Tampa Area Leaders, Organizations React To Chauvin Verdict

TAMPA, FL — At about 5:10 p.m. Eastern Tuesday, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 2020 death of George Floyd. A 12-member jury in Minneapolis had deliberated for four hours on Monday and five more hours on Tuesday after a three week trial.

Floyd's death, which was caught on tape, sparked protests against police violence last summer in city's across the United States, including in Tampa Bay, and around the world. Leaders and organizations in the Tampa area offered thoughts about Tuesday's verdict.

On Facebook, Black Lives Matter Pasco County responded by saying the organization was pleased to see accountability, but it was just one case against one officer.

"It does nothing for the thousands of lives taken in the last several years. Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Breonna Taylor, Dominique Mulkey, Jerry Brown, Bradley Able, and so many more do not see this kind of accountability," the organization wrote.

Clearwater's Elijah McGill, who led a peaceful protest through the North Greenwood neighborhood last summer, posted the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his Facebook page after the verdict: "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." Along with the #guiltyascharged.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor released a statement: "A verdict can't undo the tragedy of last summer, but this decision can ensure that George Floyd's life was not lost in vain. His death is prompting the law enforcement profession to evolve across our country."

Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister tweeted that "there is, and never will be, justification for the murder of George Floyd."

Chronister added: "Derek Chauvin does not represent the character, integrity, and honor of the thousands of men and women of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office."

Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, tweeted: "George Floyd should still be alive. Today’s ruling provides accountability for his wrongful death. I hope it brings his family and loved ones some peace. It's past time to seek justice for ALL of our neighbors… the ability to live without fear of dying at the hands of police."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tweeted that despite the verdict, there still remains work to be done.

"We stand committed to breaking down barriers to racial and social equality and will continue working to bring our communities together by engaging in purposeful conversations, mentoring youth, encouraging inclusivity and acceptance and leading through meaningful action for comprehensive social justice reform," the team posted on Twitter.

University of South Florida President Steven C. Currall released a lengthy statement online addressed to the USF Community. In it he said: "While our country has worked together to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to strive to confront the longstanding racial pandemic that has devastated people of color across our nation, with a disparate impact on Black communities. USF, too, recognizes its own institutional challenges and is working to dismantle systemic racism within society and our communities."