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George Floyd: Trump security adviser denies systemic racism in US – live George Floyd: Trump security adviser denies systemic racism in US – live
(32 minutes later)
Mayors impose curfews, governors call in national guard and in Washington, unrest comes to the White HouseMayors impose curfews, governors call in national guard and in Washington, unrest comes to the White House
In San Francisco, the mayor confirmed the city will be under curfew from 8pm on Sunday after “significant damage to the city” on Saturday night.
“It is hard not to have a reaction [to George Floyd’s death]. It is hard not to feel the pain,” said London Breed in a press briefing on Sunday. “As mayor, it doesn’t mean that I’m immune from the hurt and pain.” However, she said that violence and looting “is not something that we’re going to tolerate”.
Meanwhile, Washington governor Jay Inslee has activated 200 members of the state’s national guard to help law enforcement in Seattle.
“Saturday’s disheartening events in Seattle – carried out by a smattering of the thousands of protesters on hand – will not deter the cause of justice. Hundreds of public servants and volunteers are already helping clean up the property damage done,” Inslee said.
Robert Reich believes Donald Trump’s response in the week following George Floyd’s death is a final abdication of his office. Here’s an extract from his column:
You can read the full article here:
White House staff have been told to stay away from work on Sunday if they can. “Due to ongoing demonstrations, please avoid coming to the White House Complex today if it all possible,” read an email to staff.White House staff have been told to stay away from work on Sunday if they can. “Due to ongoing demonstrations, please avoid coming to the White House Complex today if it all possible,” read an email to staff.
The Secret Service said that 60 of its members were injured during protests outside the White House on Saturday night but no members of the public breached the perimeter of the complex. The statement said 11 members of the service required hospital care for their injuries, none of which were life-threatening. The statement concluded by saying that “the Secret Service respects the right to assemble, and we ask that individuals do so peacefully.”The Secret Service said that 60 of its members were injured during protests outside the White House on Saturday night but no members of the public breached the perimeter of the complex. The statement said 11 members of the service required hospital care for their injuries, none of which were life-threatening. The statement concluded by saying that “the Secret Service respects the right to assemble, and we ask that individuals do so peacefully.”
On Saturday, Donald Trump said that protesters would have been greeted by “vicious dogs” and “ominous weapons” if they had breached the White House fence on Friday night.On Saturday, Donald Trump said that protesters would have been greeted by “vicious dogs” and “ominous weapons” if they had breached the White House fence on Friday night.
Richard Luscombe has news about concern among leaders that the protests over the last few days may lead to a surge in cases of Covid-19.Richard Luscombe has news about concern among leaders that the protests over the last few days may lead to a surge in cases of Covid-19.
A growing number of governors, mayors and public health officials across the US are raising fears of a surge in coronavirus cases from escalating protests over the death of George Floyd.A growing number of governors, mayors and public health officials across the US are raising fears of a surge in coronavirus cases from escalating protests over the death of George Floyd.
Images of demonstrators in close proximity, many without masks, in numerous cities have alarmed leaders to the point where some are pleading with those on the streets to protest “the right way” to better protect themselves.Images of demonstrators in close proximity, many without masks, in numerous cities have alarmed leaders to the point where some are pleading with those on the streets to protest “the right way” to better protect themselves.
“I’m concerned that we had mass gatherings on our streets when we just lifted a stay at home order and what that could mean for spikes in coronavirus cases later,” Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington DC, said in a press conference on Sunday.“I’m concerned that we had mass gatherings on our streets when we just lifted a stay at home order and what that could mean for spikes in coronavirus cases later,” Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington DC, said in a press conference on Sunday.
Bowser said protests in her city, which has seen violence several days in a row at the White House and other areas, were a mixed bag.Bowser said protests in her city, which has seen violence several days in a row at the White House and other areas, were a mixed bag.
“While I saw some people with masks last night, others didn’t,” she said. “I saw some people social distancing, other people were right on top of each other. So we don’t want to compound this deadly virus and the impact it’s had on our community.”“While I saw some people with masks last night, others didn’t,” she said. “I saw some people social distancing, other people were right on top of each other. So we don’t want to compound this deadly virus and the impact it’s had on our community.”
