Community Responds to Chauvin Sentence

<p>On Friday, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years of prison for the murder of George Floyd. Many community members say they are disappointed that Chauvin did not get the maximum sentence of 40 years. </p><p>--</p><p>Safiya Mohamed reports: </p><p><br></p><p>On Friday, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years of prison. He is the first white Minneapolis Police Officer to be convicted of murdering a black person. </p><p><br></p><p>Dozens gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center to witness the historic sentencing and to hear from Floyd’s family. </p><p><br></p><p>Floyd’s nephew Brandon Williams said he is not celebrating the sentence. </p><p><br></p><p>“When you think about George being murdered in cold blood with a knee on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, execution style in broad daylight, 22 and a half years is not enough,” said Williams. </p><p><br></p><p>Local community members like Elula Doga echoed the family’s sentiments. </p><p><br></p><p>“I’m pissed to say the least,” said Doga. “I thought they were going to give him 30 years and then get him out [earlier] on good behavior, but I feel like he’s gonna get 15-years in at most, probably less.”<em> </em></p><p><br></p><p>Many community members were disappointed that Chauvin was not getting the maximum 40 year sentencing. </p><p><br></p><p>Justin Blake was at the courthouse to show his support for Floyd’s family. He is the uncle of Jacob Blake, a black man who was shot 7 times by Kenosha police last summer.</p><p><br></p><p>“If they’re happy - not happy, but can move forward - then we are here to support them, and we’re gonna move forward with them,” said Blake<em>. </em></p><p><br></p><p>Blake was hoping for 30 to 40 years, but is satisfied that Chauvin is serving jail time. </p><p><br></p><p>“22 years, it’s significant. So, it’s not what we wanted, which was 40 or 30, but 22 counts,” he said.<em> </em></p><p><br></p><p>Blake says he hopes the Floyd family can now start rebuilding their lives. </p><p><br></p