GREENSBORO, N.C. — Triad law enforcement leaders reacted in the hours after Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers believes the verdict is about accountability instead of justice.
He said nothing can bring George Floyd back but he said those three guilty counts show the world that no one is above the law.
"I believe the evidence spoke for itself," Rogers said.
The evidence he referred to is the video seen around the world of a police officer kneeling on George Floyd's neck.
"Had it not been for the videos, I don't know that it would have gotten a guilty verdict. I just don't," Rogers said.
On Tuesday, a jury ruled that former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin is guilty.
That verdict carries a lot of meaning for Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers, not just because of his badge but because of his skin color.
"Just because I am the Sheriff does not mean that I myself have not been subjected to some things," Rogers said, "It does not mean that I'm not afraid at times to be stopped either."
Rogers said technology--cell phone video in this case--can hold law enforcement officers like his deputies accountable.
He said it's something they talk about often.
"We do that because one of the things you cannot do is carry this badge, gun and have the power of arrest and not be transparent to who you're supposed to be true to and for the citizens that you serve," Rogers said.
His county saw protests in the wake of George Floyd's death last summer as the nation grieved.
Sheriff Rogers hopes this verdict comes with empowerment.
"The judicial system will hold us accountable," Rogers said, "and (citizens) have the right to make sure that they have protection and are served in a manner that they're supposed to be."
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. released a statement on the verdict.
"Like most of America and most of the world, I was glued to the television awaiting the verdict," Kimbrough said, "As they got close to reading it, I felt my heart racing. And then, as the words were read to the public, I felt a sigh of relief throughout my entire body. It was at that point, as the verdict of “guilty” on all 3 counts was read, that the winds of justice from yesterday started to change and represent the true meaning of justice, Not only does it give people of color but it gives people of ALL races hope that we are now starting to live out the true meaning of “we the people” for ALL the people. My prayer is that we can start to heal, to love one another better, and to realize that we are truly ALL in this together. May God continue to smile upon all of us. And as always, I want to thank all of the residents of this county for your belief, and your perseverance through difficult times and difficult days. Thank you."