This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/us/george-floyd-protests-today-live.html

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
George Floyd Protests Live Updates: Mayors Call for ‘Peace, Not Patience’ as Cities Brace for More Fury George Floyd Protests Live Updates: Mayors Call for ‘Peace, Not Patience’ as Cities Brace for More Protests
(about 1 hour later)
Cities across the United States smoldered on Sunday morning after a largely peaceful day of protests collapsed into a night of chaos, destruction and sporadic violence.Cities across the United States smoldered on Sunday morning after a largely peaceful day of protests collapsed into a night of chaos, destruction and sporadic violence.
The fear and fury that had seized Minneapolis, where the death of yet another black man at the hands of the police set off protracted unrest last week, swept well beyond Minnesota throughout the day and into the night, with tumultuous demonstrations from Columbus, Ohio, and Little Rock, Ark., to Miami and Washington.The fear and fury that had seized Minneapolis, where the death of yet another black man at the hands of the police set off protracted unrest last week, swept well beyond Minnesota throughout the day and into the night, with tumultuous demonstrations from Columbus, Ohio, and Little Rock, Ark., to Miami and Washington.
Parts of Los Angeles were ablaze, squad cars and stores were damaged or destroyed in Chicago, gunfire echoed through downtown Indianapolis and one American city after another was filled with the smoke, gagging and vomiting that follow tear gas.Parts of Los Angeles were ablaze, squad cars and stores were damaged or destroyed in Chicago, gunfire echoed through downtown Indianapolis and one American city after another was filled with the smoke, gagging and vomiting that follow tear gas.
Hundreds of people were arrested across the country as clashes erupted between the police and protesters. In some cities, the authorities appeared to fire rubber bullets and other projectiles with little or no provocation. In New York City, two police vehicles surged forward into a crowd of demonstrators, some of whom were blocking the street and pelting the cars with debris.Hundreds of people were arrested across the country as clashes erupted between the police and protesters. In some cities, the authorities appeared to fire rubber bullets and other projectiles with little or no provocation. In New York City, two police vehicles surged forward into a crowd of demonstrators, some of whom were blocking the street and pelting the cars with debris.
At least 75 cities have seen protests in recent days, and mayors in more than two dozen cities imposed curfews. It was the first time so many local leaders have simultaneously issued such orders in the face of civic unrest since 1968, after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Guard soldiers were posted in Atlanta and Minneapolis, and California moved troops into Los Angeles.At least 75 cities have seen protests in recent days, and mayors in more than two dozen cities imposed curfews. It was the first time so many local leaders have simultaneously issued such orders in the face of civic unrest since 1968, after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Guard soldiers were posted in Atlanta and Minneapolis, and California moved troops into Los Angeles.
Saturday’s upheaval was the fifth day of outrage since George Floyd died while in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday. A cellphone video showed a white police officer — since fired and charged with third-degree murder — grinding his knee into Mr. Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes as he struggled to breathe.Saturday’s upheaval was the fifth day of outrage since George Floyd died while in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday. A cellphone video showed a white police officer — since fired and charged with third-degree murder — grinding his knee into Mr. Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes as he struggled to breathe.
Coming after months of restrictions to curb the coronavirus pandemic and the deep economic slowdown they have caused, with 40 million people out of work, the video of Mr. Floyd’s death brought a renewed outpouring of anguish over inequality and maltreatment.Coming after months of restrictions to curb the coronavirus pandemic and the deep economic slowdown they have caused, with 40 million people out of work, the video of Mr. Floyd’s death brought a renewed outpouring of anguish over inequality and maltreatment.
Despite images of fires lighting up the night sky and lawlessness that threatened to overwhelm many of the nation’s police forces, many protesters were not seeking physical confrontation, but rather venting deep frustration and calling for change. “I’m not here to fight someone,” said Eldon Gillet, 40, who was on the streets in Brooklyn. “I’m here to fight a system.”Despite images of fires lighting up the night sky and lawlessness that threatened to overwhelm many of the nation’s police forces, many protesters were not seeking physical confrontation, but rather venting deep frustration and calling for change. “I’m not here to fight someone,” said Eldon Gillet, 40, who was on the streets in Brooklyn. “I’m here to fight a system.”
