The nation has been engrossed in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, charged with murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020. For many, it’s not just the former police officer on trial, but U.S. policing and the justice system at large.
The MSR reached out to community members to get their response after two weeks of the trial. We asked: What are your thoughts about the Derek Chauvin murder trial so far?
“The trial is going well. We see [Chauvin] as being guilty, but in our lifetime, cases like this always seem to end up the other way around. I am praying and hoping that justice will be served.”
Anthony Harmon, Mpls., security
“It really intense. It’s hard to hear how they discuss how Mr. George actually died. It’s still too soon to give an indication of what the jury is thinking. Hopefully, they will rule the right way. I feel like America is watching and this is setting a precedent for America and how we deal with police brutality and racism moving forward. This will be the blueprint of what the future will hold.
Ebony Gums, high school social worker
I think the trial is going well. It reminds me of the Black condition in America. Malcolm X once said, “If you’re not careful, the newspaper will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”
In this case, it is the courts. So when you’re watching this trial, it’s about how Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd, but you walk away thinking it’s George Floyd who is on trial. But he’s the victim and it’s sad we have to live in these conditions.
Jason Griffin Mpls., security
It’s a basic trial. It seems procedural. The prosecutor is laying down the facts and the defense is deflecting the primary cause of death for George Floyd. It’s going as expected.
Albert McGree of Mpls., equity and inclusion, Edina School District
So far it’s progressing in the right direction, with all the evidence and all the testimonies that are going on right now. Do I have faith? It’s kind of hard to say because we see trials like this and things have gone sideways. We don’t get the results that we want. I’m hoping and I have faith that we going towards a conviction because it was murder and it’s on camera. The badge shouldn’t be above anything else.
Ololade Gbadamosi, Apple Valley, paraprofessional
Thank you for your reporting… truth telling especially on Chauvin murder trial. Article on Graham v Connor clarifies what to listen for in closing statenents and directions to jurors.