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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
Val Demings, a member of Congress and potential running mate with Joe Biden in November’s presidential election, has appeared on NBC’s Meet The Press. Her comments carried added weight as she is the former police chief for Orlando. She said Minnesota’s chief of police should be praised for quickly firing the officers involved in George Floyd’s death.
“While I know that it seemed like the days that passed before the officer was arrested – if you look historically, that was a pretty swift arrest that was made,” she said.
Demings added that the federal government had a large part to play in ensuring law enforcement are trained properly. “While I know that our government does not have direct jurisdiction, I certainly believe that we do have a major role to play in terms of helping law enforcement agencies throughout the nation maybe come up with some standards for hiring and training, especially use of force training,” she said.
Demings said she was not confident Donald Trump is the correct person to lead the United States through a time in which the country is dealing with civil unrest and a pandemic. “If there was ever a time we need leadership in the White House, it is now, to help heal our nation, but I don’t know why I would expect this president to do something that he has never done before and we have never seen before,” she said.
She was asked what the president could say to heal the nation’s wounds. “I would tell him to begin with showing some compassion for the persons who and the families that have lost their loved ones ... and maybe we begin today by acknowledging the sins of the past and even said things that he has said and done that caused harm and brought pain to the American people,” she said.
More from Miranda Bryant, who has been watching the Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar speak to ABC’s This Week:More from Miranda Bryant, who has been watching the Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar speak to ABC’s This Week:
Ilhan Omar has called for nationwide reform following the killing of George Floyd and criticised some protesters’ use of violence. Speaking from Minneapolis, she told ABC News there was “real work to do, to heal” and that a new system is needed “that works for all of us”.Ilhan Omar has called for nationwide reform following the killing of George Floyd and criticised some protesters’ use of violence. Speaking from Minneapolis, she told ABC News there was “real work to do, to heal” and that a new system is needed “that works for all of us”.
Omar, an immigrant from Somalia who was one of the first two Muslim women elected to the US House, called for justice – including action against the police officers present when Floyd died who have not yet been charged, with one charged with murder – and nationwide reforms following “social and economic neglect”.Omar, an immigrant from Somalia who was one of the first two Muslim women elected to the US House, called for justice – including action against the police officers present when Floyd died who have not yet been charged, with one charged with murder – and nationwide reforms following “social and economic neglect”.
She added: ”We are living in a country that has a two-tiered justice system and people are … sick and tired of being sick and tired. And we need to really step back and say to ourselves, where do we actually from here? And that can’t just be getting justice for George Floyd. It needs to be bigger than that.”She added: ”We are living in a country that has a two-tiered justice system and people are … sick and tired of being sick and tired. And we need to really step back and say to ourselves, where do we actually from here? And that can’t just be getting justice for George Floyd. It needs to be bigger than that.”
Omar said Minneapolis residents were feeling “terrorised” by the threat of their homes and businesses burning down – but also by the presence of tanks and national guard troops.Omar said Minneapolis residents were feeling “terrorised” by the threat of their homes and businesses burning down – but also by the presence of tanks and national guard troops.
“What we are trying to do is try to figure out something between extreme aggression and ways to figure out how to not get our city burned down. And it’s a challenge.”“What we are trying to do is try to figure out something between extreme aggression and ways to figure out how to not get our city burned down. And it’s a challenge.”
Omar spoke out against those causing destruction in the city, saying: “When we see people setting our buildings and our businesses ablaze, we know those are not people who are interested in protecting black lives.”Omar spoke out against those causing destruction in the city, saying: “When we see people setting our buildings and our businesses ablaze, we know those are not people who are interested in protecting black lives.”
Donald Trump, she said, has failed to understand “the kind of pain and anguish many of his citizens are feeling.”Donald Trump, she said, has failed to understand “the kind of pain and anguish many of his citizens are feeling.”
She added: “When you have a president who really is glorifying violence and was talking about the kind of vicious dogs and weapons that could be unleashed on citizens, it is quite appalling and disturbing.”She added: “When you have a president who really is glorifying violence and was talking about the kind of vicious dogs and weapons that could be unleashed on citizens, it is quite appalling and disturbing.”
Here’s Charles Kaiser’s review of Omar’s new book, This Is What America Looks Like:Here’s Charles Kaiser’s review of Omar’s new book, This Is What America Looks Like:
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown drove 15 hours to Atlanta to take part in a peaceful protest on Saturday.Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown drove 15 hours to Atlanta to take part in a peaceful protest on Saturday.
