San Jose prepares for community reaction to Chauvin verdict

(Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

(SAN JOSE, Calif.) San Jose officials are getting ready for the potential demonstrations and civic unrest after jurors reached a verdict in the case of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, San Jose Spotlight reported.

On Tuesday, a jury found Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. He could face a maximum of 75 years in prison.

The San Jose Police Department is working with an incident management team in responding to potential protests.

“Regardless of the verdict, anybody interested in demonstrating has the right to do that. We want to ensure the safety of everybody sharing their opinions, one way or the other,” said Angel Rios, deputy city manager, per SJ Spotlight.

An SJPD spokesperson said officers will respond if demonstrators “begin to commit crime.”

The incident response team has also reached out to the San Jose Downtown Association to inform community members that protesters might gather around their businesses and to plan accordingly.

“So many small businesses are struggling, and supportive of a more equitable society, please respect that,” said Scott Knies, executive director of San Jose Downtown Association, per SJ Spotlight.

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow