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George Floyd protests: Biden says Trump 'is part of the problem and accelerates it' – live George Floyd protests: Barr reportedly made order that led to violent removal of peaceful protesters – live
(32 minutes later)
Biden says ‘I can’t breathe’ is ‘wake-up call for our nation’ while speaking in Philadelphia, amid nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd Attorney general demanded perimeter around White House be extended, according to a Washington Post report
Clip and save this for the future: Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell declined to criticize Trump for his handling of the George Floyd protests.
A day after protesters near the White House were forcibly removed using tear gas, McConnell said of Trump, “I’m not going to critique other people’s performances.”
Asked whether he was comfortable with what occurred in Washington yesterday, McConnell again dodged the question.
“I’m relieved that there were few to no injuries last night, apparently little to no looting,” McConnell said.
A Facebook software engineer has resigned over Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to allow Donald Trump to use the platform to threaten violence against protesters, an escalation in the unprecedented display of dissension roiling the company.Timothy J Aveni announced his resignation Monday on Facebook and LinkedIn, as hundreds of other Facebook employees were engaging in a “virtual walkout” or speaking out against Zuckerberg’s decision on Twitter.“Mark always told us that he would draw the line at speech that calls for violence,” Aveni wrote. “He showed us on Friday that this was a lie.”Aveni connected Facebook’s accommodation of Trump’s violent rhetoric to the company’s track record in Asia, where Facebook has been implicated in ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, mob violence in Sri Lanka and the rise of a demagogue in the Philippines.“Facebook, complicit in the propagation of weaponized hatred, is on the wrong side of history,” he wrote. “Facebook is providing a platform that enables politicians to radicalize individuals and glorify violence, and we are watching the United States succumb to the same kind of social media-fueled division that has gotten people killed in the Philippines, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. I’m scared for my country and I’m done trying to justify this.”
For more on Facebook’s decision to leave Trump’s post up and the response from employees, you can read our full coverage here and here.
A day after protesters were forcibly removed from outside the White House, demonstrators returned to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to condemn the killing of George Floyd.A day after protesters were forcibly removed from outside the White House, demonstrators returned to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to condemn the killing of George Floyd.
The protesters chanted “Don’t shoot!” and “I can’t breathe!” as they laid on the ground in front of the White House, where a new fence has been erected in the wake of the demonstrations.The protesters chanted “Don’t shoot!” and “I can’t breathe!” as they laid on the ground in front of the White House, where a new fence has been erected in the wake of the demonstrations.
Attorney general William Barr personally asked for the perimeter around the White House to be extended, resulting in the forcible removal of peaceful protesters, according to the Washington Post.Attorney general William Barr personally asked for the perimeter around the White House to be extended, resulting in the forcible removal of peaceful protesters, according to the Washington Post.
The Post reports:The Post reports:
The report will almost certainly intensify scrutiny of the decision to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd of demonstrators, who had been peacefully protesting in the moments before law enforcement officials advanced.The report will almost certainly intensify scrutiny of the decision to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd of demonstrators, who had been peacefully protesting in the moments before law enforcement officials advanced.
Democratic congressman Eliot Engel, who is facing a primary challenge, was caught on a hot mic fighting for a chance to speak at an event in the Bronx.Democratic congressman Eliot Engel, who is facing a primary challenge, was caught on a hot mic fighting for a chance to speak at an event in the Bronx.
Engel, who has been criticized for not spending enough time in his New York district, asked Bronx borough president Ruben Diaz Jr for the microphone during a press conference after last night’s George Floyd protests.Engel, who has been criticized for not spending enough time in his New York district, asked Bronx borough president Ruben Diaz Jr for the microphone during a press conference after last night’s George Floyd protests.
When Diaz refused, Engel said twice, “If I didn’t have a primary, I wouldn’t care.” Diaz replied, “Don’t do that to me.”When Diaz refused, Engel said twice, “If I didn’t have a primary, I wouldn’t care.” Diaz replied, “Don’t do that to me.”
Engel was facing primary challenges from two progressive candidates, but one of them dropped out Monday to endorse his opponent, education activist Jamaal Bowman.Engel was facing primary challenges from two progressive candidates, but one of them dropped out Monday to endorse his opponent, education activist Jamaal Bowman.
The withdrawal could help Bowman consolidate progressive support, putting Engel at risk of losing the June 23 prumary.The withdrawal could help Bowman consolidate progressive support, putting Engel at risk of losing the June 23 prumary.
The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:
Kansas will ask the US supreme court to reinstate a law requiring people to prove their citizenship when they register to vote, continuing one of the most closely-watched voting rights cases in the country.Kansas will ask the US supreme court to reinstate a law requiring people to prove their citizenship when they register to vote, continuing one of the most closely-watched voting rights cases in the country.
