WASHINGTON — Just like the death of George Floyd last May brought on strong feelings for many Washingtonians, so did the guilty on all counts jury verdict in the Dereck Chauvin trial taking place in Minneapolis Tuesday.
From rooms of people at restaurants watching TVs to people on smartphones hearing the verdict from Black Lives Matter Plaza, emotions were heard and seen as people gathered Tuesday afternoon.
Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, was found guilty of the two murder charges and one manslaughter charge he faced. Instant reaction was seen in D.C. as the verdict was announced. Tears shed, praying, dancing, hugs and a magnitude of raw emotions were seen throughout the evening.
People consoled each other amid everything, which represented a stark contrast to the 250 National Guard troops and hundreds of police officers who had mobilized and prepared for potential protests in the District.
"Tomorrow the work begins again because in my mind, Black people — while we celebrate this moment — we think about the Black families who never made it to this moment,” Rev. Windy Hamilton of Metropolitan Community Church said.
Hamilton was one of many pastors gathered at St. John's Episcopal Church near Black Lives Matter Plaza, to help the community that was set to react to the trial verdict.
Like Hamilton, many people WUSA9 spoke with around Black Lives Matter Plaza felt that the Chauvin verdict was just a small righteous moment that still leaves George Floyd dead, and much more to be done.
"It’s tough ... You know, victory would have been better if George Floyd were still alive,” Jay Brown said as tears streamed down his face.
Dozens watched the trial verdict on a TV elevated from the corner of a dining room inside Busboys and Poets. The immediate reaction from both customers and employees was seen.
"I am elated, just finally," patron Xavier St. Marten on Northwest D.C. said. "It’s a lot. It's a lot.. We've been through this so many times before. And I'm saying, 'WE' ... We all have. And to finally ... It's everything. It's everything."
Capitol Hill was not exempt from reaction either.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus delivered a statement outside the U.S. Capitol after Chauvin was found guilty on all charges.
"We come today as a group, 56 strong, our message today is this verdict we certainly agree with — guilty on all charges," Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) said. "But we want our message to be very clear that this is just the first step. We know clearly that justice has been delayed."
Judge Peter Cahill will make the final decision on sentencing for Dereck Chauvin, which can go beyond the usual state recommended guidelines.
