Statement from Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan on the verdict in  the killing of George Floyd, April 21

Jurors in the Derek Chauvin trial did the right thing Tuesday in unanimously holding him accountable for the killing of George Floyd. The prosecution of this crime was fair and it was just. The return of guilty verdicts on all three counts was a credit to the career prosecutors who built and presented a case that showed overwhelming evidence of guilt. It was also a credit to the victim/witness advocates who worked closely with the family of George Floyd over the past year and with bystanders who unwittingly became key witnesses after doing the right thing by drawing attention to the circumstances of the death of Mr. Floyd.

Despite the overwhelming evidence the prosecution team presented, the outcome of this case was far from certain. Bringing cases of police misconduct to justice has not been an easy road. I am thankful that this jury’s thoughtful deliberations resulted in accountability in this case of egregious misconduct by a police officer. It rightly sends a strong message that nobody is above the law.

The outcome in this case in no way diminishes the urgent need for systemic change to policing and other institutions in America and does not provide redress for the lives lost to unwarranted police shootings. We must work toward transforming and reimaging public safety.  

The vast majority of police officers in this country work hard, with integrity and bravery, to protect the public and earn the trust of the communities they serve. Derek Chauvin and officers like him bring dishonor to an honorable profession. We must be vigilant in holding accountable officers who, like Derek Chauvin, have a history of physical violence, by terminating their employment and permanently stopping their ability to end someone’s life. 

This verdict offers a measure of justice to Mr. Floyd, but true justice would mean preventing George Floyd’s needless death. Instead, we mourn his loss and commit to preventing other such killings by committing to racial justice initiatives and compassionate policing that will make communities safer and more just.