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George Floyd Protests Updates: Memorials Planned as Nation Tries to Heal George Floyd Protests Updates: Memorials Planned as Nation Tries to Heal
(32 minutes later)
The family of George Floyd was preparing on Thursday for the first of a succession of planned memorials in three cities, after a ninth day and night in which tens of thousands of people took to America’s streets in largely peaceful demonstrations calling for sweeping reforms in policing and an end to systemic racism.The family of George Floyd was preparing on Thursday for the first of a succession of planned memorials in three cities, after a ninth day and night in which tens of thousands of people took to America’s streets in largely peaceful demonstrations calling for sweeping reforms in policing and an end to systemic racism.
Many protesters cheered the decision to charge three more police officers on Wednesday in Mr. Floyd’s death and to file a more severe charge against Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned Mr. Floyd to the ground with a knee for nearly nine minutes as an encouraging development in a broader struggle.Many protesters cheered the decision to charge three more police officers on Wednesday in Mr. Floyd’s death and to file a more severe charge against Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned Mr. Floyd to the ground with a knee for nearly nine minutes as an encouraging development in a broader struggle.
“This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, and we are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyd’s body was laid to rest,” said Ben Crump, a lawyer for Mr. Floyd’s family.“This is a significant step forward on the road to justice, and we are gratified that this important action was brought before George Floyd’s body was laid to rest,” said Ben Crump, a lawyer for Mr. Floyd’s family.
The groundswell of national outrage has already led lawmakers in a number of states to consider legislation aimed at overhauling police procedures and systemic inequities. Measures being weighed include a ban on chokeholds in Colorado, a bill aimed at minimizing the use of lethal force in Wisconsin, and a potential repeal of California’s 24-year-old ban on affirmative action in university admissions and public sector contracting and hiring.The groundswell of national outrage has already led lawmakers in a number of states to consider legislation aimed at overhauling police procedures and systemic inequities. Measures being weighed include a ban on chokeholds in Colorado, a bill aimed at minimizing the use of lethal force in Wisconsin, and a potential repeal of California’s 24-year-old ban on affirmative action in university admissions and public sector contracting and hiring.
Former President Barack Obama, in rare public remarks, called on every mayor in the country to review use-of-force policies and to aggressively pursue police reforms like mandatory de-escalation of conflicts, a ban on shooting at moving vehicles, timely reporting of violent incidents and prohibitions on some forms of restraint used by the police.Former President Barack Obama, in rare public remarks, called on every mayor in the country to review use-of-force policies and to aggressively pursue police reforms like mandatory de-escalation of conflicts, a ban on shooting at moving vehicles, timely reporting of violent incidents and prohibitions on some forms of restraint used by the police.
Speaking from his home in Washington, he also offered encouragement to the demonstrators.Speaking from his home in Washington, he also offered encouragement to the demonstrators.
“For those who have been talking about protest, just remember that this country was founded on protest — it is called the American Revolution,” Mr. Obama said.“For those who have been talking about protest, just remember that this country was founded on protest — it is called the American Revolution,” Mr. Obama said.
His remarks stood in stark contrast to President Trump, whose calls to deploy active-duty military troops to U.S. cities have shaken the Pentagon.His remarks stood in stark contrast to President Trump, whose calls to deploy active-duty military troops to U.S. cities have shaken the Pentagon.
Jim Mattis, the former defense secretary, added his voice to the chorus of condemnation of Mr. Trump on Wednesday, saying the country was “witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership.”Jim Mattis, the former defense secretary, added his voice to the chorus of condemnation of Mr. Trump on Wednesday, saying the country was “witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership.”
Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, in his harshest criticism of President Trump since resigning in protest in December 2018 over the president’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from eastern Syria, offered a withering take on Wednesday of Mr. Trump’s leadership.Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, in his harshest criticism of President Trump since resigning in protest in December 2018 over the president’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from eastern Syria, offered a withering take on Wednesday of Mr. Trump’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.”
