Following the just verdict against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden spoke together to the American People.
Vice President Harris commented:
"Because of smartphones, so many Americans have now seen the racial injustice that black Americans have known for generations, the racial injustice that we have fought for generations, that my parents protested in the 1960s, that millions of us, Americans of every race protested last summer. Here’s the truth about racial injustice. It is not just a black America problem or a people of color problem. It is a problem for every American. It is keeping us from fulfilling the promise of liberty and justice for all, and it is holding our nation back from realizing our full potential. We are all a part of George Floyd’s legacy, and our job now is to honor it and to honor him."
Among President Biden's remarks were:
"A jury in Minnesota found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd’s last name. It was a murder in full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism the Vice President just referred to. This systemic racism is a stain on our nation’s soul. The knee on the neck of justice for black Americans, profound fear and trauma, the pain, the exhaustion that black and brown Americans experience every single day..."
"...Let’s also be clear, that such a verdict is also much too rare. For so many people, it seems like it took a unique and extraordinary convergence of factors, a brave young woman with a smartphone camera, a crowd that was traumatized, traumatized witnesses, a murder that lasts almost 10 in broad daylight for ultimately the whole world to see, officers stay standing up and testifying against a fellow officer instead of just closing ranks, which should it be commended..."
"...No one should be above the law and today’s verdict sends that message, but it’s not enough. We can’t stop here. In order to deliver real change and reform we can, and we must do more to reduce the likelihood that tragedy like this will ever happen to occur again, to ensure that black and brown people or anyone, so they don’t fear the interactions with law enforcement, that they don’t have to wake up knowing that they can lose their very life in the course of just living their life. They don’t have to worry about whether their sons or daughters will come home after grocery store run, or just walking down the street or driving a car or playing in the park or just sleeping at home..."
"...My conversations with the Floyd family, I spoke to them again today. I assured them we’re going to continue to fight for the passage of the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act so I can sign a law as quickly as possible. There’s more to do. Finally, it’s the work we do every day to change hearts and minds, as well as laws and policies. That’s the work we have to do. Only then will full justice and full equality will be delivered to all American..."
"...This is a time for this country to come together, to unite as Americans. We can never be any safe Harbor for hate in America. I’ve said it many times. The battle for soul of this nation has been a constant push and pull for more than 240 years, a tug of war between the American ideal that we’re all created equal, and the harsh reality that racism has long torn us apart. At our best, the American ideal wins out..."
There were many reactions to the Chavin Verdict across the Arizona Political Spectrum.
Governor Doug Ducey posted:
"Last May, we all watched in horror as we witnessed a video documenting the death of George Floyd. Today’s decision by the jury in Minneapolis brings justice in the death of George Floyd, but across the country and across our state we must remain committed to ensuring something like this never happens again. I ask all Arizonans to react to the news peacefully and respectfully."
Arizona Democratic Party Chairperson Raquel Teran wrote:
“Our heart breaks for George Floyd’s family and community who had to relive every moment leading up to their family member’s death. There is nothing that can heal the pain of losing a father, son, brother, and uncle. It took the cries of mothers and the screams of fathers over centuries to get us to this point. We should no longer hope that justice will be done, but expect it. It is that expectation that brought millions of activists to their feet to demand justice."
“We must continue to be vigilant and to stay engaged in our communities.”
Nancy Schriber, the Chairperson of the Maricopa County Democratic Party issued a statement that read:
"Today, a Hennepin County jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts. Judge Peter A. Cahill in the coming days will determine if any aggravating circumstances were involved. The Maricopa County Democratic Party is relieved this jury found Chauvin guilty on all charges. Stacy Abrams once said: “…citizenship requires constant action, which includes voting, protesting, and participating; and without the combination, we are all in jeopardy.” Those prophetic words were evident in the conviction of Derek Chauvin and the murder of George Floyd. The protestors’ urgency resulted in Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s Attorney General, to take jurisdiction of the case. If the good people of Minnesota had not elected Mr. Ellison as the Attorney General, we doubt his Republican opponent would have sought jurisdiction. Finally, we must acknowledge all the people who decided to register to vote and make it easier for them to be selected to serve on juries. The jury that convicted Derek Chauvin was one of the most racially integrated juries in Minnesota’s history. The Maricopa County Democratic Party is dedicated to protecting our voting and protesting rights. We believe the best way to do this is to elect Democrats, and that is our core mission. There is a lot of work left to be done, but today the long arc of the universe bent towards justice. In Community."
