will, in this moment, re-commit myself to the actions necessary to dismantle systems of racism, end injustice + build a world #GeorgeFloyd would be proud of.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani —Verdict: Guilty on ALL three counts. We will never be able to bring #GeorgeFloyd back, but justice has been served and accountability matters. His name will forever be a rallying cry for ending police brutality & for #BlackLivesMatter Sending love to the Floyd family tonight.
State Senator Shevrin Jones —The emotion, as a young Black man in this country, to have justice prevail in the Chauvin murder trial that has captivated the world’s attention is indescribable. While millions of people breathe a sigh of relief for this accountability, there is still so much work to be done.
State Rep. Omari Hardy —This is justice, but it is not the justice we've been marching for. It's justice in the thinnest sense of the word. We are relieved to have it, but we deserve more. We deserve the kind of justice that would have George Floyd and countless others alive & with their families today.
State Senator Jason Pizzo (pictured) —Guilty on all counts. Take tonight to speak with your children, your family and friends. The Criminal Justice system can deliver Justice. Peace be with all of us.
U.S. Rep. Darren Soto —No family should ever have to go through the pain that #GeorgeFloyd’s family experienced. Yet, in America, too many lives have been taken due to unlawful police violence. While this verdict is a start, we must continue pushing to pass the #JusticeInPolicingAct
U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch —Justice feels like an enormous step forward today. But justice is what we should expect every day in America. There is so much for us to do.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor —George Floyd should still be alive. Today’s ruling provides accountability for his wrongful death. I hope it brings his family and loved ones some peace. It’s past time to seek justice for ALL of our neighbors… the ability to live without fear of dying at the hands of police.
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel —The verdict finding Derek Chauvin guilty of murder brought tears of joy and hope to millions of Americans who witnessed with their own eyes the homicide of George Floyd.
U.S. Rep. Val Demings — Today's verdict signals that we can be the America we are supposed to be. I hope that the Senate sees today as a springboard to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. We deserve it, good law enforcement officers deserve it, America deserves it
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz — Finally, a clearly guilty police officer was served justice. Yet with police brutality cases against people of color, accountability can remain frustratingly elusive. Chauvin’s conviction brings relief, but justice is still erratic.
