Several area officials have responded on social media to a jury’s decision Tuesday that Derek Chauvin was guilty in the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.
Here are some of their online comments:
Social media comment from Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor David Alvey:
“It was eleven months ago that we stood together expressing alarm, sorrow, and indignation at the death of Mr. George Floyd. In those first days, I was joined by faith leaders, community organizers, and the heads of local law enforcement agencies to condemn the actions of what we saw, and to stand in unity to ensure all residents, especially our Black and Latinx populations, are provided the protection and care they deserve in all police interactions.
“Since then, like so many others across this nation, we have worked to engage in an open, respectful and candid dialogue on all matters of race, creating a culture that values the dignity and life of all persons. With establishment of the Mayor’s Take Force on Community and Police Relations soon after, we created a forum for real conversation and change that must take place, working to expand education and awareness, reviewing and improving policing policies and procedures, and building trust, interaction, and inclusiveness among all groups in our historically diverse community.
“Let us use today as a way to honor George Floyd’s legacy, with people of every race and nationality and social and economic conditions working together for continued change. As much as we have done, and are doing, there is always more to be done to ensure justice, equity, and respect for all.”
Social media comment from Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas:
“This was the right result—accountability. George Floyd should be alive today, as should many others. I appreciate the jury’s work. Now we must continue ours. Keep up the pressure.”
Social media comment from U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist.:
“Today was a step toward justice. I hope the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial gives George Floyd’s family some sense of closure, something that hasn’t been afforded to countless Black families who have suffered centuries of injustice in this country. And although we saw accountability today, there have been far too many instances in our country’s history when we have not seen it. The Senate must pass the Justice in Policing Act now to combat America’s horrible pattern of violence and brutality against Black people and to ensure transparency and accountability in the future. While no single policy will undo centuries of systemic racism, this is a strong step that Congress can take now. People across the country have raised their voices to demand change, and that’s exactly what this moment calls for.”
Social media comment from Gov. Laura Kelly:
“While the trial verdict can never fully heal the wounds of losing a partner, a brother, or a father, I hope the result brings some peace & comfort to Mr. Floyd’s family. And that George’s daughter, Gigi, will grow up knowing that she was right, her ‘daddy changed the world.’”
A statement from the Kansas Democratic Party, executive director Ben Meers:
“Today’s verdict is a profound moment of justice and demonstrates that no person in this country is above the law. Police killings of people of color are all too common, and we need to reimagine public safety where all people can feel protected. George Floyd should be alive today, as should many other victims of police brutality. Today’s verdict means Derek Chauvin will face real consequences for his actions and is a testament to the activists who have worked for decades to move the needle on the issue of police brutality. “