This article is from the source 'nytimes' 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.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/us/george-floyd-protests.html

The article has changed 26 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 15 Version 16
Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Minneapolis to Ban Use of Chokeholds by Police Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Minneapolis to Ban Use of Chokeholds by Police
(32 minutes later)
Minneapolis officials announced an agreement to immediately ban the use of chokeholds and strangleholds on Friday, in a move meant to bolster accountability within a police department that uses force against African-Americans far more often than against white residents.Minneapolis officials announced an agreement to immediately ban the use of chokeholds and strangleholds on Friday, in a move meant to bolster accountability within a police department that uses force against African-Americans far more often than against white residents.
Officials also announced a duty for officers to intervene and report any use of unauthorized force, according to an agreement between city and state officials.Officials also announced a duty for officers to intervene and report any use of unauthorized force, according to an agreement between city and state officials.
The agreement comes after nearly two weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who was pinned under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer for nearly nine minutes, including after Mr. Floyd fell unresponsive. The officer faces a charge of murder, and three other officers on the scene were charged with aiding and abetting the killing.The agreement comes after nearly two weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who was pinned under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer for nearly nine minutes, including after Mr. Floyd fell unresponsive. The officer faces a charge of murder, and three other officers on the scene were charged with aiding and abetting the killing.
“George Floyd’s service yesterday underscored that justice for George requires more than accountability for the man who killed him — it requires accountability from elected leadership to deep, structural reforms,” Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement.“George Floyd’s service yesterday underscored that justice for George requires more than accountability for the man who killed him — it requires accountability from elected leadership to deep, structural reforms,” Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement.
The manual of the Minneapolis Police Department previously stated that neck restraints and chokeholds were basically reserved for life-or-death situations for officers, a threat that was not apparent during Mr. Floyd’s detention.The manual of the Minneapolis Police Department previously stated that neck restraints and chokeholds were basically reserved for life-or-death situations for officers, a threat that was not apparent during Mr. Floyd’s detention.
Under the agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the Minneapolis Police Department must also comply with an ongoing civil rights investigation and can only use force to control protest crowds with the approval of the chief of police. After approval by a county judge, the terms of the agreement will be enforceable by the court.Under the agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the Minneapolis Police Department must also comply with an ongoing civil rights investigation and can only use force to control protest crowds with the approval of the chief of police. After approval by a county judge, the terms of the agreement will be enforceable by the court.
The Minneapolis ban came as use of force policies are being re-examined across the country. Earlier this week, Colorado introduced legislation to ban the use of chokeholds by law enforcement, and on Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom called for the removal of neck restraints from the state’s police training programs, saying that such tactics have “no place any longer in 21st century policing and practices.”The Minneapolis ban came as use of force policies are being re-examined across the country. Earlier this week, Colorado introduced legislation to ban the use of chokeholds by law enforcement, and on Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom called for the removal of neck restraints from the state’s police training programs, saying that such tactics have “no place any longer in 21st century policing and practices.”
The Los Angeles Police Department banned the use of neck restraints in 1982 after 16 deaths in police custody in seven years were attributed to choke holds. Illinois, Colorado and California have also passed laws restricting the use of the tactic.The Los Angeles Police Department banned the use of neck restraints in 1982 after 16 deaths in police custody in seven years were attributed to choke holds. Illinois, Colorado and California have also passed laws restricting the use of the tactic.
But various types of neck restraint remain within policy in many departments, even in states where its misuse has been a problem. For example, in Sacramento, Calif., where video surfaced over the weekend of police using a neck restraint on a suspected looter, the tactic is still regarded by law enforcement as a permissible use of force.But various types of neck restraint remain within policy in many departments, even in states where its misuse has been a problem. For example, in Sacramento, Calif., where video surfaced over the weekend of police using a neck restraint on a suspected looter, the tactic is still regarded by law enforcement as a permissible use of force.
