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Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Trump Vows to Deploy Military if Violence Continues Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Trump Vows to Deploy Military if Violence Continues
(32 minutes later)
In his first remarks from the White House since massive protests have swept the country, President Trump said Monday evening that the looting and violent demonstrations in reaction to the death of George Floyd in police custody were “acts of domestic terror.”In his first remarks from the White House since massive protests have swept the country, President Trump said Monday evening that the looting and violent demonstrations in reaction to the death of George Floyd in police custody were “acts of domestic terror.”
Speaking in the Rose Garden as protesters and law enforcement held a tense standoff outside, Mr. Trump said he planned for a police and law enforcement presence to “dominate the streets” and said he would respond with an “overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled.”Speaking in the Rose Garden as protesters and law enforcement held a tense standoff outside, Mr. Trump said he planned for a police and law enforcement presence to “dominate the streets” and said he would respond with an “overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled.”
If governors were unable to end the violence, he said, he would send in the military “to do the job for them.”If governors were unable to end the violence, he said, he would send in the military “to do the job for them.”
Mr. Trump said he was among the Americans “rightly sickened and revolted” by the death of Mr. Floyd. But he spent most of his highly anticipated address presenting himself as a law and order president. “If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” he said.Mr. Trump said he was among the Americans “rightly sickened and revolted” by the death of Mr. Floyd. But he spent most of his highly anticipated address presenting himself as a law and order president. “If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” he said.
The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows for a president to deploy military forces on domestic soil to enforce the law. Experts said it was intended to be used for circumstances like a natural disaster. But presidents can unilaterally send in troops for domestic law enforcement purposes.The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows for a president to deploy military forces on domestic soil to enforce the law. Experts said it was intended to be used for circumstances like a natural disaster. But presidents can unilaterally send in troops for domestic law enforcement purposes.
Just after Mr. Trump concluded his speech, military police from the National Guard clad in camouflage and riot shields surged in front of a line of law enforcement officers pushing protesters back from the mouth of Lafayette Square outside the White House.Just after Mr. Trump concluded his speech, military police from the National Guard clad in camouflage and riot shields surged in front of a line of law enforcement officers pushing protesters back from the mouth of Lafayette Square outside the White House.
Police officers used tear gas and flash grenades to clear out the crowd so Mr. Trump could visit the nearby St. John’s Church, where there was a parish house basement fire Sunday night. The president stood in front of the boarded up church posing for photographs with a bible, after the police dispersed peaceful protesters.Police officers used tear gas and flash grenades to clear out the crowd so Mr. Trump could visit the nearby St. John’s Church, where there was a parish house basement fire Sunday night. The president stood in front of the boarded up church posing for photographs with a bible, after the police dispersed peaceful protesters.
He called up a group of aides, including National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, Attorney General William P. Barr, his senior aide and son-in-law Jared Kushner, and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, to pose with him in front of the church.He called up a group of aides, including National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, Attorney General William P. Barr, his senior aide and son-in-law Jared Kushner, and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, to pose with him in front of the church.
Mr. Trump walked back to the White House after a few minutes. He did not respond to shouted questions from reporters. Other aides, including Ivanka Trump and Hope Hicks, accompanied him on the walk across the park.Mr. Trump walked back to the White House after a few minutes. He did not respond to shouted questions from reporters. Other aides, including Ivanka Trump and Hope Hicks, accompanied him on the walk across the park.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a New York Democrat, was quick to criticize the president in a news conference later Monday. “Calling out the American military for a photo opportunity. That’s what it was. I mean, it was shameful. It was really, truly shameful.”Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a New York Democrat, was quick to criticize the president in a news conference later Monday. “Calling out the American military for a photo opportunity. That’s what it was. I mean, it was shameful. It was really, truly shameful.”
The president’s church visit was also criticized by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, who said she was “outraged” that Mr. Trump went to the church “after he threatened to basically rain down military force.”The president’s church visit was also criticized by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, who said she was “outraged” that Mr. Trump went to the church “after he threatened to basically rain down military force.”
“The president used a Bible, the most sacred text of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and one of the churches of my diocese, without even asking us, as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for,” she said in an interview. “It is appalling.”“The president used a Bible, the most sacred text of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and one of the churches of my diocese, without even asking us, as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for,” she said in an interview. “It is appalling.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington said the federal police officer’s clearing of peaceful protesters was “shameful” and had made the job of city police officers harder. Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington said the federal police officers’ clearing of peaceful protesters was “shameful” and had made the job of city police officers harder.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Trump had berated America’s governors over their response to the protests across the nation, calling the protesters “terrorists,” demanding “retribution,” and warning the governors that they will look like “jerks” if they don’t order protesters arrested and imprisoned.Earlier in the day, Mr. Trump had berated America’s governors over their response to the protests across the nation, calling the protesters “terrorists,” demanding “retribution,” and warning the governors that they will look like “jerks” if they don’t order protesters arrested and imprisoned.
