AUSTIN, TX — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the May 2020 death of George Floyd, which sparked nationwide protests and calls for police reform.
The jury deliberated for less than 12 hours before returning a verdict of guilty on all three charges.
Now, leaders across the country are responding to the verdict – including here in Austin, where last year the city council voted to redistribute millions from the Austin Police Department’s budget.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler issued the following statement shortly after the verdict was read:
“This prosecution and today’s verdict address the immediate need for justice and are symbols of the commitment communities like Austin have made to hold police officers accountable and to implement social justice and policing reforms to ensure the safety of and justice for all residents, especially those of color.
“Last summer’s social justice protests in Austin have led to a thoughtful and deliberative process locally aimed at re-imagining how we might achieve even greater levels of public safety for our city. I’m proud to be part of a city that is seriously addressing the hard issues and taking action consistent with what we see, are learning, and know to be right and just.”
“I’m shocked that he was convicted of all three. Never would have imagined that that would have happened. And overall, you know, I’m relieved. I’m relieved that the nation doesn’t have to burn tonight,” he said, adding, “And tonight and today, we saw a step in a direction of change in this country. So, I’m feeling a lot. But, but overall, I’m happy and I’m relieved that, that some form of justice was, was brought to the Black community and to the nation today.”
Moving forward, Moore said he hopes the verdict could spark change in police departments across the country.
“I really hope and I pray that this conviction sends a culture shock and a culture change to police departments around the country,” he said. “Today, that jury in Minneapolis let us know that this Black life does indeed matter, that Black lives matter. And when you impede upon that fact and when you impede upon that truth, you will be punished.”
APD Interim Chief Joseph Chacon tweeted that both the city and country can “collectively exhale and know that justice has been served” in the case of George Floyd.
“My hope for his family and our community is that it brings some sense of peace,” Chacon said. “I continue to pray for the Floyd family and all who’ve been impacted.”
Charley Wilkison, the executive director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), also sent KVUE a statement in response to the verdict:
“Police officers are citizens and they are judged by the citizens who employ them and pay their salaries. In the end, CLEAT is pleased with the results and pleased that justice has been done and pleased that the accused had their moment to put up a legitimate defense.”
“Real justice would be George Floyd being able to return to his daughter Gianna. Real justice would be never allowing this to happen again,” Casar said in part. “We cannot rest until Black people aren’t being killed over $20 like George Floyd, or for selling loose cigarettes like Eric Garner, or for having a mental health issue like David Joseph.”
“Today’s verdict in Minnesota cannot bring George Floyd back. It cannot undo the excruciating horror the world saw with its own eyes. It cannot make up for a long history of racial injustice or dismantle systemic racism in a moment. But today’s verdict brings a measure of accountability and, we hope, belief that the quest for racial justice in America – a quest the Texas AFL-CIO continues to pursue actively in our own house – is on track. The Texas AFL-CIO believes this trial – and George Floyd’s legacy – can mark a turning point that makes all of us better.”
Dr. Carla Brailey, the vice chair for the Texas Democratic Party, also responded to the verdict, saying in part:
“After nearly a year of grief, pain and outrage, in the wake of the senseless killing of George Floyd, we are left knowing that his killer will be held accountable. Nothing can bring back George Floyd, or erase the pain and loss his loved ones continue to suffer. But today’s verdict is a solace, small as it may be. We are seeing real change in our country.”
Prior to the verdict announcement, both APD and the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed they were monitoring events and would adjust operations as needed to maintain public safety should residents gather to protest.
“We will respond as needed in order to ensure people can assemble peacefully and safely,” APD said in part.
“While we do not discuss operational specifics, DPS will continue to adjust our operations as needed to maintain public order and address potential threats,” DPS said. “The department remains committed to proactively protecting the people and property of Texas.”
