After serving on the jury of what was perhaps the most publicized case of the decade, a man has spoke out about the experience, hoping his words will make an impact on others.
After serving on the jury of what was perhaps the most publicized case of the decade, a man has spoke out about the experience, hoping his words will make an impact on others.
According to the Wall Street Journal, 31-year-old Brandon Mitchell decided to speak out because "‘staying anonymous wouldn’t help push for change."
Mitchell, who is a highschool basketball coach, said he "always told his players to follow the checklist his mother gave him during [police] encounters. Take your hat off; announce what you’re doing; be polite; do what you’re told."
Serving on the jury changed his perceptions, making him see "how wrong it is that a person should be so afraid that a police officer could do them harm that they needed to change their behavior." Mitchell called that narrative "horrible", adding that whether or not people follow directions, "they don’t deserve to die."
The Journal reported that Mitchell admitted to being pulled over many times in his 20's for "no reason", and that sitting through the testimony from George Floyd's brother made him realize that it could've easily been him in Floyd's place.
Mitchell also added that despite the atrocity of the situation, he still felt compassion for Derek Chauvin. "He’s a human too,” Mitchell said. "I almost broke down from that. We decided his life. That’s tough. That’s tough to deal with. Even though it’s the right decision, it’s still tough."
Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts; second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
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