This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/jun/04/george-floyd-killing-protests-us-live-news-updates-donald-trump

The article has changed 47 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 27 Version 28
George Floyd protests: civil rights groups sue Trump and Barr for use of teargas outside White House – live George Floyd protests: civil rights groups sue Trump and Barr for use of teargas outside White House – live
(31 minutes later)
ACLU suing president, attorney general and other federal officials over assault on peaceful protesters ordered by Barr so Trump could walk to churchACLU suing president, attorney general and other federal officials over assault on peaceful protesters ordered by Barr so Trump could walk to church
The Trump administration continued to weaken core environmental protections in the US by announcing a pair of policies to cut reviews for large infrastructure projects and downplay the health benefits of rules to curb pollution.
Both changes could disproportionately hurt communities of color, which are far more likely to live with pollution because of decades of environmental racism. They come after a week of nationwide protests over police killings of black Americans.
The proposals could also make it easier for the government to ignore the climate crisis in making decisions.
One of the policies came as an executive order from Donald Trump instructing agencies to use emergency authorities to bypass bedrock environmental laws and speed federal approvals for highways and oil and gas pipelines. The order said it is meant to accelerate the recovery from the “dramatic downturn” in the economy and high unemployment from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Guardian’s Sarah Boseley and Melissa Davey write:The Guardian’s Sarah Boseley and Melissa Davey write:
The Lancet paper that halted global trials of hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 because of fears of increased deaths has been retracted after a Guardian investigation found inconsistencies in the data.The Lancet paper that halted global trials of hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 because of fears of increased deaths has been retracted after a Guardian investigation found inconsistencies in the data.
The lead author, Prof Mandeep Mehra, from the Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston, Massachusetts decided to ask the Lancet for the retraction because he could no longer vouch for the data’s accuracy.The lead author, Prof Mandeep Mehra, from the Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston, Massachusetts decided to ask the Lancet for the retraction because he could no longer vouch for the data’s accuracy.
The journal’s editor, Richard Horton, said he was appalled by developments. “This is a shocking example of research misconduct in the middle of a global health emergency,” he told the Guardian.The journal’s editor, Richard Horton, said he was appalled by developments. “This is a shocking example of research misconduct in the middle of a global health emergency,” he told the Guardian.
A Guardian investigation had revealed errors in the data that was provided for the research by US company Surgisphere. These were later explained by the company as some patients being wrongly allocated to Australia instead of Asia. But more anomalies were then picked up. A further Guardian investigation found that there were serious questions to be asked about the company itself.A Guardian investigation had revealed errors in the data that was provided for the research by US company Surgisphere. These were later explained by the company as some patients being wrongly allocated to Australia instead of Asia. But more anomalies were then picked up. A further Guardian investigation found that there were serious questions to be asked about the company itself.
An independent audit company was asked to examine a database provided by Surgisphere to ensure it had the data from more than 96,000 Covid-19 patients in 671 hospitals worldwide, that it was obtained properly and was accurate.An independent audit company was asked to examine a database provided by Surgisphere to ensure it had the data from more than 96,000 Covid-19 patients in 671 hospitals worldwide, that it was obtained properly and was accurate.
The Lancet study had a dramatic impact on attempts to find out whether the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine, and its older version, chloroquine, could help treat patients with Covid-19. The US president, Donald Trump was among those who backed the drug before any high-quality trial evidence had been published.The Lancet study had a dramatic impact on attempts to find out whether the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine, and its older version, chloroquine, could help treat patients with Covid-19. The US president, Donald Trump was among those who backed the drug before any high-quality trial evidence had been published.
The World Health Organization and several countries suspended randomised controlled trials that were set up to find an answer. Those trials have now been restarted. Many scientists were angry that they had been stopped on the basis of a trial that was observational and not a “gold standard” RCT.The World Health Organization and several countries suspended randomised controlled trials that were set up to find an answer. Those trials have now been restarted. Many scientists were angry that they had been stopped on the basis of a trial that was observational and not a “gold standard” RCT.
Amid everything else going on, this just happened. Read on, from Reuters:Amid everything else going on, this just happened. Read on, from Reuters:
An audit of thousands of old case files by Ukrainian prosecutors found no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Hunter Biden, the former prosecutor general who had launched the audit, told Reuters.An audit of thousands of old case files by Ukrainian prosecutors found no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Hunter Biden, the former prosecutor general who had launched the audit, told Reuters.