Just outside the White House’s fence line, smoke filled the air for a second night after President Trump continued to send conflicting and often divisive messages.Just outside the White House’s fence line, smoke filled the air for a second night after President Trump continued to send conflicting and often divisive messages.
After writing on Twitter on Friday that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts” — echoing comments from a Miami police chief in 1967 — on Saturday morning Mr. Trump said the Secret Service had been prepared to sic the “most vicious dogs” on protesters outside the White House gates.After writing on Twitter on Friday that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts” — echoing comments from a Miami police chief in 1967 — on Saturday morning Mr. Trump said the Secret Service had been prepared to sic the “most vicious dogs” on protesters outside the White House gates.
More protests were expected across the country on Sunday.
Attorney General William P. Barr said on Sunday that violence instigated by extremist groups during the recent protests amounted to “domestic terrorism” and would be treated accordingly. But he pointed to the loose anti-fascist movement known as antifa and other “similar groups” as possible culprits, rather than the white-supremacist and other far-right groups that local politicians say have been hijacking peaceful demonstrations.Attorney General William P. Barr said on Sunday that violence instigated by extremist groups during the recent protests amounted to “domestic terrorism” and would be treated accordingly. But he pointed to the loose anti-fascist movement known as antifa and other “similar groups” as possible culprits, rather than the white-supremacist and other far-right groups that local politicians say have been hijacking peaceful demonstrations.
Mr. Barr’s statement followed comments on Saturday claiming that the protests had been co-opted by anarchist and far-left extremist groups “to pursue their own separate and violent agenda.” A Justice Department spokeswoman said that Mr. Barr based that statement on reports from state and local authorities, but did not give specifics.Mr. Barr’s statement followed comments on Saturday claiming that the protests had been co-opted by anarchist and far-left extremist groups “to pursue their own separate and violent agenda.” A Justice Department spokeswoman said that Mr. Barr based that statement on reports from state and local authorities, but did not give specifics.
Governors, mayors and law enforcement officials across the country have said that outsiders were swarming into the protests aiming to sow chaos. But the officials have said those outsiders were linked to groups on the far right, including white-supremacist groups.Governors, mayors and law enforcement officials across the country have said that outsiders were swarming into the protests aiming to sow chaos. But the officials have said those outsiders were linked to groups on the far right, including white-supremacist groups.
Mr. Barr said that prosecutors would seek to press federal charges against people who crossed state lines or used interstate facilities to participate in violent rioting. But it was not clear what if any legal significance there would be to the “domestic terrorism” designation. While there is a federal statute roughly defining domestic terrorism as the use of politically motivated violence to intimidate others, it imposes no criminal penalties.Mr. Barr said that prosecutors would seek to press federal charges against people who crossed state lines or used interstate facilities to participate in violent rioting. But it was not clear what if any legal significance there would be to the “domestic terrorism” designation. While there is a federal statute roughly defining domestic terrorism as the use of politically motivated violence to intimidate others, it imposes no criminal penalties.
Separately, President Trump wrote on Twitter on Sunday that antifa would be designated as a terrorist organization. But he does not have the authority to do so.Separately, President Trump wrote on Twitter on Sunday that antifa would be designated as a terrorist organization. But he does not have the authority to do so.
Target is temporarily closing or shortening the hours of about 200 stores in the United States as protests and looting spread across the country in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd.Target is temporarily closing or shortening the hours of about 200 stores in the United States as protests and looting spread across the country in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd.
The Target store on Lake Street in Minneapolis, the location nearest to where Mr. Floyd died, was engulfed by unrest, badly damaged and looted last week. Images of the battered store have featured prominently in news coverage of the unrest in Minneapolis, where Target has its headquarters.The Target store on Lake Street in Minneapolis, the location nearest to where Mr. Floyd died, was engulfed by unrest, badly damaged and looted last week. Images of the battered store have featured prominently in news coverage of the unrest in Minneapolis, where Target has its headquarters.
In a statement on its website Saturday night, Target said: “We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing communities across the country. At this time, we have made the decision to close a number of our stores.”In a statement on its website Saturday night, Target said: “We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing communities across the country. At this time, we have made the decision to close a number of our stores.”
