House Democrats celebrated the conviction of Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty of murdering George Floyd after placing his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes.
“Justice has been done,” Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio said following the verdict. “We are hopeful that today will be the catalyst to turn the pain, the agony, the justice delayed, into actions that go far beyond today.”
The verdict was announced as lawmakers were gathered in the chamber for a vote. Some members of the CBC awaited the verdict in a nearby ceremonial room, huddled around their devices to watch it live.
CROWD OUTSIDE MINNEAPOLIS COURTROOM CHEERS GUILTY VERDICT IN DEREK CHAUVIN TRIAL
One of the lawmakers let out a squeal as the guilty verdict was announced. Missouri Rep. Cori Bush was crying as Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley held her.
Following the verdict, the CBC held a brief press conference at which Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, called it “a step in the right direction for justice done.”
She thanked Floyd for “sacrificing” his life and said Floyd’s name “will always be synonymous with justice.”
Democrats say they now want to ensure the passage of their police reform bill, which has stalled in the Senate.
The measure has drawn opposition from Republicans, in part, because it would abolish qualified immunity for police officers.
Rep. Karen Bass, a California Democrat, is working with Senate lawmakers to try to find an accord that can win the 10 Senate GOP votes needed to beat back a filibuster.
Bass called the verdict “a relief” but said Chauvin must face a stiff sentence in order for justice to be complete.
“The sentencing must match the crime,” Bass said.
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Bass said the Senate must pass the police reform bill, which has twice been approved by the Democrat-led House along party lines.
“Because that will be the first step to transforming policing,” Bass said.
