Chair Oversen Releases Statement on the Verdict in Chauvin Trial

Bismarck, ND – Today, Democratic-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen released the following statement in regards to the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin and the murder of George Floyd:

“Along with many of you, I held my breath and watched the Judge announce the verdict yesterday. I and the entire Democratic-NPL were thankful to see George Floyd’s murderer being held accountable, even though we knew there was no outcome of the trial that would give George Floyd back to his family. Back to being able to create memories, to laugh with, to grow old alongside his loved ones. We hold his family in our thoughts and our hearts today in hopes that this moment in history will begin a new chapter in holding law enforcement accountable when they abuse the people, and communities, that they are supposed to protect.

“The entire world stood aghast as we watched a police officer kneel on George Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes. While we hope the family finds peace for this moment, we must always remember those 9 minutes as we continue to fight back against mass incarceration, finding an end to rampant gun violence, and deconstructing the systemic issues that led to George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor and an endless list of others being murdered.

“We continue to grieve the loss of George Floyd, but we also move forward in our fight for justice. We demand that our elected officials work to pass laws which strengthen and uplift marginalized communities, reform our approach to policing, and bring forward justice and peace.”