The site initially listed 174 affected stores — 70 in Minnesota and 104 in other states, including New York, California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Colorado, Oregon, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.The site initially listed 174 affected stores — 70 in Minnesota and 104 in other states, including New York, California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Colorado, Oregon, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
In an interview on Sunday morning, Joshua Thomas, a Target spokesman, said the number of affected stores had grown to about 200. He said that total was a mix of temporary closings at some stores and shortened hours at others, though he did not supply a breakdown. The steps were being taken, he said, “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure “the safety of our teams.”In an interview on Sunday morning, Joshua Thomas, a Target spokesman, said the number of affected stores had grown to about 200. He said that total was a mix of temporary closings at some stores and shortened hours at others, though he did not supply a breakdown. The steps were being taken, he said, “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure “the safety of our teams.”
Mr. Thomas said the number of affected stores was changing daily. On Sunday, the website had changed, dropping the detailed list of closings and no longer suggesting that all the stores listed were closings. Target has nearly 1,900 stores in the United States.Mr. Thomas said the number of affected stores was changing daily. On Sunday, the website had changed, dropping the detailed list of closings and no longer suggesting that all the stores listed were closings. Target has nearly 1,900 stores in the United States.
Videos posted on social media showed looting and vandalism to storefronts in parts of Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon, even as hundreds of people protested peacefully outside City Hall.
Mayor Jim Kenney of Philadelphia called the looters “anarchists” at a midday news conference, hours before all retail stores in Philadelphia were closed on Sunday afternoon. For a second night, a citywide curfew was imposed, set for 6 p.m.
The peaceful protesters’ message about racism and use of force by the police “in no way should be diminished by anarchists and others who tried to cause chaos in our city last night,” Mr. Kenney said at the news conference, adding that the instigators “did a great disservice to the many others who chose to speak out forcefully against institutional racism and violence at the hands of the police.”
Streets in the Center City business district were closed starting at noon to allow cleanup from the previous night’s protests. Mass transit service was curtailed.
Pennsylvania joined several states that moved to make it easier to activate the National Guard this weekend, and the city, along with suburban Montgomery County, asked for help from the Guard on Sunday, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Melvin Carter, the mayor of St. Paul, Minn., said on Sunday that what his city needed to help restore order after days of protests was not military assistance, but rather assurances that someone would be held accountable for the death of George Floyd.Melvin Carter, the mayor of St. Paul, Minn., said on Sunday that what his city needed to help restore order after days of protests was not military assistance, but rather assurances that someone would be held accountable for the death of George Floyd.
Speaking on the CNN program “State of the Union,” Mr. Carter called for “peace,” not “patience,” a phrase also used by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta on the same program.Speaking on the CNN program “State of the Union,” Mr. Carter called for “peace,” not “patience,” a phrase also used by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta on the same program.
Referring to the video of Mr. Floyd’s death that sparked the protests, Mr. Carter said, “When all of humanity can look at this video and say, ‘That’s disgusting, that’s unacceptable,’ and yet somehow we have four officers in the video, who — three of whom sat there and either helped hold Mr. Floyd down or stood guard over the scene while it happened, that is an incredible insult to humanity.”Referring to the video of Mr. Floyd’s death that sparked the protests, Mr. Carter said, “When all of humanity can look at this video and say, ‘That’s disgusting, that’s unacceptable,’ and yet somehow we have four officers in the video, who — three of whom sat there and either helped hold Mr. Floyd down or stood guard over the scene while it happened, that is an incredible insult to humanity.”
Mr. Carter, whose father is a retired St. Paul police officer, rejected the notion that Mr. Floyd’s death was an isolated incident or the work of one rogue officer. “When you have four officers in the video all responsible for the taking of George Floyd’s life, it points to a culture of normalized, a culture that’s accepted.”Mr. Carter, whose father is a retired St. Paul police officer, rejected the notion that Mr. Floyd’s death was an isolated incident or the work of one rogue officer. “When you have four officers in the video all responsible for the taking of George Floyd’s life, it points to a culture of normalized, a culture that’s accepted.”
