Carper Reacts to Verdict of Derek Chauvin Trial

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement following the announced verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin:

“Today, justice was served – for George Floyd, for his loved ones and for the American people. Almost a year ago, then-Officer Chauvin knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, ignoring his cries for help as life slowly and painfully left his body.

“Americans from all walks of life – rural and urban, Republicans and Democrats – then came together last summer to march against this wrongful death and the disproportionate infliction of lethal force against unarmed African Americans. For many, it was a temporary season of unrest. But for Black and brown Americans, this kind of fear and distrust is a permanent reality.

“Some of the worst vestiges of our country’s past are all too present today in how some in law enforcement treat communities of color, and as leaders there is much work left to build trust between these groups.  Today’s verdict does not repair that relationship, but it is a step – an important step – in the right direction towards accountability, fairness and equal justice. But let me be clear, it cannot be the last step.”

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