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George Floyd Updates: Protesters Hail Charges Against Police but Seek Broader Change George Floyd Updates: Protesters Hail Charges Against Police but Seek Broader Change
(about 1 hour later)
Minnesota officials charged three more former police officers on Wednesday in the death of George Floyd, and added an upgraded charge against the former officer who pressed his knee to Mr. Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.Minnesota officials charged three more former police officers on Wednesday in the death of George Floyd, and added an upgraded charge against the former officer who pressed his knee to Mr. Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.
From coast to coast, protesters had a remarkably consistent reaction to the announcement:From coast to coast, protesters had a remarkably consistent reaction to the announcement:
It’s great news, they said — and it’s not nearly enough. There need to be convictions. There needs to be systemic change.It’s great news, they said — and it’s not nearly enough. There need to be convictions. There needs to be systemic change.
“I think it’s going to be a really long fight, not just in Minnesota but in cities around the country,” said Izzy Smith, an educator from the south side of Minneapolis who was among those demonstrating at the site where Mr. Floyd was arrested and an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.“I think it’s going to be a really long fight, not just in Minnesota but in cities around the country,” said Izzy Smith, an educator from the south side of Minneapolis who was among those demonstrating at the site where Mr. Floyd was arrested and an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
“This is a marathon not a sprint,” she added, “so it’s keeping the foot on the gas but keep it steady.”“This is a marathon not a sprint,” she added, “so it’s keeping the foot on the gas but keep it steady.”
Nearby, Marquise Bowie said of the charges: “That’s good. It ain’t going to bring the man back though. It’s a start.”Nearby, Marquise Bowie said of the charges: “That’s good. It ain’t going to bring the man back though. It’s a start.”
Some protesters expressed disappointment that the officer who pressed on Mr. Floyd’s neck had been charged with second-degree murder, rather than first-degree, or that action against the other officers had not been taken sooner.Some protesters expressed disappointment that the officer who pressed on Mr. Floyd’s neck had been charged with second-degree murder, rather than first-degree, or that action against the other officers had not been taken sooner.
“It’s about damn time,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer and protest organizer in Minneapolis. If not for the outrage that had rocked the country, she said, “these officers never would’ve been charged.”“It’s about damn time,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer and protest organizer in Minneapolis. If not for the outrage that had rocked the country, she said, “these officers never would’ve been charged.”
At a protest on the North Side of Chicago, Jonathan Mejias said he was gratified by the news — to a point.At a protest on the North Side of Chicago, Jonathan Mejias said he was gratified by the news — to a point.
“It’s just one piece,” he said. “The world needs to know that it doesn’t end with resolving this one case. There are too many more out there.”“It’s just one piece,” he said. “The world needs to know that it doesn’t end with resolving this one case. There are too many more out there.”
Byron Spencer, handing out water and burgers to protesters outside Los Angeles City Hall, said he was both “elated and defeated” by word of the new charges. He said he had seen countless surges of outrage over police brutality against black men, only to have it happen again.Byron Spencer, handing out water and burgers to protesters outside Los Angeles City Hall, said he was both “elated and defeated” by word of the new charges. He said he had seen countless surges of outrage over police brutality against black men, only to have it happen again.
“I’m 55, I’m black and I’m male — I’ve seen the cycle,” he said. “It’s almost like PTSD constantly having this conversation with my son.”“I’m 55, I’m black and I’m male — I’ve seen the cycle,” he said. “It’s almost like PTSD constantly having this conversation with my son.”
Cierra Sesay reacted to the charges at a demonstration in the shadow of the state Capitol in Denver. “It’s amazing, it’s another box we can check,” she said. “But it goes up so much higher. It’s about the system.”Cierra Sesay reacted to the charges at a demonstration in the shadow of the state Capitol in Denver. “It’s amazing, it’s another box we can check,” she said. “But it goes up so much higher. It’s about the system.”
In San Francisco, Tevita Tomasi — who is of Polynesian descent and described himself as “dark and tall and big” — said he regularly faced racial profiling, evidence of the bigger forces that must be overcome.In San Francisco, Tevita Tomasi — who is of Polynesian descent and described himself as “dark and tall and big” — said he regularly faced racial profiling, evidence of the bigger forces that must be overcome.
On Wednesday, he distributed bottled water at what he said was his first demonstration, but one that would not be his last. What would stop him from protesting?On Wednesday, he distributed bottled water at what he said was his first demonstration, but one that would not be his last. What would stop him from protesting?
“They would have to shoot me.”“They would have to shoot me.”
George Floyd had the coronavirus in early April, nearly two months before he died, according to a full autopsy released by the Hennepin County medical examiner on Wednesday.George Floyd had the coronavirus in early April, nearly two months before he died, according to a full autopsy released by the Hennepin County medical examiner on Wednesday.
Dr. Andrew M. Baker, the county’s top medical examiner, said that the Minnesota Department of Health had swabbed Mr. Floyd’s nose after his death, and that he had tested positive for the virus, but that it was likely a lasting positive result from his previous infection.Dr. Andrew M. Baker, the county’s top medical examiner, said that the Minnesota Department of Health had swabbed Mr. Floyd’s nose after his death, and that he had tested positive for the virus, but that it was likely a lasting positive result from his previous infection.
There is no indication that the virus played any role in his death, and Dr. Baker said Mr. Floyd was likely asymptomatic at the time of his death.There is no indication that the virus played any role in his death, and Dr. Baker said Mr. Floyd was likely asymptomatic at the time of his death.
Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner who was among two doctors who conducted a private autopsy for Mr. Floyd’s family last week, said county officials did not tell him that Mr. Floyd had tested positive for Covid-19.Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner who was among two doctors who conducted a private autopsy for Mr. Floyd’s family last week, said county officials did not tell him that Mr. Floyd had tested positive for Covid-19.
“The funeral director wasn’t told, and we weren’t told, and now a lot of people are running around trying to get tested,” Dr. Baden said. “If you do the autopsy and it’s positive for the coronavirus, it’s usual to tell everyone who is going to be in touch with the body. There would have been more care.”“The funeral director wasn’t told, and we weren’t told, and now a lot of people are running around trying to get tested,” Dr. Baden said. “If you do the autopsy and it’s positive for the coronavirus, it’s usual to tell everyone who is going to be in touch with the body. There would have been more care.”
The four police officers who arrested Mr. Floyd should also get tested, as should some of the witnesses, Dr. Baden said. “I’m not angry,” he said. “But there would have been more care.”The four police officers who arrested Mr. Floyd should also get tested, as should some of the witnesses, Dr. Baden said. “I’m not angry,” he said. “But there would have been more care.”
Dr. Baden said the full autopsy includes information he did not have access to, such as the toxicology results showing Mr. Floyd had fentanyl in his system. He added that when he conducted the autopsy, part of the heart was not provided — the part that showed coronary artery disease.Dr. Baden said the full autopsy includes information he did not have access to, such as the toxicology results showing Mr. Floyd had fentanyl in his system. He added that when he conducted the autopsy, part of the heart was not provided — the part that showed coronary artery disease.
Lawrence Kobilinsky, a forensics expert at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said he was struck by the difference between the county’s official autopsy and the results of Dr. Baden’s private autopsy. The county’s report does not refer to any hemorrhaging near the carotid, as the private autopsy did.Lawrence Kobilinsky, a forensics expert at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said he was struck by the difference between the county’s official autopsy and the results of Dr. Baden’s private autopsy. The county’s report does not refer to any hemorrhaging near the carotid, as the private autopsy did.
Mr. Kobilinsky said defense lawyers could make a point of the amount of fentanyl in Mr. Floyd’s body. Although the amount required to be lethal varies from person to person, fentanyl can stop your heart and your breathing, he said. “It seems to me, it’s high enough where a defense attorney would argue that this kind of predisposes him to heart failure, when you are on a drug like this,” he said.Mr. Kobilinsky said defense lawyers could make a point of the amount of fentanyl in Mr. Floyd’s body. Although the amount required to be lethal varies from person to person, fentanyl can stop your heart and your breathing, he said. “It seems to me, it’s high enough where a defense attorney would argue that this kind of predisposes him to heart failure, when you are on a drug like this,” he said.
Dr. Baden acknowledged that the amount of fentanyl in Mr. Floyd’s body was “considerable,” which would be particularly important if he had never used the drug before.Dr. Baden acknowledged that the amount of fentanyl in Mr. Floyd’s body was “considerable,” which would be particularly important if he had never used the drug before.
“He has enough that could be a cause of death if he had never had immunity or tolerance to the drug,” Dr. Baden said. But there was nothing in the full autopsy that made him change his medical opinion. “Restraint is what caused the death,” he said.“He has enough that could be a cause of death if he had never had immunity or tolerance to the drug,” Dr. Baden said. But there was nothing in the full autopsy that made him change his medical opinion. “Restraint is what caused the death,” he said.
Lawyers for Mr. Floyd’s family could not immediately be reached for comment.
A longtime friend of George Floyd who was in the passenger seat of Mr. Floyd’s car when he was arrested said on Wednesday night that Mr. Floyd attempted to defuse the tensions with the police and did not resist.A longtime friend of George Floyd who was in the passenger seat of Mr. Floyd’s car when he was arrested said on Wednesday night that Mr. Floyd attempted to defuse the tensions with the police and did not resist.
“He was, from the beginning, trying in his humblest form to show he was not resisting in no form or way,” said Maurice Lester Hall, 42, who was taken into custody in Houston on Monday and interrogated overnight by Minnesota state investigators, according to his attorney.“He was, from the beginning, trying in his humblest form to show he was not resisting in no form or way,” said Maurice Lester Hall, 42, who was taken into custody in Houston on Monday and interrogated overnight by Minnesota state investigators, according to his attorney.
“I could hear him pleading, ‘Please, officer, what’s all this for?’” Mr. Hall said in an interview with Erica L. Green of The Times on Wednesday night.“I could hear him pleading, ‘Please, officer, what’s all this for?’” Mr. Hall said in an interview with Erica L. Green of The Times on Wednesday night.
Mr. Hall recounted Mr. Floyd’s last moments.Mr. Hall recounted Mr. Floyd’s last moments.
“He was just crying out at that time for anyone to help because he was dying,” Mr. Hall said. “I’m going to always remember seeing the fear in Floyd’s face, because he’s such a king. That’s what sticks with me: seeing a grown man cry, before seeing a grown man die.”“He was just crying out at that time for anyone to help because he was dying,” Mr. Hall said. “I’m going to always remember seeing the fear in Floyd’s face, because he’s such a king. That’s what sticks with me: seeing a grown man cry, before seeing a grown man die.”
Mr. Hall is a key witness in the state’s investigation into the four officers who apprehended Mr. Floyd, including Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, even after Mr. Floyd became unresponsive.Mr. Hall is a key witness in the state’s investigation into the four officers who apprehended Mr. Floyd, including Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, even after Mr. Floyd became unresponsive.