“I drove 15 hours to get to Georgia, my community,” said Brown, who is from Georgia, and is also a vice president of the National Basketball Players Association. “This is a peaceful protest. Being a celebrity, being an NBA player don’t exclude me from no conversations at all. First and foremost, I’m a black man and I’m a member of this community. ... We’re raising awareness for some of the injustices that we’ve been seeing. It’s not OK.“I drove 15 hours to get to Georgia, my community,” said Brown, who is from Georgia, and is also a vice president of the National Basketball Players Association. “This is a peaceful protest. Being a celebrity, being an NBA player don’t exclude me from no conversations at all. First and foremost, I’m a black man and I’m a member of this community. ... We’re raising awareness for some of the injustices that we’ve been seeing. It’s not OK.
“As a young person, you’ve got to listen to our perspective. Our voices need to be heard. I’m 23 years old. I don’t know all of the answers. But I feel how everybody else is feeling, for sure. No question.”“As a young person, you’ve got to listen to our perspective. Our voices need to be heard. I’m 23 years old. I don’t know all of the answers. But I feel how everybody else is feeling, for sure. No question.”
Another NBA player, the Indiana Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon, was also at the protest with Brown.Another NBA player, the Indiana Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon, was also at the protest with Brown.
“This is a moment. We have leverage right now,” he said. “We have a moment in time. People are going to look back, our kids are going to look back at this and say, ‘You were part of that.’ I’ve got a grandfather that marched next to [Martin Luther King Jr.] in the ‘60s, and he was amazing. He would be proud to see us all here. We got to keep pushing forward. Jaylen has led this charge, man, and I’m proud of him. We need more leaders.”“This is a moment. We have leverage right now,” he said. “We have a moment in time. People are going to look back, our kids are going to look back at this and say, ‘You were part of that.’ I’ve got a grandfather that marched next to [Martin Luther King Jr.] in the ‘60s, and he was amazing. He would be proud to see us all here. We got to keep pushing forward. Jaylen has led this charge, man, and I’m proud of him. We need more leaders.”
Brown recently wrote an op-ed for the Guardian on how US society should unite to combat Covid-19. He also spoke to us about how sports are used as a mechanism of control in the States. Brogdon spoke to the Guardian last year about sports and race.Brown recently wrote an op-ed for the Guardian on how US society should unite to combat Covid-19. He also spoke to us about how sports are used as a mechanism of control in the States. Brogdon spoke to the Guardian last year about sports and race.
In more upbeat news, the Dragon Capsule from the SpaceX mission has successfully docked at the International Space Station after a 19-hour journey from Earth.In more upbeat news, the Dragon Capsule from the SpaceX mission has successfully docked at the International Space Station after a 19-hour journey from Earth.
Richard Luscombe has more details on yesterday’s launch:Richard Luscombe has more details on yesterday’s launch:
On Saturday, New York attorney general Letitia James said she will investigate violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, with many saying the police had been heavy handed in their approach. On Saturday night, video emerged of police cars being driven at protesters near Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.On Saturday, New York attorney general Letitia James said she will investigate violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, with many saying the police had been heavy handed in their approach. On Saturday night, video emerged of police cars being driven at protesters near Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
In a letter published on Sunday the NYPD commissioner, Dermot Shea, told officers he was proud of their conduct during the unrest of the last few days.In a letter published on Sunday the NYPD commissioner, Dermot Shea, told officers he was proud of their conduct during the unrest of the last few days.
“What you’ve endured these last couple of days and nights – like much of 2020, so far – was unprecedented,” wrote Shea. “In no small way, I want you to know that I’m extremely proud of the way you’ve comported yourselves in the face of persistent danger, disrespect, and denigration. What we saw in New York City last night and the night before was not about peaceful protest of any kind. It was not about civil disobedience. It was not about demonstrating against police brutality.”“What you’ve endured these last couple of days and nights – like much of 2020, so far – was unprecedented,” wrote Shea. “In no small way, I want you to know that I’m extremely proud of the way you’ve comported yourselves in the face of persistent danger, disrespect, and denigration. What we saw in New York City last night and the night before was not about peaceful protest of any kind. It was not about civil disobedience. It was not about demonstrating against police brutality.”
Around 340 people were arrested on Saturday night and Sunday morning during the protests in New York, and at least 33 police officers injured.Around 340 people were arrested on Saturday night and Sunday morning during the protests in New York, and at least 33 police officers injured.