Speaking on a private conference call, audio of which was obtained by The New York Times, Mr. Trump began the conversation with an extended, angry diatribe.Speaking on a private conference call, audio of which was obtained by The New York Times, Mr. Trump began the conversation with an extended, angry diatribe.
“You have to dominate,” he told governors on the call. “If you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time — they’re going to run over you, you’re going to look like a bunch of jerks.”“You have to dominate,” he told governors on the call. “If you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time — they’re going to run over you, you’re going to look like a bunch of jerks.”
The president continued: “You have to arrest people, and you have to try people, and they have to go jail for long periods of time.”The president continued: “You have to arrest people, and you have to try people, and they have to go jail for long periods of time.”
Mr. Trump, who has not addressed the nation since the unrest began, said he was putting Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “in charge,” but did not immediately specify what that meant or if he would deploy the military to quell the violence in the nation’s cities.Mr. Trump, who has not addressed the nation since the unrest began, said he was putting Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “in charge,” but did not immediately specify what that meant or if he would deploy the military to quell the violence in the nation’s cities.
Alluding to television footage of violence and looting, Mr. Trump called the people committing those acts “scum” and demanded of the governors: “Why aren’t you prosecuting them?” In blunt remarks rarely heard from an American president, he prodded the governors not to be “too careful.”Alluding to television footage of violence and looting, Mr. Trump called the people committing those acts “scum” and demanded of the governors: “Why aren’t you prosecuting them?” In blunt remarks rarely heard from an American president, he prodded the governors not to be “too careful.”
Taking over a call that was supposed to feature Vice President Mike Pence, the president said Minnesota had become “a laughingstock all over the world.”Taking over a call that was supposed to feature Vice President Mike Pence, the president said Minnesota had become “a laughingstock all over the world.”
Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, who was on the call, said at a news conference afterward that he took exception to Mr. Trump’s remark. “I said no one is laughing here, we’re in pain,” Mr. Walz told reporters. “I also shared with the president that a posture of force on the ground is both unsustainable militarily — it’s also unsustainable socially, because it’s the antithesis of how we live.”Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, who was on the call, said at a news conference afterward that he took exception to Mr. Trump’s remark. “I said no one is laughing here, we’re in pain,” Mr. Walz told reporters. “I also shared with the president that a posture of force on the ground is both unsustainable militarily — it’s also unsustainable socially, because it’s the antithesis of how we live.”
Tens of thousands of protesters began another week of demonstrations and disturbances on Monday night, returning to the streets of cities around the country despite curfew orders, threats of arrest and the words of the brother of George Floyd, who made an emotional plea for the destruction to end.Tens of thousands of protesters began another week of demonstrations and disturbances on Monday night, returning to the streets of cities around the country despite curfew orders, threats of arrest and the words of the brother of George Floyd, who made an emotional plea for the destruction to end.
The protesters were driven from parks, interstates and government buildings by growing numbers of law enforcement officers in riot gear, whose response to the demonstrations has been criticized in a dozens of confrontations.The protesters were driven from parks, interstates and government buildings by growing numbers of law enforcement officers in riot gear, whose response to the demonstrations has been criticized in a dozens of confrontations.
Several of the country’s largest cities imposed curfews to try to quell violence and looting, including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta and Dallas.Several of the country’s largest cities imposed curfews to try to quell violence and looting, including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta and Dallas.
In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Monday that the city would be put under a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., one day after protesters lit fires at Union Square and several high-end boutiques in SoHo were looted. Mr. Cuomo also said the number of on-duty officers in the city was being doubled, to 8,000.In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Monday that the city would be put under a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., one day after protesters lit fires at Union Square and several high-end boutiques in SoHo were looted. Mr. Cuomo also said the number of on-duty officers in the city was being doubled, to 8,000.
In Philadelphia, an armored vehicle bearing the insignia of the Pennsylvania State Police fired tear gas into hundreds of protesters who had gathered near downtown. Demonstrators sought refuge along a highway embankment after they had breached the roadway. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is slated to visit the city on Tuesday to address the unrest.In Philadelphia, an armored vehicle bearing the insignia of the Pennsylvania State Police fired tear gas into hundreds of protesters who had gathered near downtown. Demonstrators sought refuge along a highway embankment after they had breached the roadway. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is slated to visit the city on Tuesday to address the unrest.
