By Aaron Miller-
Derek Chauvin has been convicted of murder after kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes until he died, in a landmark trial heralded as a turning point for police accountability in the US.
The former veteran police officer, who was on trial for second-degree murder, and third-degree murder, showed little emotion as the verdict was read out in the courtroom in downtown Minneapolis. His sentence will be determined in eight weeks.
The verdict came after 11 hours of deliberations from an ethnically diverse panel of jurors ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s.
Footage of Mr Floyd’s death sparked mass protests fuelled by the “Black Lives Matter” movement, Protesters across the nation demandED for more accountability for police killings.
The US President is due to address the nation in the wake of this verdict. Biden and Kamala Harris called the Floyd family after the verdict.
Keith Ellison, the Minnesota Attorney General says that today’s verdict does not mean that justice has been served.
“Justice implies true restoration,” he said.
“But it is accountability which is the first step towards justice.
“George Floyd mattered. He was loved by his family and friends. He mattered because he was a human being.”
Chauvin who is to be sentenced in 8 weeks, faces a maximum sentence for second-degree murder is 40 years in prison, but Minnesota sentencing guidelines suggest he’s more likely to receive up to 15 years.
Court TV via ABC News
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin listens to verdict
George Floyd’s family celebrates verdict in tears
Outside Cup Foods store, the site where Mr Floyd was killed, people threw $20 and other denomination bills, in reference to the counterfeit money Mr Floyd had been arrested for trying to use.
“GUILTY! Painfully earned justice has finally arrived for George Floyd’s family.
“This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement.
“Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!
“It does not end here. We still have work to do!
“We must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to hold police accountable and prevent unjustified killings of marginalised people of colour.”