Rep. Waters, singer Janelle Monae speak out about death of George Floyd

It was an interesting pairing, a senior congressperson and a young music artist - Maxine Waters and Janelle Monáe, together, handing out thousands of bagged lunches in Inglewood through Janelle’s #Wondalunch project.

News quickly spread - the arrest that the now fired Minneapolis officer whose image kneeling on George Floyd’s neck has sparked massive protests. 

RELATED: Rep. Maxine Waters, Janelle Monae react to ex-Minneapolis police officer’s arrest

When a veteran politician and popular new artists react so similarly, it becomes obvious how universal the issues are, to police violence and the economic conditions that would make the hugely attended lunch program, even a necessity.

It points to conditions that become flashpoint to violent reactions, in Minneapolis and beyond.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters and award-winning singer and actress Janelle Monae spoke to FOX 11's Christina Gonzalez just moments after ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested in connection to the death of George Floyd.

Rep. Waters said Chauvin deserves to serve time for Floyd’s murder. 

“That’s what we’ve been asking for,” Rep. Waters said. “This was murder and so they murdered Mr. Floyd, and so we want them brought to justice. I believe that he certainly should be convicted and should have to serve time for doing what he did.”

Monae said she agreed with the statements Waters made.

“To say we’re upset is an understatement. We’re demanding justice and we’re demanding systemic change,” she said.