Roommates, our forever President Barack Obama took to social media to post his reaction to the news of Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all three counts for which he was charged. Taking to Twitter, former president Obama acknowledged that although the jury did the right thing, there is still much more work to do to enact true change.
Barack Obama posted a shorter message regarding the Derek Chauvin verdict in the form of a tweet, followed by a photo of his full statement with wife Michelle Obama:
“Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied.”
That statement was followed by a longer one from the Obamas that read:
“True justice requires that we come to terms with the fact that Black Americans are treated differently, every day. It requires us to recognize that millions of our friends, family, and fellow citizens live in fear that their next encounter with law enforcement could be their last. And it requires us to do the sometimes thankless, often difficult, but always necessary work of making the America we know more like the America we believe in.
While today’s verdict may have been a necessary step on the road to progress, it was far from a sufficient one,” the Obamas continued. “We cannot rest. We will need to follow through with the concrete reforms that will reduce and ultimately eliminate racial bias in our criminal justice system. We will need to redouble efforts to expand economic opportunity for those communities that have been too long marginalized.”
As we previously reported, Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts, second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The jury deliberated for just 10 hours before they returned with a unanimous verdict.
Chauvin was immediately taken away to jail after Judge Cahill revoked his bail. He will remain in custody for the next eight weeks as he awaits his sentencing.
Want updates directly in your text inbox? Hit us up at 917-722-8057 or click here to join!