Ruslan Ryaboshapka was in the spotlight last year as the man who would decide whether to launch an investigation into former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, in what became a key issue in the impeachment of President Donald Trump.Ruslan Ryaboshapka was in the spotlight last year as the man who would decide whether to launch an investigation into former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, in what became a key issue in the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described Ryaboshapka as “100 percent my person” on a call in July 2019 in which Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden, the man who became his main rival in the 2020 presidential race.President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described Ryaboshapka as “100 percent my person” on a call in July 2019 in which Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden, the man who became his main rival in the 2020 presidential race.
After taking office, Ryaboshapka in October announced an audit of old cases he inherited, including those related to the energy company Burisma, of which Hunter Biden was a board member between 2014-2019.After taking office, Ryaboshapka in October announced an audit of old cases he inherited, including those related to the energy company Burisma, of which Hunter Biden was a board member between 2014-2019.
The audit was intended to probe whether cases Ryaboshapka had inherited from his predecessors had been handled properly, given the reputation of the prosecution service as being riddled with corruption and influence-peddling.The audit was intended to probe whether cases Ryaboshapka had inherited from his predecessors had been handled properly, given the reputation of the prosecution service as being riddled with corruption and influence-peddling.
“I specifically asked prosecutors to check especially carefully those facts about Biden’s alleged involvement. They answered that there was nothing of the kind,” he added.“I specifically asked prosecutors to check especially carefully those facts about Biden’s alleged involvement. They answered that there was nothing of the kind,” he added.
Ryaboshapka was fired in March after lawmakers accused him of not moving quickly enough in prosecuting cases. Ryaboshapka said he was axed because he had started bringing real reform to the prosecution service for the first time in a way that threatened the interests of corrupt politicians.Ryaboshapka was fired in March after lawmakers accused him of not moving quickly enough in prosecuting cases. Ryaboshapka said he was axed because he had started bringing real reform to the prosecution service for the first time in a way that threatened the interests of corrupt politicians.
Two of the three officers who stood by as George Floyd was killed had been on the force for just four days, said an attorney representing the officers.Two of the three officers who stood by as George Floyd was killed had been on the force for just four days, said an attorney representing the officers.
Thomas Lane and J. Kueng have had bail set at $750,000. Their attorney wants to lower bail because the officers were barely off probation.Thomas Lane and J. Kueng have had bail set at $750,000. Their attorney wants to lower bail because the officers were barely off probation.
From the AP:From the AP:
A judge in New York denied a request that the city release people held by police for more than 24 hours in compliance a state law requiring that a person be arraigned within 24 hours of an arrest.A judge in New York denied a request that the city release people held by police for more than 24 hours in compliance a state law requiring that a person be arraigned within 24 hours of an arrest.
Justice James Burke of State Supreme Court in Manhattan denied the Legal Aid Society’s demand that protestors be released in accordance with state law, noting that the police department was dealing with widespread unrest amid a pandemic. “It is a crisis within a crisis,” Burke said. “All writs are denied.”Justice James Burke of State Supreme Court in Manhattan denied the Legal Aid Society’s demand that protestors be released in accordance with state law, noting that the police department was dealing with widespread unrest amid a pandemic. “It is a crisis within a crisis,” Burke said. “All writs are denied.”
Court officials said the police and prosecutors had been slow to process paperwork, leaving dozens of New Yorkers in police custody for longer than 24 hours.Court officials said the police and prosecutors had been slow to process paperwork, leaving dozens of New Yorkers in police custody for longer than 24 hours.
Public health officials have warned that detaining protestors in police departments and jails will exacerbate the coronavirus pandemic, and increase infections.Public health officials have warned that detaining protestors in police departments and jails will exacerbate the coronavirus pandemic, and increase infections.
…and following Hallie’s report from Washington state, here’s Sam Levin reporting from Los Angeles on another police killing of an unarmed man:…and following Hallie’s report from Washington state, here’s Sam Levin reporting from Los Angeles on another police killing of an unarmed man:
Here’s Sam’s full report:Here’s Sam’s full report:
Hallie Golden reports from Washington state, on a case with disturbing echoes of the killing of George Floyd:Hallie Golden reports from Washington state, on a case with disturbing echoes of the killing of George Floyd:
Here’s the full report:Here’s the full report:
It’s worth pointing out here that Cotton’s op-ed in the Times contained several false and unvalidated claims including the notion that “leftwing radicals, like Antifa, infiltrated marches.” Times journalists have debunked the Antifa claim.It’s worth pointing out here that Cotton’s op-ed in the Times contained several false and unvalidated claims including the notion that “leftwing radicals, like Antifa, infiltrated marches.” Times journalists have debunked the Antifa claim.
The New York NewsGuild called the choice to publish Cotton’s piece “an irresponsible choice”, noting that “invoking state violence disproportionately hurts Black and brown people. It also jeopardizes our journalists’ ability to work in the field safely and effectively.”The New York NewsGuild called the choice to publish Cotton’s piece “an irresponsible choice”, noting that “invoking state violence disproportionately hurts Black and brown people. It also jeopardizes our journalists’ ability to work in the field safely and effectively.”
The Times issued a mea culpa over the paper’s decision to publish an op-ed Republican senator Tom Cotton titled “Send in the troops”.The Times issued a mea culpa over the paper’s decision to publish an op-ed Republican senator Tom Cotton titled “Send in the troops”.
The decision to run the piece, which advocates for the deployment of the military against protestors rallying against police brutality toward Black Americans drew widespread criticism. Dozens of Times journalists voiced their opposition to the decision, noting that inciting a violent response to the protestors put Black journalists, and Black and brown people more broadly, in danger.The decision to run the piece, which advocates for the deployment of the military against protestors rallying against police brutality toward Black Americans drew widespread criticism. Dozens of Times journalists voiced their opposition to the decision, noting that inciting a violent response to the protestors put Black journalists, and Black and brown people more broadly, in danger.
On Twitter, many staffers posted the same message: “Running this puts Black @nytimes staffers in danger.”On Twitter, many staffers posted the same message: “Running this puts Black @nytimes staffers in danger.”
Times publisher AG Sulzberger initially defended the editorial decision, saying the paper was committed to representing “views from across the spectrum”.Times publisher AG Sulzberger initially defended the editorial decision, saying the paper was committed to representing “views from across the spectrum”.
I’m now handing the blog to Maanvi Singh, who will take our coverage into the evening.I’m now handing the blog to Maanvi Singh, who will take our coverage into the evening.
A summary of the past few hours:A summary of the past few hours:
A memorial service for George Floyd was held in Minneapolis. Family members spoke and civil rights campaigner Rev Al Sharpton also addressed the service. He promised a new march on Washington on 28 August, 57 years since Martin Luther King Jr led his march to the capital, to seek policing reform.A memorial service for George Floyd was held in Minneapolis. Family members spoke and civil rights campaigner Rev Al Sharpton also addressed the service. He promised a new march on Washington on 28 August, 57 years since Martin Luther King Jr led his march to the capital, to seek policing reform.
Three former Minneapolis officers charged with aiding and abetting the murder of Floyd appeared in court. Bail was set at $1m, down to $750,000 if certain conditions are met.Three former Minneapolis officers charged with aiding and abetting the murder of Floyd appeared in court. Bail was set at $1m, down to $750,000 if certain conditions are met.
Former White House chief of staff John Kelly and former commander in Afghanistan and against Isis John Allen joined the ranks of senior military figures splitting from Donald Trump over his threats to use troops against protesters and the assault on peaceful protesters in Washington on Monday. Combat units moved close to Washington were reported to being sent back to base.Former White House chief of staff John Kelly and former commander in Afghanistan and against Isis John Allen joined the ranks of senior military figures splitting from Donald Trump over his threats to use troops against protesters and the assault on peaceful protesters in Washington on Monday. Combat units moved close to Washington were reported to being sent back to base.
The ACLU has sued Donald Trump, William Barr and other administration officials, on behalf of Black Lives Matter and individual protesters, over the attack on peaceful protesters which was dealt out so Trump could walk to St John’s church for a photo op.The ACLU has sued Donald Trump, William Barr and other administration officials, on behalf of Black Lives Matter and individual protesters, over the attack on peaceful protesters which was dealt out so Trump could walk to St John’s church for a photo op.
Attorney general William Barr claimed to have evidence of “Antifa” complicity in violent events around protests in the past week.Attorney general William Barr claimed to have evidence of “Antifa” complicity in violent events around protests in the past week.
