Human Rights First Responds to Guilty Verdict in Chauvin Case

NEW YORK – Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges for murdering George Floyd. Human Rights First welcomed the verdict as a step toward justice and a check on police power.

“Thanks to the courage and determination of many, we are finally beginning to see some necessary accountability for Derek Chauvin’s murder of George Floyd, but accountability is only a first step toward justice,” said Michael Breen, President and CEO of Human Rights First. “Bringing true justice demands something deeper – a reckoning on race in America that has been a long time coming and must continue until systemic racism is eliminated.”

The jury’s verdict also demonstrated that there are limits to police power.

“Guilty verdicts on these three counts show that a badge is not a license to abuse people, take away their human rights, or murder them,” added Breen. “This verdict helps pave the way toward a higher standard in law enforcement that is good for both communities and police officers.”