“What it was, quite frankly, was a mob bent solely on taking advantage of a moment in American history, to co-opt the cause of equality that we all must uphold, to intentionally inflict chaos, mayhem, and injury just for the sake of doing so,” wrote Shea.“What it was, quite frankly, was a mob bent solely on taking advantage of a moment in American history, to co-opt the cause of equality that we all must uphold, to intentionally inflict chaos, mayhem, and injury just for the sake of doing so,” wrote Shea.
Protesters in Minneapolis have condemned the “opportunistic” looting and violence taking place around the US – saying it is not being done in George Floyd’s name.Protesters in Minneapolis have condemned the “opportunistic” looting and violence taking place around the US – saying it is not being done in George Floyd’s name.
Speaking on Saturday night – which again saw widespread violence and unrest in cities across the US following Floyd’s killing during an arrest by police officers on Monday – some protesters spoke out in interviews with CNN.Speaking on Saturday night – which again saw widespread violence and unrest in cities across the US following Floyd’s killing during an arrest by police officers on Monday – some protesters spoke out in interviews with CNN.
In an impassioned interview, one man addressed looters directly, saying: “Something is wrong with you.”In an impassioned interview, one man addressed looters directly, saying: “Something is wrong with you.”
He said:He said:
Another protester said demonstrations staged in Floyd’s name were peaceful.Another protester said demonstrations staged in Floyd’s name were peaceful.
He said: “I don’t think the looting and rioting is being done in George Floyd’s name…What’s being done in George Floyd’s name is this type of gathering right now and we’re going to try to keep this peace and morale the way it is.He said: “I don’t think the looting and rioting is being done in George Floyd’s name…What’s being done in George Floyd’s name is this type of gathering right now and we’re going to try to keep this peace and morale the way it is.
“Our goal tonight is to keep the energy high and the tension low, we’re going to keep that up.”“Our goal tonight is to keep the energy high and the tension low, we’re going to keep that up.”
Many leaders believe that tragedies like the death of George Floyd - and the unrest that ensues from those deaths - will continue until structural racism in the United States is dismantled. That does not appear to be the view of many in power. In an interview on CNN, national security adviser Robert O’Brien denied that systemic racism exists in the US.Many leaders believe that tragedies like the death of George Floyd - and the unrest that ensues from those deaths - will continue until structural racism in the United States is dismantled. That does not appear to be the view of many in power. In an interview on CNN, national security adviser Robert O’Brien denied that systemic racism exists in the US.
“No, I don’t think there’s systemic racism,” O’Brien told Jake Tapper on CNN’s State of the Union. Instead, O’Brien said “there are some bad cops that are racist and there are cops that maybe don’t have the right training.” He added that police were being hurt by “a few bad apples”.“No, I don’t think there’s systemic racism,” O’Brien told Jake Tapper on CNN’s State of the Union. Instead, O’Brien said “there are some bad cops that are racist and there are cops that maybe don’t have the right training.” He added that police were being hurt by “a few bad apples”.
O’Brien returned to a theme promoted by Donald Trump that antifa elements were responsible for the violence during protests. He said he had not seen a Vice report that far-right groups attempting to stir up a race war had been partly responsible for the violence at demonstrations.O’Brien returned to a theme promoted by Donald Trump that antifa elements were responsible for the violence during protests. He said he had not seen a Vice report that far-right groups attempting to stir up a race war had been partly responsible for the violence at demonstrations.
He was also asked about Donald Trump’s language during the last few days, in which the president has labelled some protesters “thugs” and has appeared to relish settings dogs on demonstrators. O’Brien says that the president supports peaceful protesters but not people who do so violently.He was also asked about Donald Trump’s language during the last few days, in which the president has labelled some protesters “thugs” and has appeared to relish settings dogs on demonstrators. O’Brien says that the president supports peaceful protesters but not people who do so violently.
More from Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta, who has spoken to CBS and NBC already.More from Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta, who has spoken to CBS and NBC already.
“Last night was not as bad as Friday night,” in her city, Bottoms told CBS’ Face the Nation. “I think there were several reasons for that. Of one, many people just decided to heed my advice and stay home. Also, … much more support that we had for our officers last night with the national guard. And we also had a curfew last night, a 9pm curfew and so that helped tremendously.”“Last night was not as bad as Friday night,” in her city, Bottoms told CBS’ Face the Nation. “I think there were several reasons for that. Of one, many people just decided to heed my advice and stay home. Also, … much more support that we had for our officers last night with the national guard. And we also had a curfew last night, a 9pm curfew and so that helped tremendously.”