At least 170 businesses had been damaged during protests in St. Paul, he said. He called on protesters to channel their frustration and anger into “destroying the laws, destroying the legal precedents, destroying the police union contracts,” instead of burning and looting.At least 170 businesses had been damaged during protests in St. Paul, he said. He called on protesters to channel their frustration and anger into “destroying the laws, destroying the legal precedents, destroying the police union contracts,” instead of burning and looting.
Mayor Bottoms of Atlanta warned against allowing the clashes to obscure the reasons for the protests.Mayor Bottoms of Atlanta warned against allowing the clashes to obscure the reasons for the protests.
“Yesterday, we weren’t talking about George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery or Breonna Taylor, we were talking about police cars burning in our street,” Ms. Bottoms said. “What happens when we have these violent protests and uprisings in our city, we get distracted from what the real issue is. And we need to get back to what the problem is, and that’s the killing of unarmed black people in America.”“Yesterday, we weren’t talking about George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery or Breonna Taylor, we were talking about police cars burning in our street,” Ms. Bottoms said. “What happens when we have these violent protests and uprisings in our city, we get distracted from what the real issue is. And we need to get back to what the problem is, and that’s the killing of unarmed black people in America.”
People streamed into downtown San Antonio on Sunday with buckets and brooms instead of placards and signs. Volunteers could be seen in Grand Rapids, Mich., passing out trash bags and sweeping away broken glass. Hundreds gathered in Madison, Wis., to clean up.People streamed into downtown San Antonio on Sunday with buckets and brooms instead of placards and signs. Volunteers could be seen in Grand Rapids, Mich., passing out trash bags and sweeping away broken glass. Hundreds gathered in Madison, Wis., to clean up.
The night before, crowds in these cities, like others across the country, were protesting police violence and decades of entrenched racism. Anger ran high, and some people smashed windows, ransacked businesses and lit fires. But on Sunday morning, community volunteers were fanning out to mend what they could.The night before, crowds in these cities, like others across the country, were protesting police violence and decades of entrenched racism. Anger ran high, and some people smashed windows, ransacked businesses and lit fires. But on Sunday morning, community volunteers were fanning out to mend what they could.
In Madison, Michael Johnson, chief executive of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, said the group had asked for 100 volunteers to clean up on Sunday morning, and 2,000 people showed up. “Madison, this is our city!” Mr. Johnson said on Twitter. “Together, we are stronger.”In Madison, Michael Johnson, chief executive of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, said the group had asked for 100 volunteers to clean up on Sunday morning, and 2,000 people showed up. “Madison, this is our city!” Mr. Johnson said on Twitter. “Together, we are stronger.”
Similar volunteer efforts were reported in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Nashville, among other cities.Similar volunteer efforts were reported in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Nashville, among other cities.
The cleanup efforts reflect how, even as scenes of divisiveness, violence and police aggression claim national attention, the protests have also brought forth scenes of unity and good will. Stories have also circulated of protesters and bystanders acting to protect shops or help people injured in the demonstrations.The cleanup efforts reflect how, even as scenes of divisiveness, violence and police aggression claim national attention, the protests have also brought forth scenes of unity and good will. Stories have also circulated of protesters and bystanders acting to protect shops or help people injured in the demonstrations.
Videos posted on social media showed protesters in Brooklyn blocking the entrance to a Target store to shield it from looting. In Minneapolis, the Gandhi Mahal Restaurant became a makeshift field hospital, where medics treated people for rubber-bullet wounds and where people recovered from tear gas inhalation — until the restaurant was severely damaged by a fire.Videos posted on social media showed protesters in Brooklyn blocking the entrance to a Target store to shield it from looting. In Minneapolis, the Gandhi Mahal Restaurant became a makeshift field hospital, where medics treated people for rubber-bullet wounds and where people recovered from tear gas inhalation — until the restaurant was severely damaged by a fire.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square in central London on Sunday afternoon and marched toward the United States Embassy, the most visible sign so far of popular support overseas for the protests across the U.S. against police killings of black people.Hundreds of protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square in central London on Sunday afternoon and marched toward the United States Embassy, the most visible sign so far of popular support overseas for the protests across the U.S. against police killings of black people.
