This Is What State Legislators Had to Say About Derek Chauvin’s Guilty Verdict

Pennsylvania State Sen. Sharif Street is one of the state legislators who discussed the Derek Chauvin verdict on Twitter. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

By umesarfaraz

April 21, 2021

After Derek Chauvin was convicted for the murder of George Floyd, State Legislators expressed their thoughts on the verdict, the justice system and change that needs to happen.

State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) said Tuesday’s conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd was “not justice, but accountability.”

I hope that the people of my community, and in communities around the world, will find comfort in this verdict. This is a small beginning in the curve our country is turning toward true justice for all people.
— Anthony Hardy Williams (@SenTonyWilliams) April 20, 2021

Williams was one of several Pennsylvania legislators to comment on the conviction on social media.

On Tuesday, the former police officer was found guilty on three charges for the May 2020 murder of George Floyd. Chauvin had knelt on the Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes as Floyd, who was Black, gasped for breath. The tragedy sparked months of protest across the United States, as well as around the globe.

Chauvin will remain at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights, a maximum security prison, for eight weeks until sentencing. The maximum sentence is up to 40 years.

“Justice” and “accountability” were two of the most prevalent words in many legislators’ statements.

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) said it was “The closest thing to justice we could get.”

The closest thing to justice we could get. The work continues.
— Mike Schlossberg (@MikeSchlossberg) April 20, 2021

We took a small step towards justice today. It wouldn’t have been possible without the brave actions of then 17-yr-old Darnella Frazier recording those 9 minutes and 29 seconds. The verdict does not bring back George Floyd, but I hope it brings his family and friends some solace. https://t.co/RoaQgUbNOb
— Lindsey Williams (@SenWilliamsPA) April 20, 2021

Today, we saw much needed accountability. Now, we need proactive action to ensure this never happens again. #PoliceReformNow
— Melissa Shusterman (@MelissaForPA) April 20, 2021

For some state representatives, it was a moment the justice system had prevailed.

Accountability can’t be so rare and elusive. Justice must be real — for all, even when an iPhone isn’t recording.
— Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (@malcolmkenyatta) April 20, 2021

Guilty. On. All. Charges. This is what accountability looks like. Justice prevails in this case, but there’s more work to be done to implement long overdue real systemic change. #GeorgeFloydverdict #Accountability
— Senator Katie Muth (@SenatorMuth) April 20, 2021

For others, accountability was crucial.

Today, George Floyd’s family did not receive justice, they received accountability. Justice would be a world with George still in it. Accountability is one where his family doesn’t have to see his murderer still on the streets. #GeorgeFloyd
— Jennifer O'Mara (@JennOMara4PA) April 20, 2021

State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery) talked about standing together.

As a white woman, I cannot imagine how this verdict feels for the black community. We all needed to see this accountability. We must stand together and continue the fight. #BlackLivesMatter
— Senator Amanda Cappelletti (@SenCappelletti) April 20, 2021

Legislators agreed that change is needed.

George Floyd’s murder pushed many people to reflect more deeply on racism & the role it continues to play in our society and our public institutions. I hope that trend continues to grow. I hope we remain engaged, involved, & informed in the ongoing struggle for equality. 1/2
— Senator Carolyn Comitta (@SenatorComitta) April 20, 2021

And I hope voters continue to turn out in record numbers in every election. Speak your mind. Vote your conscience. Your vote is your voice. The path to positive change – equality, justice, and opportunity – for all Americans begins at the ballot box. 2/2
— Senator Carolyn Comitta (@SenatorComitta) April 20, 2021

State Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) talked about moving forward.

Law enforcement officials having testified against him was crucial to convicting him and is an important step in rebuilding police and community relations. #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
— Senator Sharif Street (@SenSharifStreet) April 20, 2021

We must pass comprehensive use of force policy for police and be deliberate and consistent in holding bad actors accountable. Justice for George Floyd is an important step in the right direction, but we have many miles to go. #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
— Senator Sharif Street (@SenSharifStreet) April 20, 2021

We have to come together to acknowledge and fight back against the discrimination and violence being faced by communities of color every day and push for necessary reform in every police department from coast to coast.
— Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (@malcolmkenyatta) April 20, 2021

State Rep. Summer Lee (D-Allegheny) called for restoration and reparations.

Justice is not a here and there occurrence. It's not a event, or a verdict, or even a piece of legislation.

There's not justice until there's restoration, reparation, fairness and equity across the board.

And there's no peace where there's no justice…
— Summer Lee (@SummerForPA) April 20, 2021

The fight for justice ain't gon be polite. Injustice for damn sure ain't…
— Summer Lee (@SummerForPA) April 20, 2021

Justice is dismantling the dual evils of racial-capitalism and white supremacy and rebuilding compassionate systems that respond and prevent the inequality and injustices by redistributing power and resources…
— Summer Lee (@SummerForPA) April 20, 2021