The jury reached a verdict Tuesday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. Chauvin was found guilty on two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter in Floyd’s death.
Floyd died last May after Chauvin, a white officer, pinned his knee on the 46-year-old Black man’s neck for about 9 1/2 minutes in a case that triggered worldwide protests and demonstrations across the country.
Below is a look at the latest updates and local reaction across the Bay Area.
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Tuesday, April 20
It was a quiet and peaceful night on the streets of San Francisco Tuesday, something very different from what it was like a year ago after the death of George Floyd and even different from what police prepared for after the verdict. But as quiet as the streets may be, the work continues for activists who say comprehensive reform is what needs to happen next.
In Oakland, Frank Ogawa Plaza was relatively quiet after the verdict was read, but some people did show up to call for more police accountability.
Social justice activists in the Bay Area are applauding Tuesday’s verdict in Minnesota but also say this isn’t the moment to stop and celebrate because so much more reform is still needed. Thom Jensen spoke with two local leaders who are on the front lines in the push for police reform.
The verdict is opening old wounds for families of police violence who had overwhelming mixed emotions. A group of families joined together outside City Hall for an event to hear from civil rights leaders.
NBC Bay Area's Marcus Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole, two prominent voices in the Bay Area's Black community, weighed in on the verdict. Catch their two-part conversation in the videos below.
UC Hastings Law Professor Emeritus Shauna Marshall joined NBC Bay Area to talk about the verdict and it's impact on policing in America. See what she had to say in the video below.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed took to Twitter after Chauvin was found guilty on all charges.
"This verdict does not bring back the life of George Floyd," Breed said. "What this verdict does reflect is that the tide is turning in this country, although still too slowly, toward accountability and justice." Read her full statement below.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed his sentiments via Twitter as well and said "we must continue our work to root out the racial injustice that haunts our society."
The San Francisco 49ers took to Twitter to express their support of the verdict and said "we still have a long way to go in the equitable treatment of communities of color."
The Golden State Warriors joined the 49ers in acknowledging the verdict and said "today was a step in the right direction, but the long journey must continue."
NBC Bay Area's Melissa Colorado in Oakland tweeted Oakland Police Department's Chief Armstrong reassured businesses that security will be in place ahead of possible protests and demonstrations.
In San Francisco, barricades are up surrounding City Hall. Take a look below.
In San Jose, Police Chief Anthony Mata said via Twitter the Police Department is "committed to ensuring the safety of individuals" that may gather after the announcement of the verdict. "Our foal is for everyone to be safe while exercising their 1st Amendment rights."
Businesses in Redwood City, out of precaution, boarded up doors and windows ahead of possible demonstrations.
