April 20, 2021

District Attorney Mike Schmidt releases statement on Derek Chauvin guilty verdict

PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released the following statement following the verdict in State of Minnesota v. Derek Chauvin.

“The significance of this verdict cannot be overstated. This trial was vastly more than just a police officer on trial for the murder of a man. It was about humanity and sanctity of Black life. It proved excessive force is a weapon. Although this verdict delivered justice in one case, it will not, by itself, transform the criminal justice system that took the life of George Floyd. We must resist the urge to turn to other matters – this struggle is not over. The verdict will not, by itself, protect the next George Floyd. Now, we must take what we know—what we’ve learned from this trial—and find the strength to bring about transformative change in institutions across our country, and to heal and reestablish trust. This moment must serve to remind us of the tremendous gulf between where we are and where we truly must be.”

A video copy of this statement can be obtained by clicking here.

#MCDA#

Media Contact:

Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us