Holding signs and clapping their hands, the protesters gathered in the square in defiance of stay-at-home restrictions in effect across Britain to fight the coronavirus pandemic. They chanted “I can’t breathe,” “Black lives matter,” and “No justice, no peace,” before crossing the Thames to march peacefully to the embassy.Holding signs and clapping their hands, the protesters gathered in the square in defiance of stay-at-home restrictions in effect across Britain to fight the coronavirus pandemic. They chanted “I can’t breathe,” “Black lives matter,” and “No justice, no peace,” before crossing the Thames to march peacefully to the embassy.
The protest march on Sunday echoed one on Saturday in the Peckham district of South London. Another London march is planned for next Sunday.The protest march on Sunday echoed one on Saturday in the Peckham district of South London. Another London march is planned for next Sunday.
Several hundred protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Berlin on Sunday, holding up signs saying “Justice for George Floyd” and “Stop killing us,” Reuters reported.Several hundred protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Berlin on Sunday, holding up signs saying “Justice for George Floyd” and “Stop killing us,” Reuters reported.
As cities and states brace for more demonstrations in the coming days, the authorities have responded by calling in more resources and readjusting previously held plans.As cities and states brace for more demonstrations in the coming days, the authorities have responded by calling in more resources and readjusting previously held plans.
In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster on Sunday, an action that enables him to designate federal agents to serve as Texas peace officers. The Republican governor, who activated the Texas National Guard a day earlier, issued the disaster order after protests in the state’s major cities touched off confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster on Sunday, an action that enables him to designate federal agents to serve as Texas peace officers. The Republican governor, who activated the Texas National Guard a day earlier, issued the disaster order after protests in the state’s major cities touched off confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
“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,” Mr. Abbott said in announcing the disaster declaration. “Every Texan and every American has the right to protest and I encourage all Texans to exercise their First Amendment rights,” he said. “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,” Mr. Abbott said in announcing the disaster declaration. “Every Texan and every American has the right to protest and I encourage all Texans to exercise their First Amendment rights,” he said. “However, violence against others and the destruction of property is unacceptable and counterproductive.”
And in South Florida, Mayor Carlos Gimenez of Miami-Dade County postponed the planned reopening of beaches following the lockdown because of the pandemic. Miami-Dade beaches had been scheduled to open on Monday.And in South Florida, Mayor Carlos Gimenez of Miami-Dade County postponed the planned reopening of beaches following the lockdown because of the pandemic. Miami-Dade beaches had been scheduled to open on Monday.
“The beaches will remain closed until the curfew order is lifted,” Mr. Gimenez said in a statement on Sunday. He cited an emergency order he signed on Saturday imposing a countywide curfew after a small group of protesters set police cars on fire outside the Miami Police Department’s downtown headquarters.“The beaches will remain closed until the curfew order is lifted,” Mr. Gimenez said in a statement on Sunday. He cited an emergency order he signed on Saturday imposing a countywide curfew after a small group of protesters set police cars on fire outside the Miami Police Department’s downtown headquarters.
The beach reopenings would have involved a significant police presence. Condominium pools and hotels in the county will be allowed to reopen on Monday as planned.The beach reopenings would have involved a significant police presence. Condominium pools and hotels in the county will be allowed to reopen on Monday as planned.
Hundreds of protesters returned to the streets of downtown Austin on Sunday in what were described as largely peaceful demonstrations after sporadic looting and confrontations between police and protesters the previous day.
A demonstration that was expected to draw thousands to the Texas State Capitol on Sunday was called off two hours before it was expected to take place. Organizers said that they did so because they were worried about the safety of participants and because protests were being co-opted and made violent by people who were not black. Sunday’s gatherings took place even after the Austin Justice Coalition canceled plans for an official demonstration. Organizers said they had halted the plans because they were worried about the safety of participants and because protests were being co-opted and made violent by people who were not black.
