Around three dozen people gathered Tuesday evening at the Colorado Capitol building to call for the abolition of police departments across the United States. 

The demonstration was called together moments after a Hennepin County jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of two counts of murder and second-degree manslaughter for his role in the death of George Floyd.

The conviction gave many of the protestors who spoke to The Denver Gazette a sense of relief, but also made them realize the power their voices have. 

“We got justice for George Floyd,” yelled Donquenick to the crowd. “One step forward, but it’s not over.”

Many of the 30 plus people of all colors and ages joined together wearing coats, hats and gloves. Some wore all black while others wore Minnesota Wild stocking caps, but all were asking for the abolishment of police departments across the United States. 

One such protestor, DJ, who declined to give his last name to The Denver Gazette said he felt obligated to show up Tuesday evening to protest for the people who haven’t received justice.

“When I heard the verdict I felt a small sense of relief, but at the same time, I knew there were more people who haven’t gotten justice,” DJ said.

“Just because we got a victory today doesn’t mean the battle’s done.”

Others like Denver resident Zebbodios Hall said he came to learn and hear what other people were thinking after the verdict.

“Listening to your fellow activists and protestors is one of the most important things because you can learn so much from the people around you,” Hall said.

Although Hall, an African-American man, said people dying during altercations with police won’t stop because of one verdict.

“We were getting killed before, during and will continue to be killed after this case is said and done,” Hall said. “The greatest form of reparation is destroying the system that needed repairing, and our job won’t be done until there aren’t any police departments left.”