Today was a monumental day for the US.
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Former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter over the deadly arrest of George Floyd.
A video played to the court showed Chauvin push his knee into the neck of 46-year-old Floyd, who was in handcuffs, for more than nine minutes on May 25, 2020.
The 12-member jury deliberated for just more than 10 hours.
Prime Ministers, former presidents, the police, politicians and the community have been vocal in their reactions to the news, with thousands of people taking to the streets in the US to celebrate the verdict.
Sadly, one trial cannot invoke the level of change required and it cannot be seen as a solution to the deep-seated racism that exists.
Now the verdict has been reached, the US must listen to the black community and make the bold changes that are desperately needed.
The nation's next steps will be pivotal to heal, reunite and make tangible changes.
The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act details significant reform to combat police misconduct, excessive force and racial bias in policing.
The bill cleared the House of Representatives during the peak of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, but it failed to pass the Senate.
Speaking after today's verdict, President Joe Biden said systemic racism was a stain on the nation's soul.
"Enough. Enough of the senseless killings. Today's verdict is a step forward," he said.
US Vice President Kamala Harris said the bill was part of George Floyd's legacy.
"The president and I will continue to urge the Senate to pass this legislation, not as a panacea for every problem, but as a start," she said.
Black Lives Matter activist and Congresswoman Cori Bush said today's verdict was accountability, but it wasn't justice yet.
"Justice for us is saving lives," she said.
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