Former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty Tuesday on three counts of murder and manslaughter for which he was charged in the death of African-American George Floyd , in a case that exposed deep racial divisions in the United States .

The former white cop from Minneapolis, northern United States, was found guilty in unanimous decisions by a jury of seven women and five men that deliberated behind closed doors for less than two days at the end of a three-week trial.

Derek Chauvin, 45, could spend decades behind bars for Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020, which sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality around the world.

The announcement of the verdict caused an explosion of joy in front of the court.

Chauvin's guilty verdict "a turning point in history"

Attorney Ben Crump on Tuesday hailed Derek Chauvin's conviction for the "murder" of African-American George Floyd as "a turning point in the history" of the United States.

"Painful justice has finally come for George Floyd's family," Crump tweeted when Derek Chauvin was convicted of all three counts of murder and manslaughter with which he was charged, in a unanimous decision by a Minneapolis jury.

"This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message about the need for accountability by law enforcement. Justice for black America is justice for all of America!"