President Biden: Floyd verdict marks 'moment of change' but 'it's not enough'

21 April 2021, 05:37 | Updated: 21 April 2021, 08:55

President Joe Biden speaks after George Floyd verdict

By Maddie Goodfellow

President Joe Biden said the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd "can be a giant step forward" for the nation in the fight against systemic racism.

But he declared that "it's not enough".

Mr Biden spoke from the White House hours after Tuesday's verdict alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, with the pair saying the country's work on racial inequality was far from finished with the verdict.

"We can't stop here," Mr Biden declared.

President Joe Biden said the conviction of Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd "can be a giant step forward"
President Joe Biden said the conviction of Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd "can be a giant step forward". Picture: PA

Mr Biden and Ms Harris called on Congress to act swiftly to address policing reform, including by approving a bill named for Mr Floyd, who died with his neck under Chauvin's knee last May.

Beyond that, the president said, the entire country must confront hatred to "change hearts and minds as well as laws and policies".

"'I can't breathe'. Those were George Floyd's last words," Mr Biden said. "We can't let those words die with him. We have to keep hearing those words. We must not turn away. We can't turn away."

Kamala Harris said racism was keeping the country from fulfilling its founding promise of "liberty and justice for all"
Kamala Harris said racism was keeping the country from fulfilling its founding promise of "liberty and justice for all". Picture: PA

Ms Harris, the first black woman to serve as vice president, said racism was keeping the country from fulfilling its founding promise of "liberty and justice for all".

"It is not just a black America problem or a people of colour problem. It is a problem for every American," she said. "It is holding our nation back from reaching our full potential."

"A measure of justice isn't the same as equal justice."

READ MORE: ‘This can be a moment of significant change’: World reacts after George Floyd verdict

READ MORE: A timeline of events as Derek Chauvin is found guilty of murder

Mr Biden addressed the nation after telephoning Mr Floyd's family following the verdict, telling them, "We're all so relieved".

He added later that he sought to comfort Mr Floyd's young daughter Gianna, telling her: "Daddy did change the world."

Derek Chauvin found guilty of the murder of George Floyd

On Tuesday, white ex-police officer Derek Chauvin, who was filmed pinning George Floyd to the ground with his knee, was been found guilty of second degree murder.

The case drew global attention after Mr Floyd's death prompted protests across the world.

It brought renewed focus on how police interact with communities they serve and racial inequalities, sparking emotions ranging from fury to distress.

READ MORE: George Floyd verdict: How did other cases involving US police officers end?

READ MORE: Derek Chauvin trial: 'Today justice has been served'

Chauvin, 45, was charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with the racially diverse jury asked to conclude if Chauvin's actions were a "substantial causal factor" in Mr Floyd's death.

His trial in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has drawn global audiences and left the city on edge with the possibility of repeats of the demonstrations and anger that erupted after Mr Floyd's death last year.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A police cordon blocking the inside lane of the northbound carriageway on the M1 motorway near Bucknalls Lane overpass in Hertfordshire, where a man's body was found by road workers on Monday.

Horror crash sees M1 closed 'in both directions' with emergency services including air ambulance in attendance

Bruce Springsteen performs on stage

First look at upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White divides fans

Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary and Labour MP for Leicester West spoke to LBC's Tom Swarbrick.

Liz Kendall unable to say how much the changes in the Welfare Bill announced today will end up costing

Exclusive
Brexit has unleashed ‘backstreet medicine’ across Britain, warns leading pharmacist

Brexit has unleashed ‘backstreet medicine’ across Britain, warns leading pharmacist

The record breaking ticket was bought in Munster. It is still unclaimed

'Have a cup of tea and let it sink in': Lottery bosses message to record Euromillions winner as prize yet unclaimed

Exclusive
Joe and his friends found the fraudulent listing on RightMove and OpenRent.

‘We lost £5,000 in a rental fraud scam and now we’re facing homelessness’

Ruth Jones and husband David Peet split up after 26 years. he is now in a new relationship in Canada

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones splits from husband after 26 years

Iran's supreme leader has hit back at Trump.

'Nobody knows what I'm gonna do': Trump's cryptic message as Iran brands claims of Washington talks 'despicable lies'

The Adalynn and Front Eagle tankers collided and caught on fire on Tuesday close to the Strait of Hormuz.

Navigational mistake led to oil tanker collision near Strait of Hormuz, says UAE official

Marine experts are set to bring the stricken Bayesian to the surface

Tech tycoon Mike Lynch's sunken superyacht to be raised from the seabed this weekend

Police officers stand next to a restaurant as people protest against overtourism in the Balearic island of Mallorca

Spain: Brits warned of tough rules for holidaying this summer

The Home Office UK Visas & Immigration Office at Lunar House in Croydon, London, UK.

Home Office tells children, aged 11 and eight, they must return to Brazil without parents or face being 'detained'

Yvonne Ford, 59, from Barnsley.

Pictured: Brit grandmother who died from rabies after being scratched by puppy as family issues stark warning

The 35-year-old received the news after earning his biggest win in two years, which also helped him reclaim a spot in the world's top 200 rankings

Dan Evans handed Wimbledon wildcard after stunning win over world No.13 Frances Tiafoe

How Iran could hit back: The growing threat to Western bases as Israeli strikes on Tehran escalate

How Iran could hit back: The growing threat to Western bases as Israeli strikes on Tehran escalate

Jennifer Abbot, 69, was discovered stabbed to death in her Camden home

Manhunt as police search for suspect after woman, 69, stabbed to death in home over 'diamond-encrusted Rolex'