The LGBTQ Center Long Beach has released a statement in response to the verdict following the George Floyd trial.
On May 25th, 2020 46-year-old George Floyd, an African American man, was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin after a convenience store employee called 911 and told the police that Mr. Floyd had bought cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.
The day after Floyd’s death, the Minneapolis Police Department fired all four of the officers involved in the episode. On May 29, the Hennepin County attorney, Mike Freeman, announced third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges against Chauvin, the officer seen most clearly in witness videos pinning Floyd to the ground. Chauvin, who is white, kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for at least eight minutes and 15 seconds.
After almost a year since his murder former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin has been convicted on all charges in the death of George Floyd.
Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.
Carlos Torres, Executive Director of The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, had this to say about the verdict:
“We wholeheartedly agree with the jury’s decision today regarding the murder of George Floyd. But the great work needs to continue. For until equality is available to every man, woman and child, no matter what race or color, no matter their sexuality, no matter their gender, we are not a free people. Let us take hope in today’s decision to keep striving for equality and justice.
“We pledge that George Floyd’s life and his unseemly death will continue to drive us, unite us, and in the end, triumph together.”
For those of you who may need some support during this time, The Center is offering mental health services available at 562-434-4455 ext. 228 or by visiting www.centerlb.org.
