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George Floyd protests: Biden says Trump 'is part of the problem and accelerates it' – live George Floyd protests: Biden says Trump 'is part of the problem and accelerates it' – live
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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 FloydBiden 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
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.”
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.
“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 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.”
House speaker Nancy Pelosi read from her Bible at a press conference today, while Trump is being criticized for using the Bible as a “prop” moments after peaceful protesters were tear-gassed near the White House.House speaker Nancy Pelosi read from her Bible at a press conference today, while Trump is being criticized for using the Bible as a “prop” moments after peaceful protesters were tear-gassed near the White House.
“We would hope that the president of the United States would follow the lead of so many presidents before him, to be a healer in chief and not a fanner of the flame,” Pelosi said.“We would hope that the president of the United States would follow the lead of so many presidents before him, to be a healer in chief and not a fanner of the flame,” Pelosi said.
The Democratic speaker expressed dismay over the forible removal of protesters from outside the White House to clear the way for Trump to travel to the nearby St Johns Church.The Democratic speaker expressed dismay over the forible removal of protesters from outside the White House to clear the way for Trump to travel to the nearby St Johns Church.
“What is that? That has no place, and it is time for us to do away with that. A time to heal,” Pelosi said, referencing Ecclesiastes.“What is that? That has no place, and it is time for us to do away with that. A time to heal,” Pelosi said, referencing Ecclesiastes.
A number of religious leaders similarly criticized Trump for holding up his Bible after the protesters were removed, arguing the horrifying scene was not in line with the values that the Bible promotes.A number of religious leaders similarly criticized Trump for holding up his Bible after the protesters were removed, arguing the horrifying scene was not in line with the values that the Bible promotes.
The Right Rev Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, told CNN yesterday: “Let me be clear, the President just used a Bible, the most sacred text of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and one of the churches of my diocese, without permission, as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.”The Right Rev Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, told CNN yesterday: “Let me be clear, the President just used a Bible, the most sacred text of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and one of the churches of my diocese, without permission, as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.”
Joe Biden is getting some early positive reviews for his speech in Philadelphia, where he addressed the killing of George Floyd and the protests that it has sparked.Joe Biden is getting some early positive reviews for his speech in Philadelphia, where he addressed the killing of George Floyd and the protests that it has sparked.
From the president of the liberal think tank Center for American Progress:From the president of the liberal think tank Center for American Progress:
From a former Republican congressman:From a former Republican congressman:
From a vice president for the center-left think tank Third Way:From a vice president for the center-left think tank Third Way:
From a former Obama justice department official:From a former Obama justice department official:
Joe Biden pledged to work to “reverse the systemic racism” if he is elected president, specifically mentioning legislation to outlaw police chokeholds.Joe Biden pledged to work to “reverse the systemic racism” if he is elected president, specifically mentioning legislation to outlaw police chokeholds.
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee sought to draw a clear contrast between himself and Trump.The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee sought to draw a clear contrast between himself and Trump.
“The president of the United States must be part of the solution, not the problem. This president today is part of the problem and accelerates it,” Biden said.“The president of the United States must be part of the solution, not the problem. This president today is part of the problem and accelerates it,” Biden said.
However, the former vice president made clear that the country’s problems woud not end solely by defeating Trump.However, the former vice president made clear that the country’s problems woud not end solely by defeating Trump.
“American history isn’t a fairytale,” Biden said, describing “the harsh reality that racism has long torn us apart.”“American history isn’t a fairytale,” Biden said, describing “the harsh reality that racism has long torn us apart.”
He went on to say, “Look, the presidency is a big job. Nobody will get everything right. And I won’t either.He went on to say, “Look, the presidency is a big job. Nobody will get everything right. And I won’t either.
“But I promise you this. 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.”“But I promise you this. 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.”
Joe Biden criticized Trump for staging a photo op at St John’s Church moments after peaceful protesters were tear-gassed near the White House.Joe Biden criticized Trump for staging a photo op at St John’s Church moments after peaceful protesters were tear-gassed near the White House.
“The president held up the Bible,” Biden said. “I just wish he’d open it once in awhile.”“The president held up the Bible,” Biden said. “I just wish he’d open it once in awhile.”
