they found the policeman who killed him guilty

The streak was quick to spark protests against racism and police brutality in major cities across the United States, from New York to Los Angeles, with the epicenter in Minneapolis.

Derek Chauvin was arrested for the murder of George Floyd just four days after the crime, as a test of goodwill on the part of the local government to quell anti-racist social protests which continued anyway until the a formal murder charge be laid.

George Floyd’s funeral attracted the attention of prominent figures in the United States, but also on the political front page, with then-President Donald Trump determined to downplay allegations of historic racism and brutality police officer against the African-American community.

A Minneapolis jury ruled on Tuesday that Chauvin, 45, was guilty of three counts relating to the murder of George Floyd and the judge in the case, Peter Cahill, announced that in eight weeks his sentence would be known.

Chauvin could receive up to 40 years in prison for Floyd’s murder, and under US law he could be added more time on the other charges.

Ben Crump, lawyer for George Floyd’s family, said after hearing the ruling that “justice was won with pain” and added that “today’s verdict goes beyond this town and has important implications for the country and for the world “in clear allusion to the institutional protests against racism that have arisen as a result of the affair in France and other countries.

“Justice for black America is justice for all of America. This case marks a turning point in American law enforcement history and sends a clear message, which we hope will be heard, in every city and state. ” lawyer.

Crump referred to “the three other officers who played a role” in the murder of George Floyd as Chauvin pressed his neck against the asphalt.

Thousands of people gathered outside the courthouse where Attorney General Keith Ellison, Judge Cahill and the family of George Floyd awaited the verdict. People chanted “black life matters” after hearing the jury’s opinion.

Prosecutor Ellison explained that Tuesday’s verdict “is not a victory” or “an act of justice” but rather “accountability,” which is “the first step to achieving justice.”

President Barack Obama celebrated on Twitter that “the jury did it right”, but stressed that delivering “justice requires a lot more” than a decision like that of Tuesday.