WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group joins with all Americans committed to justice and equality in our relief and gratitude for the unanimous verdict on all counts by a Minneapolis jury to convict former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.
Here is a statement by EWG President Ken Cook:
The 12 citizens who delivered this verdict should be commended by all Americans for delivering some measure of justice and accountability for the former police officer who callously murdered Mr. Floyd as horrified witnesses recorded the heart-wrenching crime for history. But as his murder and the months of protests that followed across the country starkly and sadly demonstrate, simply being Black in this country puts your life at risk.
Mr. Floyd, like far too many Black Americans, had his life taken at the hands of a law enforcement officer whose sworn duty was to protect the public. Instead he took it upon himself to end Mr. Floyd’s life for no other reason except that he could.
The verdict is only one small step toward reversing the long and repugnant history of murder, violence and harassment of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement. And today’s decision, of course, will not bring Mr. Floyd back.
But George Floyd’s memory will live on. In his memory – and the memories of Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor and so many other victims of police violence – we will continue our commitment to support those leading the fight against racial injustice. We do so in humility and with the sorrowful knowledge that until this scourge is eliminated, our fellow Americans who are Black, brown, Asian American and from other communities of color will continue to be targeted by law enforcement and racist bigots simply because of the color of their skin.
Through repentance and reconciliation, America must rise above this ugly stain.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.