Minneapolis business owner braces for protests as Chauvin trial ends
36 Lyn Refuel Station owner Lonnie McQuirter reacts to the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial on ‘FOX Business Tonight’
Business leaders throughout the country spoke out on Tuesday after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all charges brought against him in the death of George Floyd, with many celebrating the verdict and some calling for continued action.
The jury, after roughly 10 hours of deliberation, found Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin could face up to 75 years in prison when he is sentenced in eight weeks.
The case sparked a nationwide reckoning on racism and policing in the U.S.
Here's where some of the biggest leaders from corporate America stand on the verdict:
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
"Right now I'm thinking of George Floyd, his family and those who knew him," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post, "I hope this verdict brings some measure of comfort to them, and to everyone who can't help but see themselves in his story. We stand in solidarity with you, knowing that this is part of a bigger struggle against racism and injustice."
General Motors CEO Mary Barra
General Motors CEO Mary Barra noted that the verdict delivered on Tuesday would not replace the loss of Floyd's life and the loss experienced by his family.
Walgreens Boots Alliance
Roz Brewer the CEO of the Walgreens Boots Alliance urged Americans to remember the lessons learned over the past year as Americans have taken to the streets and demanded change.
"Even with a verdict now handed down, we must never forget what this past year has taught us, and we must always keep alive the memory of George Floyd, and the countless victims who have suffered similar fates," Brewer said.
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Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California CEO Paul Markovich called Tuesday's verdict evidence of the criminal justice system "at work."
"By no means is that work anywhere near complete," Markovich added. "But today’s verdict is a meaningful step towards establishing a justice system and a society that truly live up to our aspirations. At Blue Shield of California, we are committed to do our part to help make this dream a reality. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers remain with George Floyd’s family and friends. May they find some peace with this decision."
Microsoft
Microsoft President Brad Smith called the decision "a step forward" in the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination.
"Our nation has a long journey ahead before it establishes the justice and equity that Black Americans deserve," Smith said in a statement. "The murder of George Floyd is a tragedy and a crime, and no jury can bring him back to life or reverse the pain and trauma experienced by his family and still felt across the country and around the world. Today’s verdict is a step forward in acknowledging painful truths and for the continued cause of defeating racism and fighting discrimination. Our company remains committed to the continued path ahead."
Salesforce
In a Twitter post, Salesforce acknowledged the verdict as a defining and important moment, pledging continued action for racial equality and a more just world.
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Seventh Generation
In a series of Twitter posts, Burlington, Vt., based Seventh Generation, which manufactures cleaning products, said that it supported defunding the police and investing in systems that build community health and well-being.
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