“When I joined the military, some 50 years ago, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution,” Mr. Mattis wrote. “Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the constitutional rights of their fellow citizens — much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander in chief, with military leadership standing alongside.”“When I joined the military, some 50 years ago, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution,” Mr. Mattis wrote. “Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the constitutional rights of their fellow citizens — much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander in chief, with military leadership standing alongside.”
The statement came hours after the current defense secretary, Mark T. Esper, said he did not think the present state of unrest in U.S. cities warranted the deployment of active-duty troops to confront protesters. Mr. Esper’s comments contradicted Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly raised the possibility of the Insurrection Act to do exactly that.The statement came hours after the current defense secretary, Mark T. Esper, said he did not think the present state of unrest in U.S. cities warranted the deployment of active-duty troops to confront protesters. Mr. Esper’s comments contradicted Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly raised the possibility of the Insurrection Act to do exactly that.
In a Pentagon news conference on Wednesday, 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, 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 positioned outside the capital, officials said this week.About 1,600 airborne troops and military police have been positioned outside the capital, officials said this week.
Adding to the federal response, Attorney General William P. Barr has temporarily given the power to make arrests and enforce federal criminal laws to officers at the Bureau of Prisons, who were asked this week to help clamp down on the demonstrations.
All of the Justice Department components — including the F.B.I., the U.S. Marshalls, the Bureau of Prisons, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the A.T.F. — have been tapped to respond to violence and looting. The majority of those officers are working to keep a tight grip on Washington, where federal forces have taken over the city’s response to the protests.
The decision to confer more power on agents who work for the Justice Department comes as protests in Washington have been relatively calm. On Wednesday and Thursday evening, throngs of demonstrators walked peacefully past lines of federal officers in riot gear.
From coast to coast, protesters had a consistent reaction to the charges that have now been brought against three additional police officers in the death of George Floyd: It’s good news — and it’s not nearly enough. There need to be convictions. There needs to be systemic change.From coast to coast, protesters had a consistent reaction to the charges that have now been brought against three additional police officers in the death of George Floyd: It’s good news — 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 last month.“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 last month.
“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, Derek Chauvin, had been charged with second-degree murder rather than first-degree, or that action against the other officers was not taken sooner.Some protesters expressed disappointment that the officer who pressed on Mr. Floyd’s neck, Derek Chauvin, had been charged with second-degree murder rather than first-degree, or that action against the other officers was not 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, these officers never would have 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, these officers never would have been charged.”
At a demonstration 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.”At a demonstration 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.”
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. On Wednesday, he distributed bottled water at what he said was his first demonstration but would not be his last. What would stop him from protesting?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. On Wednesday, he distributed bottled water at what he said was his first demonstration but would not be his last. What would stop him from protesting?
“They would have to shoot me.”“They would have to shoot me.”
For nearly three months, Americans have avoided most collective outpourings of grief as fears of the coronavirus converted funerals of lost friends and family into painfully socially distanced affairs.For nearly three months, Americans have avoided most collective outpourings of grief as fears of the coronavirus converted funerals of lost friends and family into painfully socially distanced affairs.
That will not be the case on Thursday when large crowds are expected to gather for a memorial service for George Floyd, a man whose recent death in police custody has elicited such outrage across the country that it has pushed fears of a global pandemic into the background.That will not be the case on Thursday when large crowds are expected to gather for a memorial service for George Floyd, a man whose recent death in police custody has elicited such outrage across the country that it has pushed fears of a global pandemic into the background.
“We have to be united, even with Covid,” said Yousif Hussein, 29, who said he planned to attend the memorial.“We have to be united, even with Covid,” said Yousif Hussein, 29, who said he planned to attend the memorial.
