Rep. Scanlon Issues Statement on the Verdict in Derek Chauvin’s Trial for the Murder of George Floyd

Like millions of Americans, I am feeling a small sense of relief today following the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Clear video evidence and expert and eyewitness testimony proved what was obvious to a watching world since last May — Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd. Today, justice was served.

Over the past year, our country has begun a great reckoning sparked by the horrific killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I remain committed to confronting the harsh truths about law enforcement practices in our country that have allowed police violence against communities of color, especially Black individuals, to persist for far too long. And I will do everything in my power as an elected representative in Congress to push for meaningful reforms.

If we truly believe Black Lives Matter, we must change law enforcement in the United States.

The House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act as a much-needed comprehensive first step to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement, empower our communities, and build trust by addressing systemic racism and bias to help save lives. Now, more than ever, we need the Senate to act. We owe it to George Floyd and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of U.S. law enforcement.