The Legal Aid Society issued the following statement in response to the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty on all charges related to the death of George Floyd, as reported by CBS 2 New York.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of George Floyd and with Black and Brown communities who have long suffered at the hands of law enforcement.

While this conviction holds Derek Chauvin accountable for his actions, it does not cure the epidemic of police violence or address the racist systems that perpetuate it. Even as this trial was taking place, Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo were killed by police. Police in this nation wield far too much power and control in spaces where they simply do not belong. Their bloated budgets drain resources from services needed in communities and doctrines such as qualified immunity too often shield them from any obligation to pay for the damage they cause. We must fundamentally shift this power and funding to where it is needed the most and repeal qualified immunity laws throughout this country.

The Legal Aid Society vows to honor George Floyd’s life and all those who have lost their lives to the police as we continue to work alongside directly affected individuals to bring fundamental change to the systems and institutions that oppress the communities we serve.”