“I have to show solidarity with George Floyd,” Mr. Hussein said outside the corner market in midtown Minneapolis where Mr. Floyd made his final gasps — for help, for his mother and for air, a plea that has become a painful refrain for racial and social justice in America: “I can’t breathe.”“I have to show solidarity with George Floyd,” Mr. Hussein said outside the corner market in midtown Minneapolis where Mr. Floyd made his final gasps — for help, for his mother and for air, a plea that has become a painful refrain for racial and social justice in America: “I can’t breathe.”
Thursday’s memorial service is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in a large sanctuary at North Central University in Minneapolis. Other services for Mr. Floyd are planned for Saturday in Raeford, N.C., where some of his family lives, and Monday in Houston, where he lived for many years.Thursday’s memorial service is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in a large sanctuary at North Central University in Minneapolis. Other services for Mr. Floyd are planned for Saturday in Raeford, N.C., where some of his family lives, and Monday in Houston, where he lived for many years.
The Minneapolis service, to be led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, comes a day after enhanced charges were announced against the police officer who wedged his knee onto Mr. Floyd’s neck and new charges against three other officers who participated in the arrest. All have been fired.The Minneapolis service, to be led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, comes a day after enhanced charges were announced against the police officer who wedged his knee onto Mr. Floyd’s neck and new charges against three other officers who participated in the arrest. All have been fired.
Among those planning to attend the memorial service is Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, who died in 2014 when a New York police officer placed him in a fatal chokehold. His last words, “I can’t breathe” — echoed last month by Mr. Floyd — galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement.Among those planning to attend the memorial service is Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, who died in 2014 when a New York police officer placed him in a fatal chokehold. His last words, “I can’t breathe” — echoed last month by Mr. Floyd — galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement.
“It just feels like I’m coming to my son’s funeral again,” Ms. Carr said on Wednesday.“It just feels like I’m coming to my son’s funeral again,” Ms. Carr said on Wednesday.
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 had tried 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 had tried 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 lawyer.“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 lawyer.
“I could hear him pleading, ‘Please, officer, what’s all this for?’” Mr. Hall said in an interview with Erica L. Green of The New York 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 New York 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.Mr. Hall is a key witness in the state’s investigation into the four officers who apprehended Mr. Floyd.
The three former Minneapolis police officers who failed to intervene while George Floyd was killed are expected to appear in court on Thursday afternoon, in a first public appearance since protests seized the nation.
The officers, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, were charged on Wednesday with aiding and abetting second-degree murder, as well as aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. Jail records show they are scheduled to appear in court at 12:45 p.m. local time.
A fourth former officer who was seen on video holding Mr. Floyd down, Derek Chauvin, 44, faces an increased charge of second-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter. He has a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
All four officers were fired after video emerged of the May 25 arrest that led to the killing.
Mr. Chauvin, who is white, held his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes while Mr. Floyd pleaded he could not breathe. Mr. Lane and Mr. Kueng, who are white, held his legs and back, and Mr. Thao, who is Hmong, stood by, according to video footage and a spokesman for the Minnesota attorney general.
More than 200 pages of personnel records released by the Minneapolis Police Department late Wednesday revealed the varying histories of the four officers, including a more detailed complaint against Mr. Chauvin.
Mr. Chauvin appears to have been reprimanded and possibly suspended after a woman complained in 2007 that he needlessly removed her from her car, searched her and put her into the back of a squad car for driving 10 miles an hour over the speed limit. He was the subject of at least 17 misconduct complaints over two decades, but the woman’s complaint is the only one detailed in 79 pages of his heavily redacted personnel file.
The file shows that the complaint was upheld and that Mr. Chauvin was issued a letter of reprimand.
“Officer did not have to remove complainant from car, Could’ve conducted interview outside the vehicle,” read the investigators’ finding.
In one part of the records, the discipline imposed is listed as “letter of reprimand,” but Mr. Chauvin was also issued a “notice of suspension” in May 2008, just after the investigation into the complaint ended, that lists the same internal affairs case number.
