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George Floyd killing: police officers to appear in court as family holds memorial service – live George Floyd killing: police officers to appear in court as family holds memorial service – live
(32 minutes later)
Fired Minneapolis officers to appear in court to face charges filed yesterday of aiding Derek Chauvin, who was charged with second degree murderFired Minneapolis officers to appear in court to face charges filed yesterday of aiding Derek Chauvin, who was charged with second degree murder
Republican senator Lisa Murkowski said she has been struggling with the question of wether to support Trump this year for some time now.
“I am struggling with it,” Murkowski told reporters on Capitol Hill. “I have struggled with it for a long time. I think you know that.”
The Alaska Republican noted she did not support Trump in the 2016 election, but she said she thought questions about who she would vote for are “distracting” amid the George Floyd protests.
Republican senator Lisa Murkowski said that she is struggling with whether to support Trump in his bid for reelection, citing James Mattis’ criticism of the president.
Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Murkowski applauded Mattis for his excoriating statement about the president’s response to the George Floyd protests.
Murkowski said the former defense secretary’s words were “true, honest, necessary and overdue,” going on to say she is sruggling with whether to support Trump this year.
“Perhaps we’re getting to the point where we can be more honest with the concerns that we might hold internally, and have the courage of our own convictions to speak up,” Murkowski said.
In his statement, Mattis said he was “angry and appalled” by Trump’s response to the protests. “Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people – does not even pretend to try,” Mattis said. “Instead he tries to divide us.”
Another 1.9 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week as the total number of claims passed 42 million since the coronavirus pandemic hit the US.
The pace of layoffs has slowed dramatically from its peak of 6.6m at the start of April as states start to relax quarantine orders and last week was the ninth consecutive week of declines. But the scale of layoffs remains staggeringly high. In the worst week of the last recession “just” 665,000 people filed for unemployment.
Jason Reed, professor of finance at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, said the numbers may be coming down, but “this is unprecedented. The figures are so high that it’s hard to grasp the reality.”
On Friday the labor department will release May’s monthly jobs report. Economists are predicting unemployment will rise to close to 20% from 14.7% in April and some 8m more jobs will have been lost after a combined drop of 21.4m in March and April.
A Georgia investigator testified that one of the men who attacked Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed black man who was fatally shot while jogging in February, used a racist slur against him.A Georgia investigator testified that one of the men who attacked Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed black man who was fatally shot while jogging in February, used a racist slur against him.
According to Richard Dial, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent in charge of the case, the man who filmed the fatal encounter said Travis McMichael called Arbery a “fucking n-----” after shooting him.According to Richard Dial, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent in charge of the case, the man who filmed the fatal encounter said Travis McMichael called Arbery a “fucking n-----” after shooting him.
McMichael apparently made the remark before police arrived on the scene, after shooting Arbery three times. McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael, were arrested last month and have been charged with murder and aggravated assault.McMichael apparently made the remark before police arrived on the scene, after shooting Arbery three times. McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael, were arrested last month and have been charged with murder and aggravated assault.
Dial testified today during a preliminary hearing in the case, which is meant to determine whether probable cause exists to support the criminal charges.Dial testified today during a preliminary hearing in the case, which is meant to determine whether probable cause exists to support the criminal charges.
Arbery’s killing sparked protests against police brutality, which intensified after the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd. The two men’s names, along with that of Breonna Taylor, have been chanted many times at protests in recent days.Arbery’s killing sparked protests against police brutality, which intensified after the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd. The two men’s names, along with that of Breonna Taylor, have been chanted many times at protests in recent days.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell offered a message in support of Mark Esper after the White House signaled the defense secretary’s job may be in trouble.Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell offered a message in support of Mark Esper after the White House signaled the defense secretary’s job may be in trouble.
“In these challenging times, the President and the American people are very well-served by the expert advice and principled leadership of people like Secretary Esper and Attorney General Barr,” McConnell said in a tweet.“In these challenging times, the President and the American people are very well-served by the expert advice and principled leadership of people like Secretary Esper and Attorney General Barr,” McConnell said in a tweet.
