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George Floyd: more than a dozen major cities under curfew as protesters gather – live George Floyd: more than a dozen major cities under curfew as protesters gather – 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
The Associated Press has the story of a Mississippi mayor who said earlier this week that he “didn’t see anything unreasonable” in the treatment of George Floyd before his death. The story in full:
A white Mississippi mayor who caused an outrage with his tweets about the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has apologized but says he won’t resign, prompting protesters to return to City Hall for a third day on Sunday to insist the mayor leave office.
Petal mayor Hal Marx told the Hattiesburg American his remarks on social media about Floyd’s death, which occurred after a white police officer kneeled on his neck, “were made in haste and not well-thought out or expressed.”
“I apologize to those who found them to be insensitive, and I apologize to the people of our city,” Marx told the newspaper in an interview on Saturday.
Still, the mayor said he plans to serve out his term that expires in July 2021.
Roughly 200 people protested outside city hall on Sunday, the third straight day demonstrators have gathered to call for Marx’s resignation, the Clarion Ledger reported. Petal’s board of aldermen also agreed the mayor should step down.
“Why in the world would anyone choose to become a police officer in our society today?” Marx tweeted on Tuesday, the day that four Minneapolis police officers were fired. Floyd, 46, was handcuffed and pleading for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck Monday.
In a follow-up tweet, the Republican directly referenced the Floyd case, saying he “didn’t see anything unreasonable”.
“If you can say you can’t breathe, you’re breathing. Most likely that man died of overdose or heart attack. Video doesn’t show his resistance that got him in that position. Police being crucified.”
Marx told the newspaper that city aldermen and others had wrongly characterized the tweets as racist. “I did not make racist comments,” Marx said, “and I have not mistreated anyone.”
Michael Jordan has released a statement on the death of George Floyd, calling out “ingrained racism” in the United States.Michael Jordan has released a statement on the death of George Floyd, calling out “ingrained racism” in the United States.
“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” wrote Jordan in a statement posted by the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA team he owns. “I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.”“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” wrote Jordan in a statement posted by the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA team he owns. “I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.”
Jordan has often been criticized for his reluctance to speak up on political matters, especially when compared to the activism of other NBA stars such as LeBron James and Guardian columnist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. During a 1990 Senate race in his home state of North Carolina, Jordan refused to endorse Democrat Harvey Gantt, an African American who was running against the incumbent Republican Jesse Helms, a notorious racist. Jordan, who at the time had already won the first of his five NBA MVP awards, explained away his refusal to take a stance by saying “Republicans buy sneakers, too”. Jordan has since insisted the comment was made in jest.Jordan has often been criticized for his reluctance to speak up on political matters, especially when compared to the activism of other NBA stars such as LeBron James and Guardian columnist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. During a 1990 Senate race in his home state of North Carolina, Jordan refused to endorse Democrat Harvey Gantt, an African American who was running against the incumbent Republican Jesse Helms, a notorious racist. Jordan, who at the time had already won the first of his five NBA MVP awards, explained away his refusal to take a stance by saying “Republicans buy sneakers, too”. Jordan has since insisted the comment was made in jest.
The six-time NBA champion, widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, said on Sunday that Americans needed to work together to find answers to the country’s problems.The six-time NBA champion, widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, said on Sunday that Americans needed to work together to find answers to the country’s problems.
“I don’t have answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others. We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn out backs on senseless brutality,” he wrote.“I don’t have answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others. We must listen to each other, show compassion and empathy and never turn out backs on senseless brutality,” he wrote.
Curfews were in place in more than a dozen US cities on Sunday and Jordan urged people to protest peacefully. “We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability,” he wrote.Curfews were in place in more than a dozen US cities on Sunday and Jordan urged people to protest peacefully. “We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability,” he wrote.
Jordan finished his statement by expressing his sympathy to the family of Floyd and others. “My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd and to the countless others whose lives have been brutally and senselessly taken through acts of racism and injustice,” he wrote.Jordan finished his statement by expressing his sympathy to the family of Floyd and others. “My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd and to the countless others whose lives have been brutally and senselessly taken through acts of racism and injustice,” he wrote.
