FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán released the following statement on the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty on all charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
“Nothing could undo the injustice of a sworn police officer killing George Floyd. All too often our justice system fails people and communities of color – in particular Black men – but today our system delivered justice for George Floyd. Derek Chauvin is being held accountable for murder.
“We all saw the horrific video of Derek Chauvin holding his knee against George Floyd’s throat for 9 minutes and 29 seconds while he could no longer breathe. We all saw George Floyd plead for his life and cry out for his mother. The evidence was clear. There was no justification for kneeling on George Floyd until he died. His life mattered.
“Let’s hope today’s verdict is a turning point in holding police accountable. Still, more needs to be done to prevent future tragic incidents of unnecessary police violence. Far too many people of color have met the same fate as George Floyd. It needs to end.
“The time for change is now. I proudly joined the Congressional Black Caucus and my colleagues to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in March and now the Senate must act. We need to deliver the critical reforms needed to address systemic racism and police misconduct while increasing transparency.”
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security.