Americans yesterday breathed a sigh of relief as Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes last May, was found guilty of murder and manslaughter.
Chauvin was charged with two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter in Floyd’s death. The former officer faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.
A video went viral of Floyd pleading for help as Chauvin knelt on him was seen around the world last year, igniting a wave of protests over police brutality in America.
Floyd died in May 2020 while he pleaded, “I can’t breathe.”
A host of celebrities, locally and internationally, celebrated the conviction on social media. ‘War Lord’ Bounty Killer chimed in with a reaction to the verdict, “At least America has stand up once and they will have to stand up very soon again for Dante Wright too it just never seem to stop” he captioned a post on Instagram. Spice took it to the streets in ATL to celebrate, as she believes the win was a start. While over on the international side, icon Mariah Carey tweeted “Hallelujah!!!!!!” while actress Keke Palmer said “PRAISE GOD!!!!! GUILTY!!!!. Former US President Barrack Obama released a statement on Twitter which says, “Today a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice the George and so many others have been denied.”
Derek Chauvin is now in jail awaiting sentencing, which will be in 8 weeks.