In Washington, law enforcement officers used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters gathered outside the White House, and President Trump ventured outside the gates to briefly visit a historic church that had been damaged during protests on Sunday. A white bar owner in Omaha who fatally shot a young black man amid rioting acted in self-defense, a prosecutor said on Monday, announcing that no charges would be filed. The bar owner, Jake Gardner, shot James Scurlock, 22, on Saturday night, in an area of downtown Omaha where businesses had been vandalized. The announcement prompted many employers in Omaha, which is already under a curfew, to send people home early for fear of renewed violence.
In Chicago, the Justice Department arrested a man it accused of traveling across state lines to start riots, loot and attack law enforcement officers. The man, Matthew Lee Rupert, 28, was arrested after he visited Minneapolis and, according to the complaint, posted a video of himself on social media in which he could be seen setting fire to a store, looting another store and distributing explosives to others and encouraging them to attack police officers.
In Austin, Texas, the police chief said that an African-American protester who was shot in the head by officers was in critical condition at a hospital, one of a handful of cases in the city of protesters being injured by non-lethal rounds.In Austin, Texas, the police chief said that an African-American protester who was shot in the head by officers was in critical condition at a hospital, one of a handful of cases in the city of protesters being injured by non-lethal rounds.
Looting in New York City, tear gas in Washington and the president going for a walk. Times reporters, photographers and correspondents are filing updates and videos from around the country on the seventh day of protests since George Floyd was killed by the police in Minneapolis last week. Looting in New York City, tear gas in Washington and the president going for a walk. Times reporters, photographers and correspondents are filing updates and videos from around the country on the seventh day of protests since George Floyd was killed by the police in Minneapolis.
You can follow their updates here.You can follow their updates here.
Washington D.C. is the nation’s capital. It is being roiled by protest. And it is the one jurisdiction where the Army can deploy without needing approval from a governor.Washington D.C. is the nation’s capital. It is being roiled by protest. And it is the one jurisdiction where the Army can deploy without needing approval from a governor.
So President Trump, declaring that “the destruction of peaceful life and the spilling of blood is against humanity and God,” ordered the Army to deploy an active duty military police battalion for Washington, Defense Department officials said Monday.So President Trump, declaring that “the destruction of peaceful life and the spilling of blood is against humanity and God,” ordered the Army to deploy an active duty military police battalion for Washington, Defense Department officials said Monday.
The deployment of the military police unit — some 200 to 500 troops, from Fort Bragg, N.C. — is a sharp escalation in the response to riots and protests that have erupted in the capital.The deployment of the military police unit — some 200 to 500 troops, from Fort Bragg, N.C. — is a sharp escalation in the response to riots and protests that have erupted in the capital.
Other jurisdictions have spurned such assistance. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota declined Mr. Trump’s offer of military police to respond to protests in his state, and other governors followed his lead, instead choosing to rely on their own national guard troops.Other jurisdictions have spurned such assistance. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota declined Mr. Trump’s offer of military police to respond to protests in his state, and other governors followed his lead, instead choosing to rely on their own national guard troops.
In Washington, the decision to deploy military police falls under Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy.In Washington, the decision to deploy military police falls under Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy.
Mr. Trump made clear, Defense officials said, that he wanted the Pentagon to push back forcefully against protests in the nation’s capital. The decision is “all POTUS,” one Defense Department official said, using the acronym for President of the United States.Mr. Trump made clear, Defense officials said, that he wanted the Pentagon to push back forcefully against protests in the nation’s capital. The decision is “all POTUS,” one Defense Department official said, using the acronym for President of the United States.
The deployment, first reported by CNN, will be to provide security, not law enforcement, Defense officials said, but it is unclear how the two functions will remain separate.The deployment, first reported by CNN, will be to provide security, not law enforcement, Defense officials said, but it is unclear how the two functions will remain separate.
Mr. Barr also has stepped up the local response by federal law enforcement. According to Justice Department officials, the attorney general summoned hostage rescue teams to Washington around midnight on Sunday, and the department said it would increase the presence of federal law enforcement in the city again on Monday night.Mr. Barr also has stepped up the local response by federal law enforcement. According to Justice Department officials, the attorney general summoned hostage rescue teams to Washington around midnight on Sunday, and the department said it would increase the presence of federal law enforcement in the city again on Monday night.