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee continued, “In addition to the Bible, the president may want to open up the U.S. Constitution once in a while. He’d find a thing called the First Amendment.”The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee continued, “In addition to the Bible, the president may want to open up the U.S. Constitution once in a while. He’d find a thing called the First Amendment.”
Joe Biden is now delivering remarks in Philadelphia, where the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee addressed the killing of George Floyd and the protests in response to his death.Joe Biden is now delivering remarks in Philadelphia, where the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee addressed the killing of George Floyd and the protests in response to his death.
Biden described Floyd’s last words – “I can’t breathe – as a “wake-up call for our nation.”Biden described Floyd’s last words – “I can’t breathe – as a “wake-up call for our nation.”
“‘I can’t breathe.’ ‘I can’t breathe.’ George Floyd’s last words. But they didn’t die with him. They’re still being heard. They’re echoing across this nation,” Biden said.“‘I can’t breathe.’ ‘I can’t breathe.’ George Floyd’s last words. But they didn’t die with him. They’re still being heard. They’re echoing across this nation,” Biden said.
“They speak to a nation where too often just the color of your skin puts your life at risk. ... And they speak to a nation where every day millions of people – not at the moment of losing their life – but in the course of living their life – are saying to themselves, ‘I can’t breathe’. It’s a wake-up call for our nation. For all of us.”“They speak to a nation where too often just the color of your skin puts your life at risk. ... And they speak to a nation where every day millions of people – not at the moment of losing their life – but in the course of living their life – are saying to themselves, ‘I can’t breathe’. It’s a wake-up call for our nation. For all of us.”
This is Joan Greve, taking over for Martin Pengelly.This is Joan Greve, taking over for Martin Pengelly.
Trump is tweeting about the protests that once again overtook Washington yesterday, bragging that the nation’s capital had “no problems last night.”Trump is tweeting about the protests that once again overtook Washington yesterday, bragging that the nation’s capital had “no problems last night.”
“D.C. had no problems last night. Many arrests. Great job done by all,” the president wrote in a tweet. “Overwhelming force. Domination. Likewise, Minneapolis was great (thank you President Trump!).”“D.C. had no problems last night. Many arrests. Great job done by all,” the president wrote in a tweet. “Overwhelming force. Domination. Likewise, Minneapolis was great (thank you President Trump!).”
Yesterday’s DC protests were, of course, most memorable for the moment when a group of peaceful demonstrators were tear-gassed near the White House moments before Trump delivered remarks from the Rose Garden.Yesterday’s DC protests were, of course, most memorable for the moment when a group of peaceful demonstrators were tear-gassed near the White House moments before Trump delivered remarks from the Rose Garden.
The images and footage of protesters being forcibly dispersed a half an hour before the city’s curfew went into effect caused alarm around the world.The images and footage of protesters being forcibly dispersed a half an hour before the city’s curfew went into effect caused alarm around the world.
The president’s mention of “domination” also echoes remarks he made yesterday to the nation’s governors, when he told the state leaders that they had been “weak” in their response to the protests and needed to crack down on the demonstrations.The president’s mention of “domination” also echoes remarks he made yesterday to the nation’s governors, when he told the state leaders that they had been “weak” in their response to the protests and needed to crack down on the demonstrations.
If you’re taking part in protests, we’d like to hear your views. You can get in touch with us by filling in this secure form. Your responses will only be seen by the Guardian. We’d like to publish some of your views and experiences on the website.If you’re taking part in protests, we’d like to hear your views. You can get in touch with us by filling in this secure form. Your responses will only be seen by the Guardian. We’d like to publish some of your views and experiences on the website.
Protest over George Floyd’s death at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers has spread worldwide, and with it condemnation of US policing practicers from diplomats and other government figures.Protest over George Floyd’s death at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers has spread worldwide, and with it condemnation of US policing practicers from diplomats and other government figures.
Today, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, spoke on the matter in Brussels, calling Floyd’s death an abuse of power.Today, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, spoke on the matter in Brussels, calling Floyd’s death an abuse of power.
“Like the people of the United States,” he told reporters, “we are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd.”“Like the people of the United States,” he told reporters, “we are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd.”
