US president has said the conviction of a former police officer in the killing of George Floyd is a progress.
President Joe Biden said that the conviction of Derek Chauvin is a giant step towards justice in America. However, he warned that they couldn’t just stop there.
White police officer Derek was filmed kneeling on African-American Mr George Floyd. Former officer Derek was on Mr Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, and it sparked protests against racism.
Mr Derek, however, has been found guilty of manslaughter, third-degree and second-degree murder.
The sentencing to which is likely to happen within two months, and Derek can spend decades behind bars. He is presumed to appeal against the decision.
In a phone call with Mr Floyd’s family after the announcement, President Biden said, at least there’s some justice.
Mr Biden said that such a decision was much too rare in a televised remarks shortly after.
He said we could not leave this bit or deem that our work is done here. We have to gaze at it as we all did for those 9 minutes and 29 seconds.
Kamla Harris, the Vice-President, urged the lawmakers to pass a George Floyd bill. A bill that would aim at reforming policing in the US.
She further added that this bill is part of George Floyd’s legacy. This work is long overdue.
What follows next?
The sentencing is expected to take place in the coming two months. With the most severe charge, the sentencing could be of a maximum of 40 years.
Derek Chauvin’s defence team is yet to comment on the verdict but is expected to appeal.
According to the news, one of the most likely roads of appeal is the considerable clout given to the case. The defence team is arguing that this might have turned the jury.
Also, presiding judge Peter Cahill said that public comments by Maxie Waters, Democratic Congresswoman, could be grounds for an appeal.
Over the weekend, Ms Waters had asked protestors to stay on the road and get more confrontational if Derek was cleared.
Mark Geragos, the US defence lawmaker, termed the punishment a preordained outcome. Given the tsunami of coverage and public dismay, the best he ever have hoped for was a hung jury. He added while talking the Fox News.
Three other officers there when Floyd was murdered will go on trial this year.
