Lewis Hamilton stated Derek Chauvin’s conviction reveals the push to advertise justice and equality for all will not be in useless, whereas stressing that the “combat is not over”.
Former Minneapolis police officer Chauvin was discovered responsible of second-degree unintentional homicide, third-degree homicide and second-degree manslaughter by a jury Tuesday for his position within the homicide of George Floyd final Might exterior of a neighborhood comfort retailer.
The demise of Floyd, who was Black, and the video that confirmed Chauvin, who’s white, kneeling on Floyd’s neck for about 9 minutes, turned a catalyst for the sports activities world’s racial and social justice motion final summer season.
On the time Hamilton, Components One’s solely Black driver and a seven-time champion, tweeted that he was “overcome with rage” on seeing the video.
Hamilton has been the championship’s main voice on equality and ending racism. He has knelt forward of each race since whereas selling a sequence of various messages — eventually yr’s Tuscan Grand Prix he wore a shirt carrying the phrases: “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor”.
Reacting to the Chauvin conviction on Tuesday, Hamilton wrote on Twitter: “JUSTICE for George!
“The feelings I really feel proper now are onerous to explain. Derek Chauvin has been discovered responsible.
“That is the primary time {that a} white officer has been convicted for killing a black man in Minnesota. That is monumental, George’s demise will not be in useless.
“The results of the Derek Chauvin trial at this time is the proper one. Convicting him of all three prices marks a brand new daybreak within the combat for racial justice.
“This trial was a possibility for the justice system to carry Derek Chauvin accountable for his actions when he took the lifetime of George Floyd. We are able to now breathe a collective sigh of reduction that the proper choice has been met, and that justice has been served.
“Immediately’s end result is a sombre victory for George and his household, however it reveals that our efforts to advertise justice should not in useless. Black voices have been heard and motion is going on. Once we stand collectively, we are able to make a distinction.
“However this is only one step on the trail in direction of a extra equal society. Since George’s demise, so many different Black individuals have died by the hands of the police and we should make sure the momentum of at this time continues. The combat is not over, and there’s extra to be completed, however we are able to think about at this time a glimmer of hope.
“My ideas and prayers are with George’s household. I hope they may really feel a way of peace from this consequence. #BlackLivesMatter”
Bubba Wallace, the one Black driver in NASCAR, additionally shared his views on Tuesday night.
Wallace tweeted: “Justice served on all counts. Good. Nonetheless a ton of labor to do. Proceed to relaxation peacefully #GeorgeFloyd”