George Floyd civil legal team calls verdict in Derek Chauvin criminal trial “painfully earned justice for the Floyd family and community”

Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump, Antonio Romanucci, L. Chris Stewart, Justin Miller, Jeff Storms, other co-counsel, and the Floyd family shared their reaction to the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with Mr. Floyd’s death. The jury found Mr. Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, guilty of third-degree murder, and guilty of second-degree manslaughter charges in Floyd's death. 

The civil legal team, settled its legal action with Minneapolis for an historic $27 million in March, and had the following reactions to today’s criminal verdict:

 “Painfully earned justice has arrived for George Floyd’s family and the community here in Minneapolis, but today’s verdict goes far beyond this city and has significant implications for the country and even the world. Justice for Black America is justice for all of America. This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state. We thank Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and his team for their fierce dedication to justice for George. But it does not end here. We have not forgotten that the other three officers who played their own roles in the death of George Floyd must still be held accountable for their actions, as well,” said attorney Ben Crump. 

“Today’s verdict is so critical in that it not only holds Derek Chauvin accountable for his horrific actions, but it reinforces significant police reforms underway in Minneapolis including use-of-force reporting, a requirement to keep body-worn cameras on, and a policy for officers to de-escalate non-threatening encounters by disengaging or walking away. Now we call on Minnesota state lawmakers to pass The George Floyd Arbitration Reform Bill, and for the United States Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Furthermore, we challenge all Fortune 1000 CEOs in Minnesota to join us by matching the Floyd family’s $500,000 donation to businesses at 38th and Chicago where George was killed, to improve the lives of so many in that deserving community. With the family we are establishing the George Floyd Community Benevolence Fund and I encourage you to reach out to us directly to be our partners in that critical effort,” said attorney Antonio M. Romanucci.

“Today the world had its hope and faith restored in the American justice system.  All that people crave is accountability when an officer kills a Black American. For far too long that had never happened. Now George Floyd’s soul can finally rest in peace. Justice has been served,” said attorney L. Chris Stewart. 

“The impact of George Floyd’s death on Minneapolis is impossible to explain, but today’s verdict is an important step toward healing. The community here has struggled to create accountability for officers who have used excessive force over many years and too many lives and caused so much pain and suffering. This jury has sent a clear and direct message that this can never happen again,” said attorney Jeff Storms.