The verdict was finally handed down in the trial of Derek Chauvin after the slaying of George Floyd under his knee. The trial was unique in that most police-involved homicides involve officers claiming they were threatened. Chauvin couldn't use that because Floyd was handcuffed, on the ground, and under several other officers holding him down.
What typically takes a long time is that there are a few opponents that battle it out with other members of the jury. In this case, it took a little over a day, 11 hours, to reach a verdict, which seems quicker than most.
Chauvin was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, carrying with it up to 40 years in prison, third-degree murder, which carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison, and second-degree manslaughter which has a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. He was found guilty on all charges
Folks were quick to respond to the shocking news. You can see their comments below:
.@repcleaver leading CBC members in prayer after the Derek Chauvin verdict was announced. https://t.co/oJYdf00BOD— Ben Siegel (@Ben Siegel) 1618954338.0
#Verdict reached. I spoke w #GeorgeFloyd’s brother Philonise. He hadn’t heard a verdict was reached in… https://t.co/GFjGiOFk5V— Sara Sidner (@Sara Sidner) 1618948785.0
If Chauvin is found guilty will law enforcement get the message? I hope so but I'm also very doubtful.— Wajahat "Fasting" Ali (@Wajahat "Fasting" Ali) 1618950574.0
With a guilty verdict, this jury will deliver the kind of “send a message” wake-up call for policing that America needs.— Katie S. Phang (@Katie S. Phang) 1618950454.0
Our hope is that this verdict will be a small step towards accountability. But that’s just about accountability, no… https://t.co/szZ3vp6xb9— Cori Bush (@Cori Bush) 1618950562.0
Even if he’s guilty, there’s nothing to celebrate.— Kazeem Famuyide 🍎 (@Kazeem Famuyide 🍎) 1618950474.0
#Verdict, Most people think it's over after this but it's not. Qualified Immunity needs to go for cops who commit c… https://t.co/NL8W86E0FG— Keith Grant (@Keith Grant) 1618948645.0
#Verdict: I feel like throwing up. It's what happens when you watch a man get murdered on camera by a cop and you s… https://t.co/O37OxS5NGj— Dennis Perkins (@Dennis Perkins) 1618948010.0
Remember them all . . . George Floyd Daunte Wright Adam Toledo Elijah McClain Ahmoud Arbery Rayshard Brooks… https://t.co/8MfngOcKcD— Steve Rustad (@Steve Rustad) 1618949449.0
Almost time I get to break out this maybe and get "those people" all fired up. #Verdict https://t.co/1SerXjhLyF— #JayceeHorn2NE (@#JayceeHorn2NE) 1618949149.0
Feeling all kinds of uneasy about this verdict dropping, but sadly, it’s become a normal feeling for black men and… https://t.co/2fvkmnSr2a— W. Andre Reynolds (@W. Andre Reynolds) 1618948517.0
Praying for all my friends and the great people in Minneapolis #verdict— Cris Carter (@Cris Carter) 1618949923.0
No matter what happened with the #verdict I want all of y’all to stay safe and take care of yourselves ok?— I wish it were 2014 (@I wish it were 2014) 1618949113.0
To my beautiful black friends. Whatever the #verdict I stand with you today, tomorrow and always #GeorgeFloyd— Queen A (@Queen A) 1618949594.0
My heart is pounding so hard. Please Lord, let this be the day we take a step in the right direction. #verdict #chauvintrial— Erika (@Erika) 1618949304.0
GUILTY ON ALL THREE CHARGES!!! https://t.co/Xdfs2j6tou— Jon Cooper 🇺🇸 (@Jon Cooper 🇺🇸) 1618952974.0
Derek Chauvin may be guilty of all charges in the death of George Floyd, but it goes without saying: It shouldn't… https://t.co/ewO7QwU8JX— Jenna Amatulli (@Jenna Amatulli) 1618952976.0
Chauvin’s face while guilty verdicts were read. https://t.co/aGId5mMs24 https://t.co/Mxh6qKPLZR— Katy Tur (@Katy Tur) 1618952976.0
Jeanine Pirro on Fox News: "Make no mistake, the facts are solid on this verdict. This verdict will be upheld on appeal."— Michael M. Grynbaum (@Michael M. Grynbaum) 1618953213.0
NYT: Derek Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced in the coming weeks but is likely to receive… https://t.co/cSMjMQI9Px— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche Alcindor) 1618953054.0
Rest in power, Mr. Floyd— Ron Fournier (@Ron Fournier) 1618953250.0
There is loud honking and cheers on the street outside the govt center— Holly Bailey (@Holly Bailey) 1618953227.0
Let's also mourn -- again -- for the brutal and senseless loss of #GeorgeFloyd.— howardfineman (@howardfineman) 1618953206.0
Years or pain. Years of suffering. Years of hard work. Years of organizing. Just to have this small moment of just… https://t.co/FzE707jL3i— Pete Haviland-Eduah (@Pete Haviland-Eduah) 1618953150.0
