Barack Obama and Michelle Celebrate Verdict in George Floyd's Trial
- The Obamas released a joint statement minutes after Derek Chauvin's verdict noting that justice had been served
- The former president noted people had to come to terms with the fact that black people are treated differently, and true justice was more than the single guilty verdict
- They sent their prayers to the Floyd family and hoped that other families would also be able to get justice
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Former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have reacted to the news of Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all three counts in the killing of George Floyd.
Source: Getty Images
In a joint statement released a few minutes after the verdict, the duo noted that the "jury in Minneapolis did the right thing".
Obama said the image of Chauvin kneeling on George had inspired marches and sparked a conversation and what remained was to see if justice was to be served.
He noted true justice was more than just one guilty verdict in a single trial, and people had to come to terms with the fact that black people are treated differently, which is true justice.
"It requires us to recognise that millions of our friends, family and fellow citizens leave with fear that their encounter with law enforcement might be their last," the statement said.
Obama said the verdict was a step forward, but there was the need to follow through with concrete reforms that will eventually eliminate racial bias in the criminal justice system.
The 44th US president added the people could draw strength from the millions of people who matched and protested, noting justice was closer because of their efforts.
Obama and his wife also sent their prayers to the Floyd family, hoping that other families would get justice.
Earlier, Briefly News reported that Chauvin, the ex-police officer who knelt on George leading to his death, had been found guilty on all three counts.
Chauvin's verdict was read on Thursday, April 21, at the Hennepin County Court, after the jurors deliberated for more than 10 hours.
He was found guilty on all three charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The maximum sentence for second-degree unintentional murder is 40 years in prison, 25 years in prison for third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter is 10 years in prison or KSh 2.2 million.
He was out on bail but will now be remanded in prison. The judge, Peter Cahill, also revoked his bail.
The judge also noted that the sentencing would be done in the next eight weeks.
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Source: Briefly News
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
Mxolisi Mngadi (Editor) Mxolisi Mngadi is an entertainment reporter. He graduated in 2002 from Damelin with a Diploma in Journalism, majoring in African and International Studies, Journalism and Electronic Media. He then started his journalism career at the Daily Sun newspaper, went on to The Citizen, and worked as a senior reporter at News24. He has been a writer for more than 15 years.