Virginia governor Ralph Northam confirmed that the state will move as swiftly as possible to remove a huge statue of Confederate general Robert E Lee from Monument Avenue in Richmond.Virginia governor Ralph Northam confirmed that the state will move as swiftly as possible to remove a huge statue of Confederate general Robert E Lee from Monument Avenue in Richmond.
Protests are continuing around the country – Ankita Rao, for example, has been with protesters in New York City – so stay with us.Protests are continuing around the country – Ankita Rao, for example, has been with protesters in New York City – so stay with us.
More from Ankita Rao, in Brooklyn, New York:More from Ankita Rao, in Brooklyn, New York:
Thousands of people who gathered for a memorial event for George Floyd in Brooklyn on Thursday marched north to Williamsburg in the evening, a couple of hours before the 8pm curfew. Many others marched over the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects the borough with Manhattan.Thousands of people who gathered for a memorial event for George Floyd in Brooklyn on Thursday marched north to Williamsburg in the evening, a couple of hours before the 8pm curfew. Many others marched over the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects the borough with Manhattan.
While many protesters had been out for several days, there were also people coming out for the first time in the name of black men and women who have been killed by police.While many protesters had been out for several days, there were also people coming out for the first time in the name of black men and women who have been killed by police.
Felisa, a nurse and activist from Brooklyn, said she and her daughter marched for the first time for the memorial. She passed out voter registration forms and masks.Felisa, a nurse and activist from Brooklyn, said she and her daughter marched for the first time for the memorial. She passed out voter registration forms and masks.
“I’m here as a parent of the movement,” she said. “I’ve seen gang violence, the crack epidemic, the heroin epidemic – all the things they’ve blamed the black community for.”“I’m here as a parent of the movement,” she said. “I’ve seen gang violence, the crack epidemic, the heroin epidemic – all the things they’ve blamed the black community for.”
Her daughter, 18 and a chemical engineering student, said she had seen five shootings in New York this year, one of which was in her neighborhood this week.Her daughter, 18 and a chemical engineering student, said she had seen five shootings in New York this year, one of which was in her neighborhood this week.
“Even though I’m getting my college education, that won’t save me from an officer wanting to take my life,” she said.“Even though I’m getting my college education, that won’t save me from an officer wanting to take my life,” she said.
There had been protests for many years but none like this one, she said. “Now see what happens when you don’t listen to the oppressed.”There had been protests for many years but none like this one, she said. “Now see what happens when you don’t listen to the oppressed.”
As protesters walked by squads of police, many holding batons, some marchers stopped and stood with their back to the officers, directing others not to stop and to keep walking the main route. While some in the crowd continued to challenge police, those who had stopped begged them to avoid the violence of the past few days.As protesters walked by squads of police, many holding batons, some marchers stopped and stood with their back to the officers, directing others not to stop and to keep walking the main route. While some in the crowd continued to challenge police, those who had stopped begged them to avoid the violence of the past few days.
“It was terrifying,” said the Janeese Castelar, a soul singer who joined another woman to stop protesters from approaching the NYPD. “But we’re being met with violence and people think it’s our fault, so I have to prove that it’s not.”“It was terrifying,” said the Janeese Castelar, a soul singer who joined another woman to stop protesters from approaching the NYPD. “But we’re being met with violence and people think it’s our fault, so I have to prove that it’s not.”
More on the ACLU and Black Lives Matter lawsuit, which can be found here.More on the ACLU and Black Lives Matter lawsuit, which can be found here.
It was filed in the US district court for the District of Columbia, and it “seeks an order declaring President Trump, Attorney General Barr, and other administration officials violated the protesters’ first and fourth amendment rights, as well as engaged in a conspiracy to deny those rights”.It was filed in the US district court for the District of Columbia, and it “seeks an order declaring President Trump, Attorney General Barr, and other administration officials violated the protesters’ first and fourth amendment rights, as well as engaged in a conspiracy to deny those rights”.
The lawsuit also “seeks on order barring the officials from repeating the unlawful activities, and damages for the injuries plaintiffs sustained”.The lawsuit also “seeks on order barring the officials from repeating the unlawful activities, and damages for the injuries plaintiffs sustained”.
The typically impressive Associated Press fact check I cited and linked to in my last post points, meanwhile, to something of what has happened to the notion of truth under Trump.The typically impressive Associated Press fact check I cited and linked to in my last post points, meanwhile, to something of what has happened to the notion of truth under Trump.
