Press Statement  AG Healey's Statement in Response to George Floyd Verdict

BOSTON — Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey issued the following statement in response to a jury finding former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of all three charges in the murder of George Floyd last May.

“Today, the jury made the right call in the name of accountability. The officer who murdered George Floyd and showed reckless disregard for the law has been convicted for his crimes. But accountability in this case does not bring George Floyd back. One verdict is not a solution, but it is a step forward and an opportunity for all Americans to do the hard and necessary work ahead. Today, I send my love to George Floyd’s family, to the millions who are part of this movement, and to Black Americans who experienced collective trauma and grief so acutely this past year and this past week. Accountability in this case doesn’t erase the fear and pain from centuries of injustices and institutional racism. It will take all of us to move forward and bring healing and the change we need. We must acknowledge racism and work to address the enduring structures that lead to social inequities and unconstitutional policing. Only then can we begin to heal and build unity. Anything less than that isn’t justice.

We owe gratitude to everyone who spoke out about George Floyd’s murder, the young woman who bravely filmed the video, the community and faith leaders who pressed for change, the police officers and civilians who courageously testified, and all who condemned Chauvin’s brutal acts.

I want to commend my friend and colleague Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. I know he and his team prosecuted Derek Chauvin to the fullest extent of the law. I know he will never stop fighting for justice and accountability. Let us honor George Floyd’s memory by waking up tomorrow committed to coming together—state and local officials, community leaders, and law enforcement—to address police reform, racial injustice, and systemic inequalities. And let us remember to incorporate spaces for healing on our journey forward.”

            AG Healey has also urged passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, which will reform law enforcement agencies nationwide and give state attorneys general clear statutory authority to investigate patterns or practices of unconstitutional policing.