Mr. Barr also directed the Bureau of Prisons to send Special Operation Response teams, or riot teams, to the capital.Mr. Barr also directed the Bureau of Prisons to send Special Operation Response teams, or riot teams, to the capital.
Two autopsies released on Monday agreed: George Floyd’s death was a homicide.Two autopsies released on Monday agreed: George Floyd’s death was a homicide.
But the autopsies, one by a government agency and one by doctors working with the Floyd family, differed over the specific causes of death and whether there were contributing factors beyond the Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck.But the autopsies, one by a government agency and one by doctors working with the Floyd family, differed over the specific causes of death and whether there were contributing factors beyond the Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office said Mr. Floyd had died of “cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.” The medical examiner also cited significant contributing conditions, saying that Mr. Floyd suffered from heart disease, and was high on fentanyl and had recently used methamphetamine at the time of his death.The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office said Mr. Floyd had died of “cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.” The medical examiner also cited significant contributing conditions, saying that Mr. Floyd suffered from heart disease, and was high on fentanyl and had recently used methamphetamine at the time of his death.
The coroner’s conclusions differed from the results of a private autopsy commissioned by Mr. Floyd’s family, which was released a few hours earlier. That autopsy said Mr. Floyd died not just because of the Minneapolis police officer’s knee lodged at his neck, but also because of the other officers who helped hold him down.The coroner’s conclusions differed from the results of a private autopsy commissioned by Mr. Floyd’s family, which was released a few hours earlier. That autopsy said Mr. Floyd died not just because of the Minneapolis police officer’s knee lodged at his neck, but also because of the other officers who helped hold him down.
Dr. Allecia M. Wilson of the University of Michigan and Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner, were hired by Mr. Floyd’s family to help determine his cause of death. Dr. Baden said their autopsy “shows that Mr. Floyd had no underlying medical problem that caused or contributed to his death.”Dr. Allecia M. Wilson of the University of Michigan and Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner, were hired by Mr. Floyd’s family to help determine his cause of death. Dr. Baden said their autopsy “shows that Mr. Floyd had no underlying medical problem that caused or contributed to his death.”
Derek Chauvin, the former police officer who was seen in a video kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck — even after Mr. Floyd lost consciousness — has been charged with third-degree murder. Antonio Romanucci, a lawyer for the family, said that the weight of two other police officers on Mr. Floyd’s back had prevented blood from reaching his brain and air from reaching his lungs.Derek Chauvin, the former police officer who was seen in a video kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck — even after Mr. Floyd lost consciousness — has been charged with third-degree murder. Antonio Romanucci, a lawyer for the family, said that the weight of two other police officers on Mr. Floyd’s back had prevented blood from reaching his brain and air from reaching his lungs.
Chief Medaria Arradondo of the Minneapolis Police Department said in an interview with CNN on Sunday that three former officers who were present when Mr. Chauvin kneeled on Mr. Floyd’s neck — and who did not intervene — were complicit in his death.Chief Medaria Arradondo of the Minneapolis Police Department said in an interview with CNN on Sunday that three former officers who were present when Mr. Chauvin kneeled on Mr. Floyd’s neck — and who did not intervene — were complicit in his death.
After thousands of demonstrators fanned across New York City for a fourth night, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said the city would be put under a curfew.After thousands of demonstrators fanned across New York City for a fourth night, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said the city would be put under a curfew.
The curfew, which Mr. Cuomo announced in a radio interview, will be in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.The curfew, which Mr. Cuomo announced in a radio interview, will be in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
“In New York City, I spoke with the mayor, there’s going to be a curfew in New York City that we think could be helpful,” Mr. Cuomo said on Monday. “More importantly, there is going to be an increase in the force.”“In New York City, I spoke with the mayor, there’s going to be a curfew in New York City that we think could be helpful,” Mr. Cuomo said on Monday. “More importantly, there is going to be an increase in the force.”
“There were about 4,000 officers on duty last night,” he said. “There’ll be double that tonight, about 8,000.”“There were about 4,000 officers on duty last night,” he said. “There’ll be double that tonight, about 8,000.”
Curfews were imposed in dozens of cities over the weekend, but the tactic was particularly striking for New York City’s eight million residents, who have been under severe lockdown orders because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed thousands of city residents. Just as the city was getting ready to cautiously reopen on June 8, the protests injected a new factor of unease, coming with not only police confrontations and widespread looting, but also fears that the virus was spreading in the crowds.Curfews were imposed in dozens of cities over the weekend, but the tactic was particularly striking for New York City’s eight million residents, who have been under severe lockdown orders because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed thousands of city residents. Just as the city was getting ready to cautiously reopen on June 8, the protests injected a new factor of unease, coming with not only police confrontations and widespread looting, but also fears that the virus was spreading in the crowds.
