LWV Joint Statement on Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

WASHINGTON & MINNEAPOLIS – Today the League of Women Voters of the United States issued the following joint statement with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis in response to the conviction of George Floyd’s murderer: 

“Today, the police officer responsible for the murder of George Floyd was held accountable for his crime.  

“While the decision to convict George Floyd’s murderer was just, it does not remedy the undeniable fact that policing in America is fundamentally broken.   

“The United States’ system of law enforcement, which was built on the legacy of slavery and racism, has stolen the lives of Black and brown Americans for centuries, almost completely unchecked. 

“Making one man answer for his crimes does not equal justice. This conviction was an outlier in a system built on white supremacy. Accountability and the eradication of racially-motivated violence should be the norm, not an exception. Police officers must be held to the same level of accountability as everyone else. 

“We must radically reimagine public safety in this country and prioritize investments in economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and other community-led solutions, instead of perpetuating police violence. 

“Our thoughts are with the family of George Floyd. We hope that this decision provides a modicum of peace amid this tragedy. 

“Today’s decision must represent a turning point as we work towards true reform of policing in this country.” 

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CONTACT: Sarah Courtney | 202-263-1332 | [email protected]