The former Chicago Bulls star has been in the news lately due to the popularity of The Last Dance, a documentary telling the story of his final championship season.The former Chicago Bulls star has been in the news lately due to the popularity of The Last Dance, a documentary telling the story of his final championship season.
Several US cities and counties have brought forward their curfew times to try to prevent another night of violent protests over George Floyd’s death. Here is a state-by-state look at the known curfews and timings in several areas worst affected on Friday and Saturday (all times local):Several US cities and counties have brought forward their curfew times to try to prevent another night of violent protests over George Floyd’s death. Here is a state-by-state look at the known curfews and timings in several areas worst affected on Friday and Saturday (all times local):
Arizona: Statewide curfew from 8pm. Will be in place for next week.
California: Los Angeles County 8pm-5.30am; San Francisco 8pm-5am.California: Los Angeles County 8pm-5.30am; San Francisco 8pm-5am.
Colorado: Denver 8pm-5am.Colorado: Denver 8pm-5am.
Florida: Miami 8pm-5am; Orange County 10pm-5am.Florida: Miami 8pm-5am; Orange County 10pm-5am.
Georgia: Atlanta 9pm-sunrise.Georgia: Atlanta 9pm-sunrise.
Illinois: Chicago 9pm-6am.Illinois: Chicago 9pm-6am.
Kentucky: Louisville 9pm-6.30am.Kentucky: Louisville 9pm-6.30am.
Michigan: Detroit 8pm-5am.Michigan: Detroit 8pm-5am.
Minnesota: Minneapolis/St Paul 8pm-6am.Minnesota: Minneapolis/St Paul 8pm-6am.
Ohio: Cincinnati 9pm-6am; Cleveland 12pm-6am; Columbus 10pm-6am; Dayton 7pm-6am.Ohio: Cincinnati 9pm-6am; Cleveland 12pm-6am; Columbus 10pm-6am; Dayton 7pm-6am.
Oregon: Portland 8pm-6am.Oregon: Portland 8pm-6am.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia 6pm-6am; Pittsburgh 8.30pm-6am.Pennsylvania: Philadelphia 6pm-6am; Pittsburgh 8.30pm-6am.
South Carolina: Charleston 6pm-6am.South Carolina: Charleston 6pm-6am.
Tennessee: Nashville 8pm-6am.Tennessee: Nashville 8pm-6am.
Texas: Dallas 7pm-6am.Texas: Dallas 7pm-6am.
Utah: Salt Lake City 8pm-6am.Utah: Salt Lake City 8pm-6am.
Virginia: Richmond 8pm to 6am.
Wisconsin: Milwaukee 9pm-7am.Wisconsin: Milwaukee 9pm-7am.
YouTube star Jake Paul has denied he looted an Arizona mall on Saturday night.YouTube star Jake Paul has denied he looted an Arizona mall on Saturday night.
Video emerged on Sunday of Paul standing inside a looted mall. Paul, who has 20 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, said he had been protesting against the police killing of George Floyd in Scottsdale, Arizona.Video emerged on Sunday of Paul standing inside a looted mall. Paul, who has 20 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, said he had been protesting against the police killing of George Floyd in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“To be absolutely clear, neither I nor anyone in our group was engaged in any looting or vandalism,” said the 23-year-old in a statement posted to Twitter. Paul could be seen wearing a mask and filming as the mall was looted. He added in an Instagram story that police had teargassed him and his companions during the protests.“To be absolutely clear, neither I nor anyone in our group was engaged in any looting or vandalism,” said the 23-year-old in a statement posted to Twitter. Paul could be seen wearing a mask and filming as the mall was looted. He added in an Instagram story that police had teargassed him and his companions during the protests.
“I do not condone violence, looting or breaking the law; however, I understand the anger and frustration that led to the destruction we witnessed, and while it’s not the answer, it’s important that people see it and collectively figure out how to move forward in a healthy way,” he wrote.“I do not condone violence, looting or breaking the law; however, I understand the anger and frustration that led to the destruction we witnessed, and while it’s not the answer, it’s important that people see it and collectively figure out how to move forward in a healthy way,” he wrote.