The use of neck restraints have come under intense scrutiny after high-profile deaths, including the death of Eric Garner at the hands of the New York Police Department in 2014. The New York Police Department has banned chokeholds since the 1990s, but some officers still use them, and investigators determined that the officer who wrestled Mr. Garner to the ground was using a banned chokehold.The use of neck restraints have come under intense scrutiny after high-profile deaths, including the death of Eric Garner at the hands of the New York Police Department in 2014. The New York Police Department has banned chokeholds since the 1990s, but some officers still use them, and investigators determined that the officer who wrestled Mr. Garner to the ground was using a banned chokehold.
Mr. Garner famously gasped “I can’t breathe” 11 times while lying facedown on the sidewalk, a sentence that Mr. Floyd also said several times.Mr. Garner famously gasped “I can’t breathe” 11 times while lying facedown on the sidewalk, a sentence that Mr. Floyd also said several times.
Elsewhere, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Tuesday urged passage of legislation aimed at minimizing the use of lethal police force and New Jersey’s attorney general said the state will update its use-of-force guidelines for the first time in two decades. In Maryland, a bipartisan work group of state lawmakers last week announced a police reform work group.Elsewhere, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Tuesday urged passage of legislation aimed at minimizing the use of lethal police force and New Jersey’s attorney general said the state will update its use-of-force guidelines for the first time in two decades. In Maryland, a bipartisan work group of state lawmakers last week announced a police reform work group.
And Chief Carmen Best of the Seattle Police Department said she was banning the use of tear gas on protesters for at least 30 days and calling for a review of the department’s crowd control tactics.And Chief Carmen Best of the Seattle Police Department said she was banning the use of tear gas on protesters for at least 30 days and calling for a review of the department’s crowd control tactics.
As protests over the death of George Floyd sweep the nation, the demonstrations have revealed powerful moments of peaceful protest and in some cases among police officers, who have been seen taking a knee in solidarity, reading the names of police brutality victims out loud or quietly crying alongside protesters.As protests over the death of George Floyd sweep the nation, the demonstrations have revealed powerful moments of peaceful protest and in some cases among police officers, who have been seen taking a knee in solidarity, reading the names of police brutality victims out loud or quietly crying alongside protesters.
But the protests have also revealed widespread incidents of police aggression, documented with the same tool that captured Mr. Floyd’s death under the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis: video.But the protests have also revealed widespread incidents of police aggression, documented with the same tool that captured Mr. Floyd’s death under the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis: video.
In Buffalo, two police officers were suspended without pay after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protester, who was hospitalized with a head injury. In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Miami Herald reporters filmed officers who were shooting a nonviolent protester in the head with foam rubber bullets, fracturing her eye socket. Cellphone videos show New York City police officers beating unarmed protesters and sideswiping demonstrators with opened squad car doors.In Buffalo, two police officers were suspended without pay after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protester, who was hospitalized with a head injury. In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Miami Herald reporters filmed officers who were shooting a nonviolent protester in the head with foam rubber bullets, fracturing her eye socket. Cellphone videos show New York City police officers beating unarmed protesters and sideswiping demonstrators with opened squad car doors.
Captured by bystanders and sometimes shown on live television, the episodes have occurred in cities large and small, in the heat of mass protests and in their quiet aftermath. A compilation posted on Twitter by a North Carolina lawyer included over 300 clips by Friday morning.Captured by bystanders and sometimes shown on live television, the episodes have occurred in cities large and small, in the heat of mass protests and in their quiet aftermath. A compilation posted on Twitter by a North Carolina lawyer included over 300 clips by Friday morning.
The episodes have emerged over nearly two weeks of largely peaceful demonstrations in at least 600 cities across America, as thousands of people filled the streets in historic protests against systemic racism and police brutality.The episodes have emerged over nearly two weeks of largely peaceful demonstrations in at least 600 cities across America, as thousands of people filled the streets in historic protests against systemic racism and police brutality.
Officers and protesters alike have been injured in tense conflicts, and several people have been killed amid unrest and looting. Video has played a prominent role in the case of a popular restaurant owner in Louisville, Ky., who was killed by law enforcement after he appeared to shoot his gun in a chaotic exchange.Officers and protesters alike have been injured in tense conflicts, and several people have been killed amid unrest and looting. Video has played a prominent role in the case of a popular restaurant owner in Louisville, Ky., who was killed by law enforcement after he appeared to shoot his gun in a chaotic exchange.
