President Joe Biden says “Today’s verdict is a step forward toward justice in America”

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On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd a step forward toward a more just America. Point to be noted that Chauvin was found guilty on all 3 charges including second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree unintentional murder, and second-degree manslaughter. The VP Harris said, “A measure of justice isn’t the same as equal justice. This verdict brings us a step closer and the fact is, we still have work to do. We still must reform the system. Injustice isn’t just a people of color problem, but a problem for every American”. She urged US Congress to pass legislation reforming policing in America, specifically, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

President Biden said, “Today’s verdict is a step forward. Nothing can ever bring their brother, their father back. But this can be a giant step forward in the march toward justice in America”. He said that a guilty verdict is ‘much too rare’ in cases like this and this particular guilty verdict required a convergence of factors, video footage from a 17-year-old girl, the shock of a nation. Biden said, “A murder that lasted almost 10 minutes in broad daylight. We can’t stop here”. He insisted that more must be done to ensure a similar tragedy won’t happen again. President Biden urged the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act so he can sign it into law. He also urged protesters to remain peaceful as cities across the nation prepared for violence.

President Biden and Kamala Harris watched the verdict with their staff in the White House’s private dining room. Harris and first lady Jill Biden spoke with Philonise Floyd (George Floyd’s brother) from the Oval Office after the verdict was read. It is noteworthy that Chauvin’s bail was immediately canceled, meaning he will spend his time until sentencing in prison. He will be sentenced in 8-weeks. In Minnesota, second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Third-degree murder is punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Second-degree manslaughter is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. However, sentencing guidelines recommend less time for offenders with no criminal history. Biden said he was praying the verdict is the right verdict, which he thinks is overwhelming, in his view.