WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today issued the following statement after the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

“Today, the jury did its job and provided accountability. No one is above the law. But George Floyd’s murder reinforces how our law enforcement system, for all its successes, still has so many failures – including that it fails to fully address the systemic racism that has seeped into it in large and small ways,” said AG Racine. “While this decision may provide some solace, it will not heal the wounds of generations of mistreatment. But perhaps it’s part of a reckoning of a new era of reform. 

“Fair and just policing should be standard – and we know it is for many hardworking law enforcement officers who keep us safe. But we also know far too well that people of color are often treated differently. And it can lead to life-changing and life-ending consequences. We have a great deal of work to do to end these injustices. We must continue to stand up and peacefully use our voices to bring about change. Thank you to Attorney General Ellison for his leadership.”