Community Responds to Chauvin Sentence

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

On Friday, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years of prison for the murder of George Floyd. Many community members say they are disappointed that Chauvin did not get the maximum sentence of 40 years.

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Safiya Mohamed reports:

On Friday, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years of prison. He is the first white Minneapolis Police Officer to be convicted of murdering a black person.

Dozens gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center to witness the historic sentencing and to hear from Floyd’s family.

Floyd’s nephew Brandon Williams said he is not celebrating the sentence.

“When you think about George being murdered in cold blood with a knee on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, execution style in broad daylight, 22 and a half years is not enough,” said Williams.

Local community members like Elula Doga echoed the family’s sentiments.

“I’m pissed to say the least,” said Doga. “I thought they were going to give him 30 years and then get him out [earlier] on good behavior, but I feel like he’s gonna get 15-years in at most, probably less.”

Many community members were disappointed that Chauvin was not getting the maximum 40 year sentencing.

Justin Blake was at the courthouse to show his support for Floyd’s family. He is the uncle of Jacob Blake, a black man who was shot 7 times by Kenosha police last summer.

“If they’re happy - not happy, but can move forward - then we are here to support them, and we’re gonna move forward with them,” said Blake.

Blake was hoping for 30 to 40 years, but is satisfied that Chauvin is serving jail time.

“22 years, it’s significant. So, it’s not what we wanted, which was 40 or 30, but 22 counts,” he said.

Blake says he hopes the Floyd family can now start rebuilding their lives.