Tag: George Floyd

Minnesota GOP challenges Democrats over Rep. Maxine Waters’ words

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Democrats counter that GOP was silent on Jan. 6 insurrection at Capitol. 

WASHINGTON – Comments last weekend by Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters at a Twin Cities protest are deeply dividing Minnesota’s political delegation in Washington as Republicans unsuccessfully sought to censure the California lawmaker.

As the nation waited for the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial Tuesday, House Democrats, including four from Minnesota, blocked the GOP’s resolution censuring Waters for urging protesters “to get more confrontational” if the jury acquitted the former police officer.

Minnesota’s four GOP House members pushed for Waters to be censured, saying in a letter that “these comments … are unacceptable, divisive and can only be viewed as a means to incite further violence and destruction.” Continue reading.

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: April 23, 2021


This week, the entire world watched as Minnesota awaited the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, while mourning the death of Daunte Wright at the hands of law enforcement.

While the trial of Derek Chauvin ended in justice for George Floyd in the courtroom, we know that full justice won’t be achieved until all Minnesotans feel safe and the relationship between law enforcement and our communities heals.

The Governor will continue to work to pass police reform legislation in our state.

Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: April 23, 2021”

New signs of progress emerge on police reform

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Congress is under heightened pressure to reach a long-elusive deal on police reform after Derek Chauvin’s conviction for the murder of George Floyd. 

The conviction, heralded by Democrats and activists as a milestone in the quest for racial justice, immediately shifted attention from the courts to Congress, renewing questions about what bill, if any, could pass the 50-50 Senate, where initial police reform discussions after Floyd’s death unraveled nearly a year ago. 

Democrats believe the verdict has given them new momentum, and behind-the-scenes bipartisan talks have been happening for months, with negotiators hoping to have language in a matter of weeks.  Continue reading.

Women for Trump official: They’ll riot anyway because they don’t want to miss ‘free ticket for a shopping spree’

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On Tuesday, the jury in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin handed down multiple convictions of murder and manslaughter for the death of George Floyd — sparking relief all across the country, and triggering joyous celebrations in place of the protests that some officials feared would take place.

But according to Amy Kremer, the co-founder of Women for Trump and the director of the far-right Women for America First, the verdict will not change things, and residents of Minneapolis are still “going to riot regardless” — because they have a “free ticket for a shopping spree.”

Kremer’s comments triggered immediate outrage, with many commenters noting that she clearly meant to imply that Black residents of the city are violent thieves looking for an excuse to steal and loot — and others noting that she had no such words for the people motivated by her “Stop the Steal” rhetoric to violently invade the U.S. Capitol. Continue reading.

Wingnuts Freaking Out Over Chauvin Verdict (Except Judge Jeanine)

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While many observers welcomed the jury’s finding on Tuesday that Derek Chauvin was guilty of murdering George Floyd, some conservative media figures seemed distinctly perturbed, unsettled, or outraged by the outcome. It seemed that though Floyd’s murder was initially was widely condemned, the movement it stirred and demands for changes it spurred from progressives polarized the issue, making some conservatives feel the guilty verdict was a loss for their side.

For example, some pushed the debunked notion that Floyd died from an overdose, rather than the knee on his neck for over 9 minutes:

Continue reading.

‘Pot calling the kettle violent’: CNN host throws Cruz’s own words in his face after GOP senator feigns outrage over Maxine Waters

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With the defense having rested in former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial, Rep. Maxine Waters of California was asked how “justice for George Floyd” activists will response if Chauvin is found not guilty. And the congresswoman called for a vocal response if that happens, saying, “We’ve got to get more confrontational. We’ve got to let them know that we mean business.” Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was among the far-right Republicans who claimed that Waters was advocating violence — and CNN’s John Berman called Cruz out and reminded viewers of the ways in which the Texas senator’s false claims of widespread voter fraud encouraged the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol Building.

On CNN’s “New Day,” host Berman explained, “She didn’t say what type of confrontation. Still, this is not the language that business owners in Minneapolis want to hear or that people calling for calm, including the president or the family of George Floyd (want to hear).”

But he went on to explain why Cruz is the last person who should be accusing a congresswoman of overly incendiary rhetoric. Continue reading.