The law was drafted and championed by former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican known nationally for his staunch anti-immigrant views and baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.The law was drafted and championed by former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican known nationally for his staunch anti-immigrant views and baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.
The law was passed in 2011, went into effect in 2013, and was first blocked by a federal judge just before the 2016 presidential election. In April, a federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling blocking the law.The law was passed in 2011, went into effect in 2013, and was first blocked by a federal judge just before the 2016 presidential election. In April, a federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling blocking the law.
While it was in effect, the law blocked more than 31,000 people from getting registered to vote. The US court of appeals for the 10th circuit noted that “at most” just 39 non-citizens got on to Kansas’ voter rolls over a 20-year period.While it was in effect, the law blocked more than 31,000 people from getting registered to vote. The US court of appeals for the 10th circuit noted that “at most” just 39 non-citizens got on to Kansas’ voter rolls over a 20-year period.
“Voting is only for citizens, and this Kansas law is designed to confirm the citizenship of those registering to vote. After reviewing the appeals court’s decision, we have concluded there is a reasonable basis for appeal,” Kansas attorney general Derek Schmidt, a Republican, said in a statement.“Voting is only for citizens, and this Kansas law is designed to confirm the citizenship of those registering to vote. After reviewing the appeals court’s decision, we have concluded there is a reasonable basis for appeal,” Kansas attorney general Derek Schmidt, a Republican, said in a statement.
The US supreme court can choose whether to hear the case or not. If the court were to rule in favor of Kansas, it could open up the floodgates for other states to impose similar requirements.The US supreme court can choose whether to hear the case or not. If the court were to rule in favor of Kansas, it could open up the floodgates for other states to impose similar requirements.
Joe Biden is expected to George Floyd’s funeral in Houston, Texas, next week. Attorney Ben Crump, who has been representing the Floyd family, announced the news during a Facebook livestream with Van Jones.Joe Biden is expected to George Floyd’s funeral in Houston, Texas, next week. Attorney Ben Crump, who has been representing the Floyd family, announced the news during a Facebook livestream with Van Jones.
“We understand Vice President Biden will be in attendance,” Crump said.“We understand Vice President Biden will be in attendance,” Crump said.
Crump told CBS News that Biden’s campaign had requested permission to attend the funeral, and the family said he was welcome to do so.Crump told CBS News that Biden’s campaign had requested permission to attend the funeral, and the family said he was welcome to do so.
The Floyd family announced today that they would hold public viewings and memorial services later this week and early next week in Minneapolis, Houston and Raeford, North Carolina.The Floyd family announced today that they would hold public viewings and memorial services later this week and early next week in Minneapolis, Houston and Raeford, North Carolina.
Senate Democrats will try to pass a resolution criticizing Trump and affirming Americans’ right to peaceably assemble after protesters near the White House were forcibly removed yesterday.Senate Democrats will try to pass a resolution criticizing Trump and affirming Americans’ right to peaceably assemble after protesters near the White House were forcibly removed yesterday.
The measure reads, “Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That it is the Sense of Congress that the constitutional rights of Americans to peaceably assemble, exercise freedom of speech, and petition the government for redress of grievances must be respected; that violence and looting are unlawful, unacceptable and contrary to the purpose of peaceful protests; and that Congress condemns the President of the United States for ordering Federal officers to use gas and rubber bullets against the Americans who were peaceably protesting in Lafayette Square in Washington, DC on the night of June 1, 2020, thereby violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protestors.”The measure reads, “Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That it is the Sense of Congress that the constitutional rights of Americans to peaceably assemble, exercise freedom of speech, and petition the government for redress of grievances must be respected; that violence and looting are unlawful, unacceptable and contrary to the purpose of peaceful protests; and that Congress condemns the President of the United States for ordering Federal officers to use gas and rubber bullets against the Americans who were peaceably protesting in Lafayette Square in Washington, DC on the night of June 1, 2020, thereby violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protestors.”
Senate Democrats will try to pass the resolution by unanimous consent, meaning a single opposing vote from Republicans will prevent its approval, so the measure is expected to be blocked.Senate Democrats will try to pass the resolution by unanimous consent, meaning a single opposing vote from Republicans will prevent its approval, so the measure is expected to be blocked.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden sharply criticized Trump’s handling of the George Floyd protests in a Philadelphia speech. “The president of the United States must be part of the solution, not the problem,” Biden said. “This president today is part of the problem and accelerates it.”Joe Biden sharply criticized Trump’s handling of the George Floyd protests in a Philadelphia speech. “The president of the United States must be part of the solution, not the problem,” Biden said. “This president today is part of the problem and accelerates it.”
