Mayor's Office Press Release
Mayor Sylvester Turner Says Justice Has Been Served, and It Is Time for the Community and Country to Work Together
Click photo to watch the entire news conference on the city of Houston social media page
April 20, 2021 -- This afternoon, Mayor Sylvester Turner paused along with the rest of the nation to watch as the jury returned three guilty verdicts in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted in the murder of Houston native George Floyd.
"Let me say that justice has been served. The Floyd family has waited almost a year for this verdict. But they will experience the loss of their loved one, George, for the rest of their lives," said Mayor Turner. My prayers go out to the George Floyd family. I talked with them this morning, and so my prayers go out to everyone one of them. And in addition to that, my prayers go out to this country because there is a lot of pain, a lot of hurt, frustration, and division."
Shortly after the verdict was announced, Mayor Turner and Chief of Police Troy Finner spoke with members of the media.
"The jury has spoken, but it is time for this country to reach deep down and find a way to move forward. Because as we deal with issues on multiple levels, we need the community and law enforcement to work hand in hand in the best interest of the people we serve. It is a time to be reflective and ask what we can do to make our city better, our country better, and find ways to work together,' said Mayor Turner.
Mayor Turner added, "We are committed to implementing the overwhelming majority of the recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force on Police Reform. Next week, there will be an announcement."