Jury Finds All Charges Including Second-Degree Murder Guilty
NYT: "Unusual Verdict Over Police Misconduct"
Biden: "Big Step Forward but Long Way to Go"
US Society Relieved Amid Protests While Watching Trial Unfold
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Last year, a white police officer who caused the suffocation death of Black man George Floyd was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury. This verdict is seen as an honest judgment of the case that sparked nationwide protests against racial discrimination in the United States.
According to U.S. media including CNN, on the 20th (local time), at the Hennepin County Court in Minnesota, the jury unanimously found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty.
The 12 jurors, composed of white, Black, and Asian individuals, found Chauvin guilty on all charges, including second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and third-degree murder. The jury deliberated for more than 10 hours over two days before reaching a verdict. The maximum sentence for second-degree murder is up to 40 years in prison. Chauvin was taken into custody after his bail was revoked following the verdict.
The New York Times attributed significance to this verdict, noting it was a different decision from previous cases where police officers who used excessive force against Black individuals were acquitted. It recognized that the incident, which shook the conscience of Americans and led millions to demand the end of racial discrimination, culminated in a murder conviction.
President Joe Biden, ahead of the verdict, said, "I hope for the right verdict. It will be overwhelming," and unusually predicted the outcome despite concerns about interfering with the trial. In his speech after the verdict, he emphasized, "It has been proven that no one is above the law, but we must not be satisfied. We cannot stop here if we want true change and to prevent another tragedy." President Biden also comforted Floyd’s daughter by saying, "Your dad changed the world."
After the verdict, Black people gathered at the site where Floyd died and in front of the courthouse expressed joy and welcomed the verdict. American society, which had been watching the trial with anxiety, also felt relieved.
Before the verdict, Minnesota and Washington D.C. deployed the National Guard and strengthened security nationwide in preparation for protests against potential acquittals or light sentences.
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