Borrell said Europeans “support the right to peaceful protest, and also we condemn violence and racism of any kind, and for sure, we call for a de-escalation of tensions”.Borrell said Europeans “support the right to peaceful protest, and also we condemn violence and racism of any kind, and for sure, we call for a de-escalation of tensions”.
The Associated Press adds:The Associated Press adds:
Thousands marched through downtown Sydney. The protesters in Australia’s largest city chanted, “I can’t breathe” – some of the final words of Floyd, Eric Garner, an African American man who was killed while being arrested in 2014, and David Dungay, a 26-year-old Aboriginal man who died in a Sydney prison in 2015 while being restrained by five guards.Thousands marched through downtown Sydney. The protesters in Australia’s largest city chanted, “I can’t breathe” – some of the final words of Floyd, Eric Garner, an African American man who was killed while being arrested in 2014, and David Dungay, a 26-year-old Aboriginal man who died in a Sydney prison in 2015 while being restrained by five guards.
The demonstrators carried placards reading, “Black Lives Matter”, “Aboriginal Lives Matter”, “White Silence is Violence” and, referring to those protesting in cities across the US, “We See You, We Hear Your, We Stand With You.”The demonstrators carried placards reading, “Black Lives Matter”, “Aboriginal Lives Matter”, “White Silence is Violence” and, referring to those protesting in cities across the US, “We See You, We Hear Your, We Stand With You.”
The protesters, who appeared to number around 3,000, marched from Hyde Park to the New South Wales state parliament, with plans to continue to the US consulate.The protesters, who appeared to number around 3,000, marched from Hyde Park to the New South Wales state parliament, with plans to continue to the US consulate.
“It’s just gut-wrenching the climate of what’s happening in America, and it’s also happening here in Australia, though it’s subtle,” said one of the protesters, Aoatua Lee. “Racism is real for me.”“It’s just gut-wrenching the climate of what’s happening in America, and it’s also happening here in Australia, though it’s subtle,” said one of the protesters, Aoatua Lee. “Racism is real for me.”
Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison appeared on “Good Morning America” and was asked by anchor Amy Robach about his review of the killing of George Floyd.Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison appeared on “Good Morning America” and was asked by anchor Amy Robach about his review of the killing of George Floyd.
Ellison recently took over the case (from the Hennepin county attorney) and was asked if he is considering upgrading charges against former officer Derek Chauvin to first degree murder (from third degree) in light of the official autopsy from the county medical examiner and the independent, private autopsy conducted at the request of the family, which both concluded that Floyd died by homicide.Ellison recently took over the case (from the Hennepin county attorney) and was asked if he is considering upgrading charges against former officer Derek Chauvin to first degree murder (from third degree) in light of the official autopsy from the county medical examiner and the independent, private autopsy conducted at the request of the family, which both concluded that Floyd died by homicide.
“We are considering all charges, they are all on the table,” Ellison said. “I was appointed Sunday, got the file last night, we are poring through it as fast as we can. There are numerous videos, numerous witness statements, a lot to go through. We are not going to prolong this any longer than is absolutely necessary to do that due diligence.”“We are considering all charges, they are all on the table,” Ellison said. “I was appointed Sunday, got the file last night, we are poring through it as fast as we can. There are numerous videos, numerous witness statements, a lot to go through. We are not going to prolong this any longer than is absolutely necessary to do that due diligence.”
When asked how long the review would take, Ellison said, “We have to move carefully, I know that is unsatisfying to people. They want what they want immediately and people have waited too long and have been patient over the years, but this case must be done methodically and we are doing that now. But nothing is off the table. Autopsies are factors in the work we are doing right now.”When asked how long the review would take, Ellison said, “We have to move carefully, I know that is unsatisfying to people. They want what they want immediately and people have waited too long and have been patient over the years, but this case must be done methodically and we are doing that now. But nothing is off the table. Autopsies are factors in the work we are doing right now.”
Ellison emphasized he was working to build an air-tight case. “The fact is these cases are not easy, and anyone who says they are has never done one,” he said.Ellison emphasized he was working to build an air-tight case. “The fact is these cases are not easy, and anyone who says they are has never done one,” he said.
