After Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict, Philonise Floyd spoke out about ending qualified immunity (QI).
In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, shares his thoughts on Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict.
Chauvin killed George Floyd last May. The incident was caught on video and sparked global protests against police violence. On April 20, Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
In his piece, Philonise Floyd shares his relief at the jury’s decision to convict Chauvin. He expresses gratitude for the support he and his family have received worldwide. Floyd also wonders what this verdict means in the long run. “A crumbling of the blue wall and the start of a new era of law enforcement accountability?” he asks. “We hope and pray.”
On the subject of police reform and accountability, Floyd makes it clear where he stands. He calls for an end to qualified immunity.
“It’s up to all of us to build on this moment,” Floyd writes.” We must end the qualified immunity that too often shields law enforcement officers from responsibility.”
Floyd also wants the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The police reform bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March. Measures include ending qualified immunity for police officers. It also bans no-knock warrants and chokeholds.
Passing the Justice in Policing Act and ending qualified immunity will help transform policing in America, Floyd notes.
Read Philonise Floyd’s op-ed on ending QI here.