A "turning point in history", a name that has become "synonymous with justice", a relief: reactions were raining, Tuesday, April 20, in the United States and around the world, after the verdict which recognized the American policeman Derek Chauvin guilty of the death of African American George Floyd.
His death was at the origin of a vast movement denouncing police violence and racial discrimination.
The moment of a "significant change"
In a brief speech from the White House, US President Joe Biden took advantage of this historic decision to denounce the racism that "taints" the soul of America.
"The guilty verdict will not bring George back," but this decision may be the time for "significant change," he added, calling on America to come together.
"It was a murder in broad daylight that opened the eyes of the world to systemic racism."
00:39
Beforehand, the American president had expressed his "relief" to the Floyd family, during a telephone call.
The jury finally came to an agreement with Joe Biden who had estimated, earlier today, Tuesday, that the evidence presented during the trial was "overwhelming".
"Today marks a day of justice in America," added Kamala Harris, the United States' first black vice president, on the same call.
"Today a jury in Minneapolis did the right thing," wrote former President Barack Obama, calling for "the fight" to continue to fight racism and police violence.
"But if we're being honest, we know that true justice goes far beyond a single verdict in a single trial."
"Real justice requires much more", for Barack 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.
pic.twitter.com/mihZQHqACV
- Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 20, 2021 "Real justice requires much more", says Barack Obama
"His life mattered"
The emotion was palpable for the family of George Floyd.
"I feel tears of joy, so moved that no family in history has come this far before," Rodney Floyd, one of George's brothers, said in a video, dedicating the verdict "to all of you. who were in the same situation ".
"No verdict can bring us back George Perry Floyd. But this verdict does send the message to his family that he was somebody, that his life mattered, that each of our lives matters," said African-American Attorney Jerry. Blackwell, a member of the prosecution team at the trial of Derek Chauvin.
"A first step towards justice", according to the prosecutor
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"George Floyd came to Minneapolis to seek a better life. It was ultimately his life that made our city better," tweeted Mayor Jacob Frey.
A first in the history of Minnesota
Lawyer for the Floyd family, Ben Crump, said "this verdict is a turning point in history."
Chauvinistic Derek trial: Ben Crump welcomes verdict
GUILTY!
Painfully earned justice has finally arrived for George Floyd's family.
This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement.
Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!
- Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) April 20, 2021
"Thanks to you, and thanks to the thousands, millions of people who have demonstrated around the world for justice, your name will forever be synonymous with justice," said Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, in front of the Capitol shortly after the verdict.
The American Civil Liberties Association (ACLU) noted that, "for the first time in the history of the state of Minnesota, a white police officer was held responsible for the death of a black man." .
"While today's verdict is a small victory over police accountability and could help heal a grieving community, the system that allowed George to be assassinated (...) remains intact."
Justice also greeted by Adam Silver, the boss of the NBA, the American professional basketball association.
In a joint statement with Michele Roberts, director of the Basketball Players' Association, he pledged that his organization would continue its campaign for justice and police reforms in the United States.
Boris Jonhson was the first political representative to welcome this verdict across the Atlantic.
"I was appalled by the death of George Floyd and I welcome this verdict," the British Prime Minister tweeted.
"My thoughts tonight are with the family of George Floyd and his friends."
Boris Johnson welcomes this verdict
I was appalled by the death of George Floyd and welcome this verdict.
My thoughts tonight are with George Floyd's family and friends.
- Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 20, 2021
Outpouring of joy in Minneapolis
Relief was also noticeable outside the Minneapolis court, where more than 200 people had gathered in anticipation of the news.
They rejoiced at the announcement of the verdict.
"I don't believe it ... Guilty!", Declares incredulously Lavid Mack, a young man of 28 perched on a concrete block to see the world assembled.
He didn't think Derek Chauvin would be doomed.
"A huge relief", after the announcement of the verdict in Minneapolis
02:28
A woman, tears streaming down her cheeks, expresses her relief: "Now we can finally start to breathe," says Amber Young.
"This year has been such a trauma. From now on I hope we can heal our wounds."
This African-American woman now turns to another struggle: "We have to fight for Daunte Wright now," in reference to the 20-year-old black man killed on April 11 by a white policewoman in the suburbs of Minneapolis.
The fist in the air, a group of ten people resumes in chorus: "Black power! Black power!"
The avenue in front of the court has been cut off to traffic, and several cars which are being diverted from their path honk their horns to celebrate with the crowd.
With AFP and Reuters
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