Like the ACLU lawsuit, the AP story concerns whether or not tear gas was used on peaceful protesters in and around Lafayette Square in Washington on Monday, before Trump performed his purposeful walk from the White House to hold aloft a Bible in front of St John’s church.Like the ACLU lawsuit, the AP story concerns whether or not tear gas was used on peaceful protesters in and around Lafayette Square in Washington on Monday, before Trump performed his purposeful walk from the White House to hold aloft a Bible in front of St John’s church.
It doesn’t deal with whether or not rubber bullets were used, which Trump has also denied. This Washington Post piece does.It doesn’t deal with whether or not rubber bullets were used, which Trump has also denied. This Washington Post piece does.
About tear gas, the AP writes:About tear gas, the AP writes:
In other words, the president is just denying something as usual but the US Park Police are doing something more insidious: exploiting the tiniest crevice of terminological wriggle room to deny something they admit. And in such Orwellian vein, the AP has more:In other words, the president is just denying something as usual but the US Park Police are doing something more insidious: exploiting the tiniest crevice of terminological wriggle room to deny something they admit. And in such Orwellian vein, the AP has more:
There is a lot more to the AP report, which can be read in full here.There is a lot more to the AP report, which can be read in full here.
Also, as it happens, in that Fox News Radio interview on Wednesday, Trump said protesters “burned down the church”. Not so.Also, as it happens, in that Fox News Radio interview on Wednesday, Trump said protesters “burned down the church”. Not so.
In a letter to parishioners, the Rev Robert Fisher, rector of St John’s, said: “There was a small fire in the parish house basement. Thankfully, it appears to have been contained to the nursery – though, as you might imagine there is smoke and water damage to other areas of the basement.”In a letter to parishioners, the Rev Robert Fisher, rector of St John’s, said: “There was a small fire in the parish house basement. Thankfully, it appears to have been contained to the nursery – though, as you might imagine there is smoke and water damage to other areas of the basement.”
The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Donald Trump, William Barr and other federal officials over the assault on peaceful protesters near the White House on Monday, which was ordered by Barr so Trump could walk to St John’s church, the so-called Church of the Presidents, and hold up a Bible in a photo op meant to reassure evangelical supporters.The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Donald Trump, William Barr and other federal officials over the assault on peaceful protesters near the White House on Monday, which was ordered by Barr so Trump could walk to St John’s church, the so-called Church of the Presidents, and hold up a Bible in a photo op meant to reassure evangelical supporters.
According to a release from the ACLU of the District of Columbia, the lawsuit filed on behalf of Black Lives Matter DC and individual protesters accuses Trump and the other officials are accused of “violating their constitutional rights and engaging in an unlawful conspiracy to violate those rights”.According to a release from the ACLU of the District of Columbia, the lawsuit filed on behalf of Black Lives Matter DC and individual protesters accuses Trump and the other officials are accused of “violating their constitutional rights and engaging in an unlawful conspiracy to violate those rights”.
Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the law firm of Arnold & Porter also filed the suit.Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the law firm of Arnold & Porter also filed the suit.
“What happened to our members Monday evening, here in the nation’s capital, was an affront to all our rights,” April Goggans of Black Lives Matter DC, the lead plaintiff in the case, said in a quote provided by the ACLU.“What happened to our members Monday evening, here in the nation’s capital, was an affront to all our rights,” April Goggans of Black Lives Matter DC, the lead plaintiff in the case, said in a quote provided by the ACLU.
“The death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police officers has reignited the rage, pain, and deep sadness our community has suffered for generations. We won’t be silenced by tear gas and rubber bullets. Now is our time to be heard.”“The death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police officers has reignited the rage, pain, and deep sadness our community has suffered for generations. We won’t be silenced by tear gas and rubber bullets. Now is our time to be heard.”
Scott Michaelman, legal director for the ACLU of the District of Columbia, said: “The president’s shameless, unconstitutional, unprovoked, and frankly criminal attack on protesters because he disagreed with their views shakes the foundation of our nation’s constitutional order.Scott Michaelman, legal director for the ACLU of the District of Columbia, said: “The president’s shameless, unconstitutional, unprovoked, and frankly criminal attack on protesters because he disagreed with their views shakes the foundation of our nation’s constitutional order.