Bottoms added: “I think that there is a place in America for peaceful protest, and we know that peaceful protests have had a history of changing things in this country. But it has to be organised and it has to be for a purpose. And when you have violent eruptions like we’ve seen across America, then we lose sight of even what we are talking about.Bottoms added: “I think that there is a place in America for peaceful protest, and we know that peaceful protests have had a history of changing things in this country. But it has to be organised and it has to be for a purpose. And when you have violent eruptions like we’ve seen across America, then we lose sight of even what we are talking about.
“Yesterday, all we talked about was how our cities were erupting across America, but we weren’t even talking about George Floyd and so many others who have been killed in this country. So that’s my concern about what happens when we get lost in the violence.”“Yesterday, all we talked about was how our cities were erupting across America, but we weren’t even talking about George Floyd and so many others who have been killed in this country. So that’s my concern about what happens when we get lost in the violence.”
Bottoms said she did not have any evidence that outside radical left groups, as described by US attorney general William Barr, were involved in planning violence in Atlanta. She also criticised Donald Trump for his tweets on the matter.Bottoms said she did not have any evidence that outside radical left groups, as described by US attorney general William Barr, were involved in planning violence in Atlanta. She also criticised Donald Trump for his tweets on the matter.
“This is so reminiscent of Charlottesville when President Trump just made it worse,” she said, referring to the deadly white nationalist rally in Virginia in August 2017, after which Trump insisted there had been “very good people” on “both sides”.“This is so reminiscent of Charlottesville when President Trump just made it worse,” she said, referring to the deadly white nationalist rally in Virginia in August 2017, after which Trump insisted there had been “very good people” on “both sides”.
“And there are times that you should just stop. And this is one of those times. He’s making it worse. This is not about using military force. This is about where we are in America. We are beyond a tipping point in this country. And his rhetoric only inflames that. And he should just sometimes stop talking.”“And there are times that you should just stop. And this is one of those times. He’s making it worse. This is not about using military force. This is about where we are in America. We are beyond a tipping point in this country. And his rhetoric only inflames that. And he should just sometimes stop talking.”
Bottoms also told CBS she did not “have faith in this justice department”, as it investigates not just the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis but the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, an African American out jogging, in Georgia.Bottoms also told CBS she did not “have faith in this justice department”, as it investigates not just the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis but the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, an African American out jogging, in Georgia.
“But I do have faith in America as a whole,” she said. “So it is my hope that between the justice department, between the state of Georgia, that there will be appropriate charges that will be brought, that will be prosecuted and that there will be a conviction.”“But I do have faith in America as a whole,” she said. “So it is my hope that between the justice department, between the state of Georgia, that there will be appropriate charges that will be brought, that will be prosecuted and that there will be a conviction.”
Here’s more on Charlottesville from the summer of 2018, when Lois Beckett went back:Here’s more on Charlottesville from the summer of 2018, when Lois Beckett went back:
Melvin Carter, the mayor of St Paul, Minnesota, is talking about the protests in the twin cities on CNN’s State of the Union.Melvin Carter, the mayor of St Paul, Minnesota, is talking about the protests in the twin cities on CNN’s State of the Union.
Carter says the anger that has spurred the protests is “legitimate” and that George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police was from from unique - he says unarmed African Americans have been killed by police for decades.Carter says the anger that has spurred the protests is “legitimate” and that George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police was from from unique - he says unarmed African Americans have been killed by police for decades.
He is then asked if the military should be called in to help keep peace on the streets of his city. “The thing I think would help us more than military support is some assurance across our country that we possess a legal and judicial system that has the capacity and capability to hold someone accountable when something this blatant, something this disgusting, something this well-documented happens in plain view for all of us see,” Carter says.He is then asked if the military should be called in to help keep peace on the streets of his city. “The thing I think would help us more than military support is some assurance across our country that we possess a legal and judicial system that has the capacity and capability to hold someone accountable when something this blatant, something this disgusting, something this well-documented happens in plain view for all of us see,” Carter says.
Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck, has been charged with third degree murder. Carter is asked if the other three officers present at the scene should be charged. Carter, whose father was a police officer in St Paul, says the basic charge of police officers is to help the community. He says that the fact that the other officers at the scene of Floyd’s death helped or stood guard while Floyd died is an incredible insult to humanity and other officers. He says all four officers must be held accountable.Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck, has been charged with third degree murder. Carter is asked if the other three officers present at the scene should be charged. Carter, whose father was a police officer in St Paul, says the basic charge of police officers is to help the community. He says that the fact that the other officers at the scene of Floyd’s death helped or stood guard while Floyd died is an incredible insult to humanity and other officers. He says all four officers must be held accountable.
