Philly Leaders React To Guilty Verdict In Chauvin Trial

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia officials lauded the outcome in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police Officer convicted Tuesday of killing George Floyd last year.

A jury found Chauvin guilty on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter Tuesday.

"My heart goes out to George Floyd’s family in their time of grief," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a statement. "This verdict will not bring their son back, but I hope they will find some comfort knowing that justice was indeed served."

Outlaw said she found Chauvin's action that took Floyd's life abhorrent.

District Attorney Larry Krasner called Tuesday's verdict the only right and just outcome.

"We hope that Mr. Floyd’s family and friends can find some modicum of peace today, even though we know that there is no way to ever fully restore their loss," he said in a statement. "Now we must do our job and fight for transformational changes to policing and for increased accountability for officers who break the law. There is no time to rest."

Mayor Jim Kenney said the verdict was "one step closer toward justice."

"It’s time to implement real and sustainable change to end racism, intolerance and police brutality against Black and Brown Americans," he said, in a statement. "We must do this for George Floyd—and for all the generations of Americans who have been victimized because of the color of their skin. "

Archbishop of Philadelphia Nelson J. Pérez said Floyd's death let "the mortal sin of racism cut through our communities," and the community as a whole share the duty of social justice.

"Regardless of individual points of view, it is imperative to remember that criminal justice is a matter for the courts alone. Ensuring social justice, on the other hand, is a common responsibility that we all share," he said. "While the trial has concluded, the struggle to eradicate hatred is ongoing. Our God challenges us to love our neighbors with open hearts and to see Christ’s presence in them."

Philadelphia's Police Advisory Commission said while relationships between many police departments and the communities they serve are frayed, Tuesday's verdict will aid in reconciliation.

"However, the first step to reconciliation is acknowledging this rift and making a sincere commitment to move forward together," the PAC said in a statement. "Policing has been symbolized by a 'blue wall' of silence, covering and protection, but the murder trial of former officer Derek Chauvin showed that this wall is not impenetrable. The law enforcement professionals who testified against Chauvin’s excessive and deadly force will provide an example for many officers to come."