USA TODAY
Under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer for more than nine minutes, George Floyd said time and again he couldn’t breathe.
Nearly 11 months later, his family can finally exhale.
A sense of relief mixed with jubilation was palpable among Floyd’s relatives Tuesday after a Minneapolis jury found the man accused of killing him guilty on all three charges, including second-degree murder.
The family thanked the legions of advocates and protesters who pursued justice since Floyd died last May 25 while handcuffed and pinned to the ground by Derek Chauvin. They also vowed to continue fighting for those who have been unjustly killed by law enforcement.
USA TODAY
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin began his first full day in state prison Wednesday after he was found guilty of murdering George Floyd in a landmark trial.
Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter after Floyd s death in police custody last May.
Tears of joy, relief and resolve to continue fighting for racial justice filled the streets of Minneapolis and around the nation after the verdict was read Tuesday afternoon.
Chauvin knelt on Floyd s neck for more than nine minutes, and in video footage of his death, Floyd repeatedly said he couldn t breathe. After the verdict was announced, his brother, Philonise Floyd, said, Today we are able to breathe again.
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“GUILTY!” they yelled. “All three!”
Horns began blaring across the city as the crowd gleefully chanted George Floyd‘s name, no longer an angry cry, but one of happiness.
“Say his name! GEORGE FLOYD!”
Monday afternoon, Selena McKnight was in tears as she explained how racist policing has devastated Black communities like hers, as she helped lead a protest march around the courthouse.
Less than 24 hours, outside the courthouse, tears were again in her eyes. She threw her arms around her 18-year-old daughter and joined the crowd in cheers.
“This means everything. This is long, long overdue,” said McKnight, 46. “This feels good. But this doesn’t stop here. We have to keep going.”
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