Carter then asks people to protest peacefully but not patiently. “Channel this anger towards forces that make it so difficult to hold somebody accountable when African American lives are taken,” he says.Carter then asks people to protest peacefully but not patiently. “Channel this anger towards forces that make it so difficult to hold somebody accountable when African American lives are taken,” he says.
The Sunday shows are about to begin, and there’s sure to be plenty to discuss.The Sunday shows are about to begin, and there’s sure to be plenty to discuss.
Keisha Lance Bottoms is the Democratic mayor of Atlanta, a city which has seen its share of trouble this weekend. She’s appearing on a number of shows this morning but she already has a stark message for protesters: “If you were out protesting last night, you probably need to go get a Covid test this week.Keisha Lance Bottoms is the Democratic mayor of Atlanta, a city which has seen its share of trouble this weekend. She’s appearing on a number of shows this morning but she already has a stark message for protesters: “If you were out protesting last night, you probably need to go get a Covid test this week.
“There is still a pandemic in America that’s killing black and brown people at higher numbers.”“There is still a pandemic in America that’s killing black and brown people at higher numbers.”
As the AP puts it this morning, “Health experts fear that silent carriers of the virus who have no symptoms could unwittingly infect others at protests where people are packed cheek to jowl, many without masks.As the AP puts it this morning, “Health experts fear that silent carriers of the virus who have no symptoms could unwittingly infect others at protests where people are packed cheek to jowl, many without masks.
“Whether they’re fired up or not, that doesn’t prevent them from getting the virus,” said Bradley Pollock, chairman of the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of California, Davis.”“Whether they’re fired up or not, that doesn’t prevent them from getting the virus,” said Bradley Pollock, chairman of the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of California, Davis.”
The US has seen nearly 1.8m infections and nearly 104,000 deaths in the pandemic, which has disproportionately affected racial minorities in a nation that does not have universal healthcare.The US has seen nearly 1.8m infections and nearly 104,000 deaths in the pandemic, which has disproportionately affected racial minorities in a nation that does not have universal healthcare.
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey, under intense pressure during the protests, noted: “We have two crises that are sandwiched on top of one other.”Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey, under intense pressure during the protests, noted: “We have two crises that are sandwiched on top of one other.”
At the White House on Friday, Donald Trump said he had spoken to the family of George Floyd, the 46-year-old African American man who was killed during an arrest by police officers in Minneapolis this week.At the White House on Friday, Donald Trump said he had spoken to the family of George Floyd, the 46-year-old African American man who was killed during an arrest by police officers in Minneapolis this week.
“I want to express our nation’s deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathies to the family of George Floyd,” Trump said. “I spoke to members of the family – terrific people.”“I want to express our nation’s deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathies to the family of George Floyd,” Trump said. “I spoke to members of the family – terrific people.”
“I just expressed my sorrow,” Trump said, adding “that was a horrible thing to witness” and saying it “looked like there was no excuse” for Floyd’s death.“I just expressed my sorrow,” Trump said, adding “that was a horrible thing to witness” and saying it “looked like there was no excuse” for Floyd’s death.
But according to Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, the conversation did not go well.But according to Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, the conversation did not go well.
“He didn’t give me an opportunity to even speak,” Floyd told MSNBC on Saturday. “It was hard. I was trying to talk to him, but he just kept, like, pushing me off, like ‘I don’t want to hear what you’re talking about.’“He didn’t give me an opportunity to even speak,” Floyd told MSNBC on Saturday. “It was hard. I was trying to talk to him, but he just kept, like, pushing me off, like ‘I don’t want to hear what you’re talking about.’
“And I just told him, I want justice. I said that I couldn’t believe that they committed a modern-day lynching in broad daylight.”“And I just told him, I want justice. I said that I couldn’t believe that they committed a modern-day lynching in broad daylight.”
The officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck has been charged with murder. Three other officers involved in the arrest have not yet been charged. Protests and riots have spread to major cities across the US.The officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck has been charged with murder. Three other officers involved in the arrest have not yet been charged. Protests and riots have spread to major cities across the US.
Trump has been rebuked for responses which critics say have only increased tensions, including apparent threats to have looters shot and boasts about “vicious dogs” and “ominous weapons” awaiting protesters outside the White House.Trump has been rebuked for responses which critics say have only increased tensions, including apparent threats to have looters shot and boasts about “vicious dogs” and “ominous weapons” awaiting protesters outside the White House.
