The Chauvin Verdict

Derek Chauvin's conviction on 2nd Degree Murder, 3rd Degree Murder, and 2nd Degree Manslaughter is an important step towards accountability for the deep harm caused when he and the other three former MPD officers took George Floyd's life. While this verdict will not bring back George Floyd or address the deep and pervasive harms inflicted on BIPOC communities by our criminal legal system, it does represent a significant milestone in our community's quest for police accountability. Our criminal legal system is not designed to hold white police officers accountable for killing Black men. And yet, today, following a traumatizing trial process, there is some measure of accountability.

It is important to note that, in their effort to secure the conviction of former MPD officer Derek Chauvin, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office and MN Attorney General's Office built a narrative throughout the trial indicating that Chauvin's actions do not represent the Minneapolis Police Department, that he dishonored his badge. In their closing statement, they described this case as a "pro-police prosecution", telling the world that Derek Chauvin does not represent MPD. And yet, our communities and the countless clients LRC has represented over the past 51 years know a different reality to be true. Police violence and dehumanization is the norm for our communities and clients. Meaningful police accountability will not be realized until our elected officials and broader community reckon with this truth.

As Derek Chauvin’s case progresses towards sentencing, the LRC will continue to support our communities through the dissemination of legal educational materials and support for restorative processing of this trial. In the coming days, we are likely to see tense interactions between community members and the increased law enforcement presence in the Twin Cities. We stand in solidarity with community members expressing their First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, ready to support those who have protest-related legal concerns. The LRC will continue to support our BIPOC communities in the fight for justice.