Ellison concluded the interview by saying he couldn’t give a deadline for when any new charges may be brought against the officers involved in the case.Ellison concluded the interview by saying he couldn’t give a deadline for when any new charges may be brought against the officers involved in the case.
Monday night saw continued peaceful protests and violence in many major US cities. Here’s an at-a-glance guide:Monday night saw continued peaceful protests and violence in many major US cities. Here’s an at-a-glance guide:
Washington DC: Peaceful protesters were teargassed to make way for a 17-minute photo shoot of Donald Trump in front of St John’s Church. The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese the church belonged to said she was “outraged” by the president’s actions.Washington DC: Peaceful protesters were teargassed to make way for a 17-minute photo shoot of Donald Trump in front of St John’s Church. The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese the church belonged to said she was “outraged” by the president’s actions.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: In the city where police violence sparked unrest across the country, protesters were peaceful a day after pleas from George Floyd’s brother.Minneapolis, Minnesota: In the city where police violence sparked unrest across the country, protesters were peaceful a day after pleas from George Floyd’s brother.
New York City: Heavy handed police tactics over the weekend in Brooklyn gave way to peaceful protests Monday night. But stores were looted in the Midtown and Soho neighborhoods of Manhattan.New York City: Heavy handed police tactics over the weekend in Brooklyn gave way to peaceful protests Monday night. But stores were looted in the Midtown and Soho neighborhoods of Manhattan.
Chicago, Illinois: Protesters were peaceful in much of Chicago, but looting marred protests in the suburb of Naperville. In the suburb of Cicero, two people were killed.Chicago, Illinois: Protesters were peaceful in much of Chicago, but looting marred protests in the suburb of Naperville. In the suburb of Cicero, two people were killed.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Police fired rubber bullets and teargas on protesters who blocked traffic.Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Police fired rubber bullets and teargas on protesters who blocked traffic.
Baltimore, Maryland: Thousands of people protested in this city, which just five years ago was roiled by the death of Freddie Gray, who was black, in police custody.Baltimore, Maryland: Thousands of people protested in this city, which just five years ago was roiled by the death of Freddie Gray, who was black, in police custody.
Oakland, California: Thousands of peaceful protesters gathered in the city.Oakland, California: Thousands of peaceful protesters gathered in the city.
Las Vegas, Nevada: A police officer and an armed man were shot amid protests near the famous “Strip”. At least 338 people have been arrested in Las Vegas after protests through the weekend and the week.Las Vegas, Nevada: A police officer and an armed man were shot amid protests near the famous “Strip”. At least 338 people have been arrested in Las Vegas after protests through the weekend and the week.
Atlanta, Georgia: At least 55 protesters were arrested in Atlanta when they blocked a roadway. It is the fourth day of protests in that city.Atlanta, Georgia: At least 55 protesters were arrested in Atlanta when they blocked a roadway. It is the fourth day of protests in that city.
Nashville, Tennessee: Peaceful protesters cheered when National Guard troops laid down their shields.Nashville, Tennessee: Peaceful protesters cheered when National Guard troops laid down their shields.
St Louis, Missouri: A peaceful protest devolved into looting, and four officers were later shot. All are expected to recover, and it is unclear who fired shots which injured the officers.St Louis, Missouri: A peaceful protest devolved into looting, and four officers were later shot. All are expected to recover, and it is unclear who fired shots which injured the officers.
Louisville, Kentucky: Peaceful protests refocused on loss within the community, after two police officers shot and killed a local business owner during protests, but failed to turn on their body cameras. The mayor fired the police chief as a result.Louisville, Kentucky: Peaceful protests refocused on loss within the community, after two police officers shot and killed a local business owner during protests, but failed to turn on their body cameras. The mayor fired the police chief as a result.
Buffalo, New York: Two police officers were injured when they were struck by a vehicle amid protests.Buffalo, New York: Two police officers were injured when they were struck by a vehicle amid protests.
Around the world… Sydney, Australia: Thousands of protesters marched in solidarity with anti-racism protesters in the US. Placards read, “Black Lives Matter” and “Aboriginal Lives Matter”.Around the world… Sydney, Australia: Thousands of protesters marched in solidarity with anti-racism protesters in the US. Placards read, “Black Lives Matter” and “Aboriginal Lives Matter”.