A day of largely peaceful protests on Sunday turned into jarring scenes of chaos across the city. Flames nearly two stories high leapt from trash cans and piles of street debris, sending acrid smoke into the air around Union Square. Stores in the trendy SoHo neighborhood were targeted for the second night in a row. And all night long, sirens screamed across the city, with multiple reports of lootings in Lower Manhattan.A day of largely peaceful protests on Sunday turned into jarring scenes of chaos across the city. Flames nearly two stories high leapt from trash cans and piles of street debris, sending acrid smoke into the air around Union Square. Stores in the trendy SoHo neighborhood were targeted for the second night in a row. And all night long, sirens screamed across the city, with multiple reports of lootings in Lower Manhattan.
The mayor also walked back earlier comments that appeared to criticize protesters who were rammed with police vehicles during a protest in Brooklyn, in an encounter captured on video that was shared widely over the weekend.The mayor also walked back earlier comments that appeared to criticize protesters who were rammed with police vehicles during a protest in Brooklyn, in an encounter captured on video that was shared widely over the weekend.
Mr. de Blasio, who was first elected to office on a platform of police reform, had drawn heavy criticism for his earlier remarks, in which he called for an investigation but also seemed to blame protesters.Mr. de Blasio, who was first elected to office on a platform of police reform, had drawn heavy criticism for his earlier remarks, in which he called for an investigation but also seemed to blame protesters.
“There is no situation where a police vehicle should drive into a crowd of protesters or New Yorkers,” Mr. de Blasio said during a news conference on Monday.“There is no situation where a police vehicle should drive into a crowd of protesters or New Yorkers,” Mr. de Blasio said during a news conference on Monday.
He walked, slowly, up to the scene where a white police officer had knelt on his brother’s neck, a place now covered in flowers and chalk drawings. He knelt down himself, his knees buckling, and he let out a wail of anguish.He walked, slowly, up to the scene where a white police officer had knelt on his brother’s neck, a place now covered in flowers and chalk drawings. He knelt down himself, his knees buckling, and he let out a wail of anguish.
On Monday afternoon, Terrence Floyd became the first member of George Floyd’s family to visit the place where his brother lived his last conscious moments. He had said in a television interview earlier on Monday that he wanted to feel George’s spirit after days of feeling numb.On Monday afternoon, Terrence Floyd became the first member of George Floyd’s family to visit the place where his brother lived his last conscious moments. He had said in a television interview earlier on Monday that he wanted to feel George’s spirit after days of feeling numb.
But Mr. Floyd, wearing a face mask with his brother’s face on it, also had a message. He understood people were upset. He doubted those protesting were half as upset as he was. Yet what he had seen in recent days troubled him.But Mr. Floyd, wearing a face mask with his brother’s face on it, also had a message. He understood people were upset. He doubted those protesting were half as upset as he was. Yet what he had seen in recent days troubled him.
“If I’m not over here wilding out, if I’m not over here blowing up stuff, if I’m not over here messing up my community, then what are y’all doing? What are y’all doing?” he said through a megaphone at the memorial on Monday. “Y’all are doing nothing. Because that’s not going to bring my brother back at all.”“If I’m not over here wilding out, if I’m not over here blowing up stuff, if I’m not over here messing up my community, then what are y’all doing? What are y’all doing?” he said through a megaphone at the memorial on Monday. “Y’all are doing nothing. Because that’s not going to bring my brother back at all.”
He said the cycle of anguish, protest and destruction that has followed many police killings has not changed the country for the better. Instead, he said, people should inform themselves and vote.He said the cycle of anguish, protest and destruction that has followed many police killings has not changed the country for the better. Instead, he said, people should inform themselves and vote.
“Educate yourself and know who you are voting for,” Mr. Floyd said. “That’s how we are going to hit them. Because there’s a lot of us.”“Educate yourself and know who you are voting for,” Mr. Floyd said. “That’s how we are going to hit them. Because there’s a lot of us.”
His visit to the memorial, which lasted more than 30 minutes, was tense, at times, as the news media swarmed him as he exited his vehicle, trampling some flowers and signs, despite calls to give Mr. Floyd space.His visit to the memorial, which lasted more than 30 minutes, was tense, at times, as the news media swarmed him as he exited his vehicle, trampling some flowers and signs, despite calls to give Mr. Floyd space.