Trump claimed there were “no problems” in DC last night after peaceful protesters near the White House were removed using tear gas. The president has been widely criticized for walking to the nearby St John’s Church for a photo op moments after the protesters were forcibly dispersed.Trump claimed there were “no problems” in DC last night after peaceful protesters near the White House were removed using tear gas. The president has been widely criticized for walking to the nearby St John’s Church for a photo op moments after the protesters were forcibly dispersed.
The archdiocese of Washington said it was “baffling and reprehensible” to allow Trump to visit the Saint John Paul II National Shrine today. As Trump traveled to the Washington site, which is run by the Knights of Columbus, Archbishop Wilton Gregory said in a statement, “I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree.”The archdiocese of Washington said it was “baffling and reprehensible” to allow Trump to visit the Saint John Paul II National Shrine today. As Trump traveled to the Washington site, which is run by the Knights of Columbus, Archbishop Wilton Gregory said in a statement, “I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree.”
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took an extended pause when asked for his response to Trump’s handling of the George Floyd protests.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took an extended pause when asked for his response to Trump’s handling of the George Floyd protests.
After pausing for a full 20 seconds, Trudeau said, “We all watch in horror and consternation what’s going on in the United States. It is a time to pull people together, but it is a time to listen. It is a time to learn what injustices continues, despite progress over years and decades.”After pausing for a full 20 seconds, Trudeau said, “We all watch in horror and consternation what’s going on in the United States. It is a time to pull people together, but it is a time to listen. It is a time to learn what injustices continues, despite progress over years and decades.”
Trudeau then shifted the focus to his own country. “But it is time for us as Canadians to recognize that we, too, have our challenges,” the prime minister said. “There is systemic discrimination in Canada.”Trudeau then shifted the focus to his own country. “But it is time for us as Canadians to recognize that we, too, have our challenges,” the prime minister said. “There is systemic discrimination in Canada.”
Trudeau said that structural inequality was a “lived reality for racialized Canadians” and urged his fellow citizens to be “allies in the fight against discrimination.”Trudeau said that structural inequality was a “lived reality for racialized Canadians” and urged his fellow citizens to be “allies in the fight against discrimination.”
The Pentagon is distancing secretary of defence Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley from Trump’s infamous walk yesterday from the White House to St John’s Episcopal Church.The Pentagon is distancing secretary of defence Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley from Trump’s infamous walk yesterday from the White House to St John’s Episcopal Church.
An unnamed “senior defense official” said during a teleconference briefing that the officials were not aware where they were going when they were summoned to see the president and then fell in behind as he walked out of the White House.An unnamed “senior defense official” said during a teleconference briefing that the officials were not aware where they were going when they were summoned to see the president and then fell in behind as he walked out of the White House.
“Once they began that walk off the White House grounds with the president, they continued with him,” the official said, adding that Esper and Milley were also unaware the police had cleared the square with tear gas and baton charges.“Once they began that walk off the White House grounds with the president, they continued with him,” the official said, adding that Esper and Milley were also unaware the police had cleared the square with tear gas and baton charges.
Adam Smith, the Democratic chair of the House armed services committee, told reporters in a teleconference he has asked Esper and Milley to come before the committee to explain the military’s role in responding to the George Floyd protests.Adam Smith, the Democratic chair of the House armed services committee, told reporters in a teleconference he has asked Esper and Milley to come before the committee to explain the military’s role in responding to the George Floyd protests.
“If you use the US military, that is further contributing to the idea that this is a war,” Smith said. “[Trump] is talking about going to war with the citizens of the United States of America. And that is troubling and I am very concerned about what potential role the US military could play in simply amplifying this misguided rhetoric.”“If you use the US military, that is further contributing to the idea that this is a war,” Smith said. “[Trump] is talking about going to war with the citizens of the United States of America. And that is troubling and I am very concerned about what potential role the US military could play in simply amplifying this misguided rhetoric.”
New York governor Andrew Cuomo mused about “displacing” New York mayor Bill de Blasio in response to his handling of the city’s George Floyd protests.New York governor Andrew Cuomo mused about “displacing” New York mayor Bill de Blasio in response to his handling of the city’s George Floyd protests.
“My option is to displace the mayor of New York City and bring in the National Guard as the governor in a state of emergency, and basically take over – you would have to take over – the mayor’s job,” Cuomo said.“My option is to displace the mayor of New York City and bring in the National Guard as the governor in a state of emergency, and basically take over – you would have to take over – the mayor’s job,” Cuomo said.
