Lawyers representing George Floyd’s family praised Tuesday’s verdict, which found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges, including second-degree murder, for his involvement in the death of the unarmed black man. “History is made today,” said attorney Benjamin Crump, who called the verdict a “turning point in American history” for police reform powered by “sacrificial blood.” Crump urged lawmakers to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would ban no-knock raids of the kind that claimed Breonna Taylor’s life, force federal law enforcement officers to carry body cameras, and set a federal registry of police misconduct, among other possible reforms.
Lawyer Anthony Romanucci insisted on the connection of the verdict with police on the street. The decision was crucial, Romannucci said, because “it reinforces the major reforms underway in Minneapolis.” Romanucci called on Minnesota lawmakers to pass laws requiring police to keep body cameras on, practice de-escalation techniques, and report on-the-job use of force. “Now George Floyd’s soul can finally rest in peace,” said attorney L. Chris Stewart. “Justice is served.”