The unsettled pain of an anguished nation has stretched over the past week from a Minneapolis chapel where speakers remembered Mr. Floyd, a 46-year-old black security guard and father, to the White House, where President Trump has been in a standoff with the Pentagon over the use of military force against protesters. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, told a group of black supporters on Thursday night that “we’re in a battle for the soul of this country.”The unsettled pain of an anguished nation has stretched over the past week from a Minneapolis chapel where speakers remembered Mr. Floyd, a 46-year-old black security guard and father, to the White House, where President Trump has been in a standoff with the Pentagon over the use of military force against protesters. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, told a group of black supporters on Thursday night that “we’re in a battle for the soul of this country.”
The national attention has also brought past incidents to clearer view.The national attention has also brought past incidents to clearer view.
A black man who called out “I can’t breathe” before dying in police custody in Tacoma, Wash., in March was killed as a result of oxygen deprivation and the physical restraint that was used on him, a medical examiner ruled in a report released this week.A black man who called out “I can’t breathe” before dying in police custody in Tacoma, Wash., in March was killed as a result of oxygen deprivation and the physical restraint that was used on him, a medical examiner ruled in a report released this week.
With memorials and demonstrations planned across the United States for the second consecutive weekend, Americans will again gather shoulder-to-shoulder by the hundreds and the thousands, as the nation grapples with a public health and economic crisis that has loomed heavily over the crowded gatherings.With memorials and demonstrations planned across the United States for the second consecutive weekend, Americans will again gather shoulder-to-shoulder by the hundreds and the thousands, as the nation grapples with a public health and economic crisis that has loomed heavily over the crowded gatherings.
The risk of the coronavirus spreading at mass gatherings remains a real concern, public health experts say, but there were signs of slight improvements to the job market on Friday. The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May and the economy added 2.5 million jobs, the Labor Department announced, in an unexpected improvement that reflected limited business reopenings across the country.The risk of the coronavirus spreading at mass gatherings remains a real concern, public health experts say, but there were signs of slight improvements to the job market on Friday. The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May and the economy added 2.5 million jobs, the Labor Department announced, in an unexpected improvement that reflected limited business reopenings across the country.
The report noted that “employment rose sharply in leisure and hospitality, construction, education and health services, and retail trade,” even as jobs in the government continued their decline.The report noted that “employment rose sharply in leisure and hospitality, construction, education and health services, and retail trade,” even as jobs in the government continued their decline.
Economists had expected the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II.Economists had expected the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II.
The economic crisis has converged with a public health crisis and years of systemic racism that have taken disproportionately large tolls on African-Americans. That reality was reflected in a memorial for George Floyd in Minneapolis on Thursday, as speakers recalled a father and community member who had been infected by the coronavirus, had been looking for new work after the restaurant where he worked as a bouncer closed to on-site dining and died in the custody of the Minneapolis police.The economic crisis has converged with a public health crisis and years of systemic racism that have taken disproportionately large tolls on African-Americans. That reality was reflected in a memorial for George Floyd in Minneapolis on Thursday, as speakers recalled a father and community member who had been infected by the coronavirus, had been looking for new work after the restaurant where he worked as a bouncer closed to on-site dining and died in the custody of the Minneapolis police.
“It was not the coronavirus pandemic that killed George Floyd,” said Benjamin Crump, the civil rights lawyer who represents the Floyd family. “It was that other pandemic we’re all too familiar with in America — it was that pandemic of racism and discrimination that killed George Floyd.”“It was not the coronavirus pandemic that killed George Floyd,” said Benjamin Crump, the civil rights lawyer who represents the Floyd family. “It was that other pandemic we’re all too familiar with in America — it was that pandemic of racism and discrimination that killed George Floyd.”
Authorities in the city of Las Cruces in southern New Mexico announced on Friday that a police officer would be fired and charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the killing of a man who fled from a traffic stop.
