PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) – Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, and other officials released statements following the news that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
"I was relieved to see that justice was served in the jury's decision today finding Derek Chauvin guilty of all three charges in the horrific murder last year of George Floyd," said Mayor Peduto in a statement. "But I also realize that no verdict can bring back a life or eliminate the pain the Floyd family and so many Americans — especially in our Black community — continue to feel. We cannot erase centuries of systemic racism, and our efforts to uplift and support our minority neighbors must continue today and for years to come."
Governor Wolf said the following: "George Floyd's murder was a tragedy. Sadly, it is a tragedy that has been repeated time and time again in our nation.
"Today, we have seen justice for George Floyd. But we must acknowledge that we are living within a broken system.
"We know that one verdict will not, by itself, change the course of our nation. But this verdict was made possible by the bravery and ceaseless advocacy of people who stood up and called for change, and it marks a turning point. Thank you to all of the community leaders and advocates who called for justice and refused to be silenced.
"The work of changing policing, of fighting for racial justice, of ending centuries of discriminatory and traumatic policymaking, is hard and painful. It is also, above all, necessary.
"As we reflect on the memory of George Floyd, and all those who came before and after him, we can celebrate a measure of peace, knowing that justice has been done today. Tomorrow, we must reaffirm our commitment to doing the hard work to address injustice and inequality in every community across the nation."
Senator Pat Toomey released the following statement: "Today, Derek Chauvin was convicted by a jury of his peers of the murder of George Floyd. My sympathies remain with the Floyd family. While nothing can cure the hurt the Floyd family lives with every day, I do hope this verdict brings them a degree of solace."
Senator Bob Casey also released a statement: "This verdict is about accountability, but it is not justice. While Derek Chauvin will be held accountable for the murder of George Floyd, it's not enough. Countless others have died at hands of police because of a broken system that must be reformed. My thoughts are with George Floyd's family today. True justice will come when Congress passes the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and other measures to begin to right the wrongs created by systemic racism and injustice."