Paul, whose brother Logan is also a YouTube star, has been involved in a number of controversies in the past few years. In 2018, he was filmed using the n-word while rapping. He was also accused of anti-social behaviour and was the subject of a number of noise complaints after moving into a house in West Hollywood house. He later relocated to another area of Los Angeles after being sued by his landlords.Paul, whose brother Logan is also a YouTube star, has been involved in a number of controversies in the past few years. In 2018, he was filmed using the n-word while rapping. He was also accused of anti-social behaviour and was the subject of a number of noise complaints after moving into a house in West Hollywood house. He later relocated to another area of Los Angeles after being sued by his landlords.
More from Miranda Bryant on the policing of protests in New York City…More from Miranda Bryant on the policing of protests in New York City…
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has hit out at Bill de Blasio, branding as “unacceptable” the New York City mayor’s handling of an incident in which two police cars drove through a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has hit out at Bill de Blasio, branding as “unacceptable” the New York City mayor’s handling of an incident in which two police cars drove through a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn.
The New York congresswoman spoke out after de Blasio defended the New York Police Department (NYPD) officers involved.The New York congresswoman spoke out after de Blasio defended the New York Police Department (NYPD) officers involved.
Video footage shows dozens of protesters gathering in front of a police car in the road and throwing objects at it. Another police car pulls up and ploughs through the crowd. The other car lurches forward, pushing people to the floor.Video footage shows dozens of protesters gathering in front of a police car in the road and throwing objects at it. Another police car pulls up and ploughs through the crowd. The other car lurches forward, pushing people to the floor.
“@NYCMayor your comments tonight were unacceptable,” the influential Democrat tweeted to her 7m followers. “As mayor, this police department is under your leadership. This moment demands leadership & accountability from each of us. Defending and making excuses for NYPD running SUVs into crowds was wrong. Make it right. De-escalate.”“@NYCMayor your comments tonight were unacceptable,” the influential Democrat tweeted to her 7m followers. “As mayor, this police department is under your leadership. This moment demands leadership & accountability from each of us. Defending and making excuses for NYPD running SUVs into crowds was wrong. Make it right. De-escalate.”
She added: “Running SUVs in crowds of people should never, ever be normalized. No matter who does it, no matter why.”She added: “Running SUVs in crowds of people should never, ever be normalized. No matter who does it, no matter why.”
The mayor has since said there will be a “full investigation” and that he “didn’t like what I saw one bit”. However, he continued to blame protesters, saying that the situation “was created by a group of protesters blocking and surrounding a police vehicle”.The mayor has since said there will be a “full investigation” and that he “didn’t like what I saw one bit”. However, he continued to blame protesters, saying that the situation “was created by a group of protesters blocking and surrounding a police vehicle”.
Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to aim criticism at Joe Biden, and Democrats in general.Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to aim criticism at Joe Biden, and Democrats in general.
“Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors,” wrote Trump. “These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW. The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe. Is this what America wants? NO!!!”“Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors,” wrote Trump. “These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW. The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe. Is this what America wants? NO!!!”
In fact, several Democrat governors – such as Wisconsin’s Tony Evers and Minnesota’s Tim Walz – called in the national guard on Saturday. Trump also attempted to take credit for Walz’s decision in another tweet on Sunday.In fact, several Democrat governors – such as Wisconsin’s Tony Evers and Minnesota’s Tim Walz – called in the national guard on Saturday. Trump also attempted to take credit for Walz’s decision in another tweet on Sunday.
“Law & Order in Philadelphia, NOW! They are looting stores,” wrote the president. “Call in our great National Guard like they FINALLY did (thank you President Trump) last night in Minneapolis. Is this what voters want with Sleepy Joe? All Dems!”“Law & Order in Philadelphia, NOW! They are looting stores,” wrote the president. “Call in our great National Guard like they FINALLY did (thank you President Trump) last night in Minneapolis. Is this what voters want with Sleepy Joe? All Dems!”
Richard Luscombe has news on US attorney general Bill Barr...Richard Luscombe has news on US attorney general Bill Barr...
Echoing His Master’s Voice, attorney general Bill Barr has weighed in on the unrest sweeping the US with a statement blaming “Antifa and other similar groups”.Echoing His Master’s Voice, attorney general Bill Barr has weighed in on the unrest sweeping the US with a statement blaming “Antifa and other similar groups”.
