Emotions ran high on Wednesday's This Morning as relatives of George Floyd reacted to the verdict of Derek Chauvin's much publicised murder trial, with viewers moved by their appearance.
The 45-year old former Minneapolis police officer was convicted by jury on all counts of killing 46-year-old George during an arrest last May.
George had desperately warned dozens of times he could not breathe as Chauvin knelt on his neck following an arrest for allegedly using a fake bank note at a grocery store.
George's death sparked Black Lives Matter protests right around the world and there was also a massive global reaction to the verdict, which was delivered around 10pm UK time on Tuesday.
Speaking to hosts Phillip Schofield and Rochelle Humes about how he felt in the lead up to the conclusion of the trial, George’s cousin, Thomas McLaurin said, “It was very tense. I hadn’t felt this type of feeling for a very long time, it reminded me of when my mother passed in 2010 and I had allowed so much to build up and when the verdict was finally read I was able to release all of that built up anxiety and built up pressure… all of those emotions came to a head.
"I felt like Niagara Falls, everything just came rushing out. I was so relieved to hear the verdict.”
Speaking live from North Carolina, George’s uncle, Roger Floyd told the presenters: “...when it was read, it was total joy. Not only are our family grateful but I think the world is grateful because we saw justice right before our eyes. Justice prevailed and we’re grateful for that.”
When asked directly about Derek Chauvin, Roger added: “Obviously he made a mistake. He was overzealous in his actions, thus he will pay the consequences for that. The judge was fair in all of his proceedings… as a result and guilty of all three charges, he will look at that and I think he will sentence him that of which he deserves.
"I believe that. It’s truly unfortunate that George lost his life because of an overzealous police officer.”
And, as Roger thanked all those who've supported the Black Lives Matter movement so far, Thomas spoke about what he'd like to happen going forward, explaining: "Our mission is to move forward and press for change. We want to take the momentum that was started… we don’t know if the shooting will ever end.
"However, we must make an attempt to make things better for those who do survive and do get up every morning and go to school or work… what can we do to make a difference in their lives and that’s been our mission, and that continues to be our mission.”
Many This Morning viewers were moved by Roger and Trevor's reactions, with one tweeting: "So glad that George Floyd's family have got justice," and another posting: "Watching the family of George Floyd speaking so eloquently on @thismorning #dignity "
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