While there were times of quiet — when Mr. Floyd knelt, there was near silence — the visit was mostly filled with chants for peace, justice and remembrance of George Floyd’s name long after the demonstrations have ebbed.While there were times of quiet — when Mr. Floyd knelt, there was near silence — the visit was mostly filled with chants for peace, justice and remembrance of George Floyd’s name long after the demonstrations have ebbed.
A white bar owner who fatally shot a young black man amid rioting in Omaha acted in self-defense, a prosecutor said on Monday, announcing that no charges would be filed in the incident.
The announcement prompted many employers in Omaha, which is already under a curfew, to send people home early for fear of renewed violence. People who work downtown said on social media the streets were almost empty by late afternoon, and that the police had urged businesses to board up storefronts.
The bar owner, Jake Gardner, shot the black man, James Scurlock, 22, on Saturday night, in an area of downtown Omaha where businesses had been vandalized that night. Mr. Gardner and his father were outside his business, The Hive, urging people to leave it alone, when they clashed with several young men.
Donald W. Kleine, the Douglas County Attorney, showed videos at a news conference that he said clearly supported the decision not to prosecute. Much of what had been said about the incident has been reckless and contradicted by the evidence, he said, including claims that the shooting was unprovoked and that the incident featured racially charged language.
One of the videos, from a security camera outside a neighboring business, shows an older man, identified by Mr. Kleine as Mr. Gardner’s father, pushing one of the young men twice. Then another of the young men was seen delivering a running hit on the older man, sending him sprawling.
A short cellphone video captured some of what followed, including Mr. Gardner’s lifting his shirt to show that he had a pistol in his waistband. One of the other men says, “Oh, he got a gun on him,” but the video stops before the lethal confrontation.
In the security camera video, Mr. Gardner can be seen backing away from the men for several yards until two of them tackled him into a puddle in the street. Almost immediately, he fired his gun, the young men got up and ran, and he fired after them.
As Mr. Gardner began to stand up, a man Mr. Kleine identified as Mr. Scurlock jumped on Mr. Gardner, knocked him down again and, the prosecutor said, “maintains a chokehold around his neck.”
The video shows them grappling for about 15 seconds before Mr. Gardner fired his third shot, striking Mr. Scurlock in the collarbone.
The Justice Department said Monday that it had filed a criminal complaint against a man it accused of traveling to Minneapolis to start riots, loot and attack law enforcement officers.
The man, Matthew Lee Rupert, 28, was arrested in Chicago after visiting Minneapolis, according to the complaint filed by the United States Attorney’s office in Minnesota. He was charged with civil disorder, carrying on a riot and possession of unregistered explosive devices.
Attorney General William P. Barr has said that it is a federal crime to cross state lines or use interstate facilities to participate in violent rioting, and that prosecutors would seek to charge any offenders.
According to the government, Mr. Rupert posted to social media that he intended to travel to the Twin Cities to distribute explosive devices to those who wished to attack the police as thousands of people gathered to protest the death of George Floyd.
The government said he also posted a video of himself in which he could be seen setting fire to a store, looting another store and distributing explosives to others and encouraging them to attack police officers.
The mayor of Louisville fired the city’s police chief on Monday, after the owner of a local barbecue restaurant was killed when police officers and National Guard troops shot toward protesters.The mayor of Louisville fired the city’s police chief on Monday, after the owner of a local barbecue restaurant was killed when police officers and National Guard troops shot toward protesters.
Mayor Greg Fischer said at a news conference that he had fired Chief Steven Conrad after learning that officers’ body cameras were not activated during the shooting, which took place shortly after midnight.Mayor Greg Fischer said at a news conference that he had fired Chief Steven Conrad after learning that officers’ body cameras were not activated during the shooting, which took place shortly after midnight.
Deputy Chief Robert Schroeder, who took over as chief, said on Monday that two Louisville police officers and two Guard soldiers fired their weapons after hearing gunshots coming from a crowd of protesters who were out after the city’s curfew. He said it was not immediately clear whether the restaurant owner was killed by the police and soldiers or by whoever had fired from the crowd.Deputy Chief Robert Schroeder, who took over as chief, said on Monday that two Louisville police officers and two Guard soldiers fired their weapons after hearing gunshots coming from a crowd of protesters who were out after the city’s curfew. He said it was not immediately clear whether the restaurant owner was killed by the police and soldiers or by whoever had fired from the crowd.