“And when the nation’s top law enforcement officer becomes complicit in the tactics of an autocrat, it chills protected speech for all of us.”“And when the nation’s top law enforcement officer becomes complicit in the tactics of an autocrat, it chills protected speech for all of us.”
Ben Wizner, director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said lawsuits would be filed across the US, where “law enforcement armed with military weaponry are responding with violence to people who are protesting police brutality.Ben Wizner, director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said lawsuits would be filed across the US, where “law enforcement armed with military weaponry are responding with violence to people who are protesting police brutality.
“The First Amendment right to protest is under attack, and we will not let this go unanswered.”“The First Amendment right to protest is under attack, and we will not let this go unanswered.”
Trump and supporters have claimed protesters in Lafayette Square, in front of the White House, and near St John’s church were not tear-gassed. But as an Associated Press fact check points out, “the US Park Police denied using tear gas, yet acknowledged deploying a pepper compound, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other scientific organizations list as one form of tear gas”.Trump and supporters have claimed protesters in Lafayette Square, in front of the White House, and near St John’s church were not tear-gassed. But as an Associated Press fact check points out, “the US Park Police denied using tear gas, yet acknowledged deploying a pepper compound, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other scientific organizations list as one form of tear gas”.
The White House has also contested reports that rubber bullets were also used to clear the crowd before Trump, who had just promised “law and order” in a brief Rose Garden address, walked to the church and posed with a Bible carried by his daughter, Ivanka.The White House has also contested reports that rubber bullets were also used to clear the crowd before Trump, who had just promised “law and order” in a brief Rose Garden address, walked to the church and posed with a Bible carried by his daughter, Ivanka.
Here’s a telling Washington Post headline: “White House says police didn’t use tear gas and rubber bullets in incident that cleared protesters with chemical irritants and projectile munitions.”Here’s a telling Washington Post headline: “White House says police didn’t use tear gas and rubber bullets in incident that cleared protesters with chemical irritants and projectile munitions.”
The events in and around Lafayette Square on Monday night have contributed to a growing rift in US society and even within the US military. Trump was accompanied to the church by officials including Mark Esper, the secretary of defense, and Gen Mark Milley, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.The events in and around Lafayette Square on Monday night have contributed to a growing rift in US society and even within the US military. Trump was accompanied to the church by officials including Mark Esper, the secretary of defense, and Gen Mark Milley, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Esper has said he didn’t know what the president was intending to do. But senior figures including former defense secretary and Marine Corps general James Mattis, former JCOS chair Admiral Mike Mullen and former Marine Corps general John Allen, a former US commander against Isis and in Afghanistan, have expressed their disgust with both the stunt and the military’s participation in it.Esper has said he didn’t know what the president was intending to do. But senior figures including former defense secretary and Marine Corps general James Mattis, former JCOS chair Admiral Mike Mullen and former Marine Corps general John Allen, a former US commander against Isis and in Afghanistan, have expressed their disgust with both the stunt and the military’s participation in it.
Julian Borger, our world affairs editor, has more:Julian Borger, our world affairs editor, has more:
There are a lot of sizeable protests going on around the US today. In New York City, for example, after a memorial service for George Floyd in Brooklyn, hundreds of marchers have been crossing the Brooklyn Bridge:There are a lot of sizeable protests going on around the US today. In New York City, for example, after a memorial service for George Floyd in Brooklyn, hundreds of marchers have been crossing the Brooklyn Bridge:
Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York state, is worried about what such protests might mean for the coronavirus pandemic, which lest anyone forget has killed more than 107,000 people in the US, more than 24,000 of them in New York.Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York state, is worried about what such protests might mean for the coronavirus pandemic, which lest anyone forget has killed more than 107,000 people in the US, more than 24,000 of them in New York.
“If you were at a protest, go get a test, please,” Cuomo said at his daily briefing. “The protesters have a civic duty here also. Be responsible, get a test.”“If you were at a protest, go get a test, please,” Cuomo said at his daily briefing. “The protesters have a civic duty here also. Be responsible, get a test.”
An estimated 20,000 people have demonstrated in New York City alone, the governor said, adding: “New York City had the highest number of protesters. We have to be smart.”An estimated 20,000 people have demonstrated in New York City alone, the governor said, adding: “New York City had the highest number of protesters. We have to be smart.”
