I'm Mike Thompson, the cartoonist, and illustrator for USA TODAY. I grew up in Minneapolis, not far from where George Floyd died.
I came home this week to visit my mom, to see how my old neighborhood and the city have changed. And to wait for the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, which came Tuesday afternoon.
I've been visiting notable locations — the Hennepin County Courthouse, George Floyd Square (just block from where I went to grade school) — and other spots to draw, make videos and observe.
Then the verdict was read.
Here are sketches that capture the mood and atmosphere I've seen so far.
Celebrations broke out as soon as the guilty verdict was read. Word spread quickly that former police officer Chauvin had been found guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd last May.
Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
This illustration used at the top of this article came after I spent time with the people celebrating and managed to record a video of the mother-daughter hugging. Use the slider to see how a hug turned into an illustration.
I also saw people's raw reactions, which included a man pumping his fist and a woman reflecting on what had just happened.
George Floyd Square was eerily quiet as closing arguments were delivered.
The intersection where the 46-year-old died was filled with memorabilia — flowers, stuffed animals, signs. The display was one of many found throughout the square.
Minneapolis awaits Chauvin verdict
Minneapolis holds its breath as a jury deliberates the fate of former police officer Derek Chauvin.
More Chauvin verdict coverage
Follow Mike Thompson's work at USA TODAY, on Instagram and Twitter.
Published
Updated
