Minneapolis and the nation react to Derek Chauvin guilty verdict
FOX News correspondent Mike Tobin reports following Chauvin's conviction on 'Special Report'
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the murder of George Floyd, is expected to be held at a maximum-security prison in Minnesota for the next eight weeks as he awaits sentencing.
The nation reacted Tuesday after a panel of jurors found Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man who died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin held his knee against Floyd's upper body for nine minutes and 29 seconds.
It took the jury about 10 hours and 20 minutes to reach a decision, which was read late in the afternoon in a city on edge regarding the possibility of more unrest like that that erupted last spring.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections said Tuesday night that Chauvin was at the state's maximum-security prison in Oak Park Heights, due to an arrangement with the county sheriff and the Department of Corrections. That's the same prison where Chauvin was moved after his arrest for security reasons.
Each count carries a different maximum sentence: 40 years for second-degree unintentional murder, 25 years for third-degree murder, and 10 years for second-degree manslaughter. But Minnesota has sentencing guidelines that call for far less.
FAST FACTS
- The jury was made up of seven women and five men. Six jurors were White, four were Black and two identified as multiracial
- Chauvin's sentencing is scheduled for eight weeks from now, the judge said. He could be sent to prison for decades.
Chauvin's sentencing is scheduled for eight weeks from now, the judge said. He could be sent to prison for decades.
President Biden and Vice President Harris addressed the verdict from the White House and said the decision could be a "giant step forward in the march toward justice in America."
"It ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism," Biden said. "Systemic racism -- a stain on our nation’s soul."
Harris thanked the jury, and the Floyd family, saying the verdict brought "a sigh of relief" but "cannot take away the pain."
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