“I appreciate their dedicated work at this difficult time for our nation and their steadfast commitment to their constitutional duties to preserve peace and order, uphold liberty, and protect the American people so they can freely exercise their rights. I am glad President Trump has assembled such an impressive team that is working hard for all Americans.”“I appreciate their dedicated work at this difficult time for our nation and their steadfast commitment to their constitutional duties to preserve peace and order, uphold liberty, and protect the American people so they can freely exercise their rights. I am glad President Trump has assembled such an impressive team that is working hard for all Americans.”
McConnell’s message could provide a boost for Esper as speculation intensifies over whether the president will dismiss the defense secretary, which could create a very ill-timed cabinet shake-up.McConnell’s message could provide a boost for Esper as speculation intensifies over whether the president will dismiss the defense secretary, which could create a very ill-timed cabinet shake-up.
Esper said yesterday that he did not support sending active-duty troops to states that have seen George Floyd protests, as Trump has suggested doing.Esper said yesterday that he did not support sending active-duty troops to states that have seen George Floyd protests, as Trump has suggested doing.
Hours later, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tip-toed around a question about whether the president still has confidence in Esper. “As of right now, Secretary Esper is still Secretary Esper,” McEnany said.Hours later, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tip-toed around a question about whether the president still has confidence in Esper. “As of right now, Secretary Esper is still Secretary Esper,” McEnany said.
The secretary of the army interestingly sent a tweet about soldiers needing to protect Americans’ right to peaceably assemble, just three days after a group of peaceful protesters near the White House were forcibly removed using tear gas.The secretary of the army interestingly sent a tweet about soldiers needing to protect Americans’ right to peaceably assemble, just three days after a group of peaceful protesters near the White House were forcibly removed using tear gas.
“Every Soldier and Department of the Army Civilian swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution. That includes the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,” secretary of the army Ryan McCarthy said in a tweet.“Every Soldier and Department of the Army Civilian swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution. That includes the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,” secretary of the army Ryan McCarthy said in a tweet.
The timing of the tweet was noteworthy, considering Trump has sought to depict the protesters who have demonstrated in response to the killing of George Floyd as violent “thugs.”The timing of the tweet was noteworthy, considering Trump has sought to depict the protesters who have demonstrated in response to the killing of George Floyd as violent “thugs.”
The tweet also comes one day after defense secretary Mark Esper reversed plans to withdraw active-duty troops froom the DC region, who were deployed in response to the protests.The tweet also comes one day after defense secretary Mark Esper reversed plans to withdraw active-duty troops froom the DC region, who were deployed in response to the protests.
In a bit of good news for the day, US Navy veteran Michael White has been released from Iran after being detained for nearly two years and has started making his way home on a Swiss government aircraft.In a bit of good news for the day, US Navy veteran Michael White has been released from Iran after being detained for nearly two years and has started making his way home on a Swiss government aircraft.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
The news comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran due to sanctions reimposed after Trump withdrew support for the 2015 nuclear deal and the killing of Iranian general Qassem Suleimani earlier this year.The news comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran due to sanctions reimposed after Trump withdrew support for the 2015 nuclear deal and the killing of Iranian general Qassem Suleimani earlier this year.
Republican senator Lindsey Graham said James Mattis had been duped by the “liberal media” after the defense secretary issued an excoriating statement about Trump’s response to the George Floyd protests.Republican senator Lindsey Graham said James Mattis had been duped by the “liberal media” after the defense secretary issued an excoriating statement about Trump’s response to the George Floyd protests.
During a Fox News interview this morning, the South Carolina senator issued a message directly to Mattis.During a Fox News interview this morning, the South Carolina senator issued a message directly to Mattis.
“I think you’re missing something here, my friend,” Graham said. “You’re missing the fact that the liberal media has taken every event in the last three and a half years and laid it at the president’s feet. I’m not saying he’s blameless, but I am saying that you’re buying into a narrative that I think is, quite frankly, unfair.”“I think you’re missing something here, my friend,” Graham said. “You’re missing the fact that the liberal media has taken every event in the last three and a half years and laid it at the president’s feet. I’m not saying he’s blameless, but I am saying that you’re buying into a narrative that I think is, quite frankly, unfair.”
Mattis said in his statement that he was “angry and appalled” by how Trump had responded to the protests against police brutality in recent days.Mattis said in his statement that he was “angry and appalled” by how Trump had responded to the protests against police brutality in recent days.
“Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people – does not even pretend to try,” Mattis said. “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,” Mattis said. “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.”
Of course, Graham had similarly harsh words for Trump during the 2016 campaign, before becoming one of his closest allies. Graham said in December 2015 that a Trump nomination “would be an utter, complete and total disaster. If you’re a xenophobic, race-baiting, religious bigot, you’re going to have a hard time being president of the United States, and you’re going to do irreparable damage to the party.”Of course, Graham had similarly harsh words for Trump during the 2016 campaign, before becoming one of his closest allies. Graham said in December 2015 that a Trump nomination “would be an utter, complete and total disaster. If you’re a xenophobic, race-baiting, religious bigot, you’re going to have a hard time being president of the United States, and you’re going to do irreparable damage to the party.”
The Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin reports from Brussels:The Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin reports from Brussels:
Belgian activists inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States have begun a fresh campaign to remove statutes of the imperial king Leopold II from the city of Brussels.Belgian activists inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States have begun a fresh campaign to remove statutes of the imperial king Leopold II from the city of Brussels.
A group called Repair History has launched a Change.org petition calling on city authorities to remove all statutes of Leopold II, the Belgian King whose brutal and rapacious rule of Congo is estimated to have caused the deaths of 10m Congolese people.A group called Repair History has launched a Change.org petition calling on city authorities to remove all statutes of Leopold II, the Belgian King whose brutal and rapacious rule of Congo is estimated to have caused the deaths of 10m Congolese people.
The group has called for the statutes to be removed by 30 June, the 60th anniversary of Congo’s independence from Belgium.The group has called for the statutes to be removed by 30 June, the 60th anniversary of Congo’s independence from Belgium.
Using the hashtag Black Lives Matter, the petitioners wrote: “A hero for some, but also an executioner for many people. In the space of 23 years this man killed 10m people without stepping foot in Congo. For 23 years, he treated the Congolese people as chattels for the production of rubber, which was very valuable at the time.”Using the hashtag Black Lives Matter, the petitioners wrote: “A hero for some, but also an executioner for many people. In the space of 23 years this man killed 10m people without stepping foot in Congo. For 23 years, he treated the Congolese people as chattels for the production of rubber, which was very valuable at the time.”
The Congo Free State, founded in 1885 as Leopold II’s personal fiefdom, later inspired Joseph Conrad’s novel of imperial horror, Heart of Darkness.The Congo Free State, founded in 1885 as Leopold II’s personal fiefdom, later inspired Joseph Conrad’s novel of imperial horror, Heart of Darkness.
The group wrote that the statutes had no place in Belgium, or Brussels, estimated to be home to 200 nationalities and often described as the capital of Europe.The group wrote that the statutes had no place in Belgium, or Brussels, estimated to be home to 200 nationalities and often described as the capital of Europe.
The Belgian capital has several prominent statues and busts of Leopold II, some of which have been damaged with paint in recent years. One of the main streets close to the national parliament is the Rue des Colonies.The Belgian capital has several prominent statues and busts of Leopold II, some of which have been damaged with paint in recent years. One of the main streets close to the national parliament is the Rue des Colonies.
The Brussels deputy mayor in charge of heritage Khalid Zian has said the petition will be discussed at the next town meeting on Monday 8 June, the daily newspaper Le Soir reported.The Brussels deputy mayor in charge of heritage Khalid Zian has said the petition will be discussed at the next town meeting on Monday 8 June, the daily newspaper Le Soir reported.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said active-duty troops were “absolutely not” necessary to keep the peace in New York, after the president floated the idea of sending troops to states that have seen George Floyd protests.NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said active-duty troops were “absolutely not” necessary to keep the peace in New York, after the president floated the idea of sending troops to states that have seen George Floyd protests.
Shea added that Trump’s rhetoric about needing to “dominate” the streets amid the protests was unhelpful. “I think what we need now is coming together,” Shea told CNN, calling for “less divisiveness by many people.”Shea added that Trump’s rhetoric about needing to “dominate” the streets amid the protests was unhelpful. “I think what we need now is coming together,” Shea told CNN, calling for “less divisiveness by many people.”
