Black Twitter reacted after a Minnesota judge sentenced former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin to 22.5 years in prison for the death of George Floyd.
Floyd, 46, died on May 25, 2020 from cardiac arrest due to neck compression after Chauvin kneeled on his neck for 9.5 minutes.
Derek Chauvin, 45, was convicted on second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in April.
On Friday, June 25, Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Chauvin to 12.5 years, plus an addition 10 years for abusing “his position of authority as a police officer, and did it in front of children.”
Federal civil rights charges are still pending against Chauvin. Those charges carry their own penalties if he is convicted.
The city of Minneapolis settled a wrongful death lawsuit with Floyd’s family for $27 million.
Not everyone was satisfied with the sentence on Friday. Many said Chauvin didn’t receive enough time in prison.
Former ESPN journalist Jemele Hill, 45, tweeted:
“If you’re wondering if Derek Chauvin’s sentence is fair, Chauvin will be 60 years old when he’s released from prison after serving 15 years of his 22 1/2-year sentence. George Floyd was murdered by Chauvin when he was 46. Floyd can never resume his life. Chauvin can.”
If you’re wondering if Derek Chauvin’s sentence is fair, Chauvin will be 60 years old when he’s released from prison after serving 15 years of his 22 1/2-year sentence. George Floyd was murdered by Chauvin when he was 46. Floyd can never resume his life. Chauvin can.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 25, 2021
22.5 years is not enough for Derek Chauvin MURDERING George Floyd in broad daylight when we have people serving life sentences for non violent crimes
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 25, 2021
Understand Chauvin’s
Mom Not Wanting Her Son 2 Be Gone,But GEORGE FLOYD’S MOM WILL “NEVER” SEE HER SON AGAIN?.Chauvin’s Lawyer Said”If Only He Hadn’t Gone 2 Work That Day,Answered That call.”
I SAY”IF ONLY HE HADNT PUT HIS WEIGHT ON GEORGE’S NECK FOR 9 MINS.HE HAD 9 MINS
2 STOP— Cher (@cher) June 25, 2021
My goodness. 270 months in prison for Derek Chauvin, can never own firearms again, must register as a predatory offender upon release. George Floyd is still dead.
— roxane gay (@rgay) June 25, 2021
White people, do not celebrate Derek Chauvin’s sentence. Figure out how you can put the same attention & activism on all police murders of Black people that you put on George Floyd. Your work is not done.
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) June 25, 2021
Derek Chauvin sentenced to writing an apology minimum 200 words and will be sent back if not in MLA format
— Cam (@cameron_kasky) June 25, 2021
Of course, it’s not enough time. #GeorgeFloyd
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) June 25, 2021