Mr. Kueng, 26, was an officer with the department for less than six months. He joined as a cadet in February 2019 and became an officer on Dec. 10, 2019, having previously worked as a community service officer with the department. He also worked as a security guard at a Macy’s and stocked shelves at a Target.
Mr. Lane, 37, was accepted to the police academy in January 2019, having begun working in the criminal justice system in 2017 as a probation officer. Mr. Lane previously worked a series of different jobs, from restaurant server to Home Depot sales associate. He volunteered at Ka Joog tutoring, working with Somali youth in Cedar Riverside.
Mr. Thao, 34, was hired in 2008 as a community service officer in Minneapolis. He was laid off in late 2009 because of budget cuts, but was recalled in 2011 and was then hired as a police officer in 2012. He had faced six misconduct complaints in his career with the Minneapolis Police Department.
Behind the concrete and metal barriers near the shuttered Gay 90’s nightclub, National Guard soldiers stood watching.Behind the concrete and metal barriers near the shuttered Gay 90’s nightclub, National Guard soldiers stood watching.
A peaceful protest on Wednesday outside the First Police Precinct in Minneapolis swelled to more than 500 people, and then dwindled to about 50 as the minutes ticked down to the 10 p.m. curfew.A peaceful protest on Wednesday outside the First Police Precinct in Minneapolis swelled to more than 500 people, and then dwindled to about 50 as the minutes ticked down to the 10 p.m. curfew.
Just after the curfew began, Nekima Levy Armstrong, a protest organizer and civil rights lawyer, addressed law enforcement.Just after the curfew began, Nekima Levy Armstrong, a protest organizer and civil rights lawyer, addressed law enforcement.
“We have asked you to find your hearts, to find your humanity, to stop abusing people who are simply exercising their First Amendment constitutional right to freedom of speech,” she said.“We have asked you to find your hearts, to find your humanity, to stop abusing people who are simply exercising their First Amendment constitutional right to freedom of speech,” she said.
Protesters handed out markers so people could write emergency phone numbers on their arms in case they were arrested. Others put on helmets, goggles and makeshift masks in case of tear gas.Protesters handed out markers so people could write emergency phone numbers on their arms in case they were arrested. Others put on helmets, goggles and makeshift masks in case of tear gas.
Instead, Ms. Levy Armstrong kept talking, for almost another hour, about the arrests of the other three officers who arrested Mr. Floyd.Instead, Ms. Levy Armstrong kept talking, for almost another hour, about the arrests of the other three officers who arrested Mr. Floyd.
“Now we need to keep fighting and make sure that there is a conviction. Right?” she asked, as the crowd cheered. “So that means that we’ve got to keep the pressure on.”“Now we need to keep fighting and make sure that there is a conviction. Right?” she asked, as the crowd cheered. “So that means that we’ve got to keep the pressure on.”
Just before 11 p.m., she said the rally was over. As people got ready to leave, loudspeakers played “Get Up Stand Up” by Bob Marley.Just before 11 p.m., she said the rally was over. As people got ready to leave, loudspeakers played “Get Up Stand Up” by Bob Marley.
The National Guard soldiers stood watching.The National Guard soldiers stood watching.
Every Wednesday for the last two and a half years, Black Lives Matter has held a demonstration in downtown Los Angeles against police abuses, often drawing just a couple of dozen people.Every Wednesday for the last two and a half years, Black Lives Matter has held a demonstration in downtown Los Angeles against police abuses, often drawing just a couple of dozen people.
But on Wednesday, many thousands were 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 killed by the police in recent years told their stories.But on Wednesday, many thousands were 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 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 fatally shot by the 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. A 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 fatally shot by the 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. A 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 the 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 the 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.”
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, towered over his fellow San Franciscans.William Achukwu, at 6-foot-6, towered over his fellow San Franciscans.
“Our Declaration of Independence says life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” he 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,” he 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, had 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, had 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?”