The man, Antonio Valenzuela, 40, died on Feb. 29. The Las Cruces Police Department said he had an open warrant because of a parole violation, and was tased twice by officers while running away after being pulled over. Officer Christopher Smelser then used a chokehold technique on Mr. Valenzuela.
The Las Cruces medical examiner’s office determined this week that Mr. Valenzuela died from the injuries caused by being asphyxiated, the department said.
The death of Mr. Valenzuela, a painter and father of four, has resonated across New Mexico, which was already grappling with some of the highest rates of fatal shootings by police officers anywhere in the United States.
Involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony. Officer Smelser is also in the process of being fired from the force, said Dan Trujillo, a police spokesman. Officer Smelser could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday, and it was unclear whether he had a lawyer.
The department also said in a statement that the neck restraint technique used on Mr. Valenzuela was prohibited immediately after the episode.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada took a knee on Friday, along with hundreds of others, repeating the gesture that in the United States has become synonymous with protest against police brutality against black people.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada took a knee on Friday, along with hundreds of others, repeating the gesture that in the United States has become synonymous with protest against police brutality against black people.
Kneeling at a large anti-racism march in the capital city, Ottawa, was the latest symbolic move by the prime minister that seemed intended to say more than he’s been willing to share in words.Kneeling at a large anti-racism march in the capital city, Ottawa, was the latest symbolic move by the prime minister that seemed intended to say more than he’s been willing to share in words.
When asked pointedly at a news conference earlier in the week what he made of President Trump’s call for military action against American protesters and the tear gassing of peaceful demonstrators to make way for the president’s photo-op, the Canadian prime minister paused for an uncomfortable 21 seconds, trying to frame his thoughts.When asked pointedly at a news conference earlier in the week what he made of President Trump’s call for military action against American protesters and the tear gassing of peaceful demonstrators to make way for the president’s photo-op, the Canadian prime minister paused for an uncomfortable 21 seconds, trying to frame his thoughts.
Finally, he responded diplomatically, “We all watch in horror and consternation what’s going on in the United States.” He then went on to say Canadians needed to address their own problems of systemic racism.Finally, he responded diplomatically, “We all watch in horror and consternation what’s going on in the United States.” He then went on to say Canadians needed to address their own problems of systemic racism.
That was not enough for some protesters on Friday, who were captured on television chanting “Stand up to Trump.”That was not enough for some protesters on Friday, who were captured on television chanting “Stand up to Trump.”
The Ottawa march was one of many on Friday and planned for Saturday across Canada in support of Black Lives Matter protests in the United States, and also in reaction to police brutality in Canada against black Canadians, indigenous people and others.The Ottawa march was one of many on Friday and planned for Saturday across Canada in support of Black Lives Matter protests in the United States, and also in reaction to police brutality in Canada against black Canadians, indigenous people and others.
District attorneys in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx will not prosecute people accused of low-level offenses after being arrested amid the protests against police brutality and systemic racism that entered their second week in New York City on Friday.District attorneys in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx will not prosecute people accused of low-level offenses after being arrested amid the protests against police brutality and systemic racism that entered their second week in New York City on Friday.
Since last week, more than 2,000 people have been arrested in the city on charges like disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, unlawful assembly, assault on a police officer and burglary, according to the police and prosecutors.Since last week, more than 2,000 people have been arrested in the city on charges like disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, unlawful assembly, assault on a police officer and burglary, according to the police and prosecutors.
On Friday, the Manhattan district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., said that he would not prosecute protesters accused of unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct. In a statement, he commended demonstrators who had gathered peacefully and committed no other offenses.On Friday, the Manhattan district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., said that he would not prosecute protesters accused of unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct. In a statement, he commended demonstrators who had gathered peacefully and committed no other offenses.
“The prosecution of protesters charged with these low-level offenses undermines critical bonds between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” Mr. Vance said in a statement. “Our office has a moral imperative to enact public policies which assure all New Yorkers that in our justice system and our society, black lives matter and police violence is a crime.”“The prosecution of protesters charged with these low-level offenses undermines critical bonds between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” Mr. Vance said in a statement. “Our office has a moral imperative to enact public policies which assure all New Yorkers that in our justice system and our society, black lives matter and police violence is a crime.”
