Good evening,

Today, the family of George Floyd was given a measure of justice. There is hope that this is a turning point for our nation, when the kinds of actions and conduct detailed in the trial are no longer tolerated, are condemned and rooted out, and are held to account in a fairer justice system. George Floyd’s murder affected us all in different ways, and it brought to light what many Black Americans have experienced in communities across our nation. My hope, recalling something President Biden said earlier, is that today was a step forward in the march toward justice. The journey is long and today’s verdict restores hope in our collective ability to make meaningful change. We must come together to do everything we can to root out racism wherever it exists. Tonight I will pray for George Floyd’s loved ones and for peace in our nation—for a day when all Americans live in peace, free of fear and violence, secure and dignified, affirmed by our nation’s commitment to civil rights for all people. Although today is born out of great pain and suffering, this can be a moment of change.

Secretary Vilsack