Seattle Kraken issues statement on Derek Chauvin trial verdict

After a year of protests, emotional testimony, and raw emotion, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all three murders when George Floyd died. He was taken into custody; His bail has been revoked and he is awaiting sentencing.

After the verdict, people and organizations reacted to the news. Many sports teams in the Pacific Northwest, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Portland Timbers, and Portland Thorns, made statements in response to Chauvin’s belief.

Later, the newest team in the NHL, the Seattle Kraken, issued the following message:

“On May 25, 2020, the murder of George Floyd drew attention to the very deep roots of systemic racism and the need for significant change. George Floyd’s life was important, and today’s judgment took a necessary step to affirm it, but also to set the precedent that no one is above accountability.

“We feel for so many in our community that we know that the fight for equality is far from over and we know that there is still a lot of work to be done. Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena will continue to use our platform to advocate change and take measurable steps to create a more just and equal society for all. ”

Climate Pledge Area, the future home of the NHL’s 32nd franchise, also released the statement.

Chauvin faces up to 75 years in prison if he returns for conviction in eight weeks.