The police identified the man who was killed as David McAtee, 53, who sold barbecue in the neighborhood where the encounter took place.The police identified the man who was killed as David McAtee, 53, who sold barbecue in the neighborhood where the encounter took place.
“Everybody in West Louisville bought barbecue from this man — everyone knows him,” said Denise Bentley, a former longtime city councilwoman from the area.“Everybody in West Louisville bought barbecue from this man — everyone knows him,” said Denise Bentley, a former longtime city councilwoman from the area.
Mr. Conrad, the fired chief, said last month that he would resign by the end of June, after the force he led was embroiled in controversy over another fatal shooting by police, the killing of Breonna Taylor in her home by officers executing a “no-knock” search warrant.Mr. Conrad, the fired chief, said last month that he would resign by the end of June, after the force he led was embroiled in controversy over another fatal shooting by police, the killing of Breonna Taylor in her home by officers executing a “no-knock” search warrant.
Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky initiated a state police investigation of the latest shooting. The police released video from a nearby security camera and audio from dispatchers’ calls.Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky initiated a state police investigation of the latest shooting. The police released video from a nearby security camera and audio from dispatchers’ calls.
Mr. Conrad was not the only law enforcement official to lose his post on Monday in connection with protest response. A Florida prosecutor was fired over a social media post that referred to protesters as “animals.”Mr. Conrad was not the only law enforcement official to lose his post on Monday in connection with protest response. A Florida prosecutor was fired over a social media post that referred to protesters as “animals.”
“The views expressed in that posting are entirely inconsistent with the ideals and principles of the Broward State Attorney’s Office and the duties and responsibilities of an assistant state attorney,” the office said in a statement.“The views expressed in that posting are entirely inconsistent with the ideals and principles of the Broward State Attorney’s Office and the duties and responsibilities of an assistant state attorney,” the office said in a statement.
Reporters and news photographers say they are being roughed up by the police, shot with projectiles and arrested while covering demonstrations against racism and police brutality across the country. The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker and a writer for the Bellingcat website have each tracked about 100 instances of reporters being harassed or injured at the protests.Reporters and news photographers say they are being roughed up by the police, shot with projectiles and arrested while covering demonstrations against racism and police brutality across the country. The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker and a writer for the Bellingcat website have each tracked about 100 instances of reporters being harassed or injured at the protests.
In interviews, reporters said they had identified themselves as members of the press before police drew their weapons or pepper-sprayed them.In interviews, reporters said they had identified themselves as members of the press before police drew their weapons or pepper-sprayed them.
Tyler Blint-Welsh, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, said he was hit multiple times by police officers while covering a protest in New York on Sunday. “I was backing away as request, with my hands up,” Mr. Blint-Welsh, who is black, wrote on Twitter. “My NYPD-issued press badge was clearly visible.”Tyler Blint-Welsh, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, said he was hit multiple times by police officers while covering a protest in New York on Sunday. “I was backing away as request, with my hands up,” Mr. Blint-Welsh, who is black, wrote on Twitter. “My NYPD-issued press badge was clearly visible.”
Andrea May Sahouri, a reporter for The Des Moines Register, was pepper-sprayed and handcuffed with zip-ties after identifying herself as a journalist while covering a protest at a Des Moines mall on Sunday evening. She streamed video live from the back of a police vehicle, and was later released.Andrea May Sahouri, a reporter for The Des Moines Register, was pepper-sprayed and handcuffed with zip-ties after identifying herself as a journalist while covering a protest at a Des Moines mall on Sunday evening. She streamed video live from the back of a police vehicle, and was later released.
The arrest of journalists covering demonstrations and riots is common in autocratic countries, but has been rare in the United States, where freedom of the press is protected by the First Amendment.The arrest of journalists covering demonstrations and riots is common in autocratic countries, but has been rare in the United States, where freedom of the press is protected by the First Amendment.
Many reporters, photographers and press advocates said the treatment of journalists by police officers in the last week reflected an erosion of trust in the news media that has seeped into law enforcement under President Trump, who has deemed critical coverage of his administration “fake news” and has frequently labeled some news organizations and journalists with variants of the phrase “enemies of the people.”Many reporters, photographers and press advocates said the treatment of journalists by police officers in the last week reflected an erosion of trust in the news media that has seeped into law enforcement under President Trump, who has deemed critical coverage of his administration “fake news” and has frequently labeled some news organizations and journalists with variants of the phrase “enemies of the people.”
