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Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Trump Vows to Deploy Military if Violence Continues Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Military Confronts Protesters in Nation’s Capital
(32 minutes later)
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.
In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced 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. When the violence continued on Monday night, Tuesday’s curfew was moved up to 8 p.m.In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced 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. When the violence continued on Monday night, Tuesday’s curfew was moved up to 8 p.m.
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 Minneapolis, Terrence Floyd became the first member of George Floyd’s family to visit the place where his brother lived his last conscious moments and told a crowd that 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.In Minneapolis, Terrence Floyd became the first member of George Floyd’s family to visit the place where his brother lived his last conscious moments and told a crowd that 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.
The mayor of Louisville fired the city’s police chief after the owner of a local barbecue restaurant was killed when police officers and National Guard troops shot toward protesters. the mayor, Greg Fischer, said he had fired the chief after learning that officers’ body cameras were not activated during the shooting.The mayor of Louisville fired the city’s police chief after the owner of a local barbecue restaurant was killed when police officers and National Guard troops shot toward protesters. the mayor, Greg Fischer, said he had fired the chief after learning that officers’ body cameras were not activated during the shooting.
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.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.
A vigil in Puerto Rico brought hundreds of people to Loíza, the island’s largest black community, before a 7 p.m. curfew in place to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “We share the grief of all the African-American community,” said one of the protesters, Andrés Santos, 41. “We share the rage.”A vigil in Puerto Rico brought hundreds of people to Loíza, the island’s largest black community, before a 7 p.m. curfew in place to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “We share the grief of all the African-American community,” said one of the protesters, Andrés Santos, 41. “We share the rage.”
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 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.
Law enforcement in Los Angeles gave a huge gathering marching down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards a wide berth and, at dusk, all seemed peaceful. But as the city’s curfew struck at 6 p.m., groups peeled off and targeted a shopping complex. Officers quickly descended on the scene as the majority of the demonstrators fled.Law enforcement in Los Angeles gave a huge gathering marching down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards a wide berth and, at dusk, all seemed peaceful. But as the city’s curfew struck at 6 p.m., groups peeled off and targeted a shopping complex. Officers quickly descended on the scene as the majority of the demonstrators fled.
An Army Black Hawk helicopter descended to rooftop level in the Chinatown district of Washington on Monday night, kicking up dirt, debris and snapping trees that narrowly missed several people.An Army Black Hawk helicopter descended to rooftop level in the Chinatown district of Washington on Monday night, kicking up dirt, debris and snapping trees that narrowly missed several people.
The maneuver, often conducted by low-flying jets in combat zones to scare away insurgents, is known as a show of force. The crowd quickly dispersed into surrounding blocks. Minutes later, the helicopter returned for another pass.The maneuver, often conducted by low-flying jets in combat zones to scare away insurgents, is known as a show of force. The crowd quickly dispersed into surrounding blocks. Minutes later, the helicopter returned for another pass.
The nation’s capital, roiled by protest, 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.The nation’s capital, roiled by protest, 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.
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.
Mr. Trump made clear, Defense officials said, that he wanted the Pentagon to push back forcefully against protests in the nation’s capital.Mr. Trump made clear, Defense officials said, that he wanted the Pentagon to push back forcefully against protests in the nation’s capital.
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.
Attorney General William P. Barr also has stepped up the local response by federal law enforcement. According to Justice Department officials, Mr. Barr 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.Attorney General William P. Barr also has stepped up the local response by federal law enforcement. According to Justice Department officials, Mr. Barr 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.
A curfew in New York City, looting in Los Angeles and tear gas as the president went for a walk in Washington. 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.A curfew in New York City, looting in Los Angeles and tear gas as the president went for a walk in Washington. 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.
In his first remarks from the White House since massive protests have swept the country, Mr. 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, Mr. 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.”
Mr. Trump said he was among the Americans “rightly sickened and revolted” by the death of Mr. Floyd. But, he said, “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 said, “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.
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 had been 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 had been 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.
Mr. Trump walked back to the White House after a few minutes.Mr. Trump walked back to the White House after a few minutes.
The president’s church visit was 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 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.“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.
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. 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. Libby Garvey, the chair of the Arlington County Board in Virginia, said the county had ordered its police force — which had been helping to patrol the protests in Washington — to return, saying their mutual aid agreement had been “abused.”
Janasia Crumpler, 20, of Maryland, did not attend any of the protests in Washington over the weekend. But after days of voicing her frustration over the death of George Floyd on social media, she felt compelled to show up.
“It’s been the last straw,” Ms. Crumpler said. “It’s a pandemic. I’m in good health. I came out for those who can’t and people who have been marching for 50 years.”
Ms. Crumpler questioned Mr. Trump’s use of the the military now, and not when crowds marched to protest an end to stay-at-home orders.
“It was out of control before, when white people were rioting, and you called them very good people,” Ms. Crumpler said, addressing the president. “And they were rioting about the virus.”
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.
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 on a private conference call, audio of which was obtained by The New York Times, 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 on a private conference call, audio of which was obtained by The New York Times, 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.”
