Just hours ago, a Minneapolis jury found former officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd.

This verdict confirms what the world saw with its own eyes: a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on the neck of George Floyd for 9 minutes and 29 seconds while he gasped for his life.

Were it not for a 17-year-old girl at the scene who, in horror at the sight before her, took out her cell phone and recorded the excruciating killing of George Floyd, justice may never have been rendered.

This verdict was just, but it does not bring back George Floyd. Nor does it reverse the pain borne by the Floyd family and all those who have lost loved ones due to police violence. But we can and must do everything in our power to ensure that no family goes through this again and to defeat systemic racism in all its forms.

In the area of police accountability, we should start by immediately passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and sending it to President Joe Biden’s desk.

We should also adopt other crucial reforms, like those proposed in the Community-Based Response Act that I have introduced with Rep. Karen Bass. That bill encourages local jurisdictions to adopt alternatives to police responses for the many situations that do not require a use-of-force option that too often results in unnecessary escalation and tragic death — like many situations involving individuals experiencing mental health problems.

Our thoughts tonight are with the Floyd family and all those families who have lost loved ones. We cannot fully know their pain; but we can honor it with action.

Chris

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