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero relayed:
“Justice was delivered for George Floyd and his family in our courts today. While this unequivocal ruling provides some degree of relief, the work to root out racism from all aspects of our society continues. While justice was served in our courts, now we must continue to pursue justice in every corner of our society by working to eliminate racism in all of its forms. This requires us to acknowledge the historic and systemic inequities and discrimination that African Americans have faced since our country’s inception. Together, we can build a more just and inclusive society that has zero tolerance for racism or discrimination.”
AZ Central Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald Hansen released an article relaying how the Arizona Congressional Delegation felt about the verdict.
Representative Ann Kirkpatrick wrote:
“Today, the jury stood with the people and reaffirmed the fact: Black Lives Matter. George Floyd’s life mattered. We have to hold our systems accountable, over and over again, and thankfully, that is what the jury did today."
“The work to establish long-overdue, permanent, morally-right solutions to police brutality continues. Our justice system is only as strong as those who demand accountability, and change is urgent. I’m committed to working with the Biden-Harris Administration and the millions of Americans calling for action. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act must become law and we must commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice — for all.”
Senator Kyrsten Sinema said:
“I hope this trial’s conclusion brings some level of healing and solace to George Floyd’s loved ones, as we continue working toward a future in which all Americans have equal protection under the law.”
Representative Ruben Gallego posted:
"Accountability. Finally. Now we keep working towards justice and major reform.”
Representative Raul Grijalva said:
“After so many miscarriages of justice in the aftermath of senseless police killings, today’s guilty verdict was a long-awaited step in the right direction to holding police officers accountable. Although nothing can bring George Floyd back, I hope this guilty verdict provides some form of comfort to his grieving family. We must continue to ensure the movement his death inspired lives on in real, long-lasting transformations to policing and reforms to our criminal justice system. … I will keep fighting in Congress to make it easier to punish bad police officers and begin the process of dismantling the racist policies that have flourished in police departments across the country. We cannot allow George Floyd’s death to be in vain.”
Senator Mark Kelly relayed:
“We must continue building a more just system that does not discriminate against any American because of their race."
Representative Tom O'Halleran commented:
“As a former police officer, I know how important it is that those who have sworn to protect and serve are held to the highest standards,” he said in a pair of tweets. “Today, Derek Chauvin was held accountable by a jury of his peers. Going forward, we must commit to the important, ongoing work needed to address systemic racism and rebuild broken trust between police and the communities they serve.”
Representative Greg Stanton stated:
“I am grateful that justice was served for George Floyd and his family. But this verdict does not erase the systemic problems that put Black lives at risk every day in America — and we, as a people, have more work to do. That starts in Congress, where the Senate must do what the House did more than a month ago: pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Failing to move forward on this bill — or allowing it to die by filibuster — would be a grave injustice.”
Republican Representatives Debbie Lesko and Andy Biggs focused their reactionary remarks on the admittingly inartful remarks of California Representative Maxine Waters before the verdict, inaccurately claiming that Democrats are against the police. Amazing they did not feel the same way about the Capitol Police on January 6, 2021, and the rantings of their fringe colleagues Marjorie Jewish Lasers Greene or Mo Let's Kick-Ass Brooks.
Representative Paul Gosar was actually philosophical, writing:
“One must sit through the trial and hear all of the evidence in order to understand what the jury saw. I did not, and most people did not. I do pray for peace for the families involved.”
Representative David Schweikert has not issued any statements as of 10:15 a.m. on April 21, 2021.
So with the exception of Lesko and Biggs, everyone else in the Arizona Political Arena cited above gave well-thought-out human being remarks.
Hopefully, as President Biden said, this verdict will better help the people in the country unite to combat systemic racism.
As he said, "we can't stop here" with the verdict against Mr. Chauvin.
Much more work needs to be done and it will take a lot of effort and time to accomplish racial and equitable justice for all America's citizens.
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