Karen Bass

04/20/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/20/2021 17:25

Rep. Bass Statement Following Chauvin Conviction

'Thirty years ago, Rodney King was brutally beaten by police. The video of the assault shocked the world, but not the jury, who let every single police officer responsible roam free.

'Today is different. Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd and has been convicted of his crimes.
'But as we exhale from the relief of justice finally being delivered in a case like this, we have to remain focused on the sentencing, which I believe should be the maximum, and what has been the underlying movement that this case has come to represent: the need for accountability and real, substantive, transformative reform to our policing system.
'The United States House of Representatives has twice passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. We must continue this fight - so that rulings like today's verdict, don't come as such a surprise or such a relief. Justice in this country should come as expected, for all.
'I also want to thank my friend and former colleague, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who led the team that ensured this result.'