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: April 21, 2021

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Tuesday April 20, Derek Chauvin was found guilty on the charges second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. This verdict does not come lightly, as the eyes of the world have been upon Minnesota and will continue to be. 

Nothing can bring George Floyd back, but today was an important structural piece towards accountability. It is also abundantly clear that one conviction will not address the feelings of so many Minnesotans, who feel and have witnessed that the system is not working equally for everyone. We also know that over 50 percent of all use of force incidents involve a person with a disability. 

Each of us have a role to play in pursuit of a more just world, and this is especially true for us at the Minnesota Legislature. We must work together to deliver the changes necessary to make sure every Minnesotan feels safe in their community. With just one month left in this legislative session, we must build on our work from last summer. We must also remember that George Floyd was someone who struggled with recovery yet found time to volunteer to be a mentor to homeless youth even taking them to see the Twins play baseball.  

Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: April 21, 2021”

Hennepin County Sheriff: Statement on Chauvin Verdict

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Yesterday, a jury of Derek Chauvin’s peers in Hennepin County found him guilty of murder. He was immediately taken into custody and transferred to the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

While nothing can bring George Floyd back to life or fully heal the pain felt by his family, friends, and community, we hope this outcome brings at least some solace.

In no uncertain terms, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office supports the jury in their decision to convict. Those of us in law enforcement have sworn an oath to serve and protect. Most sworn law enforcement officers think seriously about this oath each and every day. Those who do not or cannot live up to these words have no place in this profession.

Derek Chauvin’s conviction is an important moment, but there is much work to be done. Every day, the men and women of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are working hard on new initiatives to make positive change. We eagerly await having conversations with members of the community and hearing their thoughts. We look forward to a better tomorrow for everyone.

Take care of yourselves and one another,

– Sheriff David P. Hutchinson

POCI Caucus Statement on Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — On Tuesday, April 20, the jury reached a guilty verdict on all charges in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus released the following statement:

“This is not a joyful moment. As we watched the trial and relived the desperate final moments of a man’s life and the cruelty of one who is supposed to protect, we were reminded that we do not live in a just society. The finding of guilt in the actions of an officer not only condemns the actions of that man, but our society and public safety system as a whole. While the verdict is guilty, we demand that Derek Chauvin receive the maximum sentence for his crime. 

“Justice cannot stop at punishment, it must continue in everything we do to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again. We have the opportunity to create a just society, this verdict has planted the seed of justice in tenuous soil polluted by years of oppression and injustice. It is now up to us, our white colleagues, and all Minnesotans who value human life to nurture this seed so that it may grow into true justice. 

“Amongst the chaos of this past year, there are two truths that will stick with us for the rest of our lives and for generations to come. The first; George Floyd should still be alive. The second; George Floyd has changed the world. How exactly the world has been changed remains in our hands. The POCI Caucus will work to create a world where Black Lives Matter, where every life is sacred, where every person feels safe and secure, and where Black, Brown, and Indigenous children can live joyfully free from the oppression of our unjust society.

“Lastly, we extend our deepest sympathies to George Floyd’s friends and family. You lost a loved one in a horrific way and your pain was displayed to the world. No one should have to go through what you did. Your courage and perseverance is an inspiration, and we will hold you in our hearts always.”

The People of Color & Indigenous (POCI) Caucus includes Reps. Esther Agbaje (59B), Jamie Becker-Finn (42B), Cedrick Frazier (45A), Aisha Gomez (62B), Hodan Hassan (Vice- Chair 62A), Kaohly Her (64A), Athena Hollins (66B), Fue Lee (59A), Carlos Mariani (65B), Rena Moran (65A), Mohamud Noor (60B), Ruth Richardson (52B), John Thompson (67A), Samantha Vang (Chair, 40B), Jay Xiong (67B), Tou Xiong (53B), and Senators Bobby Joe Champion (59), Omar Fateh (62), Melisa Franzen (49), Foung Hawj (67), Mary Kunesh (41), Patricia Torres Ray (Chair, 63). Rep. Heather Keeler signed onto this statement in solidarity.

Rep. Phillips on the Derek Chauvin Verdict

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dean Phillips issued the following statement:

“Justice was served for George Floyd today, but America’s work, our work, to ensure justice, safety and opportunity FOR ALL will continue with even more intention, more fortitude, and more purpose. Onwards in unity.”