'Justice': America reacts to Floyd murderer's conviction

A journalist watches their mobile phone showing Derek Chauvin as the guilty verdicts in his trial over the death of George Floyd are announced

A journalist watches their mobile phone showing Derek Chauvin as the guilty verdicts in his trial over the death of George Floyd are announced

Politicians, rights activists and family members and even world leaders reacted with jubilation and relief Tuesday as sacked Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin was convicted of the murder of George Floyd, a Black man who died when the officer knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes last year. 

Here are some the immediate reactions following the announcement of the guilty verdicts on all three counts -- second degree murder, third degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. 

"Systematic racism is a stain on our nation's soul... No one should be above the law. Today's verdict sends that message. But it's not enough. We can't stop here." - Biden during an evening address to the nation from the White House

- Family  - 

"GUILTY! Painfully earned justice has finally arrived for George Floyd’s family. This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement. Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!" - Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump

"Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied." - former US president  Barack Obama

"The jury made the right decision in convicting Derek Chauvin for murdering George Floyd. His tragic death, and the evidence at the trial, made painfully clear that we must do much better in recruiting, training, and holding law enforcement accountable to the communities they serve. The failure to do so continues to plague America, as we have seen in recent days." - former US president Bill Clinton

- Academia, activism -

"The evidence of our eyes met at last by accountability in the eyes of justice" - US voting rights activist and Democrat Stacy Abrams 

- International -

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