But the Democratic governor, who has a long hisotry of feuding with de Blasio, added, “I don’t think we’re at that point.”But the Democratic governor, who has a long hisotry of feuding with de Blasio, added, “I don’t think we’re at that point.”
“That would be such a chaotic situation in the midst of an already chaotic situation, and I don’t think that makes sense,” Cuomo said.“That would be such a chaotic situation in the midst of an already chaotic situation, and I don’t think that makes sense,” Cuomo said.
However, the governor said de Blasio and the NYPD’s handling of the protests is “inexcusable.”However, the governor said de Blasio and the NYPD’s handling of the protests is “inexcusable.”
“I am not happy with last night, and the police did not do their job last night,” Cuomo said. “That has to be fixed, and that has to be fixed today.”“I am not happy with last night, and the police did not do their job last night,” Cuomo said. “That has to be fixed, and that has to be fixed today.”
Trump is receiving some criticism from Republican lawmakers after peaceful protesters were removed from outside the White House using tear gas to allow the president to visit a nearby church.Trump is receiving some criticism from Republican lawmakers after peaceful protesters were removed from outside the White House using tear gas to allow the president to visit a nearby church.
“There is no right to riot,” Republican senator Ben Sasse said. “But there is a fundamental — a Constitutional — right to protest, and I’m against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop.”“There is no right to riot,” Republican senator Ben Sasse said. “But there is a fundamental — a Constitutional — right to protest, and I’m against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the Word of God as a political prop.”
In an interview with Politico today, Republican senator Tim Scott said he would not have done the photo op at St John’s Church that Trump did.In an interview with Politico today, Republican senator Tim Scott said he would not have done the photo op at St John’s Church that Trump did.
He added, “If your question is, ‘Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op?’ the answer is no.”He added, “If your question is, ‘Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op?’ the answer is no.”
However, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell did not condemn the forcible removal of protesters this morning and instead warned against “violent riots” overtaking the country.However, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell did not condemn the forcible removal of protesters this morning and instead warned against “violent riots” overtaking the country.
Trump was greeted with a number of middle fingers and critical signs as he made his way to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington.Trump was greeted with a number of middle fingers and critical signs as he made his way to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington.
According to the White House pool report, some of the signs read “Black Lives Matter,” “Dump Trump” and “Bunker bitch.”According to the White House pool report, some of the signs read “Black Lives Matter,” “Dump Trump” and “Bunker bitch.”
As Trump traveled to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington for a photo op, the archdiocese of Washington criticized the facility for allowing the president to visit after peaceful protesters were removed from outside the White House using tear gas.As Trump traveled to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington for a photo op, the archdiocese of Washington criticized the facility for allowing the president to visit after peaceful protesters were removed from outside the White House using tear gas.
“I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree,” Archbishop Wilton Gregory said in a statement.“I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree,” Archbishop Wilton Gregory said in a statement.
“Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace.”“Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace.”
Trump’s visit to the site comes one day after he used the Bible as a “prop” at St John’s Church near the White House, prompting criticism from a number of relgious leaders.Trump’s visit to the site comes one day after he used the Bible as a “prop” at St John’s Church near the White House, prompting criticism from a number of relgious leaders.
Trump is tweeting about the George Floyd protests, demanding that governor Andrew Cuomo call up the National Guard to suppress the unrest.Trump is tweeting about the George Floyd protests, demanding that governor Andrew Cuomo call up the National Guard to suppress the unrest.
“NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD,” Trump wrote in a tweet. “The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! Don’t make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!!!”“NYC, CALL UP THE NATIONAL GUARD,” Trump wrote in a tweet. “The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart. Act fast! Don’t make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!!!”
The final sentence of the tweet is a reference to New York’s very controversial decision to send nursing home residents who tested positive for coronavirus back to their facilities to recover, which critics say caused the virus to quickly spread.The final sentence of the tweet is a reference to New York’s very controversial decision to send nursing home residents who tested positive for coronavirus back to their facilities to recover, which critics say caused the virus to quickly spread.
New York officials struggled to respond to looting yesterday, with some people breaking into Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan as protests continued to unfold elsewhere.New York officials struggled to respond to looting yesterday, with some people breaking into Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan as protests continued to unfold elsewhere.
Moments ago, Joe Biden criticized Trump for being “part of the problem” when it came to intensifying the country’s divisions.Moments ago, Joe Biden criticized Trump for being “part of the problem” when it came to intensifying the country’s divisions.
“I promise you this,” Biden said. “I won’t traffic in fear and division. I won’t fan the flames of hate. I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country – not use them for political gain.”“I promise you this,” Biden said. “I won’t traffic in fear and division. I won’t fan the flames of hate. I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country – not use them for political gain.”