NEW YORK (WBEN) -- Former President Barack Obama and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday praised the jurors who found ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd.
"Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more," Obama said in a statement. "Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied."
Cuomo called the verdict "a powerful statement of accountability," adding that Floyd's family and friends "got well-deserved closure, and all of us who deeply and personally felt his loss gained hope in the possibility of progress."
"But while I'm grateful that the jury returned these verdicts, accountability is not the same as justice," Cuomo added. "It doesn't make an unacceptable situation acceptable, and it doesn't bring Gianna's dad back. But it must fuel our continued march towards equity."
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown told reporters late Tuesday he was "very pleased" with the outcome of the Chauvin trial.
NOW: @MayorByronBrown says he's "very pleased" with the jury's decision to convict Derek Chauvin.
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) April 20, 2021
"Today is a start. People are crying out all over the country for greater accountability." pic.twitter.com/Y2dhHO6lr3
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was "thankful for George Floyd's family that justice was served."
"America was forever changed by the video of Derek Chauvin killing George Floyd. However, a guilty verdict doesn't mean the persistent problem of police misconduct is solved," Schumer said. "We'll keep working for meaningful change."
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said she felt the verdict "brings some small measure of justice to George Floyd's family," but added that "nothing can ease their pain or return him to them."
