After ten hours of deliberation in the Minneapolis court (Minnesota, United States), several hundred people shouted their joy at the foot of the court when the verdict was announced. Screams that the 12 jurors may have heard from the courtroom. Among the crowd, Aza, who came with friends. “I feel great! We got justice today”she says after the trial of police officer Derek Chauvin, convicted of the murder of George Floyd.
>> Verdict in the George Floyd case: follow our live
Athena too is happy to see the ex-policeman condemned, but almost incredulous. “We were preparing for another result because that’s what we’re used to.she says. Having obtained a conviction, we were not ready. You can’t prepare for what you never had.” Beside him, Tay looks almost shocked: “I’m happy, I’m sad, a little numb, it’s more about responsibility than justice.”
The American president called on Tuesday, April 20, the United States to unite and fight against the racism that “taint” the soul of the country. Part of America feared riots. Members of the National Guard deployed on the streets of Minneapolis instead observe scenes of joy. A DJ has put his turntable on the roof of his car in the middle of the road, a group is preparing a barbecue next to a bus stop. James enjoys the moment.
“I’m more relieved than optimistic. Relieved because the world isn’t going to go up in flames tonight.”
James, a Minneapolis residentat franceinfo
Five kilometers south of the court, where George Floyd was killed, at this crossroads that has become a memorial, Emma holds up a sign “Hate is a virus”. The teenager learned the verdict during her softball practice. “It was a friend of mine who told the whole teamshe explains. Everyone was excited, obviously it’s good that George Floyd got justice but there’s still a lot to do and progress to be made.”
Facing the crowd, a reverend has the same message: “Don’t be satisfied. Celebrate tonight but wake up still crying out for justice.” Thursday, April 22, Minneapolis must bury Daunte Wright, another black man killed by city police after a traffic stop.
Joy in Minneapolis after the conviction of Derek Chauvin – Report by Loïc Pialat