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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Writer and Yale PhD candidate Philip V McHarris has written a blistering opinion piece for us today about the situation that has led the country to the grief, protests and violence seen over the last few days:Writer and Yale PhD candidate Philip V McHarris has written a blistering opinion piece for us today about the situation that has led the country to the grief, protests and violence seen over the last few days:
It is well worth reading in full: The George Floyd protests – and riots – are a rebellion against an unjust systemIt is well worth reading in full: The George Floyd protests – and riots – are a rebellion against an unjust system
The first of three memorial services for George Floyd will be held today in Minneapolis, with all of the police officers involved in his death now in custody and facing charges,The first of three memorial services for George Floyd will be held today in Minneapolis, with all of the police officers involved in his death now in custody and facing charges,
Renowned civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton and the Floyd family attorney Benjamin Crump will be among the speakers at the event today.Renowned civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton and the Floyd family attorney Benjamin Crump will be among the speakers at the event today.
Floyd’s body will then go to Raeford in North Carolina, where he was born, for a two-hour public viewing and private service for the family on Saturday.Floyd’s body will then go to Raeford in North Carolina, where he was born, for a two-hour public viewing and private service for the family on Saturday.
Finally, a public viewing will be held Monday in Houston, where he was raised and lived most of his life. A 500-person service on Tuesday will take place at The Fountain of Praise church and will include addresses from Sharpton, Crump, and the Rev. Remus E. Wright. There will be a private burial.Finally, a public viewing will be held Monday in Houston, where he was raised and lived most of his life. A 500-person service on Tuesday will take place at The Fountain of Praise church and will include addresses from Sharpton, Crump, and the Rev. Remus E. Wright. There will be a private burial.
The Greek capital Athens, no newcomer to a protest or two, saw thousands of supporters of anti-racist, leftist and anarchist groups take to the streets late Wednesday.The Greek capital Athens, no newcomer to a protest or two, saw thousands of supporters of anti-racist, leftist and anarchist groups take to the streets late Wednesday.
As in the northern city of Thessaloniki the night before, many held banners emblazoned with the words “no justice no peace” and “Black lives matter” as they marched on the US embassy before stone-pelting demonstrators prompted riot police to aggressively disperse the crowd with copious rounds of tear gas.As in the northern city of Thessaloniki the night before, many held banners emblazoned with the words “no justice no peace” and “Black lives matter” as they marched on the US embassy before stone-pelting demonstrators prompted riot police to aggressively disperse the crowd with copious rounds of tear gas.
Organisers told the Guardian similar protests are now being planned nationwide before a massive demonstration, in conjunction with anti-facist groups across Europe and the US, is held on 26 June.Organisers told the Guardian similar protests are now being planned nationwide before a massive demonstration, in conjunction with anti-facist groups across Europe and the US, is held on 26 June.
“We want to show our solidarity. There will be more,” said Petros Constantinou, a municipal councillor who also heads the anti-rascist, anti-fascist KEERFA movement.“We want to show our solidarity. There will be more,” said Petros Constantinou, a municipal councillor who also heads the anti-rascist, anti-fascist KEERFA movement.
The killing of George Floyd in many ways has reminded Greeks of the fatal shooting of an unarmed teenage boy in downtown Athens in December 2008. That shooting spurred mass protests - and riots - across Greece as hundreds of thousands spontaneously took to the streets to decry police brutality.The killing of George Floyd in many ways has reminded Greeks of the fatal shooting of an unarmed teenage boy in downtown Athens in December 2008. That shooting spurred mass protests - and riots - across Greece as hundreds of thousands spontaneously took to the streets to decry police brutality.
“More than 120 police stations were attacked back then nationwide,” Constantinou recalled. “It was the beginning of the economic crisis in Greece, the social context was very similar to that in the US today and there was a lot of institutionalised racism especially among the police which helped create Golden Dawn,” he added referring to the anti-immigrant neo-Nazi group whose hit squads spawned fear on the streets for years to come.“More than 120 police stations were attacked back then nationwide,” Constantinou recalled. “It was the beginning of the economic crisis in Greece, the social context was very similar to that in the US today and there was a lot of institutionalised racism especially among the police which helped create Golden Dawn,” he added referring to the anti-immigrant neo-Nazi group whose hit squads spawned fear on the streets for years to come.
On Wednesday night much of central Athens - on the boulevarde that runs from the capital’s main Syntagma Square to the US embassy - was daubed with graffiti in support of US protestors.On Wednesday night much of central Athens - on the boulevarde that runs from the capital’s main Syntagma Square to the US embassy - was daubed with graffiti in support of US protestors.
CBS News this morning has been publicising a poll they have conducted about race relations in the US, which shows sharply deteriorating figures from their previous studies.CBS News this morning has been publicising a poll they have conducted about race relations in the US, which shows sharply deteriorating figures from their previous studies.
57% of Americans, according to the poll, think police are more likely to use deadly force against a black person than a white person, which is up from 43% back in 2016.57% of Americans, according to the poll, think police are more likely to use deadly force against a black person than a white person, which is up from 43% back in 2016.
In total, 42% of people polled thought race relations were getting worse, and 61% of people though race relations were “generally bad”. Not surprisingly, white respondents tended to be less pessimistic about the situation.In total, 42% of people polled thought race relations were getting worse, and 61% of people though race relations were “generally bad”. Not surprisingly, white respondents tended to be less pessimistic about the situation.
