Washington, D.C. – Following today’s start of the murder trial for Derek Chauvin, the police officer charged in the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“Today we are profoundly sad but also profoundly hopeful. Profoundly sad, because nothing will bring George Floyd back to his family. But also hopeful, because the murder of George Floyd has given this nation an opportunity to speak clearly against police killings of unarmed civilians. Our current system of unequal justice under the law has failed. Instead of justice, our current system has provided cover for law enforcement when they brutally murder Black Americans. We must finally have equal justice under the law, and it starts with a criminal justice system that holds law enforcement accountable when they maim and kill Black Americans. George Floyd’s death must not be in vain. His death has sparked demands to reimagine our approach to public safety, ensure accountability for police misconduct, and level the scales of justice for Black communities who have suffered enough loss. Real change, and real accountability, will save lives in the future, and that is what we are demanding in the wake of this tragedy.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.

###