Mr. Hall left Minnesota for Houston two days after Mr. Floyd died. After his arrest, which he was told for outstanding warrants, he was questioned for hours only about Mr. Floyd’s death by a Minnesota state investigator, and then he was transferred to the county jail in Houston.Mr. Hall left Minnesota for Houston two days after Mr. Floyd died. After his arrest, which he was told for outstanding warrants, he was questioned for hours only about Mr. Floyd’s death by a Minnesota state investigator, and then he was transferred to the county jail in Houston.
“I knew what was happening, that they were coming, it was inevitable,” he said in the interview. “I’m a key witness to the cops murdering George Floyd, and they want to know my side. Whatever I’ve been through, it’s all over with now, it’s not about me.”“I knew what was happening, that they were coming, it was inevitable,” he said in the interview. “I’m a key witness to the cops murdering George Floyd, and they want to know my side. Whatever I’ve been through, it’s all over with now, it’s not about me.”
“They got a testimony, and that’s what they were after,” he added. “They came and saw, and left me to be fighting for my freedom.”
A police officer in the Bay Area shot and killed a kneeling man after mistaking a hammer in the man’s pocket for a gun, the authorities said on Wednesday.A police officer in the Bay Area shot and killed a kneeling man after mistaking a hammer in the man’s pocket for a gun, the authorities said on Wednesday.
The episode, which took place in Vallejo, Calif., early Tuesday morning, further incensed residents who have been protesting the death of George Floyd. The episode, which took place in Vallejo, Calif., early Tuesday morning, further incensed residents who have been protesting the death of George Floyd.
The man, Sean Monterrosa, who was Hispanic, was attempting to flee a Walgreens that was being looted early Tuesday morning, said the city’s police chief, Shawny Williams.The man, Sean Monterrosa, who was Hispanic, was attempting to flee a Walgreens that was being looted early Tuesday morning, said the city’s police chief, Shawny Williams.
Mr. Monterrosa, 22, a San Francisco resident, ran toward a car that had earlier rammed into a police cruiser and injured a different officer, Chief Williams said. Mr. Monterrosa, 22, a San Francisco resident, ran toward a car that had earlier rammed into a police cruiser and injured a different officer, Chief Williams said.
Mr. Monterrosa appeared to be running toward the car “but suddenly stopped, taking a kneeling position and placing his hands above his waist, revealing what appeared to be the butt of a handgun,” the chief said. “Investigations later revealed that the weapon was a long, 15-inch hammer.”Mr. Monterrosa appeared to be running toward the car “but suddenly stopped, taking a kneeling position and placing his hands above his waist, revealing what appeared to be the butt of a handgun,” the chief said. “Investigations later revealed that the weapon was a long, 15-inch hammer.”
Chief Williams said that the officer, who he did not name, believed that Mr. Monterrosa posed a danger. Chief Williams said that the officer, whom he did not name, believed Mr. Monterrosa posed a danger.
“Due to this perceived threat, one officer fired his weapon five times from within the police vehicle through the windshield” he said. Mr. Monterrosa was hit once and died.“Due to this perceived threat, one officer fired his weapon five times from within the police vehicle through the windshield” he said. Mr. Monterrosa was hit once and died.
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office and the Vallejo Police Department are conducting criminal investigations into the use of deadly force by the officer, an 18-year police veteran. The Solano County District Attorney’s Office and the Vallejo Police Department are conducting criminal investigations into the use of deadly force by the officer
The chief said the department would release body camera footage of the confrontation. .
Keith Ellison, the attorney general of Minnesota, on Wednesday announced new charges against three former Minneapolis police officers who took part in the arrest of George Floyd, and an upgraded murder count for the fired officer at the center of the case. Los Angeles officials estimated that there have been at least 3,000 arrests in the nation’s second-largest city during the protests over the killing of George Floyd that began more than a week ago.
The three officers, Thomas Lane, 37, J. Alexander Kueng, 26, and Tou Thao, 34, were charged with aiding and abetting murder, court records show. Mr. Kueng was in custody on Wednesday, county jail records showed. The authorities said they were in the process of arresting Mr. Lane and Mr. Thao. Most of the people arrested were cited for disobeying a curfew and released, a police spokesman said on Wednesday night.
The fourth officer, Derek Chauvin, 44, who was arrested last week, now faces an increased charge of second-degree murder. The Los Angeles County district attorney, Jackie Lacey, said on Wednesday that 61 people had been charged with more serious crimes amid the protests, including looting, assaulting a police officer, robbery, burglary, possession of a destructive device, identity theft and receiving stolen property.
“The very fact we have filed these charges means we have believed in them,” Mr. Ellison said. “But what I do not believe is that one successful prosecution can rectify the hurt and loss that so many people feel.” “I support the peaceful organized protests that already have brought needed attention to racial inequality throughout our society, including in the criminal justice system,” Ms. Lacey said. “I also have a constitutional and ethical duty to protect the public and prosecute people who loot and vandalize our community.”
Mr. Chauvin kept his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, including for 2 minutes 53 seconds after Mr. Floyd fell unresponsive, according to the initial charging document released by prosecutors. On Tuesday, police officials gave an accounting of the arrests during a contentious meeting of the city’s police commission on a video conference. The commission, whose members are appointed by the mayor, issued a directive that requires police officers in the department to intervene when they see an officer using excessive force.
The other officers did not stop Mr. Chauvin, and Mr. Lane and Mr. Kueng helped hold Mr. Floyd to the ground for at least part of the time, while Mr. Thao stood nearby, according to video reconstruction of the arrest by The New York Times. Mr. Lane asked at one point whether they should turn Mr. Floyd onto his side, prosecutors said, but Mr. Chauvin said “no, staying put where we got him.”
All four officers were fired from the Minneapolis Police Department after video of the fatal encounter emerged. But prosecutors faced growing calls for charges against them, as anger and anguish over Mr. Floyd’s death sent demonstrators into the streets in cities and towns across the country.
Mr. Ellison asked the public for patience, and he cautioned that history showed the challenges of prosecuting police officers.
“Trying this case will not be an easy thing,” he said. “Winning a conviction will be hard.”
At first, Mr. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder, a charge that Mr. Floyd’s family criticized as too lenient. He was also charged with second-degree manslaughter. Mr. Ellison announced an addition of a second-degree murder charge on Wednesday.
In Minnesota, second-degree murder requires prosecutors to prove either that Mr. Chauvin intended to kill Mr. Floyd, or that he did so while committing another felony. A court filing indicated that prosecutors planned to take the latter approach. Third-degree murder does not require an intent to kill, according to the Minnesota statute, only that the perpetrator caused someone’s death in a dangerous act “without regard for human life.”
Under Minnesota law, second-degree murder comes with a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and accomplices can be eligible for the same penalties as the primary defendant.
But if they are convicted, it is likely that the officers could get far less than that, under standard sentencing guidelines that suggest the equivalent of 12 years in prison for the typical second-degree murder case, said Richard Frase, a professor of criminal law at the University of Minnesota.
U.C.L.A. officials on Tuesday said they had revoked permission for the Los Angeles Police Department to use a university baseball stadium named for Jackie Robinson after learning it had been used as a “field jail” to process hundreds of people arrested during street protests.U.C.L.A. officials on Tuesday said they had revoked permission for the Los Angeles Police Department to use a university baseball stadium named for Jackie Robinson after learning it had been used as a “field jail” to process hundreds of people arrested during street protests.
The police department’s use of a university stadium named for a civil rights icon as a jail unleashed a fury. Protesters, some of them students, who had been locked in cells on buses for hours without water complained, and influential U.C.L.A. faculty members called out the university’s “hypocrisy” and demanded the administration break off its apparent cooperation.The police department’s use of a university stadium named for a civil rights icon as a jail unleashed a fury. Protesters, some of them students, who had been locked in cells on buses for hours without water complained, and influential U.C.L.A. faculty members called out the university’s “hypocrisy” and demanded the administration break off its apparent cooperation.
By Tuesday afternoon, U.C.L.A. officials said the field jail was no more, and contended the university had known nothing of the police plans. “I am able to confirm that L.A.P.D. has vacated the property,” the vice chancellor, Michael Beck, wrote. “We will inform them that future use as an arrest processing center will not be granted.” By Tuesday afternoon, U.C.L.A. officials said the field jail was no more, and contended the university had known nothing of the police plans. “I am able to confirm that L.A.P.D. has vacated the property,” the vice chancellor, Michael Beck, wrote in a letter to faculty members. “We will inform them that future use as an arrest processing center will not be granted.”
Jackie Robinson stadium — named after the black man who broke segregated baseball’s color barrier in 1947 — previously had been used as a coronavirus testing site. Then the police took it over to process those arrested in the protests.Jackie Robinson stadium — named after the black man who broke segregated baseball’s color barrier in 1947 — previously had been used as a coronavirus testing site. Then the police took it over to process those arrested in the protests.
U.C.L.A.’s claim of ignorance did not appease faculty members who released another open letter Wednesday calling on the university to vow not to work or contract with the police department in the future. U.C.L.A.’s claim of ignorance did not appease faculty members who released an open letter Wednesday calling on the university to vow not to work or contract with the police department in the future.
“There were scores of officers and many buses crammed full of protesters,” said Ananya Roy, a professor who directs the university’s Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy. “It was highly organized, which runs counter to the explanation from U.C.L.A. that this was ad hoc and ‘oops, we didn’t know.’”“There were scores of officers and many buses crammed full of protesters,” said Ananya Roy, a professor who directs the university’s Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy. “It was highly organized, which runs counter to the explanation from U.C.L.A. that this was ad hoc and ‘oops, we didn’t know.’”
Dozens of American cities remained under curfew Wednesday night, but some began to relax their restrictions amid signs of a reduction in the widespread violence, vandalism and civil unrest that broke out across the country following the death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis.
Protests continued during the day and were largely peaceful, reinforcing hopes that the most serious convulsions had passed, especially after three more officers were charged in the death of Mr. Floyd. But each day since the turmoil began, serious trouble has not emerged until nighttime, leaving local and state officials again bracing for renewed disturbances as evening approached.
The unrest was far less destructive on Tuesday than it had been the previous few nights, as both law enforcement officers and people in the streets appeared less eager for confrontation.
“The largest group of protesters that we have seen to this point have been doing a little bit of self-policing,” Peter Newsham, the police chief of Washington, D.C., said.
Washington moved back its curfew from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. In the afternoon, several hundred protesters lay face down on the pavement, as Mr. Floyd had, in eerie silence outside the Capitol.
Los Angeles County and the city of Los Angeles pushed back their curfews from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and neighboring Santa Monica moved its curfew from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“We saw mass amounts of people protesting peacefully” last night, the county’s sheriff, Alex Villanueva said. “As a result, hopefully we can start altering the curfew.”
The mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, maintained a 9 p.m. curfew but reopened street access to the downtown area and allowed businesses there to reopen. The regional commuter rail system resumed service after being shut down for two days. And New York City, where there was extensive looting on Monday night, remained under an 8 p.m. curfew, a day after thousands of peaceful protesters defied it.
And Seattle’s mayor, Jenny A. Durkan, said on Twitter that the city’s police chief “believes we can balance public safety and ensure peaceful protests can continue without a curfew.”
“For those peacefully demonstrating tonight, please know you can continue to demonstrate,” Mr. Durkan added. “We want you to continue making your voice heard.”
Tim ArangoTim Arango
Los AngelesLos Angeles
Every Wednesday for the last two-and-a-half years, Black Lives Matter has held a demonstration against police abuses in downtown Los Angeles, often drawing just a couple dozen people.Every Wednesday for the last two-and-a-half years, Black Lives Matter has held a demonstration against police abuses in downtown Los Angeles, often drawing just a couple dozen people.
But today, there were many thousands gathered in front of the Hall of Justice, underscoring how the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has catalyzed the work that local activists have been carrying out for years. Family members of young men who had been killed by the police in recent years told their stories.But today, there were many thousands gathered in front of the Hall of Justice, underscoring how the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has catalyzed the work that local activists have been carrying out for years. Family members of young men who had been killed by the police in recent years told their stories.
“I can’t sleep at night,” said Fouzia Almarou, whose son Kenneth Ross Jr. was shot and killed by police in Gardena in 2018. A man recounted how his brother Anthony Weber was killed in South Los Angeles after a Super Bowl party in 2018. Another woman carried a velvet box containing the ashes of her son, killed by law enforcement.“I can’t sleep at night,” said Fouzia Almarou, whose son Kenneth Ross Jr. was shot and killed by police in Gardena in 2018. A man recounted how his brother Anthony Weber was killed in South Los Angeles after a Super Bowl party in 2018. Another woman carried a velvet box containing the ashes of her son, killed by law enforcement.
“We have been waiting for these days to come, for these people to stream into these streets,” said Valerie Rivera, whose son Eric was killed by police in 2017.“We have been waiting for these days to come, for these people to stream into these streets,” said Valerie Rivera, whose son Eric was killed by police in 2017.
“You keep hearing people say it’s horrible a black man was killed but we have to stop the destruction,” said Bryon Spencer, 55, who has been out protesting all week. “It should be flipped. It’s horrible that there’s been this destruction but we’ve got to stop the killing of black men.”“You keep hearing people say it’s horrible a black man was killed but we have to stop the destruction,” said Bryon Spencer, 55, who has been out protesting all week. “It should be flipped. It’s horrible that there’s been this destruction but we’ve got to stop the killing of black men.”
THOMAS FULLERTHOMAS FULLER
San FranciscoSan Francisco
A multiethnic crowd including doctors in scrubs and students wearing black gathered in the Mission District, filling the streets next to Dolores Park.A multiethnic crowd including doctors in scrubs and students wearing black gathered in the Mission District, filling the streets next to Dolores Park.
William Achukwu, at 6 foot 6 inches, towered over his fellow San Franciscans.William Achukwu, at 6 foot 6 inches, towered over his fellow San Franciscans.
“Our Declaration of Independence says life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Mr. Achukwu said. “We are only dealing with the life part here,” he said of the protest. “This is a first step. But liberty is what a lot of people are marching for.”“Our Declaration of Independence says life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Mr. Achukwu said. “We are only dealing with the life part here,” he said of the protest. “This is a first step. But liberty is what a lot of people are marching for.”
Mr. Achukwu said his experiences as a black man in San Francisco, where he works for a technology company, have taught him that even in such a liberal city he is treated with fear.Mr. Achukwu said his experiences as a black man in San Francisco, where he works for a technology company, have taught him that even in such a liberal city he is treated with fear.
People clutch their bags when he jogs through his neighborhood. His tenant brought a friend to the house and she thought he was there to clean. A police officer in Silicon Valley stopped him in his red Mustang convertible for drifting across lanes as he turned. The officer said, “Turn off your hip-hop when you’re talking to me.” He was listening to “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.People clutch their bags when he jogs through his neighborhood. His tenant brought a friend to the house and she thought he was there to clean. A police officer in Silicon Valley stopped him in his red Mustang convertible for drifting across lanes as he turned. The officer said, “Turn off your hip-hop when you’re talking to me.” He was listening to “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.
A number of years ago he traveled to Tokyo and was walking through the streets late at night when he was approached enthusiastically by a child. “A little girl walked right up to me with no fear,” he said. “That’s never happened to me at home. “Why?”A number of years ago he traveled to Tokyo and was walking through the streets late at night when he was approached enthusiastically by a child. “A little girl walked right up to me with no fear,” he said. “That’s never happened to me at home. “Why?”
Thomas Gibbons-NeffThomas Gibbons-Neff
Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.
As the sun started to descend over Washington on Wednesday, a crowd of more than a thousand protesters gathered peacefully. Sandwiches were distributed. An aging white Volvo had cookies in its trunk.As the sun started to descend over Washington on Wednesday, a crowd of more than a thousand protesters gathered peacefully. Sandwiches were distributed. An aging white Volvo had cookies in its trunk.
The security perimeter around the White House had grown. No longer were soldiers and police behind a black chain link fence, as on the previous day. Instead the officers and troops had surged forward by half a block, forming a human line of riot shields, helmets and camouflage.The security perimeter around the White House had grown. No longer were soldiers and police behind a black chain link fence, as on the previous day. Instead the officers and troops had surged forward by half a block, forming a human line of riot shields, helmets and camouflage.
National Guard units, solidly ahead of the police near the White House, had seemingly become the public face of the security presence. They blocked the streets with 2.5 ton Army transport trucks.National Guard units, solidly ahead of the police near the White House, had seemingly become the public face of the security presence. They blocked the streets with 2.5 ton Army transport trucks.
Rai Jackson, a 39 year old Methodist preacher joining the protest for the first time, said he wanted to see the situation before leading prayer next Sunday.Rai Jackson, a 39 year old Methodist preacher joining the protest for the first time, said he wanted to see the situation before leading prayer next Sunday.
“My heart is broken,” Mr. Jackson said. “But at the same time it gives me hope.”“My heart is broken,” Mr. Jackson said. “But at the same time it gives me hope.”
He added that he felt for troops lined up in front of him.He added that he felt for troops lined up in front of him.
“I imagine that some of them would probably want to kneel with us,” Mr. Jackson said. “My heart goes out to everybody who has to be in the middle of this, trying to go home and talk to their family about what side they’re on.”“I imagine that some of them would probably want to kneel with us,” Mr. Jackson said. “My heart goes out to everybody who has to be in the middle of this, trying to go home and talk to their family about what side they’re on.”
“My heart breaks for them.”“My heart breaks for them.”
Keith Ellison, the attorney general of Minnesota, on Wednesday announced new charges against three former Minneapolis police officers who took part in the arrest of George Floyd, and an upgraded murder count for the fired officer at the center of the case.
The three officers, Thomas Lane, 37, J. Alexander Kueng, 26, and Tou Thao, 34, were charged with aiding and abetting murder, court records show. Mr. Kueng was in custody on Wednesday, county jail records showed. The authorities said they were in the process of arresting Mr. Lane and Mr. Thao.
The fourth officer, Derek Chauvin, 44, who was arrested last week, now faces an increased charge of second-degree murder.
“The very fact we have filed these charges means we have believed in them,” Mr. Ellison said. “But what I do not believe is that one successful prosecution can rectify the hurt and loss that so many people feel.”
Mr. Chauvin kept his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, including for 2 minutes 53 seconds after Mr. Floyd fell unresponsive, according to the initial charging document released by prosecutors.
The other officers did not stop Mr. Chauvin, and Mr. Lane and Mr. Kueng helped hold Mr. Floyd to the ground for at least part of the time, while Mr. Thao stood nearby, according to video reconstruction of the arrest by The New York Times. Mr. Lane asked at one point whether they should turn Mr. Floyd onto his side, prosecutors said, but Mr. Chauvin said “no, staying put where we got him.”
All four officers were fired from the Minneapolis Police Department after video of the fatal encounter emerged. But prosecutors faced growing calls for charges against them, as anger and anguish over Mr. Floyd’s death sent demonstrators into the streets in cities and towns across the country.
Mr. Ellison asked the public for patience, and he cautioned that history showed the challenges of prosecuting police officers.
“Trying this case will not be an easy thing,” he said. “Winning a conviction will be hard.”
At first, Mr. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder, a charge that Mr. Floyd’s family criticized as too lenient. He was also charged with second-degree manslaughter. Mr. Ellison announced an addition of a second-degree murder charge on Wednesday.
In Minnesota, second-degree murder requires prosecutors to prove either that Mr. Chauvin intended to kill Mr. Floyd, or that he did so while committing another felony. A court filing indicated that prosecutors planned to take the latter approach. Third-degree murder does not require an intent to kill, according to the Minnesota statute, only that the perpetrator caused someone’s death in a dangerous act “without regard for human life.”
Under Minnesota law, second-degree murder comes with a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and accomplices can be eligible for the same penalties as the primary defendant.
But if they are convicted, it is likely that the officers could get far less than that, under standard sentencing guidelines that suggest the equivalent of 12 years in prison for the typical second-degree murder case, said Richard Frase, a professor of criminal law at the University of Minnesota.
Dozens of American cities remained under curfew Wednesday night, but some began to relax their restrictions amid signs of a reduction in the widespread violence, vandalism and civil unrest that broke out across the country following the death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis.
Protests continued during the day and were largely peaceful, reinforcing hopes that the most serious convulsions had passed, especially after three more officers were charged in the death of Mr. Floyd. But each day since the turmoil began, serious trouble has not emerged until nighttime, leaving local and state officials again bracing for renewed disturbances as evening approached.
The unrest was far less destructive on Tuesday than it had been the previous few nights, as both law enforcement officers and people in the streets appeared less eager for confrontation.
“The largest group of protesters that we have seen to this point have been doing a little bit of self-policing,” Peter Newsham, the police chief of Washington, D.C., said.
Washington moved back its curfew from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. In the afternoon, several hundred protesters lay face down on the pavement, as Mr. Floyd had, in eerie silence outside the Capitol.
Los Angeles County and the city of Los Angeles pushed back their curfews from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and neighboring Santa Monica moved its curfew from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“We saw mass amounts of people protesting peacefully” last night, the county’s sheriff, Alex Villanueva said. “As a result, hopefully we can start altering the curfew.”
The mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, maintained a 9 p.m. curfew but reopened street access to the downtown area and allowed businesses there to reopen. The regional commuter rail system resumed service after being shut down for two days. And New York City, where there was extensive looting on Monday night, remained under an 8 p.m. curfew, a day after thousands of peaceful protesters defied it.
And Seattle’s mayor, Jenny A. Durkan, said on Twitter that the city’s police chief “believes we can balance public safety and ensure peaceful protests can continue without a curfew.”
“For those peacefully demonstrating tonight, please know you can continue to demonstrate,” Mr. Durkan added. “We want you to continue making your voice heard.”
Three men linked to a loose national network of far-right extremists advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government faced charges on Wednesday of trying to foment violence in Las Vegas during protests over the death of George Floyd.Three men linked to a loose national network of far-right extremists advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government faced charges on Wednesday of trying to foment violence in Las Vegas during protests over the death of George Floyd.
Federal prosecutors said that the three men, all with U.S. military experience, sought to disrupt a Black Lives Matter protest in Las Vegas on May 30 after preparing Molotov cocktails in glass bottles filled with gasoline.Federal prosecutors said that the three men, all with U.S. military experience, sought to disrupt a Black Lives Matter protest in Las Vegas on May 30 after preparing Molotov cocktails in glass bottles filled with gasoline.
The three men were all members of the “boogaloo” movement and had joined a Nevada Boogaloo Facebook group, according to the criminal complaint filed in federal court in Nevada.The three men were all members of the “boogaloo” movement and had joined a Nevada Boogaloo Facebook group, according to the criminal complaint filed in federal court in Nevada.
Members of the boogaloo movement, many of them armed and wearing distinctive Hawaiian shirts, have participated in dozens of protests around the country.Members of the boogaloo movement, many of them armed and wearing distinctive Hawaiian shirts, have participated in dozens of protests around the country.
Members often claim that they appear armed in public to underscore their commitment to Second Amendment rights. But online boogaloo discussion groups overflow with racist statements and threats to exploit any unrest to spark a civil war.Members often claim that they appear armed in public to underscore their commitment to Second Amendment rights. But online boogaloo discussion groups overflow with racist statements and threats to exploit any unrest to spark a civil war.
The three Nevada residents charged were Stephen T. Parshall, 35, a Navy veteran; Andrew T. Lynam, Jr., 23, a current army reservist; and William L. Loomis, 40, an Air Force veteran.The three Nevada residents charged were Stephen T. Parshall, 35, a Navy veteran; Andrew T. Lynam, Jr., 23, a current army reservist; and William L. Loomis, 40, an Air Force veteran.
They were being held on $1 million bond each, according to court records. No information was immediately available on their lawyers. The three men are accused of plotting to blow up federal and other property; with possessing unregistered firearms; and with Nevada terrorism-related charges.They were being held on $1 million bond each, according to court records. No information was immediately available on their lawyers. The three men are accused of plotting to blow up federal and other property; with possessing unregistered firearms; and with Nevada terrorism-related charges.
The men initially joined ReOpen Nevada protests in April and May, demanding an early end to the state shutdowns ordered to stop the spread of the coronavirus, according to the criminal complaint. They discussed exploding some kind of device at those protests in order to spark a clash between police and protesters, according to an informant quoted in the complaint, then switched their attention and plot to the Floyd protests.The men initially joined ReOpen Nevada protests in April and May, demanding an early end to the state shutdowns ordered to stop the spread of the coronavirus, according to the criminal complaint. They discussed exploding some kind of device at those protests in order to spark a clash between police and protesters, according to an informant quoted in the complaint, then switched their attention and plot to the Floyd protests.
Federal agents arrested them last Saturday while they were on their way to a march, stopping to use gas from a can to build explosive bottles.Federal agents arrested them last Saturday while they were on their way to a march, stopping to use gas from a can to build explosive bottles.
Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, in his harshest criticism of the president since he resigned in protest in December 2018 over Mr. Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from eastern Syria, offered a withering criticism on Wednesday of the president’s leadership.Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, in his harshest criticism of the president since he resigned in protest in December 2018 over Mr. Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from eastern Syria, offered a withering criticism on Wednesday of the president’s leadership.
“Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people — does not even pretend to try,” Mr. Mattis said in a statement. “Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership.”“Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people — does not even pretend to try,” Mr. Mattis said in a statement. “Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership.”
The statement from Mattis came hours after the current Defense Secretary, Mark T. Esper, said that he does not think the current state of unrest in American cities warrants the deployment of active-duty troops to confront protesters. Mr. Esper’s comments directly contradicted President Trump, coming only days after the president has repeatedly raised the possibility of the Insurrection Act to do exactly that.The statement from Mattis came hours after the current Defense Secretary, Mark T. Esper, said that he does not think the current state of unrest in American cities warrants the deployment of active-duty troops to confront protesters. Mr. Esper’s comments directly contradicted President Trump, coming only days after the president has repeatedly raised the possibility of the Insurrection Act to do exactly that.
In a Pentagon news conference on Wednesday morning, Mr. Esper said ordering active-duty troops to police American cities should be a “last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations.” He said that, for now, this was not warranted.In a Pentagon news conference on Wednesday morning, Mr. Esper said ordering active-duty troops to police American cities should be a “last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations.” He said that, for now, this was not warranted.
About 1,600 airborne troops and military police have been ordered to be positioned outside the capital, officials said Tuesday night.About 1,600 airborne troops and military police have been ordered to be positioned outside the capital, officials said Tuesday night.