“There is a lot of anger, there is a lot of rage, but there’s got to be healing. And it’s got to start at every level of society,” Shea said.“There is a lot of anger, there is a lot of rage, but there’s got to be healing. And it’s got to start at every level of society,” Shea said.
The commissioner said many officers have been attacked in the past week. “It is a very dangerous time, and I impress upon everyone: there are problems. But they are not going to get better or be solved by continued violence,” Shea said.The commissioner said many officers have been attacked in the past week. “It is a very dangerous time, and I impress upon everyone: there are problems. But they are not going to get better or be solved by continued violence,” Shea said.
The NYPD has been criticized in recent days for their treatment of protesters, with some violent incidents being caught on tape. On Saturday, two police cruisers were filmed driving into a crowd of demonstrators.The NYPD has been criticized in recent days for their treatment of protesters, with some violent incidents being caught on tape. On Saturday, two police cruisers were filmed driving into a crowd of demonstrators.
Shea said the department has made many positive changes in recent years, but he acknowledged, “One incident ... and unfortunately there’s been more than one incident, can really hurt you here.”Shea said the department has made many positive changes in recent years, but he acknowledged, “One incident ... and unfortunately there’s been more than one incident, can really hurt you here.”
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has apologized for his lack of “compassion or empathy” after he said he disagrees with athletes protesting against racism during the national anthem.New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has apologized for his lack of “compassion or empathy” after he said he disagrees with athletes protesting against racism during the national anthem.
Brees registered his opposition to the non-violent protest movement launched by Colin Kaepernick during the 2016 NFL season in an interview with Yahoo Finance published on Wednesday.Brees registered his opposition to the non-violent protest movement launched by Colin Kaepernick during the 2016 NFL season in an interview with Yahoo Finance published on Wednesday.
“I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country,” the 41-year-old said. “Let me just tell what I see or what I feel when the national anthem is played and when I look at the flag of the United States … I envision my two grandfathers, who fought for this country during World War II.”“I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country,” the 41-year-old said. “Let me just tell what I see or what I feel when the national anthem is played and when I look at the flag of the United States … I envision my two grandfathers, who fought for this country during World War II.”
The comments, which came in the wake of widespread civil unrest in the US after the police killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, sparked immediate backlash.The comments, which came in the wake of widespread civil unrest in the US after the police killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, sparked immediate backlash.
LeBron James, arguably the most high-profile athlete in America, posted his thoughts on Twitter.LeBron James, arguably the most high-profile athlete in America, posted his thoughts on Twitter.
“You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??” wrote the LA Lakers star on Twitter. “Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of [America] and our soldiers( men and women) who keep our land free. My father-in-law was one of those.”“You literally still don’t understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??” wrote the LA Lakers star on Twitter. “Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of [America] and our soldiers( men and women) who keep our land free. My father-in-law was one of those.”
On Thursday, Brees issued a lengthy apology on Twitter and Instagram, although he did not mention whether he had changed his views on anthem protests.On Thursday, Brees issued a lengthy apology on Twitter and Instagram, although he did not mention whether he had changed his views on anthem protests.
“In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country,” Brees wrote. “They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy. Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character.”“In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country,” Brees wrote. “They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy. Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character.”
Brees is considered one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. He is the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.Brees is considered one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. He is the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
This is Joan Greve, taking over for Joanna Walters.This is Joan Greve, taking over for Joanna Walters.
Reverend Al Sharpton offered a hopeful message this morning, after days of protests in response to the killing of George Floyd while in police cusotdy.Reverend Al Sharpton offered a hopeful message this morning, after days of protests in response to the killing of George Floyd while in police cusotdy.
“Out of all the years that I’ve been marching and protesting and doing eulogies and speeches, I am more hopeful going to this service than I have been in a long time,” Sharpton said on MSNBC.“Out of all the years that I’ve been marching and protesting and doing eulogies and speeches, I am more hopeful going to this service than I have been in a long time,” Sharpton said on MSNBC.
The civil rights activist pointed to the Washington protesters who returned to demonstrate the day after they were tear-gassed near the White House as a sign of Americans’ dedication to change.The civil rights activist pointed to the Washington protesters who returned to demonstrate the day after they were tear-gassed near the White House as a sign of Americans’ dedication to change.
