Peter DeFazio

04/20/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/20/2021 17:24

Statement from Rep. Peter DeFazio on Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) today released the following statement on the verdict rendered in Derek Chauvin's trial:

'I am relieved that justice has been served and that the jurors in Derek Chauvin's trial, faced with indisputable evidence, found him guilty of all charges.

'Chauvin's senseless murder of George Floyd last summer sparked a sea change. His death shed light on the legacy of police brutality and racial hate entrenched in American society and committed millions of Americans to the righteous cause of ending systemic racism.

'While today's verdict will not bring George Floyd back, nor will it heal the deep mistrust between Black Americans and law enforcement, it is an important step towards justice. We know the work is not done. We must continue to peacefully exercise our First Amendment rights as we work together to reform our broken system by passing essential reforms, like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the CAHOOTS Act, to transform policing in America and reduce violence in our communities. I remain committed to proactively working to dismantle institutional racism and oppression.'