In a rare Sunday afternoon missive issued by the justice department, Barr reinforced Donald Trump’s earlier assertions of outside influence, and claimed that “violent radical elements” have hijacked peaceful protests.In a rare Sunday afternoon missive issued by the justice department, Barr reinforced Donald Trump’s earlier assertions of outside influence, and claimed that “violent radical elements” have hijacked peaceful protests.
“Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate, violent and extremist agenda,” Barr wrote, without citing evidence. “It is time to stop watching the violence and to confront and stop it.”“Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate, violent and extremist agenda,” Barr wrote, without citing evidence. “It is time to stop watching the violence and to confront and stop it.”
He also suggested that the FBI and other law federal resources may be used to crack down on the violence.He also suggested that the FBI and other law federal resources may be used to crack down on the violence.
“It is the responsibility of state and local leaders to ensure that adequate law enforcement, including the National Guard where necessary, are deployed in the streets to reestablish law and order. We saw this finally happen in Minneapolis last night, and it worked,” Barr wrote.“It is the responsibility of state and local leaders to ensure that adequate law enforcement, including the National Guard where necessary, are deployed in the streets to reestablish law and order. We saw this finally happen in Minneapolis last night, and it worked,” Barr wrote.
“Federal law enforcement actions will be directed at apprehending and charging the violent radical agitators who have hijacked peaceful protest and are engaged in violations of federal law.”“Federal law enforcement actions will be directed at apprehending and charging the violent radical agitators who have hijacked peaceful protest and are engaged in violations of federal law.”
National guard will be on the streets of Los Angeles tonight, although they will be protecting businesses rather than patrolling alongside the LAPD. The LAPD’s chief said 500 members of the guard will be on duty in LA tonight after close to 400 people were arrested in the city on Saturday night and Sunday morning. “My hope and prayer is that [the national guard’s] tenure is short here,” Michel Moore said.National guard will be on the streets of Los Angeles tonight, although they will be protecting businesses rather than patrolling alongside the LAPD. The LAPD’s chief said 500 members of the guard will be on duty in LA tonight after close to 400 people were arrested in the city on Saturday night and Sunday morning. “My hope and prayer is that [the national guard’s] tenure is short here,” Michel Moore said.
A curfew will be in place between 8pm tonight and 5am on Monday. On the east coast, Philadelphia’s curfew has been moved forward from 8pm to 6pm. Dallas’s curfew will start at 7pm.A curfew will be in place between 8pm tonight and 5am on Monday. On the east coast, Philadelphia’s curfew has been moved forward from 8pm to 6pm. Dallas’s curfew will start at 7pm.
North Carolina Central men’s basketball coach LeVelle Moton has said he has been disappointed by the failure of white coaches to speak out about the death of George Floyd. Moton, who is black, says that the top coaches, who are paid millions of dollars a year, profit from the black community but do little to protect it.North Carolina Central men’s basketball coach LeVelle Moton has said he has been disappointed by the failure of white coaches to speak out about the death of George Floyd. Moton, who is black, says that the top coaches, who are paid millions of dollars a year, profit from the black community but do little to protect it.
“The reality is a lot of these coaches have been able to create generational wealth,” Moton said on ESPN Radio’s Sunday Morning. “Their grandkids’ kids are gonna be able to live a prosperous life because athletes who were the complexion of George Floyd were able to run a football, throw a football, shoot a basketball or whatever have you so they have been able to benefit from athletes that look like George Floyd and many more. But whenever people [who are] the complexion of George Floyd are killed, assassinated, murdered in the street in broad daylight, they’re silent.”“The reality is a lot of these coaches have been able to create generational wealth,” Moton said on ESPN Radio’s Sunday Morning. “Their grandkids’ kids are gonna be able to live a prosperous life because athletes who were the complexion of George Floyd were able to run a football, throw a football, shoot a basketball or whatever have you so they have been able to benefit from athletes that look like George Floyd and many more. But whenever people [who are] the complexion of George Floyd are killed, assassinated, murdered in the street in broad daylight, they’re silent.”