“They came back the next day,” Sharpton said. “And that makes me knowing that we’re on the brink of real change because it takes sometimes years of investing what a lot of us did before we see the return that is was not for nothing. And I believe we’re at a turning point here.”“They came back the next day,” Sharpton said. “And that makes me knowing that we’re on the brink of real change because it takes sometimes years of investing what a lot of us did before we see the return that is was not for nothing. And I believe we’re at a turning point here.”
Sharpton said his eulogy at Floyd’s Minneapolis memorial service this morning would focus on that message of hope and imminent change.Sharpton said his eulogy at Floyd’s Minneapolis memorial service this morning would focus on that message of hope and imminent change.
The governor of Virginia is expected to announce the removal of a prestigious Confederate monument from the state capitol’s historic Monument Avenue, the AP has reported.The governor of Virginia is expected to announce the removal of a prestigious Confederate monument from the state capitol’s historic Monument Avenue, the AP has reported.
Democrat Ralph Northam will hold a press conference at 11am ET, where he is expected to announce the state will remove a massive statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee, and place the statute in storage. The state will then seek a new location for the statue.Democrat Ralph Northam will hold a press conference at 11am ET, where he is expected to announce the state will remove a massive statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee, and place the statute in storage. The state will then seek a new location for the statue.
The statue has become a focal point for protests of police brutality in Virginia, and which have been ongoing since George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man in Minneapolis, died at the hands of police. While Lee’s statue watches over the unrest, demonstrators have covered its massive pedestal in graffiti.The statue has become a focal point for protests of police brutality in Virginia, and which have been ongoing since George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man in Minneapolis, died at the hands of police. While Lee’s statue watches over the unrest, demonstrators have covered its massive pedestal in graffiti.
Lee was known as the commander of the Southern States in the American Civil war. His likeness in Richmond was installed in 1890, or about 25 years after the end of the war. It was greeted by 10,000 admirers at the time it was installed, the Washington Post reported.Lee was known as the commander of the Southern States in the American Civil war. His likeness in Richmond was installed in 1890, or about 25 years after the end of the war. It was greeted by 10,000 admirers at the time it was installed, the Washington Post reported.
Since 2015, activists have urged states to remove Confederate statues from government-owned property, many of which glorify the architects of structural racism in America.Since 2015, activists have urged states to remove Confederate statues from government-owned property, many of which glorify the architects of structural racism in America.
Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison spoke out on ABC news this morning to say he is confident of achieving convictions in the cases of the police officers charged in the homicide of George Floyd on May 25.Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison spoke out on ABC news this morning to say he is confident of achieving convictions in the cases of the police officers charged in the homicide of George Floyd on May 25.
He took over the case at the weekend and charged the three former officers yesterday who were with former officer Derek Chauvin as they tried to arrest Floyd and he ended up dead after Chauvin kneeled on his neck. The three others have been charged with aiding and abetting murder by Chauvin.He took over the case at the weekend and charged the three former officers yesterday who were with former officer Derek Chauvin as they tried to arrest Floyd and he ended up dead after Chauvin kneeled on his neck. The three others have been charged with aiding and abetting murder by Chauvin.
Traditionally, criminal cases against police officers for deaths committed in the course of their duty are very hard to prosecute and for the prosecutor to win. Juries tend to believe officers and police have wide legal immunity.Traditionally, criminal cases against police officers for deaths committed in the course of their duty are very hard to prosecute and for the prosecutor to win. Juries tend to believe officers and police have wide legal immunity.
Proving aiding and abetting will be tough, but Ellison said: “They helped, you can look at the tapes.” He said the other three can be seen acting “in support of what Chauvin was doing , and what was not done...despite the pleas and cries [from Floyd] they did not help.” He said the officers are culpable and he was confident of conviction.Proving aiding and abetting will be tough, but Ellison said: “They helped, you can look at the tapes.” He said the other three can be seen acting “in support of what Chauvin was doing , and what was not done...despite the pleas and cries [from Floyd] they did not help.” He said the officers are culpable and he was confident of conviction.
“This is a social change moment,” he said, to address police brutality and racism and, “beyond policing, the inadequate housing, racist attitudes, poverty.”“This is a social change moment,” he said, to address police brutality and racism and, “beyond policing, the inadequate housing, racist attitudes, poverty.”
