Local leaders issued statements about the April 20 verdicts in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty of two murder charges and a manslaughter charge for the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He was led away in handcuffs after the verdicts were read. Chauvin faces up to 75 years in prison for the three charges.

The death of Floyd sparked nationwide outrage and civil unrest in many cities. In Los Angeles, hundreds of thousands of people protested at numerous demonstrations through late spring and summer. At a May 30 protest in the Fairfax District, demonstrators clashed with police. Some local leaders said they hope the guilty verdicts in the case against Chauvin will help society more forward toward racial equality and tolerance.

“While no jury’s decision can bring back George Floyd or undo the pain felt by his family, friends and the community, the guilty verdict and Derek Chauvin’s trial is an important measure of justice and accountability,” said U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), in a statement. “No conviction can repair the enduring harm police brutality has inflicted on communities of color, nor will it prevent more tragedies from reoccurring in the future. The jury is in, but now it’s up to us to see this through. We must redouble our efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address police brutality by holding police officers and departments responsible, reprogramming existing police funding to empower communities, ending qualified immunity and bringing about other bold, comprehensive changes.”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also praised the jury’s ruling and vowed to continue the healing process.

“Our nation took a step forward on the winding journey toward healing, reconciliation and accountability. But this conviction does not return George Floyd to the arms of his siblings and children,” Garcetti said in a statement. “For too long, Black Americans have been denied their rights by the laws of our land, denied opportunity in housing and education, and denied safety by the gun and the badge. [The verdict] is not the end of that system. It’s progress toward fixing it.”

Local leaders including Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, said the verdicts will have a far-reaching impact.

“Nothing can eliminate or heal the pain that George Floyd’s murder has caused. But now the jury has spoken decisively and ensured that Derek Chauvin will be held accountable,” O’Farrell said. “[The] verdict is part of our collective journey to advance equity and justice. Our journey continues, and I remain committed to help bring the kind of real change communities of color demand and that everyone deserves. I stand in solidarity with the Black community and will continue working with my colleagues on the Los Angeles City Council to transform what public safety means moving forward.”

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer responded to the verdicts in a message on Twitter.

“It is my sincere hope that the Floyd family finds some measure of peace from [the] guilty verdicts,” Feuer said. “Although there was justice for George Floyd, there is so much left to do.”