According to the district attorney’s office, the move affects 71 cases.According to the district attorney’s office, the move affects 71 cases.
Under an existing policy, Manhattan prosecutors dismiss such cases after six months, provided that the accused was not charged with a new crime.Under an existing policy, Manhattan prosecutors dismiss such cases after six months, provided that the accused was not charged with a new crime.
Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has taken a similar stance. He has said his office would review cases in which a desk appearance ticket was issued and then determine whether the case should move forward. In instances where a person was only charged with unlawful assembly or with violating curfew, his office will decline to prosecute.Brooklyn’s district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, has taken a similar stance. He has said his office would review cases in which a desk appearance ticket was issued and then determine whether the case should move forward. In instances where a person was only charged with unlawful assembly or with violating curfew, his office will decline to prosecute.
“We will respond to the arrests here, but we will make sure the prosecution of the individual makes sense and does not trample on the right to assemble,” Mr. Gonzalez said in an interview this week. “We stand for the right of people to protest.”“We will respond to the arrests here, but we will make sure the prosecution of the individual makes sense and does not trample on the right to assemble,” Mr. Gonzalez said in an interview this week. “We stand for the right of people to protest.”
Mr. Gonzalez’s office has so far declined to prosecute a half-dozen cases.Mr. Gonzalez’s office has so far declined to prosecute a half-dozen cases.
The Bronx district attorney, Darcel D. Clark, has also declined to prosecute protesters accused of unlawful assembly or violating the curfew. A summons will be issued in such cases instead.The Bronx district attorney, Darcel D. Clark, has also declined to prosecute protesters accused of unlawful assembly or violating the curfew. A summons will be issued in such cases instead.
Mr. Vance did not say his office would not prosecute those accused of violating the curfew. He and Mr. Gonzalez have said they would continue to prosecute people accused of violence against officers and looting. Both offices are also investigating allegations of police abuse and brutality against protesters.Mr. Vance did not say his office would not prosecute those accused of violating the curfew. He and Mr. Gonzalez have said they would continue to prosecute people accused of violence against officers and looting. Both offices are also investigating allegations of police abuse and brutality against protesters.
A spokeswoman for the mayor’s office did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.A spokeswoman for the mayor’s office did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.
Devora Kaye, a spokeswoman for the Police Department said in a statement, “It is our understanding that each arrest will continue to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.”Devora Kaye, a spokeswoman for the Police Department said in a statement, “It is our understanding that each arrest will continue to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.”
After President Trump renewed criticism of N.F.L. players protesting during the national anthem, Commissioner Roger Goodell delivered his strongest support yet for their right to demonstrate to fight racism and police brutality.After President Trump renewed criticism of N.F.L. players protesting during the national anthem, Commissioner Roger Goodell delivered his strongest support yet for their right to demonstrate to fight racism and police brutality.
In a swift response to a video montage that featured star players asking the league to address systemic racism, Goodell said he apologized for not listening to the concerns of African-American players earlier and said he supported the players’ right to protest peacefully.In a swift response to a video montage that featured star players asking the league to address systemic racism, Goodell said he apologized for not listening to the concerns of African-American players earlier and said he supported the players’ right to protest peacefully.
During the 2016 season, Colin Kaepernick started the movement within the league when he knelt to call attention to racial injustice and violence by police, but no team has offered him a contract since then.During the 2016 season, Colin Kaepernick started the movement within the league when he knelt to call attention to racial injustice and violence by police, but no team has offered him a contract since then.
Goodell’s comments were diametrically opposed to the president, who spoke out to defend New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who said this week that it was disrespectful to kneel during the pregame playing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”Goodell’s comments were diametrically opposed to the president, who spoke out to defend New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who said this week that it was disrespectful to kneel during the pregame playing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Brees apologized on Thursday after immediate backlash. But the president said on Twitter that Brees should not have backtracked and that people should stand when the anthem is played.Brees apologized on Thursday after immediate backlash. But the president said on Twitter that Brees should not have backtracked and that people should stand when the anthem is played.