Fired Minneapolis police officers Alexander Kueng, 26, Thomas Lane, 37, and Tou Thao, 34, are due to appear in court this afternoon to face charges filed yesterday of aiding and abetting former officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd on May 25.Fired Minneapolis police officers Alexander Kueng, 26, Thomas Lane, 37, and Tou Thao, 34, are due to appear in court this afternoon to face charges filed yesterday of aiding and abetting former officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd on May 25.
The men are at the Hennepin County Jail. Derek Chauvin was charged yesterday with second degree murder after Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison took over the case, an upgrade of the third degree murder charge brought last week by the Hennepin County prosecutor.The men are at the Hennepin County Jail. Derek Chauvin was charged yesterday with second degree murder after Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison took over the case, an upgrade of the third degree murder charge brought last week by the Hennepin County prosecutor.
Chauvin is detained in state prison.Chauvin is detained in state prison.
Just before the scheduled court appearance today, a memorial service will begin in Minneapolis for George Floyd. The four officers were fired on May 26, the day after Chauvin kneeled on 46-year-old Floyd’s neck as he was pinned to the street, for almost nine minutes. The death has been ruled a homicide by two autopsies, one official, one private carried out at the request of Floyd’s family.Just before the scheduled court appearance today, a memorial service will begin in Minneapolis for George Floyd. The four officers were fired on May 26, the day after Chauvin kneeled on 46-year-old Floyd’s neck as he was pinned to the street, for almost nine minutes. The death has been ruled a homicide by two autopsies, one official, one private carried out at the request of Floyd’s family.
Protests continue across the country, with many demonstrators echoing some of Floyd’s dying words, “I can’t breathe” and staging die-ins for eight minutes 46 seconds, the length of time Chauvin, who is white, kneeled on the African-American man’s neck during an arrest.Protests continue across the country, with many demonstrators echoing some of Floyd’s dying words, “I can’t breathe” and staging die-ins for eight minutes 46 seconds, the length of time Chauvin, who is white, kneeled on the African-American man’s neck during an arrest.
Kueng was seen on video taken by a witness pressing on Floyd’s back, while Lane pinned his legs. Thao stood alongside and warned bystanders against intervening.Kueng was seen on video taken by a witness pressing on Floyd’s back, while Lane pinned his legs. Thao stood alongside and warned bystanders against intervening.
A family memorial service will take place for George Floyd today at 1pm CDT in Minneapolis. All four police officers involved in his killing are now in custody and facing chargesA family memorial service will take place for George Floyd today at 1pm CDT in Minneapolis. All four police officers involved in his killing are now in custody and facing charges
Protests continued overnight, but with seemingly less violence overall. Some cities were scaling back their response - Seattle is cancelling a planned curfewProtests continued overnight, but with seemingly less violence overall. Some cities were scaling back their response - Seattle is cancelling a planned curfew
However, New Orleans police confirm they used tear gas, and there was violence in New York injuring protestors and the policeHowever, New Orleans police confirm they used tear gas, and there was violence in New York injuring protestors and the police
AP figures put the number of arrests so far in protests about the killing to be 10,000 nationwideAP figures put the number of arrests so far in protests about the killing to be 10,000 nationwide
Barack Obama offered words of hope and optimism about the futureBarack Obama offered words of hope and optimism about the future
Former defence secretary James Mattis launched an extraordinary attack on the president over his handling of the protests, accusing him of dividing the USFormer defence secretary James Mattis launched an extraordinary attack on the president over his handling of the protests, accusing him of dividing the US
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has spoken out over the killing of George Floyd, telling pupils at her old high school “I am so sorry that you have to grow up in the world where this is still present.”Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has spoken out over the killing of George Floyd, telling pupils at her old high school “I am so sorry that you have to grow up in the world where this is still present.”
I’m signing off now from London, and handing over to my colleagues in the US. Thank you for reading the live blog - you can find all of our George Floyd coverage here - and I hope you have a safe day.I’m signing off now from London, and handing over to my colleagues in the US. Thank you for reading the live blog - you can find all of our George Floyd coverage here - and I hope you have a safe day.