Fresh Energy Statement: Power, responsibility, and justice

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On February 24, 2022, the three former Minneapolis police officers who were present when Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd on May 25, 2020, were convicted of depriving George Floyd of his constitutional rights by a federal jury after two days of deliberation.

Although this federal verdict in the trial of these officers is a measure of accountability—as we hope the Hennepin County trial in June will be too—Fresh Energy joins Minnesota’s movements for racial justice and we continue to demand true justice and reform.

Community experiences and reporting, most recently from KARE11, have continued to expose the serious flaws in our systems of policing and power. The verdict on February 24 is further proof that those in power who watch the law be broken without acting are culpable.

We join all Minnesotans and stand with Black Minnesotans and communities of color throughout our state as we seek justice in the federal sentencing of these three former officers and their trial and sentencing in Hennepin County this summer, as well as the federal sentencing of Derek Chauvin. We will also continue to work toward the systems change we need for more just and equitable communities in Minnesota and beyond.