The clashes that have echoed in the streets of at least 140 cities are producing a growing toll, the extent of which is still difficult to quantify.The clashes that have echoed in the streets of at least 140 cities are producing a growing toll, the extent of which is still difficult to quantify.
At least five people have died, and an untold number more, including protesters and police officers, have been injured. Thousands of people have been arrested, and fires, looting and vandalism have caused millions of dollars in damage to buildings and businesses — a prospect ever more alarming given the economic straits cities and businesses were already facing amid the coronavirus outbreak.At least five people have died, and an untold number more, including protesters and police officers, have been injured. Thousands of people have been arrested, and fires, looting and vandalism have caused millions of dollars in damage to buildings and businesses — a prospect ever more alarming given the economic straits cities and businesses were already facing amid the coronavirus outbreak.
That marches in response to the violent death of George Floyd have themselves ended in injury and death was a contradiction deeply felt by those close to people who have died. “She would not have wanted this act of violence to instigate more violence,” Amy Lynn Hale said of her niece, Italia Kelly, 22, who was shot in her car in a Walmart parking lot in Davenport, Iowa, as she left a demonstration late Sunday night.That marches in response to the violent death of George Floyd have themselves ended in injury and death was a contradiction deeply felt by those close to people who have died. “She would not have wanted this act of violence to instigate more violence,” Amy Lynn Hale said of her niece, Italia Kelly, 22, who was shot in her car in a Walmart parking lot in Davenport, Iowa, as she left a demonstration late Sunday night.
In Louisville, the owner of a well-known barbecue business was shot and killed by the authorites. In Omaha, a 22-year-old black man was shot to death by a white bar owner who said he was protecting his property. And in St. Louis, a man was dragged to his death beneath a FedEx truck that was apparently trying to drive away from protesters. In Louisville, the owner of a well-known barbecue business was shot and killed by the authorities. In Omaha, a 22-year-old black man was shot to death by a white bar owner who said he was protecting his property. And in St. Louis, a man was dragged to his death beneath a FedEx truck that was apparently trying to drive away from protesters.
In Austin, Texas, the damage inflicted by the weekend protests constituted yet another anguishing blow to the state’s capitol city, where an economic tailspin started in March with the cancellation of the South by Southwest conference.In Austin, Texas, the damage inflicted by the weekend protests constituted yet another anguishing blow to the state’s capitol city, where an economic tailspin started in March with the cancellation of the South by Southwest conference.
On Sixth Street, an internationally famous stretch of downtown bars and restaurants, a number of establishments had already been shuttered before protesters struck the entertainment district over the weekend, breaking windows, spraying graffiti and looting businesses.On Sixth Street, an internationally famous stretch of downtown bars and restaurants, a number of establishments had already been shuttered before protesters struck the entertainment district over the weekend, breaking windows, spraying graffiti and looting businesses.
“It looks like a war zone,” said Rob Hicks, the 40-year-old owner of the Dirty Dog Bar, which is in the same block as two looted stores. “I’m sure it could be worse but it doesn’t look like home.”“It looks like a war zone,” said Rob Hicks, the 40-year-old owner of the Dirty Dog Bar, which is in the same block as two looted stores. “I’m sure it could be worse but it doesn’t look like home.”
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, beginning at 11 p.m. on Monday and ending at 5 a.m.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, beginning at 11 p.m. on Monday and ending at 5 a.m.
Mr. Cuomo announced the curfew in a radio interview and said the police department would double the number of officers it deployed, from 4,000 on Sunday to 8,000.Mr. Cuomo announced the curfew in a radio interview and said the police department would double the number of officers it deployed, from 4,000 on Sunday to 8,000.
But hours before the curfew took effect, there were several episodes of vandalism and looting at high-profile retails stores across Manhattan: An Anthropologie and Aldo store were targeted, and a Nike store, New York Yankees store and two Rolex watch shops, among several others, were ransacked.But hours before the curfew took effect, there were several episodes of vandalism and looting at high-profile retails stores across Manhattan: An Anthropologie and Aldo store were targeted, and a Nike store, New York Yankees store and two Rolex watch shops, among several others, were ransacked.
Curfews were imposed in dozens of U.S. 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 U.S. 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, Bill de Blasio, 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, Bill de Blasio, 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.
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.”
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, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Matt Furber, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Russell Goldman, Jack Healy, Javier C. Hernández, Jon Hurdle, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Annie Karni, Neil MacFarquhar, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, Shawn McCreesh, David Montgomery, Benjamin Mueller, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Richard Pérez-Peña, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Dionne Searcey, Thom Shanker, Mark Tracy, Neil Vigdor 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, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Matt Furber, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Russell Goldman, Jack Healy, Javier C. Hernández, Jon Hurdle, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Annie Karni, Neil MacFarquhar, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, Shawn McCreesh, David Montgomery, Benjamin Mueller, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Richard Pérez-Peña, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Dionne Searcey, Thom Shanker, Mark Tracy, Neil Vigdor and Mihir Zaveri.