(WWJ/AP) Local reaction is pouring in the wake of the murder conviction of former officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer wrote: "My heart is with George Floyd's family, and I want them to know that millions of Michiganders, Minnesotans, and Americans mourn with them. No verdict can bring George back, but his legacy will live on."
She also vowed to continue the fight against "deep-rooted, structural racism and inequity."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan praised the verdict: "I was proud of Chief James Craig last May when he became the first big city police chief to call the death of Mr. Floyd what it was: murder."
"Now a year later, 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," Duggan said.
"It's still a stain on our profession," Detroit Police James Craig said of Floyd's murder. "We had to deal with weeks and months of violent protests. In the end, the right thing was done. I applaud the courageousness of those jurors."
Craig added most officers try to "do right."
The jury found former Minneapolis officer Chauvin guilty on all counts for pressing his knee against Floyd's neck for over 9 minutes, slowly killing him on Memorial Day of 2020. Jurors—six white and six Black or biracial--came back with the unanimous verdict in just 10 hours.
Sentencing is slated for two months from now. Chauvin could spend decades behind bars. The second-degree murder charge carries up to 40 years.
Following the verdict; a group of demonstrators gathered in the snow in downtown Detroit.
"This is what justice looks like. This is what democracy looks like," L.C. Bugler of Detroit told WWJ's Jon Hewett. "Where there is a crime, no matter your status or position, there should be a conviction."
