Lansdale Borough Police Chief Michael Trail and Mayor Garry Herbert have issued statements following the conviction of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin on murder charges, stemming from the death of George Floyd.
On Tuesday afternoon, a jury found Chauvin guilty on charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, in connection with Floyd’s death on Memorial Day 2020. Chauvin was captured on video pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds as Floyd laid handcuffed facedown, stating the now-infamous phrase “I can’t breathe.”
The statement from Trail reads, in full:
Yesterday, most of America was captivated by the verdict in the murder trial of George Floyd and the ensuing verdict of guilty on every count charged against Dereck Chauvin. While this trial is complete, and the main officer responsible is being held accountable, there are still more trials ahead in this case and I ask for the public’s patience as we move through these events together.
I am very-sensitive to not use the word “justice” in referring to this verdict. I do not believe this is justice for the Floyd family, but rather a verdict which has held Derek Chauvin accountable for his heinous and despicable conduct.
True justice was lost when George Floyd was murdered by the very people who were responsible for protecting him. There is no greater responsibility upon a sworn police officer than the obligation to protect the people we serve; this includes people we arrest. Once George Floyd was placed in handcuffs, his care, his life, was in the hands of Derek Chauvin. Derek Chauvin’s actions went beyond a failure to uphold his oath when he personalized the encounter and murdered George Floyd.
While we have made progress in police reform, locally, and at the state and federal level, there will always be more that can be done to ensure what we saw on that video from May 25, 2020, never happens again.
I ask that the community join with the Lansdale Police Department to work through the challenges facing our community together in cooperation with mutual respect and support.
In the wake of Floyd’s death, Trail immediately became an outspoken critic of Chauvin’s actions, quickly condemning Chauvin publicly and expressing his sympathy to the Floyd family. In the days that followed, Trail and the Lansdale Borough Police Department united with protestors over a series of demonstrations on West Main Street and Memorial Park, pledging to work with community groups, civic organizations and religious institutions to work towards a more equitable future.
“We want to work with our community as we move through this
period of self-reflection, in how we can better perform our role in the
community through collaboration and cooperation, versus division and
suspicion,” Trail said via a statement
on June 2, 2020, hours prior to the first protest in Lansdale.
In the months since Floyd’s death, Trail — who was near-universally lauded for speaking out against Chauvin’s actions — has worked with Mayor Herbert to update the department’s use of force policy and install an in-depth body camera system that integrates with the department’s already-existing dashcam system.
In response to a request for comment from North Penn Now, Herbert provided the following statement:
“Yesterday’s verdict is proof that the justice system can work for all Americans. However, the work to improve policing across the country must continue. Public safety is about developing trust with everyone. Building, and rebuilding, that trust will take time, but we must commit ourselves to this endeavor. By doing so, we will build a better community where everyone feels like they can live, work, and play.”
Following the verdict, Chauvin’s bail was revoked, and he was placed into custody. Reports indicate that Chauvin is expected to be sentenced in eight weeks. He faces a maximum of 40 years in prison.
See also:
Lansdale Police Chief Reflects On Recent Protest, Says Demonstrators Should Be Praised
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Hundreds Attend Peaceful Rally In Support Of George Floyd In Lansdale, Police Show Their Support
Lansdale Police Chief: ‘It’s Time To End Idle Talk And Move Towards Solutions’
Mayoral Musings: Improving Lansdale Police Department Through Body Cameras
Lansdale Police Chief Issues Statement Condemning The Death Of George Floyd
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