The message was echoed by Keisha Lance-Bottoms, the mayor of Atlanta, who said she was “extremely concerned” about Covid-19 spreading, and that protests had distracted her from dealing with the pandemic.The message was echoed by Keisha Lance-Bottoms, the mayor of Atlanta, who said she was “extremely concerned” about Covid-19 spreading, and that protests had distracted her from dealing with the pandemic.
“I realised that I hadn’t looked at our coronavirus numbers in two days,” she told Jake Tapper, host of CNN’s State of the Union. “And that’s frightening, because it’s a pandemic, and people of color are getting hit harder.”“I realised that I hadn’t looked at our coronavirus numbers in two days,” she told Jake Tapper, host of CNN’s State of the Union. “And that’s frightening, because it’s a pandemic, and people of color are getting hit harder.”
According to the Georgia department of health, more African Americans have contracted Covid-19 statewide than any other race.According to the Georgia department of health, more African Americans have contracted Covid-19 statewide than any other race.
“The question is how do we do protesting safely?” Dr Ashish Jha, director of the global health institute at Harvard’s T H Chan school of public health told CNN. “I think masks are a critical part of it.”“The question is how do we do protesting safely?” Dr Ashish Jha, director of the global health institute at Harvard’s T H Chan school of public health told CNN. “I think masks are a critical part of it.”
In New York, governor Andrew Cuomo reported 56 new coronavirus deaths statewide, the lowest number since 23 March. He did not express fears for a resurgence of the virus as a result of the protests, but figured the lockdown was a contributory factor for them.In New York, governor Andrew Cuomo reported 56 new coronavirus deaths statewide, the lowest number since 23 March. He did not express fears for a resurgence of the virus as a result of the protests, but figured the lockdown was a contributory factor for them.
“It’s not a coincidence the unrest happens in the midst of a pandemic,” Cuomo said at his daily press briefing. “People have lost their jobs. They are isolated at home. People are stressed and worried. It is all of that.”“It’s not a coincidence the unrest happens in the midst of a pandemic,” Cuomo said at his daily press briefing. “People have lost their jobs. They are isolated at home. People are stressed and worried. It is all of that.”
Meanwhile, Dr Theodore Long, who is leading New York City’s contact tracing strategy, offered advice to demonstrators.Meanwhile, Dr Theodore Long, who is leading New York City’s contact tracing strategy, offered advice to demonstrators.
“We strongly encourage anybody who is out in the protests to wear a mask, practice proper hand hygiene and to the extent possible, socially distance, though we know that’s not always going to be feasible,” he said.“We strongly encourage anybody who is out in the protests to wear a mask, practice proper hand hygiene and to the extent possible, socially distance, though we know that’s not always going to be feasible,” he said.
As Faulkner wrote and journalists in the US or writing about it never tire of repeating, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”As Faulkner wrote and journalists in the US or writing about it never tire of repeating, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
And lo, the protests, riots and fires across the US this weekend bring forth a fascinating report from the Associated Press, which notes that statues honoring the Confederacy, the slave power which lost the American civil war, which was fought between 1861 and 1865 but which remains a jagged dividing line in American society, have been among targets of protesters in cities across the South this weekend:And lo, the protests, riots and fires across the US this weekend bring forth a fascinating report from the Associated Press, which notes that statues honoring the Confederacy, the slave power which lost the American civil war, which was fought between 1861 and 1865 but which remains a jagged dividing line in American society, have been among targets of protesters in cities across the South this weekend:
Further to Donald Trump’s tweets about “designating Antifa as a terrorist organisation” earlier – he didn’t elaborate about how – the president has been complaining about “the Lamestream Media … doing everything within their power to foment hatred and anarchy”.Further to Donald Trump’s tweets about “designating Antifa as a terrorist organisation” earlier – he didn’t elaborate about how – the president has been complaining about “the Lamestream Media … doing everything within their power to foment hatred and anarchy”.
Trump also says the “fake news” are “truly bad people with a sick agenda” and adds: “We can easily work through them to GREATNESS!”Trump also says the “fake news” are “truly bad people with a sick agenda” and adds: “We can easily work through them to GREATNESS!”
Trump regularly complains about press coverage of his administration and has regularly labelled the media as “the enemy of the people”, a phrase with distinctly Stalinesque overtones.Trump regularly complains about press coverage of his administration and has regularly labelled the media as “the enemy of the people”, a phrase with distinctly Stalinesque overtones.
Here’s a story from Michael Safi about incidents in which journalists covering the protests and violence this weekend have been targeted by police and crowds.Here’s a story from Michael Safi about incidents in which journalists covering the protests and violence this weekend have been targeted by police and crowds.
A salient passage:A salient passage:
The Associated Press has news of the scene in Los Angeles after a long night of protests.The Associated Press has news of the scene in Los Angeles after a long night of protests.
Armed national guard soldiers patrolled the streets of Los Angeles on Sunday as the city began cleaning up after a night of violence that saw demonstrators clash repeatedly with officers, torch police vehicles and pillage businesses.Armed national guard soldiers patrolled the streets of Los Angeles on Sunday as the city began cleaning up after a night of violence that saw demonstrators clash repeatedly with officers, torch police vehicles and pillage businesses.
A rare citywide curfew expired as dawn revealed broken shop windows, demolished security gates and graffiti along entire blocks. Firefighters mopped up hot spots from lingering fires while store owners swept up glass and boarded up broken windows to protect what’s left of their inventories.A rare citywide curfew expired as dawn revealed broken shop windows, demolished security gates and graffiti along entire blocks. Firefighters mopped up hot spots from lingering fires while store owners swept up glass and boarded up broken windows to protect what’s left of their inventories.
Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Saturday he asked California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, for 500 to 700 members of the guard to assist the 10,000 Los Angeles Police Department officers.Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Saturday he asked California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, for 500 to 700 members of the guard to assist the 10,000 Los Angeles Police Department officers.
Garcetti said the guard members who arrived early Sunday were summoned “to support our local response to maintain peace and safety on the streets of our city.”Fire crews responded to dozens of blazes, and scores of businesses were damaged.Garcetti said the guard members who arrived early Sunday were summoned “to support our local response to maintain peace and safety on the streets of our city.”Fire crews responded to dozens of blazes, and scores of businesses were damaged.
One of the hardest-hit areas was around the Grove, a popular high-end outdoor mall west of downtown where hundreds of protesters swarmed the neighborhood, showering police with rocks and other objects and vandalizing shops. One officer suffered a fractured skull, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said.One of the hardest-hit areas was around the Grove, a popular high-end outdoor mall west of downtown where hundreds of protesters swarmed the neighborhood, showering police with rocks and other objects and vandalizing shops. One officer suffered a fractured skull, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said.
The Legal Rights Center and ACLU of Minnesota have released a statement expressing concern that the third-degree murder charge given to Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on George Floyd’s neck before his death, is insufficient.The Legal Rights Center and ACLU of Minnesota have released a statement expressing concern that the third-degree murder charge given to Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on George Floyd’s neck before his death, is insufficient.
The organisations say they have “grave concerns about the legal sufficiency of the criminal complaint charging ... Derek Chauvin with third degree murder in the death of George Floyd. The charging of third degree murder instead of first or second degree murder may prove to be legally defective and allow Chauvin to evade the punishment warranted for his actions.The organisations say they have “grave concerns about the legal sufficiency of the criminal complaint charging ... Derek Chauvin with third degree murder in the death of George Floyd. The charging of third degree murder instead of first or second degree murder may prove to be legally defective and allow Chauvin to evade the punishment warranted for his actions.
“The issuance of a potentially defective murder charge, combined with the delay by the Hennepin County Attorney’s office in charging Chauvin and the other involved officers, further strengthens and validates demands for appointment of a special prosecutor to handle charges arising from this tragic event and its aftermath. Both the LRC and ACLU-MN fully support and join these demands.”“The issuance of a potentially defective murder charge, combined with the delay by the Hennepin County Attorney’s office in charging Chauvin and the other involved officers, further strengthens and validates demands for appointment of a special prosecutor to handle charges arising from this tragic event and its aftermath. Both the LRC and ACLU-MN fully support and join these demands.”
On a more positive note, there have been non-violent interactions between police and demonstrators. A sheriff in Michigan on Saturday was welcomed with cheers as he gave a speech before joining demonstrators on a George Floyd protest. “The only reason we’re here is to make sure you have a voice, that’s it,” said Chris Swanson. “I want to make this a parade, not a protest.”On a more positive note, there have been non-violent interactions between police and demonstrators. A sheriff in Michigan on Saturday was welcomed with cheers as he gave a speech before joining demonstrators on a George Floyd protest. “The only reason we’re here is to make sure you have a voice, that’s it,” said Chris Swanson. “I want to make this a parade, not a protest.”
Swanson then joined the demonstrators after they chanted “walk with us” at him.Swanson then joined the demonstrators after they chanted “walk with us” at him.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo has joined New York City mayor Bill De Blasio by refusing to condemn an incident captured on video in which two police cars drove into a crowd of protestors in Brooklyn.New York governor Andrew Cuomo has joined New York City mayor Bill De Blasio by refusing to condemn an incident captured on video in which two police cars drove into a crowd of protestors in Brooklyn.
“I’m not going to judge it on just what I saw on the video ... as I said from what I saw on the video, I think it’s inexplicable but maybe there is an explanation and lets [remember] there’s always two sides,” he said. Cuomo added that “police are in an impossible situation in many ways. But their behavior is everything.”“I’m not going to judge it on just what I saw on the video ... as I said from what I saw on the video, I think it’s inexplicable but maybe there is an explanation and lets [remember] there’s always two sides,” he said. Cuomo added that “police are in an impossible situation in many ways. But their behavior is everything.”
Cuomo said that, rather than using violence, people should vote out leaders they are not happy with. “Demand that change and if government leaders won’t do it, or can’t do it, or don’t know how to do it then you vote them out,” Cuomo said.Cuomo said that, rather than using violence, people should vote out leaders they are not happy with. “Demand that change and if government leaders won’t do it, or can’t do it, or don’t know how to do it then you vote them out,” Cuomo said.
Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia will be under curfew on Sunday night. Atlanta and Chicago’s curfew will start at 9pm and Philadelphia’s at 8pm. Meanwhile Chicago will close down its central business district except for business owners and residents of the immediate area.Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia will be under curfew on Sunday night. Atlanta and Chicago’s curfew will start at 9pm and Philadelphia’s at 8pm. Meanwhile Chicago will close down its central business district except for business owners and residents of the immediate area.
“The City of Chicago today announced new precautionary measures to further ensure the health and safety of residents and the hundreds of peaceful protestors participating in rallies this Sunday,” Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office said in a statement. “As part of these efforts, the city announced that multiple routes to the Central Business District will be temporarily reduced today following multiple public safety incidents and property damage that occurred overnight.”“The City of Chicago today announced new precautionary measures to further ensure the health and safety of residents and the hundreds of peaceful protestors participating in rallies this Sunday,” Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office said in a statement. “As part of these efforts, the city announced that multiple routes to the Central Business District will be temporarily reduced today following multiple public safety incidents and property damage that occurred overnight.”
One person was killed in central Chicago on Saturday night and there were also incidents of looting. Lightfoot said violence undermined the protests and such actions mean “we all lose by giving the very same forces of racist oppression we are fighting the false validation that they crave”.One person was killed in central Chicago on Saturday night and there were also incidents of looting. Lightfoot said violence undermined the protests and such actions mean “we all lose by giving the very same forces of racist oppression we are fighting the false validation that they crave”.
Lightfoot also reminded residents of Chicago to wear face coverings while attending demonstrations.Lightfoot also reminded residents of Chicago to wear face coverings while attending demonstrations.
“It goes without saying that all this is occurring while we are still in a pandemic,” she wrote on Twitter. “So, to those who do go out peacefully, please – for your safety and the safety of our communities – please wear face coverings and maintain safe social distancing while you are marching.”“It goes without saying that all this is occurring while we are still in a pandemic,” she wrote on Twitter. “So, to those who do go out peacefully, please – for your safety and the safety of our communities – please wear face coverings and maintain safe social distancing while you are marching.”
More signs that protests against the death of George Floyd have extended beyond the US. In Germany’s Bundeliga, French striker Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring for Borussia Mönchengladbach against Union Berlin. Thuram’s action was a nod to the former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest against racial injustice in the United States.More signs that protests against the death of George Floyd have extended beyond the US. In Germany’s Bundeliga, French striker Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring for Borussia Mönchengladbach against Union Berlin. Thuram’s action was a nod to the former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest against racial injustice in the United States.
“He [Thuram] cut to the chase,” said the Borussia Mönchengladbach manager, Marco Rose, after the match. “He took a stand against racism, one that we wholeheartedly support.”“He [Thuram] cut to the chase,” said the Borussia Mönchengladbach manager, Marco Rose, after the match. “He took a stand against racism, one that we wholeheartedly support.”
Marcus Thuram is the son of the World-Cup winner Lilian, who has become one of the most eloquent and powerful voices to speak out against racism in football.Marcus Thuram is the son of the World-Cup winner Lilian, who has become one of the most eloquent and powerful voices to speak out against racism in football.
English forward Jadon Sancho also unveiled a message reading “Justice for George Floyd” after scoring for Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.English forward Jadon Sancho also unveiled a message reading “Justice for George Floyd” after scoring for Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.
Here’s Miranda Bryant again, with a look at what Maryland governor Larry Hogan told CNN’s State of the Union earlier:Here’s Miranda Bryant again, with a look at what Maryland governor Larry Hogan told CNN’s State of the Union earlier:
Two weeks ago, like many states, Maryland was under a stay-at-home order. Now its Republican governor fears that gatherings across the country to protest the killing of George Floyd could lead to a rise in Covid-19 cases across the US.Two weeks ago, like many states, Maryland was under a stay-at-home order. Now its Republican governor fears that gatherings across the country to protest the killing of George Floyd could lead to a rise in Covid-19 cases across the US.
“There’s no question that, when you put hundreds or thousands of people together in close proximity, when we have got this virus all over the streets, is, it’s not healthy,” Hogan told CNN.“There’s no question that, when you put hundreds or thousands of people together in close proximity, when we have got this virus all over the streets, is, it’s not healthy,” Hogan told CNN.
“There’s about a 14-day incubation period. So, two weeks from now across America, we’re going to find out whether or not this gives us a spike and drives the numbers back up again or not. But we went from a stay-at-home order, most states in America had rules about no crowds of 10 or more, and now we’re seeing thousands of people jammed in together in close proximity.”“There’s about a 14-day incubation period. So, two weeks from now across America, we’re going to find out whether or not this gives us a spike and drives the numbers back up again or not. But we went from a stay-at-home order, most states in America had rules about no crowds of 10 or more, and now we’re seeing thousands of people jammed in together in close proximity.”
On the subject of protests, Hogan, a popular Republican governor, said Donald Trump’s comments – including describing protesters as “thugs” and tweeting “When the looting starts, the shooting starts” – were “not helpful” and “continuing to escalate the rhetoric”.On the subject of protests, Hogan, a popular Republican governor, said Donald Trump’s comments – including describing protesters as “thugs” and tweeting “When the looting starts, the shooting starts” – were “not helpful” and “continuing to escalate the rhetoric”.
He added: “It’s just the opposite of the message that should have been coming out of the White House.”He added: “It’s just the opposite of the message that should have been coming out of the White House.”
Maryland’s biggest city saw serious rioting in 2015, over the death at the hands of police of Freddie Gray, who sustained fatal injuries in custody.Maryland’s biggest city saw serious rioting in 2015, over the death at the hands of police of Freddie Gray, who sustained fatal injuries in custody.
Hogan said he would advise other state leaders to “not let the situation get out of control”.Hogan said he would advise other state leaders to “not let the situation get out of control”.
“Our theory was kind of peace through strength,” he said. “We did not let it escalate to violence, where crowds were overpowering police. But we separated the violent acts and the destructive acts from the peaceful protesting.”“Our theory was kind of peace through strength,” he said. “We did not let it escalate to violence, where crowds were overpowering police. But we separated the violent acts and the destructive acts from the peaceful protesting.”
Donald Trump has tweeted that “The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.” This continues the president’s habit of blaming violence during this week’s protests on Antifa and leftwing organisations despite the fact that it is unclear who is responsible for the looting and violence that has taken place at some demonstrations.Donald Trump has tweeted that “The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.” This continues the president’s habit of blaming violence during this week’s protests on Antifa and leftwing organisations despite the fact that it is unclear who is responsible for the looting and violence that has taken place at some demonstrations.
It may be tough for Trump to follow up on his action anyway as Antifa is not a single entity but a loosely linked group of individuals and organisations. And, as the Washington Post reported last year, when two Republican senators moved to label Antifa as domestic terrorists, Trump’s plan could have damaging effects:It may be tough for Trump to follow up on his action anyway as Antifa is not a single entity but a loosely linked group of individuals and organisations. And, as the Washington Post reported last year, when two Republican senators moved to label Antifa as domestic terrorists, Trump’s plan could have damaging effects:
“The lack of a central governing system for antifa creates the risk of wrongly applying the label to all counterprotesters of white supremacists, according to the Anti-Defamation League, an organization that opposes anti-Semitism,” according the Washington Post’s report. “This kind of mislabeling, the ADL said, could cause police to violate the civil rights of peaceful activists.”“The lack of a central governing system for antifa creates the risk of wrongly applying the label to all counterprotesters of white supremacists, according to the Anti-Defamation League, an organization that opposes anti-Semitism,” according the Washington Post’s report. “This kind of mislabeling, the ADL said, could cause police to violate the civil rights of peaceful activists.”
Minnesota, where George Floyd was killed last week and the scene of some of the country’s largest protests, will have its curfew extended into Sunday evening. The state’s governor, Tim Walz, said the curfew will start at 8pm on Sunday and continue until 6am Monday. “We are not done yet,” the governor said.Minnesota, where George Floyd was killed last week and the scene of some of the country’s largest protests, will have its curfew extended into Sunday evening. The state’s governor, Tim Walz, said the curfew will start at 8pm on Sunday and continue until 6am Monday. “We are not done yet,” the governor said.
Minnesota’s public safety commissioner, John Harrington, said that a “large number” of arrests made during Saturday night’s protests were due to weapons violations. “We took AR-15s off of people, we took guns off of people,” Harrington said.Minnesota’s public safety commissioner, John Harrington, said that a “large number” of arrests made during Saturday night’s protests were due to weapons violations. “We took AR-15s off of people, we took guns off of people,” Harrington said.
Walz said that state computers had also been the subject of a cyberattack but it was unclear who was behind the attack.Walz said that state computers had also been the subject of a cyberattack but it was unclear who was behind the attack.
“Before our operation kicked off last night, a very sophisticated denial of service attack on all state computers was executed,” Walz said. “That’s not somebody sitting in their basement.”“Before our operation kicked off last night, a very sophisticated denial of service attack on all state computers was executed,” Walz said. “That’s not somebody sitting in their basement.”
Donald Trump, meanwhile, has maintained his stance of blaming violence during the Minnesota protests on Antifa. “Congratulations to our National Guard for the great job they did immediately upon arriving in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last night. The ANTIFA led anarchists, among others, were shut down quickly. Should have been done by Mayor on first night and there would have been no trouble!,” he wrote on Twitter on Sunday. He also blamed, with no evidence, “radical Left Anarchists” for the violence.Donald Trump, meanwhile, has maintained his stance of blaming violence during the Minnesota protests on Antifa. “Congratulations to our National Guard for the great job they did immediately upon arriving in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last night. The ANTIFA led anarchists, among others, were shut down quickly. Should have been done by Mayor on first night and there would have been no trouble!,” he wrote on Twitter on Sunday. He also blamed, with no evidence, “radical Left Anarchists” for the violence.
