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 45 Version 46
George Floyd protests: civil rights groups sue Trump and Barr for use of teargas outside White House – live Civil rights groups sue Trump and Barr for use of teargas outside White House – as it happened
(32 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
This live blog is now closing. You can follow our continuing coverage of the protests in our new live blog:This live blog is now closing. You can follow our continuing coverage of the protests in our new live blog:
Donald Trump loves boasting about his polling numbers when they are great for him. He might not be so keen on some numbers that have just come out from ABC News.Donald Trump loves boasting about his polling numbers when they are great for him. He might not be so keen on some numbers that have just come out from ABC News.
The company also polled US adults on whether they viewed George Floyd’s death as an underlying racial injustice problem - and 74% of Americans polled did.The company also polled US adults on whether they viewed George Floyd’s death as an underlying racial injustice problem - and 74% of Americans polled did.
Writing for ABC News, Kendall Karson observes that:Writing for ABC News, Kendall Karson observes that:
It possibly bears out what Barack Obama was saying earlier this week - that the people on the streets protesting racial injustice have been more ethnically and racially diverse than previous bouts of civil rights demonstrations.It possibly bears out what Barack Obama was saying earlier this week - that the people on the streets protesting racial injustice have been more ethnically and racially diverse than previous bouts of civil rights demonstrations.
You can read the full details of the ABC News poll here: 74% of Americans view George Floyd’s death as an underlying racial injustice problemYou can read the full details of the ABC News poll here: 74% of Americans view George Floyd’s death as an underlying racial injustice problem
The Age newspaper in Melbourne, Australia has issued an apology for its front page story this morning, which claimed without evidence that Black Lives Matter protesters had threatened “police command with spitting, inflammatory chanting and other forms of physical abuse” ahead of a demonstration planned for tomorrow.The Age newspaper in Melbourne, Australia has issued an apology for its front page story this morning, which claimed without evidence that Black Lives Matter protesters had threatened “police command with spitting, inflammatory chanting and other forms of physical abuse” ahead of a demonstration planned for tomorrow.
After significant backlash, the paper said in a “clarification” added to a re-written version of the story:After significant backlash, the paper said in a “clarification” added to a re-written version of the story:
Hydroxychloroquine is likely to be in the news agains today and it will be a surprise if Donald Trump doesn’t mention it at some point.Hydroxychloroquine is likely to be in the news agains today and it will be a surprise if Donald Trump doesn’t mention it at some point.
You may recall that Trump claimed he was taking it to ward off the coronavirus, despite at the time there being some warnings that it could actually be harmful. Then a major study in The Lancet suggested it was positively dangerous for Covid-19 patients, and experiments with using it to treat the new coronavirus were halted.You may recall that Trump claimed he was taking it to ward off the coronavirus, despite at the time there being some warnings that it could actually be harmful. Then a major study in The Lancet suggested it was positively dangerous for Covid-19 patients, and experiments with using it to treat the new coronavirus were halted.
The Lancet has now withdrawn that study after a Guardian investigation - and we can expect a chorus of Hydroxychloroquine backers to restart their campaign to get it tried out on patients. James Heathers has written for us on how on earth this can have happened.The Lancet has now withdrawn that study after a Guardian investigation - and we can expect a chorus of Hydroxychloroquine backers to restart their campaign to get it tried out on patients. James Heathers has written for us on how on earth this can have happened.
Read more here: The Lancet has made one of the biggest retractions in modern history. How could this happen?Read more here: The Lancet has made one of the biggest retractions in modern history. How could this happen?
NFL players issued a powerful video statement overnight, which posed a challenge directly to the organisers to make a stronger explicit anti-racism message - and an apology for their past behaviour to players.NFL players issued a powerful video statement overnight, which posed a challenge directly to the organisers to make a stronger explicit anti-racism message - and an apology for their past behaviour to players.
The video message posted on social media includes Saquon Barkley, Patrick Mahomes, Michael Thomas, Odell Beckham Jr and Ezekiel Elliott among others.The video message posted on social media includes Saquon Barkley, Patrick Mahomes, Michael Thomas, Odell Beckham Jr and Ezekiel Elliott among others.
In the clip players take turns asking the question “What if I was George Floyd?”, and go on to name several black men and women who have recently been killed, including Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and Trayvon Martin.In the clip players take turns asking the question “What if I was George Floyd?”, and go on to name several black men and women who have recently been killed, including Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and Trayvon Martin.
They then tell the NFL that they want to hear the league condemn the systematic oppression of black people and admit they were wrong to silence the players’ peaceful protests.They then tell the NFL that they want to hear the league condemn the systematic oppression of black people and admit they were wrong to silence the players’ peaceful protests.
The video also acts as a firm slap-down of Drew Brees, whose comments about NFL player protests have been described as both ignorant and dangerous.The video also acts as a firm slap-down of Drew Brees, whose comments about NFL player protests have been described as both ignorant and dangerous.
The NFL, which of course prohibited players from taking a knee to protest police brutality, did put out an anti-racist statement on 30 May, dismissed as “trash” by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Peyton Thompson.The NFL, which of course prohibited players from taking a knee to protest police brutality, did put out an anti-racist statement on 30 May, dismissed as “trash” by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Peyton Thompson.
One of the stories that is likely to develop further as the US wakes up is the suspension without pay of two police officers in Buffalo, New York after they were caught on film pushing a 75-year-old man to the ground.One of the stories that is likely to develop further as the US wakes up is the suspension without pay of two police officers in Buffalo, New York after they were caught on film pushing a 75-year-old man to the ground.
Buffalo mayor Byron Brown said he was “deeply distrubed” by the video and New York state governor Andrew Cuomo said the incident was “wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful”Buffalo mayor Byron Brown said he was “deeply distrubed” by the video and New York state governor Andrew Cuomo said the incident was “wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful”
You can see the incident in this video clip - be warned you may find it distressing.You can see the incident in this video clip - be warned you may find it distressing.
The 75-year old man is reported to be in a stable but serious condition.The 75-year old man is reported to be in a stable but serious condition.
The tenth night of protests and grief over the death of George Floyd continues to produce some strong images from the US and around the world. Here are a selection of some of the most striking from the last few hours.The tenth night of protests and grief over the death of George Floyd continues to produce some strong images from the US and around the world. Here are a selection of some of the most striking from the last few hours.
My colleagues on the sport desk have this morning published an open letter about racism to Donald Trump from former footballer Liam Rosenior, in which he thanks the US president for being so blatant in his attitude, in a way that presidents who came before him weren’tMy colleagues on the sport desk have this morning published an open letter about racism to Donald Trump from former footballer Liam Rosenior, in which he thanks the US president for being so blatant in his attitude, in a way that presidents who came before him weren’t
You can read it in full here: This is just the beginning, I promise you: an open letter to Donald TrumpYou can read it in full here: This is just the beginning, I promise you: an open letter to Donald Trump
While work continues on beefing up the security around the White House, Donald Trump will be out and about today with a planned visit to rural Maine.While work continues on beefing up the security around the White House, Donald Trump will be out and about today with a planned visit to rural Maine.
It is his first trip to Maine since taking office, and he is scheduled to visit Guilford, where he will be visiting Puritan Medical Products, one of only two major companies producing a special type of swab needed to ramp up coronavirus testing.It is his first trip to Maine since taking office, and he is scheduled to visit Guilford, where he will be visiting Puritan Medical Products, one of only two major companies producing a special type of swab needed to ramp up coronavirus testing.
The Trump administration is providing $75.5 million through the Defense Production Act for Puritan to double production to 40 million swabs a month, and the company plans to open a second production site by July 1.The Trump administration is providing $75.5 million through the Defense Production Act for Puritan to double production to 40 million swabs a month, and the company plans to open a second production site by July 1.
Trump is also scheduled to meet with members of the commercial fishing industry.Trump is also scheduled to meet with members of the commercial fishing industry.
He’ll be flying in to Bangor, where he is also likely to encounter protest.He’ll be flying in to Bangor, where he is also likely to encounter protest.
And the local political ground isn’t perhaps as welcoming as the president might hope - all four members of Maine’s congressional delegation, including Republican Senator Susan Collins, have been critical of Trump’s actions this week. Earlier this week she called his church and bible photo opportunity “unsympathetic” and “insensitive”.And the local political ground isn’t perhaps as welcoming as the president might hope - all four members of Maine’s congressional delegation, including Republican Senator Susan Collins, have been critical of Trump’s actions this week. Earlier this week she called his church and bible photo opportunity “unsympathetic” and “insensitive”.
Marie Follayttar, director of Mainers for Accountable Leadership, which is helping organise the demonstration today, simple says “It’s not the right time for him to be coming to our state.”Marie Follayttar, director of Mainers for Accountable Leadership, which is helping organise the demonstration today, simple says “It’s not the right time for him to be coming to our state.”
There will inevitably be a huge focus on what happens now with the Minneapolis police force. Associated Press reporters Tammy Webber and Amy Forliti have been looking at the challenges faced by Medaria Arradondo, the city’s first African American police chief.There will inevitably be a huge focus on what happens now with the Minneapolis police force. Associated Press reporters Tammy Webber and Amy Forliti have been looking at the challenges faced by Medaria Arradondo, the city’s first African American police chief.
In his 2017 swearing-in ceremony he spoke of restoring trust. But George Floyd’s death has raised questions about whether Arradondo — or any chief — can fix the department. The city’s own data going back to 2015 shows that when police officers use force, 60% of the time the person they’re dealing with is black, though only 20% of the population is black.In his 2017 swearing-in ceremony he spoke of restoring trust. But George Floyd’s death has raised questions about whether Arradondo — or any chief — can fix the department. The city’s own data going back to 2015 shows that when police officers use force, 60% of the time the person they’re dealing with is black, though only 20% of the population is black.
“I think the chief’s heart is in the right place,” City Council member Steve Fletcher said. “But I don’t think this department was ever going to let him get there. I think people understand he was in an impossible situation.”“I think the chief’s heart is in the right place,” City Council member Steve Fletcher said. “But I don’t think this department was ever going to let him get there. I think people understand he was in an impossible situation.”
Fletcher argues that Arradondo was too lenient with discipline in his first year as chief as he worked to build department morale, which made getting rid of problem officers difficult later.Fletcher argues that Arradondo was too lenient with discipline in his first year as chief as he worked to build department morale, which made getting rid of problem officers difficult later.
Arradondo’s predecessor, Janee Harteau, was forced out over the fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. She said she received push-back from the union when she was trying to implement reforms and this week she called on police union President Lt. Bob Kroll to resign after his controversial comments.Arradondo’s predecessor, Janee Harteau, was forced out over the fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. She said she received push-back from the union when she was trying to implement reforms and this week she called on police union President Lt. Bob Kroll to resign after his controversial comments.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights filed civil rights charges related to Floyd’s death and will investigate the Minneapolis Police Department to determine if it has engaged in discriminatory practices, Governor Tim Walz said this week.The Minnesota Department of Human Rights filed civil rights charges related to Floyd’s death and will investigate the Minneapolis Police Department to determine if it has engaged in discriminatory practices, Governor Tim Walz said this week.
Fletcher said he wants to examine whether the police department should be disbanded, saying he believes it’s “so broken it can’t be fixed.”Fletcher said he wants to examine whether the police department should be disbanded, saying he believes it’s “so broken it can’t be fixed.”
“I think we need to rebuild from the ground up,” said Fletcher, vice chair of the city’s public safety committee.“I think we need to rebuild from the ground up,” said Fletcher, vice chair of the city’s public safety committee.
Bob Bennett, an attorney who said he has sued the department “hundreds” of times over police misconduct allegations, said Arradondo probably did the best he could, but the union has more sway than chiefs do over police conduct.Bob Bennett, an attorney who said he has sued the department “hundreds” of times over police misconduct allegations, said Arradondo probably did the best he could, but the union has more sway than chiefs do over police conduct.
“I know he wants to reform the department as much as anyone I’ve ever met or seen,” Bennett said. “Hopefully this whole mess will bring about some change.”“I know he wants to reform the department as much as anyone I’ve ever met or seen,” Bennett said. “Hopefully this whole mess will bring about some change.”
“What happened to Floyd happens every day in this country in education and health services and in every area of American life. It’s time for us to stand up in George’s name and say get your knee off our necks.”“What happened to Floyd happens every day in this country in education and health services and in every area of American life. It’s time for us to stand up in George’s name and say get your knee off our necks.”
If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a video of some of Reverend Al Sharpton’s powerful words at the George Floyd memorial service yesterdayIf you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a video of some of Reverend Al Sharpton’s powerful words at the George Floyd memorial service yesterday
Here are the main points that have developed in the last few hours:Here are the main points that have developed in the last few hours:
Civil rights groups are to sue Trump over the assault on peaceful protesters near White HouseCivil rights groups are to sue Trump over the assault on peaceful protesters near White House
Twitter has disabled a Trump campaign video tribute to George Floyd, they say due to copyright complaint. It will no doubt add to tensions between the president and the social media platformTwitter has disabled a Trump campaign video tribute to George Floyd, they say due to copyright complaint. It will no doubt add to tensions between the president and the social media platform
Police officers in Buffalo have been suspended for pushing a 75-year-old to ground during the protestsPolice officers in Buffalo have been suspended for pushing a 75-year-old to ground during the protests
Black college student Justin Howell, hit in the head by “less lethal” rounds fired by police at a protest on Sunday, is in critical condition at hospitalBlack college student Justin Howell, hit in the head by “less lethal” rounds fired by police at a protest on Sunday, is in critical condition at hospital
It is confirmed that Vallejo police killed an unarmed 22-year-old who was on his knees with his hands upIt is confirmed that Vallejo police killed an unarmed 22-year-old who was on his knees with his hands up
The New York Times has dropped its initial defence of a ‘Send in the troops’ article and now says Tom Cotton’s opinion piece did not meet editorial standardsThe New York Times has dropped its initial defence of a ‘Send in the troops’ article and now says Tom Cotton’s opinion piece did not meet editorial standards
Ukrainian prosecutors find no evidence against Hunter BidenUkrainian prosecutors find no evidence against Hunter Biden
Good morning from London, I’m Martin Belam, and I’ll be running this live blog for a few hours now until I hand over to my colleagues in New York. You can contact me on martin.belam@theguardian.com or find me on Twitter @MartinBelamGood morning from London, I’m Martin Belam, and I’ll be running this live blog for a few hours now until I hand over to my colleagues in New York. You can contact me on martin.belam@theguardian.com or find me on Twitter @MartinBelam
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today.That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today.
Thank you so much to those of you who got in touch on Twitter. Before I go – this video was taken earlier this week, but because it’s Friday: here are protestors singing along to Tupac’s 1992 song “Changes” at the George Floyd protest all the way in Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand):Thank you so much to those of you who got in touch on Twitter. Before I go – this video was taken earlier this week, but because it’s Friday: here are protestors singing along to Tupac’s 1992 song “Changes” at the George Floyd protest all the way in Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand):
CBS reports that a black college student named Justin Howell, who was hit in the headby “less lethal” rounds fired by police at a protest on Sunday, is in critical condition at hospital, according to his brother, Joshua Howell.CBS reports that a black college student named Justin Howell, who was hit in the headby “less lethal” rounds fired by police at a protest on Sunday, is in critical condition at hospital, according to his brother, Joshua Howell.
“Howell is hospitalized with a fractured skull and brain damage and his brother cannot see him in person due to the coronavirus pandemic,” say CBS.“Howell is hospitalized with a fractured skull and brain damage and his brother cannot see him in person due to the coronavirus pandemic,” say CBS.
According to the New York Times, Joshua Howell says police continued to fire beanbag rounds at volunteer paramedics as they tried to cary his brother to safety. A video of this incident was posted to Twitter:According to the New York Times, Joshua Howell says police continued to fire beanbag rounds at volunteer paramedics as they tried to cary his brother to safety. A video of this incident was posted to Twitter: