Biden Administration Calls for Policing Reform After Chauvin Verdict
“A measure of justice isn’t the same as equal justice,” said VP Kamala Harris. “This verdict brings us a step closer, and the fact is we still have work to do.”
A jury in Minneapolis on Tuesday found the former Minneapolis PD officer Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
Minnesota sentencing guidelines recommend 12.5 years in prison for both murder counts and four years for the manslaughter charge for those with no criminal history, however, Chauvin, 45, could face a maximum of 40 years if Cahill determines there were aggravating factors.
President Biden delivered a speech from the White House reacting to the Chauvin verdict, in which he said the murder had, “ripped the blinders off for the whole world to the systemic racism…that’s a stain on our nation’s soul.”
“Most men and women who wear the badge serve their communities honorably. Those few who failed to meet that standard must be held accountable, and they were today. One was,” Biden said. “No one should be above the law. And today’s verdict sends that message.”
“But it’s not enough,” he continued. “We can’t stop here. In order to deliver a real change in reform, we can and we must do more to…