Here’s Jessica Glenza, our health reporter, on the subject of protests and the coronavirus:Here’s Jessica Glenza, our health reporter, on the subject of protests and the coronavirus:
Earlier today, Virginia governor Ralph Northam (yes, him) confirmed that a statue of Gen Robert E Lee will be removed as soon as possible from Monument Avenue in Richmond, the capital of the old Confederacy.Earlier today, Virginia governor Ralph Northam (yes, him) confirmed that a statue of Gen Robert E Lee will be removed as soon as possible from Monument Avenue in Richmond, the capital of the old Confederacy.
“You see, in Virginia, we no longer preach a false version of history,” Northam, a Democrat, said. “One that pretends the civil war was about ‘state rights’ and not the evils of slavery. No one believes that any longer.”“You see, in Virginia, we no longer preach a false version of history,” Northam, a Democrat, said. “One that pretends the civil war was about ‘state rights’ and not the evils of slavery. No one believes that any longer.”
Some people do and they will be cross. The state Republican party doesn’t necessarily believe it but it did say in a statement the decision “is not in the best interests of Virginia. Attempts to eradicate instead of contextualizing history invariably fail”.Some people do and they will be cross. The state Republican party doesn’t necessarily believe it but it did say in a statement the decision “is not in the best interests of Virginia. Attempts to eradicate instead of contextualizing history invariably fail”.
But in the words of the Associated Press, “Northam made the decision, which has been widely praised by black leaders and activists, after days of angry protests in Richmond and across the country over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck while he pleaded for air. The decision also came a day after Richmond’s mayor, Levar Stoney, announced he will seek to remove the four other Confederate statues along Monument Avenue.”But in the words of the Associated Press, “Northam made the decision, which has been widely praised by black leaders and activists, after days of angry protests in Richmond and across the country over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck while he pleaded for air. The decision also came a day after Richmond’s mayor, Levar Stoney, announced he will seek to remove the four other Confederate statues along Monument Avenue.”
Such moves were not pursued after the deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017.Such moves were not pursued after the deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017.
The AP again: “In part, local governments were hamstrung by a state law that protects memorials to war veterans. That law was amended earlier this year by the new Democratic majority at the statehouse and signed by Northam. When the changes go into effect on 1 July, localities will be able to decide the monuments’ fate.”The AP again: “In part, local governments were hamstrung by a state law that protects memorials to war veterans. That law was amended earlier this year by the new Democratic majority at the statehouse and signed by Northam. When the changes go into effect on 1 July, localities will be able to decide the monuments’ fate.”
“…The statues on Monument Avenue are among the most prominent collection of tributes to the Confederacy in the nation. Lee’s 21ft sculpture rises atop a pedestal nearly twice that tall on a grassy circle 200ft in diameter.“…The statues on Monument Avenue are among the most prominent collection of tributes to the Confederacy in the nation. Lee’s 21ft sculpture rises atop a pedestal nearly twice that tall on a grassy circle 200ft in diameter.
‘We put things on pedestals when we want people to look up,’ Northam said. ‘Think about the message that this sends to people coming from around the world to visit the capital city of one of the largest states in our country. Or to young children.’‘We put things on pedestals when we want people to look up,’ Northam said. ‘Think about the message that this sends to people coming from around the world to visit the capital city of one of the largest states in our country. Or to young children.’
“Elsewhere on the broad avenue lined with mansions and tony apartments are statues to Confederate president Jefferson Davis, generals JEB Stuart and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and naval officer Matthew Maury. A statue of black tennis hero Arthur Ashe, a Richmond native, was erected in 1996.“Elsewhere on the broad avenue lined with mansions and tony apartments are statues to Confederate president Jefferson Davis, generals JEB Stuart and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and naval officer Matthew Maury. A statue of black tennis hero Arthur Ashe, a Richmond native, was erected in 1996.
“A descendant of Lee’s brother, the Rev Robert W Lee IV, said at the press conference that his line of the family “wholeheartedly” commends the governor’s decision.“A descendant of Lee’s brother, the Rev Robert W Lee IV, said at the press conference that his line of the family “wholeheartedly” commends the governor’s decision.
“Friends, the world may be burning and the world is about to turn because we are going to let justice roll down, and this is the start of something incredible,” he said.“Friends, the world may be burning and the world is about to turn because we are going to let justice roll down, and this is the start of something incredible,” he said.