Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, Tuesday, with an expected sentencing in eight weeks.

Chauvin was convicted of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25 death of George Floyd and may still submit a written argument this week.

L.A. County had been on high alert for the possibility of civil unrest coming from the Chauvin trial verdict. Businesses boarded up their storefronts, planned adjusted hours of operation and law enforcement pleaded for peaceful protest.

As of this writing, there have been no reports of unrest, but LAPD was put on tactical alert out of an “abundance of cation.”

As the verdict was read and confirmed in Minnesota, multiple notable Los Angeles officials and leaders responded, as Floyd’s death left an imprint on the city nearly a year ago:

Co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Melina Abdullah said:

“I want to say that this is not justice, but it is a semblance of justice. That fool is guilty on all counts. That means he ain’t ever getting out. I don’t believe in the carceral state, but as long as there are prisons and jails, let the murderous ass cops be the first ones in them. Derek Chauvin should be in there for the rest of his life for taking the life of George Floyd.”

The People’s City Council Activist Organization said:

“Convicting one cop will not stop the police from killing in the future. Abolition is the only way.”

City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti addressed the media saying:

“Today justice was served, but let’s be clear that George Floyd is still not here with us. Justice was delivered, though, for his family, for our nation and this country took a critical step forward towards healing. This verdict has sent a message far beyond Minneapolis beyond that courtroom that we all witnessed today that says clearly: that no American is immune, the badge does not make you immune, that America can become better, that black lives matter and that we can grow and change. This is about more than one police officer, it also a moment to look at a system that is predictable as it is pernicious.”

https://www.facebook.com/MayorOfLA/videos/1174892486314601

L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a statement:

“As we have all seen with the verdict in the Derek Chauvin case, we must have faith in the judicial process. The law will take its course, and justice will prevail. If a crime is committed, regardless of who the perpetrator is, they will be brought to justice.”

L.A. City Councilman Curren Price Jr. simply stated:

“The world stopped today with all eyes on Minnesota as we held our breath waiting for the judge to read 6 letters-GUILTY.”

L.A. City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, who canceled an event in light of Tuesday’s decision, said:

“Nothing can eliminate or heal the pain that George Floyd’s murder has caused. But now the jury has spoken decisively and ensured that Derek Chauvin will be held accountable. I stand in solidarity with the Black community and will continue working with my colleagues on the Los Angeles City Council to transform what public safety means moving forward.”

Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson said:

“The demands for change are loud, forceful and uncompromising. They have pushed promising plans for transforming how we keep everyone safe into the public discourse.
This moment of collective grief poses the question what can we do to stop this from happening again today, tomorrow or ever again? The system makes us feel as though the public has little control over the police, and that the police have absolute control over the public.  This must change to ensure that deaths like George Floyd never happen again. As heavy as this moment is, our ancestors before us have carried heavier loads and achieved greater change by holding on and struggling through.”

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas said:

“Although today’s verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial is a victory for justice, a victory for accountability, and a victory for common sense – George Floyd’s life was cut far too short. Mr. Floyd’s legacy will live on. I am committed to the continued work in LA, along with with movements all over this nation to collectively reimagine policing and reckon with systemic racism.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered a statement saying:

“The hard truth is that if George Floyd looked like me, he’d still be alive today. No conviction can repair the harm done to George Floyd and his family, but today’s verdict provides some accountability as we work to root out the racial injustice that haunts our society. We must continue the work of fighting systemic racism and excessive use of force. It’s why I signed some of the nation’s most progressive police reform legislation into law. I will continue working with community leaders across the state to hear concerns and support peaceful expression.”

Supervisor Janice Hahn said:

“This is what justice looks like. The path to unity flows through accountability. The path to healing begins with justice.”

President of United Teachers L.A., Cecily Myart-Cruz said:

“Justice looks like care, community, and compassion for one another. Justice looks like seeing each other clearly. Justice looks like this never occurring again. We still have so much work to do.”

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