On Sunday, Mr. Trump blamed the news media for the protests in a tweet, calling journalists “truly bad people with a sick agenda.”On Sunday, Mr. Trump blamed the news media for the protests in a tweet, calling journalists “truly bad people with a sick agenda.”
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who had been staying at home because of the coronavirus epidemic, emerged on Monday to meet with parishioners and community leaders at a black church in Delaware.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who had been staying at home because of the coronavirus epidemic, emerged on Monday to meet with parishioners and community leaders at a black church in Delaware.
The morning event at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington was part listening session, part campaign speech and part forum for members of the city’s black community to express their collective anguish over the death of George Floyd.The morning event at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington was part listening session, part campaign speech and part forum for members of the city’s black community to express their collective anguish over the death of George Floyd.
For about an hour, Mr. Biden sat silently at the front of the church, a surgical mask covering his face, taking notes as speaker after speaker expressed versions of the same message: We support you, but you need to do more.For about an hour, Mr. Biden sat silently at the front of the church, a surgical mask covering his face, taking notes as speaker after speaker expressed versions of the same message: We support you, but you need to do more.
“Anger just doesn’t come out of nowhere,” Eugene Young, president of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, said at the event, referring to the protests against police brutality that have gripped cities across the country. “This anger comes from the fact that you have people in our community that feel as though the knee has been on their back for a long time.”“Anger just doesn’t come out of nowhere,” Eugene Young, president of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, said at the event, referring to the protests against police brutality that have gripped cities across the country. “This anger comes from the fact that you have people in our community that feel as though the knee has been on their back for a long time.”
Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Democrat of Delaware, had to pause to collect herself while recalling an exchange the night before with a 23-year-old protester in Wilmington.Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Democrat of Delaware, had to pause to collect herself while recalling an exchange the night before with a 23-year-old protester in Wilmington.
“He used the term ‘I’m standing my ground,’ which broke my heart, and then he said, ‘I’m willing to die,’” Ms. Rochester said, her voice rising. “And he said, ‘I have so much rage.’ And I said: ‘How old are you? What’s your name? How old are you?’ And I just tried to hold him, Covid or not!”“He used the term ‘I’m standing my ground,’ which broke my heart, and then he said, ‘I’m willing to die,’” Ms. Rochester said, her voice rising. “And he said, ‘I have so much rage.’ And I said: ‘How old are you? What’s your name? How old are you?’ And I just tried to hold him, Covid or not!”
After hearing out the other speakers, Mr. Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, said he did not take black voters for granted and that he was putting together a detailed set of policy proposals to address their concerns.After hearing out the other speakers, Mr. Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, said he did not take black voters for granted and that he was putting together a detailed set of policy proposals to address their concerns.
He said he believed that the events of the past few months — including the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on black communities and, now, the outpouring of anger over the killing of Mr. Floyd — would force more Americans to confront institutional racism.He said he believed that the events of the past few months — including the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on black communities and, now, the outpouring of anger over the killing of Mr. Floyd — would force more Americans to confront institutional racism.
“Ordinary folks who don’t think of themselves as having a prejudiced bone in their body, don’t think of themselves as racist, have kind of had the mask pulled off,” Mr. Biden said.“Ordinary folks who don’t think of themselves as having a prejudiced bone in their body, don’t think of themselves as racist, have kind of had the mask pulled off,” Mr. Biden said.
Mr. Biden is planning on Tuesday to visit Philadelphia, where he is scheduled to speak about the national unrest.Mr. Biden is planning on Tuesday to visit Philadelphia, where he is scheduled to speak about the national unrest.
Reporting was contributed by Rachel Abrams, Kim Barker, Ellen Barry, Katie Benner, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Elizabeth Dias, John Eligon, Richard Fausset, Tess Felder, Manny Fernandez, Matt Furber, Russell Goldman, Jack Healy, Javier C. Hernández, Annie Karni, Neil MacFarquhar, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, Shawn McCreesh, Benjamin Mueller, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Richard Pérez-Peña, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Dionne Searcey, Thom Shanker, Mark Tracy and Mihir Zaveri.Reporting was contributed by Rachel Abrams, Kim Barker, Ellen Barry, Katie Benner, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Elizabeth Dias, John Eligon, Richard Fausset, Tess Felder, Manny Fernandez, Matt Furber, Russell Goldman, Jack Healy, Javier C. Hernández, Annie Karni, Neil MacFarquhar, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, Shawn McCreesh, Benjamin Mueller, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Richard Pérez-Peña, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Dionne Searcey, Thom Shanker, Mark Tracy and Mihir Zaveri.