Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was escorted out of court in handcuffs after a jury found him guilty of murdering George Floyd.
Watch: Derek Chauvin shows no remorse after guilty verdict
The 45-year-old and his legal team rushed into the courthouse after it was announced that the jury had reached its verdict 10 hours into deliberations.
Chauvin faced second and third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Every US household was tuned into the Minneapolis courthouse, on Tuesday, waiting with bated breath on what the verdict would be.
In a historic turnout, Chauvin was found guilty on all counts and while the rest of America breathed a heavy sigh of relief — some going out in numbers to celebrate in the streets — the 45-year-old only furrowed his brow, showing no remorse for killing an unarmed man over a counterfeit $20 bill.
Here the live footage of the moment Chauvin learned of his fate:
Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd https://t.co/XHLNgDsIHZ pic.twitter.com/hyzJRDDtPk
— CNN (@CNN) April 20, 2021
His bail application was revoked, meaning that he will be remanded in custody for eight weeks, leading up to his sentencing.
US celebrates historic conviction
For those responsible for bringing justice to the Floyd family, this verdict was more about taking steps towards realising a monumental feat for American minorities.
Minneapolis attorney-general Keith Ellison described the moment as “the first step towards justice.”
“I would not call today’s verdict justice, however, because justice implies true restoration. But it is accountability, which is the first step towards justice,” he said.
Following the verdict, millions of Americans took to social media to react to the historic victory. Here are some of the reactions we picked up:
George Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd, tells Gayle King about the moment he heard that Derek Chauvin was "guilty, guilty and guilty":
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 21, 2021
"All I had in my head was, ‘Man, this is not just for George. This is for everybody around the world.'” pic.twitter.com/OQH5dTk00W
As much as we don’t like to believe it, without the Darnella Frazier video, it is unlikely that Derek Chauvin would’ve been convicted.
— Bryan Behar (@bryanbehar) April 21, 2021
Ms. Frazier was 17 years old at the time. She took the video at her own peril. She is a huge hero in today’s first step towards a more just USA
Derek Chauvin wasn't convicted for the murder of George Floyd because racism is over or because the justice system now works. It happened because the establishment feared the consequences of protecting their own, this time.
— Ed Poole ⬆️ (@edwardpoole1975) April 21, 2021
Keep fighting. Protest works. #BLM #GeorgeFloydTrial