Michigan Leaders React To Guilty Verdict In Chauvin Trial

MICHIGAN — Leaders and officials in Michigan on Tuesday weighed in on the conviction of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, who was found guilty of second- and third-degree murder charges and second-degree manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck.

Chauvin, 45, could face up to 40 years in prison following the conviction in a case that sparked worldwide protests, violence and a reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who last year announced proposals for police reform, said it is the obligation of elected officials and the law enforcement community to recognize the need for reforms to transition from policing by force to cooperative efforts to create safer communities.

"For too long, fear and brutality have been at the heart of how some individuals in law enforcement view their roles within our communities," Nessel said Tuesday in a statement released following Chauvin's conviction. "The result has had devastating consequences for residents, and particularly the Black community and other communities of color."

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist also released statements following Chauvin's conviction, with Whitmer saying the trial was justice for Floyd and his family and a "reminder to continue pushing for justice in every corner of our society" to everyone else.

"My heart is with George Floyd’s family, and I want them to know that millions of Michiganders, Minnesotans, and Americans mourn with them," Whitmer said. "No verdict can bring George back, but his legacy will live on. Last year, millions of people around the world spoke with a collective voice when we said Black Lives Matter. Together, we will continue tackling the deep-rooted, structural racism and inequity present in our institutions and faced by Black Americans every day. Our work is just getting started. I think George’s daughter Gianna Floyd said it best, 'Daddy changed the world.'"

Gilchrist, a Black man, said he's felt the "sting" of racism and injustice personally and that people must use Floyd's legacy to tackle inequities.

"We have to address the pain that so many individuals are feeling with purpose as we work towards restoring the respect that all individuals of color deserve," Gilchrist said. "When we do that, we can ensure that everyone makes it home to their loved ones at the end of the day. This verdict is a good outcome, and it was made possible by the community organizers, faith leaders, and law enforcement officers, who had to courage to make their voices heard, but the work is not done. We must continue to press for policies that protect and expand access to justice and opportunity."

UAW President Rory Gamble was another of many officials who released a statement Tuesday, saying that while the jury issued its verdict, a deep divide remains in America — an issue that also was on trial.

"We have come a long way in this nation, but clearly given recent events, not far enough," he said. "As a father and grandfather, I live every day with the idea that my family could be treated unjustly because of the color of their skin — regardless of the content of their character. Sadly, it is our reality, the reality of all families of color in America. We must as a nation heal and grow from today’s outcome.

"We must focus on what unites us, not what divides us. We must strive to broaden our view. To see the world not just through our own eyes, but through the lenses of our brothers and sisters."

In Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan said the verdict sent a message to the country.

"Today’s verdict sent a message that this country, including many police officials who testified at the trial, will not tolerate the type of treatment that Blacks and other people of color too often receive from police in too many cities," he said on Twitter.

"The verdict is a relief and long overdue justice for George Floyd, Minneapolis and people all of the U.S. But the work to reimagine policing, prioritizing investing in community rather than punishment and surveillance, and holding prosecutors, judges and law enforcement accountable continues until no citizen fears violence at the hand of law enforcement or the justice system,” said Tim Christensen, Community Navigator & Training Director of Michigan Liberation.