Governor Charlie Baker, joined by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides, Senate President Karyn Spilka, House Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and other legislators, signs comprehensive climate change legislation that codifies into law the baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions in 2050 and furthers the Commonwealth’s nation-leading efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities at the State House Library on March 26, 2021. [Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office]
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BOSTON –  Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted today, April 20, of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day. 

“The verdict reached in the Derek Chauvin trial has brought relief to many of us, and a glimpse of hope for more accountability, and ultimately, justice. This evening, I am thinking of George Floyd, the many friends and family who loved him, and the pain of their irreparable loss. I am also deeply grateful for the courage of the witnesses who testified against Chauvin, as well as the countless individuals who persisted in protesting for accountability over the past year,” said Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka.

“Last year, we began the long process of answering calls for change by passing nation-leading legislation to improve equity, transparency, and accountability in policing in Massachusetts. I am proud of this accomplishment, but I am determined to do more. I will continue to call on the Massachusetts State Senate to be intentional in our policymaking, and view all legislation through the lens of racial justice in order to break down the systemic barriers that have unfairly burdened generations of Black and brown people. As Senate President, I am personally committed to the hard work that will be required of all of us to make our Commonwealth a more equitable and just place,” said Senate President Spilka.

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By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.