More than any other major sports league, the N.F.L. has wrestled in recent years with the issue of race, the lack of African-Americans and other people of color in positions of power in the league and the rights of players to protest social issues on the field. While three-quarters of the league’s players are African-American, nearly every team owner is white and several of the most prominent owners are strong supporters of the president.More than any other major sports league, the N.F.L. has wrestled in recent years with the issue of race, the lack of African-Americans and other people of color in positions of power in the league and the rights of players to protest social issues on the field. While three-quarters of the league’s players are African-American, nearly every team owner is white and several of the most prominent owners are strong supporters of the president.
President Trump was pilloried by Democrats on Friday for declaring during a speech on the economy that it was “great day” for George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after his neck was pinned under the knee of a white police officer.President Trump was pilloried by Democrats on Friday for declaring during a speech on the economy that it was “great day” for George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after his neck was pinned under the knee of a white police officer.
“Hopefully, George is looking down right now in saying this is a great thing happening for our country,” Mr. Trump said. “A great day for him, a great day for everybody. This is a great day for everybody. This is a great day in terms of equality.”“Hopefully, George is looking down right now in saying this is a great thing happening for our country,” Mr. Trump said. “A great day for him, a great day for everybody. This is a great day for everybody. This is a great day in terms of equality.”
Mr. Trump’s comments drew immediate condemnation from former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the president’s Democratic challenger. “George Floyd’s last words, ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe’ have echoed all across this nation and quite frankly around the world,” Mr. Biden said in a speech on Friday. “For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd I frankly think is despicable.”Mr. Trump’s comments drew immediate condemnation from former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the president’s Democratic challenger. “George Floyd’s last words, ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe’ have echoed all across this nation and quite frankly around the world,” Mr. Biden said in a speech on Friday. “For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd I frankly think is despicable.”
Mr. Trump’s comments on Mr. Floyd were delivered as he glanced down at a piece of paper during an otherwise scattershot speech to briefly address the need for law enforcement officials to treat Americans fairly.Mr. Trump’s comments on Mr. Floyd were delivered as he glanced down at a piece of paper during an otherwise scattershot speech to briefly address the need for law enforcement officials to treat Americans fairly.
“Equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcement regardless of race, color, gender, or creed,” Mr. Trump said in the Rose Garden. “They have to receive fair treatment from law enforcement.”“Equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcement regardless of race, color, gender, or creed,” Mr. Trump said in the Rose Garden. “They have to receive fair treatment from law enforcement.”
But his comments drew outrage from those who were appalled that Mr. Trump was tying Mr. Floyd’s killing to a bright spot in the American economy.But his comments drew outrage from those who were appalled that Mr. Trump was tying Mr. Floyd’s killing to a bright spot in the American economy.
“Keep George Floyd’s name out of your mouth until you can say Black Lives Matter,” Senator Kamala Harris of California, a possible vice-presidential pick for Mr. Biden, tweeted at the president.“Keep George Floyd’s name out of your mouth until you can say Black Lives Matter,” Senator Kamala Harris of California, a possible vice-presidential pick for Mr. Biden, tweeted at the president.
In interviews with several of his allies this week, Mr. Trump has largely declined to address a larger effort to curb police violence.In interviews with several of his allies this week, Mr. Trump has largely declined to address a larger effort to curb police violence.
Several colleges and universities have rescinded admission to students who were accused of posting racist material online in the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody, after a social media backlash against the students.Several colleges and universities have rescinded admission to students who were accused of posting racist material online in the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody, after a social media backlash against the students.
The University of Denver, Arizona Christian University and the College of Charleston have issued statements this week saying that they had withdrawn admission offers to students who had made such posts. The president of Missouri State University declined to do the same to a student who had mocked Mr. Floyd’s death, but the student withdrew on her own.The University of Denver, Arizona Christian University and the College of Charleston have issued statements this week saying that they had withdrawn admission offers to students who had made such posts. The president of Missouri State University declined to do the same to a student who had mocked Mr. Floyd’s death, but the student withdrew on her own.
