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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 House Mayors impose curfews, governors call in the national guard and in Washington, unrest comes to the White House – follow all the latest live
All major roads into Minneapolis and St Paul have been shut for the night as authorities aim to quell the protests in the city over the last few days. The twin cities are also under curfew until Monday morning.
As the country braces for another night of protests, Donald Trump tweets:
The Atlanta mayor announced two police officers have been fired and three have been placed on desk duty after a review of body cam footage showing excessive use of fore during an incident at a protest on Saturday night.
Atlanta police chief Erika Shields called the images “really shocking to watch.”
Officials said the video, which circulated online, appears to show a group of police officers pulling a woman out of a car and using a stun gun on the man with her. They use zip-tie handcuffs on the woman on the ground. Reporters at the scene at the time of the incident said the police also broke the glass on the car and flattened the tires.
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken out on the killing of George Floyd, and offered a damning condemnation of the silence from others in his sport, including his fellow drivers.Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken out on the killing of George Floyd, and offered a damning condemnation of the silence from others in his sport, including his fellow drivers.
“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” he wrote. “Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white-dominated sport.”“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” he wrote. “Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white-dominated sport.”
“I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone. I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are, and I see you.”“I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone. I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are, and I see you.”
Hamilton is the only black driver in Formula One and has been outspoken on the sport’s need for greater diversity in the past. “There’s barely any diversity in F1,” Hamilton said in 2018. “Still nothing’s changed in 11 years I’ve been here.”Hamilton is the only black driver in Formula One and has been outspoken on the sport’s need for greater diversity in the past. “There’s barely any diversity in F1,” Hamilton said in 2018. “Still nothing’s changed in 11 years I’ve been here.”
The defending world champion also gave his thoughts on the ongoing protests in the US. “I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully,” Hamilton wrote.The defending world champion also gave his thoughts on the ongoing protests in the US. “I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully,” Hamilton wrote.
“There can be no peace until our so-called leaders make change,” he added. “This is not just America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over.”“There can be no peace until our so-called leaders make change,” he added. “This is not just America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over.”
“The way minorities are treated has to change, [and] how you educate those in your country of equality, racism, classism and that we are all the same. We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.”“The way minorities are treated has to change, [and] how you educate those in your country of equality, racism, classism and that we are all the same. We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.”
Outside the White House, where for the past two nights protests have turned violent, large crowds have gathered again today.Outside the White House, where for the past two nights protests have turned violent, large crowds have gathered again today.
Donald Trump has been inside all day – no sign yet of him pulling a Nixon and wandering out among the young and the disaffected, aides skittering after him, to take the mood of the times. (That was Saturday 9 May 1970, and you can read more about it here and here.)Donald Trump has been inside all day – no sign yet of him pulling a Nixon and wandering out among the young and the disaffected, aides skittering after him, to take the mood of the times. (That was Saturday 9 May 1970, and you can read more about it here and here.)
Here’s the Associated Press report on today’s gathering in Washington:Here’s the Associated Press report on today’s gathering in Washington:
Some of the pictures from Washington are striking indeed:Some of the pictures from Washington are striking indeed:
The AP also reports that “several hundred people marched through downtown Boston on Sunday, carrying signs and chanting in a peaceful protest …The AP also reports that “several hundred people marched through downtown Boston on Sunday, carrying signs and chanting in a peaceful protest …
“They chanted, “No justice no peace,” “black lives matter” and silence is violence” as they walked by City Hall, the State House and the Public Garden, with the crowd closing off a two-lane city street. There was a light police presence and no signs of the violence that has erupted in other cities in recent days.“They chanted, “No justice no peace,” “black lives matter” and silence is violence” as they walked by City Hall, the State House and the Public Garden, with the crowd closing off a two-lane city street. There was a light police presence and no signs of the violence that has erupted in other cities in recent days.
Arizona has taken an extraordinary step in the face of the continuing protests and imposed a statewide curfew for the rest of the week. It comes into force at 8pm local time on Sunday.Arizona has taken an extraordinary step in the face of the continuing protests and imposed a statewide curfew for the rest of the week. It comes into force at 8pm local time on Sunday.
“This gives law enforcement an additional tool to prevent the lawlessness we’ve seen here and in cities nationwide. Police will be equipped to make arrests of individuals who are planning to riot, loot or cause damage and unrest,” tweeted the state’s Republican governor, Doug Ducey.“This gives law enforcement an additional tool to prevent the lawlessness we’ve seen here and in cities nationwide. Police will be equipped to make arrests of individuals who are planning to riot, loot or cause damage and unrest,” tweeted the state’s Republican governor, Doug Ducey.
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: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.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.”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.“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.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.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.“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”.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.”“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.”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.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.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.”