As the sun started to descend over Washington on Wednesday, a crowd of more than 1,000 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 1,000 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 officers behind a 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 officers behind a 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,” he said. “But at the same time it gives me hope.”“My heart is broken,” he 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.”
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 Mr. Floyd was probably asymptomatic at the time of his death.Dr. Andrew M. Baker, the county’s top medical examiner, said Mr. Floyd was probably 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 that the four police officers who arrested Mr. Floyd should be tested for the virus, as should some of the witnesses.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 that the four police officers who arrested Mr. Floyd should be tested for the virus, as should some of the witnesses.
“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.“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.
He said the full autopsy included information he did not have access to, such as toxicology results showing that Mr. Floyd had fentanyl in his system.He said the full autopsy included information he did not have access to, such as toxicology results showing that Mr. Floyd had fentanyl in his system.
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 lawyers for the officers could make a point of the presence of fentanyl in Mr. Floyd’s body. Although the amount required to be lethal varies, fentanyl can stop a person’s heart and breathing, he said.Mr. Kobilinsky said lawyers for the officers could make a point of the presence of fentanyl in Mr. Floyd’s body. Although the amount required to be lethal varies, fentanyl can stop a person’s heart and breathing, he said.
Dr. Baden said 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 said 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.
But he said there was nothing in the full autopsy that made him change his medical opinion. “Restraint is what caused the death,” he said.But he said there was nothing in the full autopsy that made him change his medical opinion. “Restraint is what caused the death,” he said.
A black man who called out “I can’t breathe” before dying in police custody in Tacoma, Wash., was killed as a result of oxygen deprivation and the physical restraint that was used on him, according to details of a medical examiner’s report released on Wednesday.A black man who called out “I can’t breathe” before dying in police custody in Tacoma, Wash., was killed as a result of oxygen deprivation and the physical restraint that was used on him, according to details of a medical examiner’s report released on Wednesday.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the death of the man, Manuel Ellis, 33, was a homicide. Investigators with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department were in the process of preparing a report about the March death, which occurred shortly after an arrest by officers from the Tacoma Police Department, said the sheriff’s spokesman, Ed Troyer.The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the death of the man, Manuel Ellis, 33, was a homicide. Investigators with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department were in the process of preparing a report about the March death, which occurred shortly after an arrest by officers from the Tacoma Police Department, said the sheriff’s spokesman, Ed Troyer.
“The information is all being put together,” Detective Troyer said. “We expect to present it to the prosecutor at the end of this week or early next week.”“The information is all being put together,” Detective Troyer said. “We expect to present it to the prosecutor at the end of this week or early next week.”
Mr. Ellis’s sister, Monet Carter-Mixon, called for action to bring accountability in the death and further scrutiny of both the Police Department’s practices and how the investigation into his death has been handled.Mr. Ellis’s sister, Monet Carter-Mixon, called for action to bring accountability in the death and further scrutiny of both the Police Department’s practices and how the investigation into his death has been handled.
“There’s a lot of questions that still need to be answered,” Ms. Carter-Mixon said.“There’s a lot of questions that still need to be answered,” Ms. Carter-Mixon said.
Mr. Ellis died from respiratory arrest, hypoxia and physical restraint, according to the medical examiner’s office. The report listed methamphetamine intoxication and heart disease as contributing factors.Mr. Ellis died from respiratory arrest, hypoxia and physical restraint, according to the medical examiner’s office. The report listed methamphetamine intoxication and heart disease as contributing factors.
Police officers encountered Mr. Ellis, a musician and father of two from Tacoma, on the night of March 3 as they were stopped at an intersection. They saw him banging on the window of another vehicle, Detective Troyer said.Police officers encountered Mr. Ellis, a musician and father of two from Tacoma, on the night of March 3 as they were stopped at an intersection. They saw him banging on the window of another vehicle, Detective Troyer said.