To date, the troops that have assisted with protest response around the country have been National Guard forces under state control, and not active-duty military forces, which are prohibited from carrying out domestic law enforcement under most circumstances. On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida offered to send 500 Florida National Guard troops to Washington.To date, the troops that have assisted with protest response around the country have been National Guard forces under state control, and not active-duty military forces, which are prohibited from carrying out domestic law enforcement under most circumstances. On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida offered to send 500 Florida National Guard troops to Washington.
Officials said that Mr. Trump had discussed invoking the Insurrection Act to permit use of active-duty troops, but had been dissuaded by Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Attorney General William P. Barr.Officials said that Mr. Trump had discussed invoking the Insurrection Act to permit use of active-duty troops, but had been dissuaded by Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Attorney General William P. Barr.
Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia plans to order the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond to be removed, an official in Northam’s administration said, and Richmond’s mayor said he would propose removing additional Confederate monuments in the city.Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia plans to order the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond to be removed, an official in Northam’s administration said, and Richmond’s mayor said he would propose removing additional Confederate monuments in the city.
In recent days, demonstrators in at least six cities focused their anger on symbols of the Confederacy, seizing the opportunity to mar statues and monuments — including the Lee statue in Richmond — that have ignited debate for years.In recent days, demonstrators in at least six cities focused their anger on symbols of the Confederacy, seizing the opportunity to mar statues and monuments — including the Lee statue in Richmond — that have ignited debate for years.
The Northam administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been publicly announced, said Mr. Northam, a Democrat, would release more details at a news conference on Thursday morning.The Northam administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been publicly announced, said Mr. Northam, a Democrat, would release more details at a news conference on Thursday morning.
The administration official said the Robert E. Lee monument is the only statue in Richmond over which the state has control.The administration official said the Robert E. Lee monument is the only statue in Richmond over which the state has control.
Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond said on Wednesday that he would also propose a city ordinance to remove all Confederate monuments on Monument Avenue in the city. Mr. Stoney said he would introduce the bill on July 1, when a new state law goes into effect giving local governments the authority to remove the monuments on their own.Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond said on Wednesday that he would also propose a city ordinance to remove all Confederate monuments on Monument Avenue in the city. Mr. Stoney said he would introduce the bill on July 1, when a new state law goes into effect giving local governments the authority to remove the monuments on their own.
“Richmond is no longer the Capital of the Confederacy — it is filled with diversity and love for all — and we need to demonstrate that,” Mr. Stoney said in a statement.“Richmond is no longer the Capital of the Confederacy — it is filled with diversity and love for all — and we need to demonstrate that,” Mr. Stoney said in a statement.
Michael Jones, a Richmond City Council member who has been a leading voice for removal of the Confederate monuments, is co-sponsor, with the mayor, of the proposed ordinance. “This is not my victory,” he wrote on Twitter. “To our great grandparents, who lived in their shadow and to young protesters who echoed the call — this is all yours.”Michael Jones, a Richmond City Council member who has been a leading voice for removal of the Confederate monuments, is co-sponsor, with the mayor, of the proposed ordinance. “This is not my victory,” he wrote on Twitter. “To our great grandparents, who lived in their shadow and to young protesters who echoed the call — this is all yours.”
The statue of Lee, the Confederacy’s most prominent general during the Civil War, was one of many monuments in Richmond that were vandalized with spray paint; protesters tried to topple others from their bases.The statue of Lee, the Confederacy’s most prominent general during the Civil War, was one of many monuments in Richmond that were vandalized with spray paint; protesters tried to topple others from their bases.
Statues that have been the focus of protests already have been removed in other cities.Statues that have been the focus of protests already have been removed in other cities.
On Monday, the mayor of Birmingham, Ala., ordered the removal of a Confederate statue from a public park there. Protesters had defaced the statue, the 115-year-old Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Linn Park, and chipped away at its base over the weekend. A large crane arrived to remove it shortly before 8 p.m. on Monday — Jefferson Davis Day, a state holiday in Alabama honoring the president of the Confederacy. On Monday, the mayor of Birmingham, Ala., ordered the removal of a Confederate statue from a public park there. Protesters had defaced the statue, the 115-year-old Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Linn Park, and chipped away at its base over the weekend. A large crane arrived to remove it shortly before 8 p.m. on Monday — Jefferson Davis Day, a state holiday in Alabama honoring the president of the Confederacy.
Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Emily Cochrane, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Elizabeth Dias, Reid J. Epstein, Tess Felder, Lazaro Gamio, Sandra E. Garcia, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Katie Glueck, Russell Goldman, Erica L. Green, Amy Julia Harris, Shawn Hubler, Carl Hulse, Neil MacFarquhar, Patricia Mazzei, Richard A. Oppel Jr., Richard Perez-Pena, Catherine Porter, Elisabetta Povoledo, Michael Powell, Frances Robles, Alejandra Rosa, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Thomas Shanker, Glenn Thrush, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor and Karen Weise.Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Emily Cochrane, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Elizabeth Dias, Reid J. Epstein, Tess Felder, Lazaro Gamio, Sandra E. Garcia, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Katie Glueck, Russell Goldman, Erica L. Green, Amy Julia Harris, Shawn Hubler, Carl Hulse, Neil MacFarquhar, Patricia Mazzei, Richard A. Oppel Jr., Richard Perez-Pena, Catherine Porter, Elisabetta Povoledo, Michael Powell, Frances Robles, Alejandra Rosa, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Thomas Shanker, Glenn Thrush, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor and Karen Weise.