There’s more detail on the poll here: Americans’ views shift on racial discrimination - CBS News pollThere’s more detail on the poll here: Americans’ views shift on racial discrimination - CBS News poll
Coronavirus restrictions have led to the cancellation of three proposed protest rallies in Norway over the killing of George Floyd.Coronavirus restrictions have led to the cancellation of three proposed protest rallies in Norway over the killing of George Floyd.
Associated press reports that rallies were planned in Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim but local authorities said that without permission, no more than 50 people can gather in one place.Associated press reports that rallies were planned in Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim but local authorities said that without permission, no more than 50 people can gather in one place.
Mohamed Awil, president of the African Student Association co-organising the demonstration said more than 15,000 people had said they planned to take part in Thursday’s demonstration outside the US Embassy.Mohamed Awil, president of the African Student Association co-organising the demonstration said more than 15,000 people had said they planned to take part in Thursday’s demonstration outside the US Embassy.
A smaller demonstration is now proposed, which will involve a much smaller group forming a chain and marching to the US embassy.A smaller demonstration is now proposed, which will involve a much smaller group forming a chain and marching to the US embassy.
The photos coming in from around the world show the truly global impact that the killing of George Floyd has had. Here are some of the best pictures in so far today from Africa and across Europe:The photos coming in from around the world show the truly global impact that the killing of George Floyd has had. Here are some of the best pictures in so far today from Africa and across Europe:
Speaking of the election campaign, the president is up and about and on a tweeting spree that includes a dig at rival Joe Biden.Speaking of the election campaign, the president is up and about and on a tweeting spree that includes a dig at rival Joe Biden.
One of the significant victories for the protest movement yesterday was the announcement that Virginia governor Ralph Northam plans to order the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond.One of the significant victories for the protest movement yesterday was the announcement that Virginia governor Ralph Northam plans to order the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond.
The memorial to the commander in the Confederate States Army has been a focal point of protests.The memorial to the commander in the Confederate States Army has been a focal point of protests.
In 1975, Biden was part of a unanimous Senate vote to restore citizenship to Lee, 110 years after the general surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant.In 1975, Biden was part of a unanimous Senate vote to restore citizenship to Lee, 110 years after the general surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant.
Trump has also been retweeting several posts by activist and author Charlie Kirk including attacks on Elizabeth Warren.Trump has also been retweeting several posts by activist and author Charlie Kirk including attacks on Elizabeth Warren.
Trump has also again vocally defended Roger Stone - convicted in 2019 of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation - describing him as “a victim of a corrupt and illegal Witch Hunt, one which will go down as the greatest political crime in history.”Trump has also again vocally defended Roger Stone - convicted in 2019 of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation - describing him as “a victim of a corrupt and illegal Witch Hunt, one which will go down as the greatest political crime in history.”
The coronavirus outbreak and the outpouring of public protest and grief over the killing of George Floyd have taken place against the backdrop of the build-up to November’s election.The coronavirus outbreak and the outpouring of public protest and grief over the killing of George Floyd have taken place against the backdrop of the build-up to November’s election.
My colleague Lauren Gambino in Washington has been looking at whether Joe Biden has enough about him to convince protesters he would be a ‘transformational’ president?My colleague Lauren Gambino in Washington has been looking at whether Joe Biden has enough about him to convince protesters he would be a ‘transformational’ president?
You can read Lauren’s piece in full here: Can Joe Biden convince protesters he would be a ‘transformational’ president?You can read Lauren’s piece in full here: Can Joe Biden convince protesters he would be a ‘transformational’ president?
Martin Luther King’s daughter Bernice King has overnight posted criticism of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Bees. He faced a backlash for repeating his claim that he will ‘never agree’ with protests during the national anthem.Martin Luther King’s daughter Bernice King has overnight posted criticism of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Bees. He faced a backlash for repeating his claim that he will ‘never agree’ with protests during the national anthem.
Bernice King tweeted a series of images of white people doing the so-called ‘George Floyd challenge’ social media trend, and told him “This is the kneeling Drew should be bothered by.”Bernice King tweeted a series of images of white people doing the so-called ‘George Floyd challenge’ social media trend, and told him “This is the kneeling Drew should be bothered by.”
Hi, welcome to our US politics live blog which, as with most of the last nine days, will no doubt be dominated by the protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.Hi, welcome to our US politics live blog which, as with most of the last nine days, will no doubt be dominated by the protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
Here are the key points today so far:Here are the key points today so far:
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.”
Donald Trump has got a fairly empty diary ahead of him today - he receives an intelligence briefing at 3pm, and then we are expecting an executive order on “expediting permitting” at 4:30pm.Donald Trump has got a fairly empty diary ahead of him today - he receives an intelligence briefing at 3pm, and then we are expecting an executive order on “expediting permitting” at 4:30pm.
I’m Martin Belam in London, and I’ll be running this live blog for the next couple of hours before handing over to my colleagues in New York. You can contact me on martin.belam@theguardian.com or find me on Twitter @MartinBelam.I’m Martin Belam in London, and I’ll be running this live blog for the next couple of hours before handing over to my colleagues in New York. You can contact me on martin.belam@theguardian.com or find me on Twitter @MartinBelam.