Miranda Bryant has news from Minnesota on a possible investigation into some of the protesters…Miranda Bryant has news from Minnesota on a possible investigation into some of the protesters…
Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison has said there is evidence of “very suspicious behaviour” among some protesters and called for an investigation into their motives.Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison has said there is evidence of “very suspicious behaviour” among some protesters and called for an investigation into their motives.
It comes after US attorney general William Barr claimed on Saturday that much of the protest violence was being driven by “far left extremist groups using Antifa-like tactics” and crossing state lines to do so.It comes after US attorney general William Barr claimed on Saturday that much of the protest violence was being driven by “far left extremist groups using Antifa-like tactics” and crossing state lines to do so.
Ellison told NBC’s Meet the Press: “There’s been a lot of videotape taken by demonstrators of people who are very suspicious, who really did start breaking windows, particularly at the AutoZone, and there have been other, you know, photographs and cars with, you know, no license plates, very suspicious behaviour.Ellison told NBC’s Meet the Press: “There’s been a lot of videotape taken by demonstrators of people who are very suspicious, who really did start breaking windows, particularly at the AutoZone, and there have been other, you know, photographs and cars with, you know, no license plates, very suspicious behaviour.
“But the real point is we do need to investigate it. Because you know the truth is nobody really knows. I’ve talked to people who are demonstrating. Some of them say they think some of those folks are from Minnesota, and they also say some people have come from out of town. What the exact political motivation is unclear at this point.”“But the real point is we do need to investigate it. Because you know the truth is nobody really knows. I’ve talked to people who are demonstrating. Some of them say they think some of those folks are from Minnesota, and they also say some people have come from out of town. What the exact political motivation is unclear at this point.”
He accused Barr and the president of trying to “walk back” their involvement in policing in key states that existed under the Obama administration and said: “They have not brought a single pattern or practice lawsuit against a major municipality where there’s systemic police abuses in America.”He accused Barr and the president of trying to “walk back” their involvement in policing in key states that existed under the Obama administration and said: “They have not brought a single pattern or practice lawsuit against a major municipality where there’s systemic police abuses in America.”
Ellison added: “They have actually tried to walk back their involvement in key states where they existed under the Obama administration. They have not moved forward, when it comes to 21st-century policing which the Obama administration started.”Ellison added: “They have actually tried to walk back their involvement in key states where they existed under the Obama administration. They have not moved forward, when it comes to 21st-century policing which the Obama administration started.”
The federal government, he said, needs to forge “a better relationship” between cities and police departments, instead of making “incendiary comments”.The federal government, he said, needs to forge “a better relationship” between cities and police departments, instead of making “incendiary comments”.
“We need their help to be more constructive and less assigning, you know, blame on matters that, actually, we don’t know the truth of yet.”“We need their help to be more constructive and less assigning, you know, blame on matters that, actually, we don’t know the truth of yet.”
Ellison also said charges against ex-police officer Derek Chauvin could be amended to include higher charges for George Floyd’s killing and that the three other officers involved are “not out of the woods”. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.Ellison also said charges against ex-police officer Derek Chauvin could be amended to include higher charges for George Floyd’s killing and that the three other officers involved are “not out of the woods”. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.
Ellison said officials were still “early in the process”. He said he does not know what charges the three other officers might face, but that charges of aiding and abetting were “a possibility”. He said county attorney Mike Freeman was looking into the matter and that he expects to hear something in the “near future”.Ellison said officials were still “early in the process”. He said he does not know what charges the three other officers might face, but that charges of aiding and abetting were “a possibility”. He said county attorney Mike Freeman was looking into the matter and that he expects to hear something in the “near future”.