Trump and the White House did not immediately comment on Philonise Floyd’s description of the call.Trump and the White House did not immediately comment on Philonise Floyd’s description of the call.
Joe Biden, Trump’s presumptive challenger in the presidential election in November, also spoke to the family and issued a video address in which he called for calm.Joe Biden, Trump’s presumptive challenger in the presidential election in November, also spoke to the family and issued a video address in which he called for calm.
“I asked Vice-President Biden – I never had to beg a man before – but I asked him, could he please, please get justice for my brother,” Floyd said.“I asked Vice-President Biden – I never had to beg a man before – but I asked him, could he please, please get justice for my brother,” Floyd said.
“I need it. I do not want to see him on a shirt just like the other guys. Nobody deserved that. Black folk don’t deserve that. We’re all dying.“I need it. I do not want to see him on a shirt just like the other guys. Nobody deserved that. Black folk don’t deserve that. We’re all dying.
“Black lives matter.”“Black lives matter.”
Donald Trump had a busy Saturday, travelling to Florida for the SpaceX launch from a White House that was the scene of violent protest on Friday and Saturday nights.Donald Trump had a busy Saturday, travelling to Florida for the SpaceX launch from a White House that was the scene of violent protest on Friday and Saturday nights.
He found time to make news wherever he went, lambasting and threatening protesters and, on his way back from Florida, announcing that this summer’s scheduled Camp David G7 conference is off, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but that he would like to invite Russia, Australia and India – all led by allies, of course – whenever the event is staged.He found time to make news wherever he went, lambasting and threatening protesters and, on his way back from Florida, announcing that this summer’s scheduled Camp David G7 conference is off, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but that he would like to invite Russia, Australia and India – all led by allies, of course – whenever the event is staged.
Today, the president has no public events scheduled. It seems unthinkable – scratch that, it would seem unthinkable under any other president – that he will therefore take the chance to go golfing at his course in Virginia, while parts of many cities across the country burn.Today, the president has no public events scheduled. It seems unthinkable – scratch that, it would seem unthinkable under any other president – that he will therefore take the chance to go golfing at his course in Virginia, while parts of many cities across the country burn.
But this, as our columnist Robert Reich notes here, is America under Donald Trump:But this, as our columnist Robert Reich notes here, is America under Donald Trump:
Here’s Robert’s powerful column in full:Here’s Robert’s powerful column in full:
…and welcome to another day of coverage of what is now extensive civil unrest in the US, over the killing by Minneapolis police of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, not quite a week ago.…and welcome to another day of coverage of what is now extensive civil unrest in the US, over the killing by Minneapolis police of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, not quite a week ago.
The officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck has been charged with murder but that has not quelled protests which have spread around the country and deteriorated into violence.The officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck has been charged with murder but that has not quelled protests which have spread around the country and deteriorated into violence.
Five Guardian reporters across the US contributed to our lead story today:Five Guardian reporters across the US contributed to our lead story today:
There have been reports of shooting, of cars driving into protesters, of widespread injury, of journalists assaulted.There have been reports of shooting, of cars driving into protesters, of widespread injury, of journalists assaulted.
Protesters also returned to the White House in Washington DC on Saturday night, undeterred by Donald Trump’s talk of “vicious dogs” and “ominous weapons” awaiting them. David Smith, our Washington bureau chief, reports:Protesters also returned to the White House in Washington DC on Saturday night, undeterred by Donald Trump’s talk of “vicious dogs” and “ominous weapons” awaiting them. David Smith, our Washington bureau chief, reports:
So far this morning there has been no word from Trump, whose tweets and comments on Friday and Saturday were widely condemned for doing nothing to calm tensions and indeed pouring fuel on the flames. Joe Biden, his presumptive opponent in November, said protests against police brutality were “right and necessary” but urged an end to violence.So far this morning there has been no word from Trump, whose tweets and comments on Friday and Saturday were widely condemned for doing nothing to calm tensions and indeed pouring fuel on the flames. Joe Biden, his presumptive opponent in November, said protests against police brutality were “right and necessary” but urged an end to violence.
“The act of protesting should never be allowed to overshadow the reason we protest,” Biden said.“The act of protesting should never be allowed to overshadow the reason we protest,” Biden said.
Here’s Chris McGreal’s latest dispatch from Minneapolis, ground zero for a violent start to the summer of 2020:Here’s Chris McGreal’s latest dispatch from Minneapolis, ground zero for a violent start to the summer of 2020: