PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
"I can't breathe." Those were George Floyd's last words. We cannot let them die with him. We have to keep hearing them. We must not turn away. We cannot turn away. This can be a moment of significant change.
No one should be above the law. Today's verdict extends that message, but it is not enough. We can't stop here.
PHILONISE FLOYD, GEORGE FLOYD'S BROTHER
I get DMs, people from Brazil, from Ghana, from Germany - everybody - London, Italy, they're all saying the same thing: 'We won't be able to breathe until you're able to breathe.' Today, we are able to breathe again.
DANIEL MEACHUM, LAWYER FOR ROXIE WASHINGTON, THE MOTHER OF FLOYD'S ONLY CHILD, GIANNA FLOYD
There is no jury verdict that could possibly construct or suture the internal void that Gianna will continue to carry for the rest of her life, however when she stated that her daddy changed the world, this verdict will serve as a pointed and remarkable source for her to relish and find that her daddy did in fact change the world.
FORMER US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND MICHELLE OBAMA
Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied.
HILLARY CLINTON, FORMER US SECRETARY OF STATE AND DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
George Floyd's family and community deserved for his killer to be held accountable. Today, they got that accountability. Always and forever, black lives matter.
MINNESOTA GOVERNOR TIM WALZ
Today's verdict is an important step forward for justice in Minnesota. The trial is over, but our work has only begun.
Thousands of Minnesotans marched in the streets last summer in the wake of his death - inspiring a movement around the globe. While many of these people never met George, they valued his humanity. They knew what happened was wrong. They called for change, and they demanded justice.
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
For the first time in Minnesota state history, a white police officer has been held accountable for killing a black man. While today's verdict is a small win for police accountability and may help heal a grieving community, the systems that allowed George to be murdered - ripping him away from his family and the communities that loved him so much - remain fully intact.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE
Justice has prevailed in the case against #GeorgeFloyds killer #DerekChauvin, but the work is not done! We must keep fighting to end qualified immunity, and we must get #PoliceReformNOW.
US SENATOR FOR GEORGIA RAPHAEL WARNOCK
My heart goes out to the Floyd family. Thankfully today they received something that approaches justice. Obviously, it will not bring George Floyd back. Hopefully this is the beginning of a turning point in our country, where people who have seen this trauma over and over again, will know that we have equal protection under the law.
MARTIN LUTHER KING III
Justice has been served for the Floyd family. But no conviction can replace the life of George Floyd or the countless other unarmed Black Americans who have died at the hands of police. Police brutality stems from a justice system that is deeply rooted in racism, a system that must be completely changed in order for us to reach true justice.
NATIONAL FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
The trial was fair and due process was served. We hope and expect that all of our fellow citizens will respect the rule of law and remain peaceful tonight and in the days to come.
UK PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON
I was appalled by the death of George Floyd and welcome this verdict. My thoughts tonight are with George Floyd's family and friends.
Australian Associated Press
