Derek Chauvin was found guilty yesterday of murder on all charges in the death of George Floyd, according to CBS News. A Minneapolis jury found the former police officer guilty of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder after deliberating for just one day.
People outside who gathered peacefully could be heard cheering as the verdict was read. As Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict, Chauvin’s eyes darted back and forth above the surgical mask he was wearing in the courtroom, according to NBC News.
Chauvin immediately rose to his feet after Judge Cahill ordered his bail revoked. The former police officer was then handcuffed before being guided out of the courtroom right after the verdict was rendered.
The fact that the jury chose to convict for the top count of second-degree murder means the 12 of them had to unanimously agree that Chauvin’s actions led to Floyd’s death. By doing so, the jury, which consisted of six white people, four Black people, and two multiracial jurors, rejected the defense’s argument that Floyd’s own medical conditions may have caused his death.
Chauvin was caught on a video that went viral worldwide, kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes. After today’s verdict, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called the Floyd family.
“We’re all so relieved,” Biden said to the Floyd family. “We’re going to get a lot more done.”
Chauvin is scheduled to be sentenced in eight weeks. He now faces a prison term of up to 75 years.