Many people responded to the announcement on social media by saying they intended to show up anyway, and local news outlets reported that people were gathering at the Capitol. One woman who attended the gathering on Sunday said she had been pepper-sprayed by the police, and the authorities reported a possible looting incident in an outlying shopping center. But the demonstrations were relatively calm compared with Saturday, when protesters blocked traffic on I-35, set fire to several parked cars and looted businesses on Sixth Street.
Chas Moore, executive director of the Austin Justice Coalition, which had helped organize the demonstration, said in a Facebook video that on Saturday night, white people had been “burning stuff up in the name of Black Lives Matter” and that there were rumors that attempts would be made to hijack Sunday’s demonstration. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Black Futures Matter” and “End Racism,” the demonstrators started out at the State Capitol, marched to city hall several blocks to the south and later returned to the Capitol.
“It’s been peaceful so far,” said Sgt. Victor Taylor, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Chas Moore, executive director of the Austin Justice Coalition, said in a Facebook video that on Saturday night, white people had been “burning stuff up in the name of Black Lives Matter” and that there were rumors that attempts would be made to hijack Sunday’s demonstration.
In general, he said, he recognized rioting as a tactic that could be used to advance the movement. But in this case, he said, agitators were using protests to bring about anarchy, so the demonstration was called off to keep black people safe, including the children and older people who were expected to attend on Sunday.In general, he said, he recognized rioting as a tactic that could be used to advance the movement. But in this case, he said, agitators were using protests to bring about anarchy, so the demonstration was called off to keep black people safe, including the children and older people who were expected to attend on Sunday.
“You are using black pain, and you are using fake outrage in the name of Black Lives Matter to go deface and destroy property, which we would then get the blame for,” Mr. Moore said, referring to white provocateurs. “To those people, to those agitators, we see you, we know who you are, and we’re not going to let you co-opt and colonize this movement like you’ve done everything else.” “You are using black pain, and you are using fake outrage in the name of Black Lives Matter to go deface and destroy property, which we would then get the blame for,” Mr. Moore said, referring to white provocateurs.
Robert Ginyard, another organizer, said in another Facebook video that the event was expected to draw more than 4,000 people to the Capitol, where police officers and sheriff’s deputies were positioned. “This does feel like a setup for violence,” he said. “To those people, to those agitators, we see you, we know who you are, and we’re not going to let you co-opt and colonize this movement like you’ve done everything else.”
The mass protests of recent days are fueling concerns that they will seed new outbreaks of the coronavirus.The mass protests of recent days are fueling concerns that they will seed new outbreaks of the coronavirus.
“The question is, how do we do protesting safely?” Ashish Jha, a professor of global health at Harvard, said on CNN. “I think masks are a critical part of it.”“The question is, how do we do protesting safely?” Ashish Jha, a professor of global health at Harvard, said on CNN. “I think masks are a critical part of it.”
The demonstrations have collectively drawn tens of thousands of people, at least, many of them far closer to one another than public health experts recommend. Many, but not all, have worn face coverings.The demonstrations have collectively drawn tens of thousands of people, at least, many of them far closer to one another than public health experts recommend. Many, but not all, have worn face coverings.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta said she was concerned that the protests could increase infections in communities of color, which are already being hit disproportionately by the illness. Death rates among black Americans are twice those of whites, and the economic toll of lockdowns has landed harder on black and Hispanic Americans than on whites.Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta said she was concerned that the protests could increase infections in communities of color, which are already being hit disproportionately by the illness. Death rates among black Americans are twice those of whites, and the economic toll of lockdowns has landed harder on black and Hispanic Americans than on whites.
“We’re going to see the other side of this in a couple of weeks,” Ms. Bottoms said, as people who catch the virus now become ill.“We’re going to see the other side of this in a couple of weeks,” Ms. Bottoms said, as people who catch the virus now become ill.
The coronavirus has been linked to at least 103,000 deaths in the United States, and more than 1.7 million people in the country are known to have been infected.The coronavirus has been linked to at least 103,000 deaths in the United States, and more than 1.7 million people in the country are known to have been infected.
Members of Congress grasped on Sunday for any legislative actions they could take to address racist violence and excessive use of force by police forces.Members of Congress grasped on Sunday for any legislative actions they could take to address racist violence and excessive use of force by police forces.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said members of the House were looking at banning chokeholds, establishing a commission to study the status of black men in America and addressing the fact that black Americans have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus.Speaker Nancy Pelosi said members of the House were looking at banning chokeholds, establishing a commission to study the status of black men in America and addressing the fact that black Americans have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus.
Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, said his staff was preparing legislation to establish a national police misconduct database to prevent officers who are fired for misconduct from being hired by another department somewhere else; to require reporting of any use of force by police; to ban racial and religious profiling; to institute mandatory bias training; and to alter a federal law that governs misconduct by law enforcement, known as Section 242.Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, said his staff was preparing legislation to establish a national police misconduct database to prevent officers who are fired for misconduct from being hired by another department somewhere else; to require reporting of any use of force by police; to ban racial and religious profiling; to institute mandatory bias training; and to alter a federal law that governs misconduct by law enforcement, known as Section 242.
And Senator Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina, the only black Republican in the Senate, said he had urged President Trump to form a commission on race and justice.And Senator Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina, the only black Republican in the Senate, said he had urged President Trump to form a commission on race and justice.
“This is not like we don’t know what to do,” Mr. Booker said on “State of the Union.” “It’s that we have not manifested a collective will to get it done.”“This is not like we don’t know what to do,” Mr. Booker said on “State of the Union.” “It’s that we have not manifested a collective will to get it done.”
In a rare moment of bipartisanship, lawmakers agreed that Mr. Trump was only inflaming the situation in the country with tweets threatening force against protesters.In a rare moment of bipartisanship, lawmakers agreed that Mr. Trump was only inflaming the situation in the country with tweets threatening force against protesters.
“Those are not constructive tweets, without any question,” Mr. Scott said on “Fox News Sunday.” He said he had urged Mr. Trump to focus instead on the “the unjustified, in my opinion, the criminal death of George Floyd.”“Those are not constructive tweets, without any question,” Mr. Scott said on “Fox News Sunday.” He said he had urged Mr. Trump to focus instead on the “the unjustified, in my opinion, the criminal death of George Floyd.”
Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat who represents part of the Minneapolis area, said on ABC that Mr. Trump had “failed in really understanding the kind of pain and anguish many of his citizens are feeling.”Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat who represents part of the Minneapolis area, said on ABC that Mr. Trump had “failed in really understanding the kind of pain and anguish many of his citizens are feeling.”
In downtown Chicago, people crawled through the partially shattered exterior window of a Nike store and ran out carrying athletic gear and sneakers.In downtown Chicago, people crawled through the partially shattered exterior window of a Nike store and ran out carrying athletic gear and sneakers.
On Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, they ignited garbage cans and broke locks on luxury stores, sweeping up armfuls of designer handbags and jeans.On Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, they ignited garbage cans and broke locks on luxury stores, sweeping up armfuls of designer handbags and jeans.
And as night fell on Minneapolis, business owners stood outside their doors and pleaded with agitators to spare the enterprises that many said they had spent their life savings to build.And as night fell on Minneapolis, business owners stood outside their doors and pleaded with agitators to spare the enterprises that many said they had spent their life savings to build.
“I was outside saying, ‘Please, I don’t have insurance!’” said Hussein Aloshani, an immigrant from Iraq, waving his arms in frustration as he recounted the scene Friday night outside the deli his family owns.“I was outside saying, ‘Please, I don’t have insurance!’” said Hussein Aloshani, an immigrant from Iraq, waving his arms in frustration as he recounted the scene Friday night outside the deli his family owns.
Businesses across the country suffered destruction over the weekend as protesters unleashed their anger over the death of George Floyd on commercial enterprises.Businesses across the country suffered destruction over the weekend as protesters unleashed their anger over the death of George Floyd on commercial enterprises.
Regardless of who the perpetrators were, many store owners said they felt like the victims of misplaced aggression. They said their businesses, already ailing from the coronavirus pandemic, might not recover.Regardless of who the perpetrators were, many store owners said they felt like the victims of misplaced aggression. They said their businesses, already ailing from the coronavirus pandemic, might not recover.
