U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday called the murder conviction of former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd a "step forward," but said such a verdict was much too rare in a country plagued by systemic racism.

"This can be a giant step forward in the march toward justice in America," Biden said in remarks from the White House.

The jury convicted Chauvin of murder and manslaughter in the death of Floyd.

The jury reached verdict Tuesday after 10 hours of deliberations, according to the Associated Press. 

He remained emotionless during the verdict reading. 

Chauvin was charged on second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. 

The 12 sequestered jurors sat through three weeks of testimony from 45 witnesses, including bystanders, police officials and medical experts, along with watching hours of video. The jury reportedly ask no questions of court during deliberations. 

The jury consisted of 6 white, 4 African American and 2 multi-racial people, according to the court. Seven members of the jury are in their 40s or older, while two of the remaining five are in their 20s. The jury is closely divided by gender, with 7 members being women.

The judge announced that sentencing would be expected in eight weeks. 

The second-degree unintentional murder charge alleged Chauvin caused Floyd's death "without intent" while committing or attempting to commit felony third-degree assault. Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison.

The third-degree assault charge alleged Chauvin caused Floyd's death by "perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life." He faces up to 25 years in prison.

The second-degree manslaughter charge alleged Chauvin caused Floyd's death by "culpable negligence whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm." He faces up to 10 years in prison.