Lewis Hamilton gives strong response to murder verdict in the trial of George Floyd

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has reacted on his social media accounts following the guilty verdict in the murder of 46-year-old George Floyd.

On Tuesday, a US jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murder over the death of Mr Floyd, a black man, on a Minneapolis street last year.

Outraged was sparked across the world as Chauvin was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes during his arrest last May.

The footage was shared on news outlets and on social media, sparking worldwide protests against racism and police brutality, especially against the black community.

The 45-year-old was found guilty on three charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

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Hamilton, the championship’s only black driver, said watching the video ‘brought up so much suppressed emotion’ in the aftermath of Floyd’s murder, and has been heavily involved in the change’s to Formula One’s pre-race routine, with anti-racism demonstrations.

He took a knee on the grid and wore anti-racism slogans in support of the cause during the 2020 season, and has vowed to do more coming into the 2021 season to fight for greater diversity in motorsport.

The 36-year-old also attended Black Lives Matter protests in London, after admitting he had been “completely overcome with rage” at events in American following Mr Floyds death.

Speaking on his social media accounts, Hamilton said: “JUSTICE for George! The emotions I feel right now are hard to describe. Derek Chauvin has been found guilty. This is the first time that a white officer has been convicted for killing a black man in Minnesota. This is monumental, George’s death is not in vain.

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“The result of the Derek Chauvin trial today is the right one. Convicting him of all three charges marks a new dawn in the fight for racial justice.

“This trial was an opportunity for the justice system to hold Derek Chauvin accountable for his actions when he took the life of George Floyd. We can now breathe a collective sigh of relief that the right decision has been met, and that justice has been served.

“Today’s outcome is a sombre victory for George and his family, but it shows that our efforts to promote justice are not in vain. Black voices have been heard and action is happening. When we stand together, we can make a difference.

“But this is just one step on the path towards a more equal society. Since George’s death, so many other Black people have died at the hands of the police and we must ensure the momentum of today continues. The fight isn’t over, and there is more to be done, but we can consider today a glimmer of hope.

“My thoughts and prayers are with George’s family. I hope they will feel a sense of peace from this result. #BlackLivesMatter”

Meanwhile, the only black driver in NASCAR’S top series Bubba Wallace, gave his reaction to the news.

“Justice served on all counts. Good. Still a ton of work to do. Continue to rest peacefully #GeorgeFloyd”

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