In Georgia, Kris Shelby awoke around 1 a.m. Saturday to the sound of gunfire outside his apartment, which overlooks the luxury clothing store he manages — one that has been a welcoming space for a diverse group of Atlantans.In Georgia, Kris Shelby awoke around 1 a.m. Saturday to the sound of gunfire outside his apartment, which overlooks the luxury clothing store he manages — one that has been a welcoming space for a diverse group of Atlantans.
But when he went to the store hours later, Mr. Shelby found that all of his merchandise was gone. He watched videos posted on social media of masked young people of all races swarming through the smashed front windows and leaving with items worth hundreds of dollars each.But when he went to the store hours later, Mr. Shelby found that all of his merchandise was gone. He watched videos posted on social media of masked young people of all races swarming through the smashed front windows and leaving with items worth hundreds of dollars each.
“It hurt. It seriously hurt,” Mr. Shelby said of Mr. Floyd’s death. “But as a black man, and this is a black-owned business, it’s just sad. It really leaves a bad taste in our mouths, to be honest.”“It hurt. It seriously hurt,” Mr. Shelby said of Mr. Floyd’s death. “But as a black man, and this is a black-owned business, it’s just sad. It really leaves a bad taste in our mouths, to be honest.”
Residents in cities across the United States woke on Sunday to streets littered with debris, shattered storefronts and burned-out shells of police cars on empty roads strewn with broken glass.Residents in cities across the United States woke on Sunday to streets littered with debris, shattered storefronts and burned-out shells of police cars on empty roads strewn with broken glass.
The story of the previous night’s chaos in cities from Seattle to Atlanta was also told in graffiti left scrawled on buildings and vehicles.The story of the previous night’s chaos in cities from Seattle to Atlanta was also told in graffiti left scrawled on buildings and vehicles.
Protesters tagged “Black Lives Matter” on storefronts in Chicago. “Kill Cops” was the violent message spray-painted on several buildings in Oakland. And in Salt Lake City, “Blue Lives Murder” was written on the walls of the State Capitol.Protesters tagged “Black Lives Matter” on storefronts in Chicago. “Kill Cops” was the violent message spray-painted on several buildings in Oakland. And in Salt Lake City, “Blue Lives Murder” was written on the walls of the State Capitol.
Even St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan was tagged.Even St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan was tagged.
The smell of smoke lingered in the air as firefighters in Philadelphia and other cities battled the last lingering flames on scorched streets. And all around, face masks littered the ground, a reminder that the coronavirus remains a looming threat.The smell of smoke lingered in the air as firefighters in Philadelphia and other cities battled the last lingering flames on scorched streets. And all around, face masks littered the ground, a reminder that the coronavirus remains a looming threat.
Officials said it was too soon to tally the damages from the violence nationally, but it is likely to run into the millions of dollars. More than 250 businesses had been damaged as of Saturday evening in Minneapolis alone, according to The Star Tribune.Officials said it was too soon to tally the damages from the violence nationally, but it is likely to run into the millions of dollars. More than 250 businesses had been damaged as of Saturday evening in Minneapolis alone, according to The Star Tribune.
In Nashville, Ed Smith looked over his shoe store after it had been ransacked, his hand injured by broken glass.In Nashville, Ed Smith looked over his shoe store after it had been ransacked, his hand injured by broken glass.
“I just don’t understand,” he told WKRN television.“I just don’t understand,” he told WKRN television.
Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Katie Benner, Alan Blinder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Chris Cameron, Johnny Diaz, Caitlin Dickerson, Nicholas Fandos, Tess Felder, Ben Fenwick, Russell Goldman, Rebecca Halleck, Steve Lohr, Patricia Mazzei, Christopher Mele, David Montgomery, Elian Peltier, Roni Caryn Rabin, Simon Romero, Marc Santora, Mihir Zaveri and Karen Zraick.Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Katie Benner, Alan Blinder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Chris Cameron, Johnny Diaz, Caitlin Dickerson, Nicholas Fandos, Tess Felder, Ben Fenwick, Russell Goldman, Rebecca Halleck, Steve Lohr, Patricia Mazzei, Christopher Mele, David Montgomery, Elian Peltier, Roni Caryn Rabin, Simon Romero, Marc Santora, Mihir Zaveri and Karen Zraick.