Mr. Ellis approached the officers, Detective Troyer said, and then threw an officer to the ground when the officer got out of the vehicle. The two officers and two backup officers who joined — two of them white, one black and one Asian — handcuffed him.Mr. Ellis approached the officers, Detective Troyer said, and then threw an officer to the ground when the officer got out of the vehicle. The two officers and two backup officers who joined — two of them white, one black and one Asian — handcuffed him.
“Mr. Ellis was physically restrained as he continued to be combative,” the Tacoma Police Department said in a statement on Wednesday.“Mr. Ellis was physically restrained as he continued to be combative,” the Tacoma Police Department said in a statement on Wednesday.
Detective Troyer said he did not know all the details of the restraint the officers used — they were not wearing body cameras — but said he did not believe they used a chokehold or a knee on Mr. Ellis’s neck. They rolled him on his side after he called out, “I can’t breathe.”Detective Troyer said he did not know all the details of the restraint the officers used — they were not wearing body cameras — but said he did not believe they used a chokehold or a knee on Mr. Ellis’s neck. They rolled him on his side after he called out, “I can’t breathe.”
Hours after the New York City police moved aggressively to enforce an 8 p.m. curfew and crowds of largely peaceful protesters had left the streets, three police officers were wounded late Wednesday night in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood in what officials called an “despicable” attack.Hours after the New York City police moved aggressively to enforce an 8 p.m. curfew and crowds of largely peaceful protesters had left the streets, three police officers were wounded late Wednesday night in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood in what officials called an “despicable” attack.
The police shot the man who the authorities say attacked the officers, including stabbing one in the neck, and all four were being treated for their injuries, according to Police Commissioner Dermot F. Shea.The police shot the man who the authorities say attacked the officers, including stabbing one in the neck, and all four were being treated for their injuries, according to Police Commissioner Dermot F. Shea.
Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking in the news briefing early Thursday, said he had visited with two of the officers and their family members, and family members of a third injured officer. He called it “a very tough night” and “another example of what it means every day for the men and the women of the N.Y.P.D. to protect all of us.”Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking in the news briefing early Thursday, said he had visited with two of the officers and their family members, and family members of a third injured officer. He called it “a very tough night” and “another example of what it means every day for the men and the women of the N.Y.P.D. to protect all of us.”
“This is a moment in our history we’ve got to support each other,” he said.“This is a moment in our history we’ve got to support each other,” he said.
The incident occurred after a day of largely peaceful protests gave way to a tense evening, with the police taking a tough approach to enforcing a curfew for the third night.The incident occurred after a day of largely peaceful protests gave way to a tense evening, with the police taking a tough approach to enforcing a curfew for the third night.
“When we have these big crowds — especially in this area, especially where we’ve had the looting — no more tolerance,” Chief Terence A. Monahan told reporters. “They have to be off the street. An 8 o’clock curfew — we gave them to 9 o’clock — and there was no indication that they were going to leave these streets.”“When we have these big crowds — especially in this area, especially where we’ve had the looting — no more tolerance,” Chief Terence A. Monahan told reporters. “They have to be off the street. An 8 o’clock curfew — we gave them to 9 o’clock — and there was no indication that they were going to leave these streets.”
The attack on the officers in Brooklyn was not connected to any demonstration.The attack on the officers in Brooklyn was not connected to any demonstration.
“It appears to be a completely, cowardly despicable unprovoked attack on a defenseless police officer,” Mr. Shea said.“It appears to be a completely, cowardly despicable unprovoked attack on a defenseless police officer,” Mr. Shea said.
The Minneapolis Police Department late Wednesday released 235 pages of personnel records for the four former officers charged in George Floyd’s killing on May 25, all of whom were fired after video of his death emerged the next day.
Three of the officers, Thomas Lane, 37, J. Alexander Kueng, 26, and Tou Thao, 34, were charged on Wednesday with aiding and abetting second-degree murder, court records show. The fourth officer, Derek Chauvin, 44, who was arrested last week, now faces an increased charge of second-degree murder.