Moton said he felt a link with Floyd as he was confronted a gunpoint by police officers in 2005.Moton said he felt a link with Floyd as he was confronted a gunpoint by police officers in 2005.
“I have a problem with [white coaches’ silence] because it seems as if black lives matter to them whenever they can benefit from it or whenever they’re getting them first downs, catching an alley-oop or shooting a [basket] or whatever,” Moton said. “When it’s time for humanity to speak up on behalf of the student athlete, it’s silent, it’s crickets. And my problem is if the murdering of black Americans is too risky of an issue for you to stand up as a leader, then who are they really playing for?”“I have a problem with [white coaches’ silence] because it seems as if black lives matter to them whenever they can benefit from it or whenever they’re getting them first downs, catching an alley-oop or shooting a [basket] or whatever,” Moton said. “When it’s time for humanity to speak up on behalf of the student athlete, it’s silent, it’s crickets. And my problem is if the murdering of black Americans is too risky of an issue for you to stand up as a leader, then who are they really playing for?”
Some high-profile white athletes, such as the No1 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, Joe Burrow, have spoken about the death of Floyd. He said that the “black community needs our help” on Twitter.Some high-profile white athletes, such as the No1 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, Joe Burrow, have spoken about the death of Floyd. He said that the “black community needs our help” on Twitter.
“They have been unheard for far too long,” said Burrow, the Heisman Trophy winner from Louisiana State. “Open your ears, listen, and speak. This isn’t politics. This is human rights.”“They have been unheard for far too long,” said Burrow, the Heisman Trophy winner from Louisiana State. “Open your ears, listen, and speak. This isn’t politics. This is human rights.”
Beaches in Miami had been due to reopen following the Covid-19 lockdown on Monday but that will no longer happen after a weekend of unrest in Florida, and across the country.Beaches in Miami had been due to reopen following the Covid-19 lockdown on Monday but that will no longer happen after a weekend of unrest in Florida, and across the country.
“If everything is calm today, then we can take a respite for tomorrow and then hopefully open up on Tuesday,” Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Gimenez told WPLG-Channel 10. “It really all depends on what happens today, what happens tonight. My hope is, and I believe, that today and tonight will be calm and peaceful.”“If everything is calm today, then we can take a respite for tomorrow and then hopefully open up on Tuesday,” Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Gimenez told WPLG-Channel 10. “It really all depends on what happens today, what happens tonight. My hope is, and I believe, that today and tonight will be calm and peaceful.”
The city will be under lockdown again on Sunday night but Florida congressman Shevrin Jones told the Miami Herald that he does not believe anger over the death of George Floyd will dissipate anytime soon.The city will be under lockdown again on Sunday night but Florida congressman Shevrin Jones told the Miami Herald that he does not believe anger over the death of George Floyd will dissipate anytime soon.
“I don’t think this is going to go away,” Jones said. “We are here. We’re in it. The black community is tired. We’re tired of talking. Everyone has been saying, let’s come to the table but it hasn’t resulted in anything.”“I don’t think this is going to go away,” Jones said. “We are here. We’re in it. The black community is tired. We’re tired of talking. Everyone has been saying, let’s come to the table but it hasn’t resulted in anything.”
More than 200 people were arrested during protests in Texas on Saturday night, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds. As a result, the state’s governor, Greg Abbott, has declared a state of disaster, which will allow federal agents to do the work of local police.More than 200 people were arrested during protests in Texas on Saturday night, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds. As a result, the state’s governor, Greg Abbott, has declared a state of disaster, which will allow federal agents to do the work of local police.
“Every Texan and every American has the right to protest and I encourage all Texans to exercise their First Amendment rights,” Abbott said in a statement on Sunday. “However, violence against others and the destruction of property is unacceptable and counterproductive. As protests have turned violent in various areas across the state, it is crucial that we maintain order, uphold public safety, and protect against property damage or loss.”“Every Texan and every American has the right to protest and I encourage all Texans to exercise their First Amendment rights,” Abbott said in a statement on Sunday. “However, violence against others and the destruction of property is unacceptable and counterproductive. As protests have turned violent in various areas across the state, it is crucial that we maintain order, uphold public safety, and protect against property damage or loss.”
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.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”.“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.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.“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: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: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: