The Prince George’s County Council continues to keep the family of George Floyd in its thoughts and prayers. 

While today’s conviction has meaning for people across the country, around the world, in Minnesota, and in our own communities, it represents a bittersweet moment of relief for the Floyd family, who lost their brother, father and friend. 

Today’s conviction, on all counts, affirms what anyone who saw the horrific video already knew, George Floyd was murdered.  He was the victim of deadly racial brutality and violence perpetrated by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who had been sworn to serve and protect.

For too long this country has turned a blind eye to the systemic injustices throughout the criminal justice system, and each of us must continue working together to change the broken systems and bring about societal change.

Today, 12 jurors agreed that George Floyd’s life mattered, and those responsible for his death must be accountable.   As a result, perhaps, we can all breathe a little better.

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