Local leaders react after Derek Chauvin convicted in death of George Floyd
Immediately after a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd and a sheriff’s deputy led him away in handcuffs, people across the globe – including right here at home – flocked to social media to share their reactions. The overarching sentiment was that while justice for Floyd had finally been served nearly one year after his death, the nation still has a long way to go in terms of healing, growing and becoming more equitable for people of color.
Pinellas County commissioner Rene Flowers, State Rep. Chris Latvala and St. Pete city council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders had simple but powerful messages to share once the verdict was read.
Chauvin guilty on count 1
Chauvin guilty on count 2
Chauvin guilty on count 3Posted by Rene Flowers on Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Justice has been served.
Posted by Chris Latvala on Tuesday, April 20, 2021
4/20/21
5:06 PM
When JUSTICE said his name.Posted by Deborah Figgs-Sanders on Tuesday, April 20, 2021
State Rep. Michele Rayner-Goolsby had mixed emotions about the ruling.
My spirit is conflicted. I’m happy and I’m sad.
Because we should have a world where George Floyd should be alive.
— Michele Rayner-Goolsby (@micheleforfl) April 20, 2021
Mayor Rick Kriseman, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and city council member Darden Rice echoed her sentiments.
Justice. It should have never come to this. But, finally, justice. Let us not forget how much work we still have to do. – RK
Posted by
Rick Kriseman on Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Keeping space in my heart today for the family of George Floyd, the people of Minneapolis, and Black Americans across the country as justice has finally been served in this case. Read my full statement below. pic.twitter.com/YjXArGNjx3
— Congressman Charlie Crist (@RepCharlieCrist) April 20, 2021
The verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd was a just verdict. But it also shows how far…
Posted by Darden Rice on Tuesday, April 20, 2021
City council member Lisa Wheeler-Bowman, whose son was murdered in 2008, shared sympathy with Floyd’s family. “The loss is eternal,” she wrote.
RIP George Floyd
Posted by Lisa Wheeler-Bowman on Wednesday, April 21, 2021