Mr. Chauvin appears to have been reprimanded and possibly suspended after a woman complained in 2007 that he needlessly removed her from her car, searched her and put her into the back of a squad car for driving 10 miles an hour over the speed limit.
He was the subject of at least 17 misconduct complaints over two decades, but the woman’s complaint is the only one detailed in 79 pages of his heavily redacted personnel file. The file shows that the complaint was upheld and that Mr. Chauvin was issued a letter of reprimand.
“Officer did not have to remove complainant from car, Could’ve conducted interview outside the vehicle,” read the investigators’ finding.
In one part of the records, the discipline imposed is listed as “letter of reprimand,” but Mr. Chauvin was also issued a “notice of suspension” in May 2008, just after the investigation into the complaint ended, that lists the same internal affairs case number.
Mr. Kueng was an officer with the department for less than six months. He joined as a cadet in February 2019 and became an officer on Dec. 10, 2019, having previously worked as a community service officer with the department. He also worked as a security guard at a Macy’s and stocked shelves at a Target.
Mr. Lane was accepted to the police academy in January 2019, having begun working in the criminal justice system in 2017 as a probation officer. Mr. Lane previously worked a series of different jobs, from restaurant server to Home Depot sales associate. He volunteered at Ka Joog tutoring, working with Somali youth in Cedar Riverside.
Mr. Thao was hired in 2008 as a community service officer in Minneapolis. He was laid off in late 2009 because of budget cuts, but was recalled in 2011 and was then hired as a police officer in 2012.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed an emergency lawsuit on Wednesday over curfews in Southern California, arguing that they are suppressing political protests in violation of the First Amendment.The American Civil Liberties Union filed an emergency lawsuit on Wednesday over curfews in Southern California, arguing that they are suppressing political protests in violation of the First Amendment.
As thousands of Californians took part in widespread protests after the death of George Floyd, cities including Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Burbank imposed overnight curfews.As thousands of Californians took part in widespread protests after the death of George Floyd, cities including Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Burbank imposed overnight curfews.
The A.C.L.U. Foundation of Southern California, which called the restrictions “draconian,” filed its lawsuit on behalf of the Black Lives Matter Los Angeles group, journalists, protesters and other individuals. It listed the Los Angeles police chief and Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles among the defendants.The A.C.L.U. Foundation of Southern California, which called the restrictions “draconian,” filed its lawsuit on behalf of the Black Lives Matter Los Angeles group, journalists, protesters and other individuals. It listed the Los Angeles police chief and Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles among the defendants.
Curfews have been introduced in several U.S. cities, including New York and Washington, in attempts to clamp down on the looting that has followed peaceful daytime protests.Curfews have been introduced in several U.S. cities, including New York and Washington, in attempts to clamp down on the looting that has followed peaceful daytime protests.
Large numbers of people continue to take to the streets each evening, undeterred by orders to remain inside. Since protests began last week, more than 3,000 people have been arrested in Los Angeles County, most of them accused of curfew violations.Large numbers of people continue to take to the streets each evening, undeterred by orders to remain inside. Since protests began last week, more than 3,000 people have been arrested in Los Angeles County, most of them accused of curfew violations.
Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Kim Barker, Katie Benner, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Emily Cochrane, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Elizabeth Dias, John Eligon, 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, Mike Ives, Neil MacFarquhar, Barbara Marcolini, Patricia Mazzei, Richard A. Oppel Jr., Richard Perez-Peña, 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, Mike Baker, Kim Barker, Katie Benner, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Emily Cochrane, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Elizabeth Dias, John Eligon, 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, Mike Ives, Neil MacFarquhar, Barbara Marcolini, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, Richard A. Oppel Jr., Richard Perez-Peña, Catherine Porter, Elisabetta Povoledo, Michael Powell, Frances Robles, Alejandra Rosa, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Thomas Shanker, Glenn Thrush, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor, Karen Weise and Mihir Zaveri.