Politicians call for police reform after Chauvin guilty verdict

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A handful of politicians across the country are calling on the U.S. Senate to act on nationwide police reform. 

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus gathered in a room to listen to the verdict.

Small cheers were made as each charge was read and guilty was heard.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi gathered with the group outside the Capitol after the verdict was read. She made it clear it’s time to enact the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, so this does not happen to another family.

Indiana Congressman Andre Carson took to Twitter to let constituents know he was outside the Capitol with the group to reaffirm commitment to police reform. He said on social media, “while there was accountability, we have more work ahead to achieve justice.”

Fifty six members of the group said this verdict is only the beginning to future change.

“We are hopeful that today will be the catalyst to turn the pain, the agony and the justice delayed into actions that go far beyond today,” Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman Joyce Beatty said. “We stand with the family who have suffered so much.”

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama praised the guilty verdict.

But also said there is more work to be done.

They said, “Black Americans are treated differently, every day. It requires us to recognize that our friends, family and fellow citizens live in fear that their next encounter with law enforcement could be their last.”

The George Floyd policing act passed the House in March.

The legislation aims to combat police misconduct, excessive force and racial bias.

Republicans say this goes too far and would prevent police from doing their jobs effectively.