Celebrities, activists, and politicians respond to Derek Chauvin guilty verdict in George Floyd case

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Celebrities, activists, and politicians respond to Derek Chauvin guilty verdict in George Floyd case
A person reacts after the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, in the death of George Floyd, in front of Hennepin County Government Center, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., April 20, 2021.REUTERS/Carlos Barria
  • Derek Chauvin's guilty verdict Tuesday prompted social media responses from a variety of public figures.
  • The ex-Minneapolis police officer was found guilty on all three counts in the killing of George Floyd in 2020.
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Public figures Tuesday responded to the news that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on three counts for the murder of George Floyd last summer.

Floyd's death sparked a mass movement of racial justice protests across the nation. A crowd at the site where Floyd was killed in May responded to the guilty verdict with cheers Tuesday afternoon.

It didn't take long for celebrities, activists, and politicians alike to take to Twitter to share their reactions to the decision.

Celebrities

Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi tweeted a photo of Chauvin being led out of the courtroom in handcuffs.

Rapper Russ celebrated the guilty verdict on Twitter.

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Actress Mandy Moore thanked God and the jurors for delivering a guilty verdict in the case.

Actress Viola Davis shared a painting of Floyd, saying he and his family "have been vindicated."

Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes celebrated the decision on Twitter.

"The Parent Trap" actress Elaine Hendrix quoted activist Angela Davis.

"Hamilton" actress Renee Elise Goldsberry called the decision "a turning point."

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Activists

Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter and activist Bernice King said she was grateful for the accountability and quoted her father.

#OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign prayed for Floyd's family and called the decision "accountability," not "justice."

Novelist and human rights activist Elif Shafak thanked Darnella Frazier, who recorded the murder of Floyd.

Politicians

Stacey Abrams celebrated the verdict on Twitter.

Rep. Ilhan Omar said the decision "feels new and long overdue."

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said "today is a solemn day in America."

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared a statement on Twitter and called the decision "an important step forward for justice" in the state.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was thankful for Floyd's family that "justice was served."

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.

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