“It is clear that we are in a defining moment,” the University of Denver’s chancellor, Jeremy Haefner, said in a letter signed by other university administrators posted on the school website. He said that the university had revoked a prospective student’s admission for posting a “racist” photo on social media, but he did not describe the photo.“It is clear that we are in a defining moment,” the University of Denver’s chancellor, Jeremy Haefner, said in a letter signed by other university administrators posted on the school website. He said that the university had revoked a prospective student’s admission for posting a “racist” photo on social media, but he did not describe the photo.
Clif Smart, president of Missouri State University, said he had been tempted to rescind admission to a prospective student, but agonized over the free speech implications of doing so.Clif Smart, president of Missouri State University, said he had been tempted to rescind admission to a prospective student, but agonized over the free speech implications of doing so.
The student, a young woman, had posted a video to Snapchat in which two other women laughingly recreated Mr. Floyd’s death, according to a university official.The student, a young woman, had posted a video to Snapchat in which two other women laughingly recreated Mr. Floyd’s death, according to a university official.
“Many of you have reached out to share the hurt, anger and disbelief you experienced upon watching the video,” Mr. Smart wrote on the university website. “It demonstrates a disturbing lack of empathy and respect for the death of Mr. Floyd, his family and others who have suffered similarly while in police custody.”“Many of you have reached out to share the hurt, anger and disbelief you experienced upon watching the video,” Mr. Smart wrote on the university website. “It demonstrates a disturbing lack of empathy and respect for the death of Mr. Floyd, his family and others who have suffered similarly while in police custody.”
Another prospective student used a racial slur during a social media exchange with a black student from her high school, Mr. Smart said.Another prospective student used a racial slur during a social media exchange with a black student from her high school, Mr. Smart said.
Mr. Smart said his first impulse was to rescind both offers of admission. But he said that as a public university, Missouri State was obligated to uphold the right to free speech, and beyond that, had a mission to teach tolerance.Mr. Smart said his first impulse was to rescind both offers of admission. But he said that as a public university, Missouri State was obligated to uphold the right to free speech, and beyond that, had a mission to teach tolerance.
“These are formative years when people change and grow,” Mr. Smart said, adding, “We legally cannot and, in my opinion, should not bar a student from entry for offensive comments posted as an adolescent. I believe in grace, redemption and the probability that a college education can change people for the better. It did me.”“These are formative years when people change and grow,” Mr. Smart said, adding, “We legally cannot and, in my opinion, should not bar a student from entry for offensive comments posted as an adolescent. I believe in grace, redemption and the probability that a college education can change people for the better. It did me.”
In the end, the university did not get that chance. After the public outcry, the students withdrew their enrollment voluntarily, he said.In the end, the university did not get that chance. After the public outcry, the students withdrew their enrollment voluntarily, he said.
Facebook said on Friday that it had removed nearly 200 social media accounts connected to far-right hate groups that had tried to rally followers to infiltrate the George Floyd protests.Facebook said on Friday that it had removed nearly 200 social media accounts connected to far-right hate groups that had tried to rally followers to infiltrate the George Floyd protests.
The social network said it removed 80 Facebook accounts and 50 Instagram accounts associated with the white supremacist group American Guard, and 30 Facebook accounts and 30 Instagram accounts linked to the Proud Boys, another hate group.The social network said it removed 80 Facebook accounts and 50 Instagram accounts associated with the white supremacist group American Guard, and 30 Facebook accounts and 30 Instagram accounts linked to the Proud Boys, another hate group.
Both groups had previously been banned from the company’s networks, but such bans are hard to enforce because new accounts can crop up — often under aliases — as quickly as old ones are removed. Facebook said the two groups had re-emerged on social media and were calling for people to join protests against racism and police violence, sometimes with weapons.Both groups had previously been banned from the company’s networks, but such bans are hard to enforce because new accounts can crop up — often under aliases — as quickly as old ones are removed. Facebook said the two groups had re-emerged on social media and were calling for people to join protests against racism and police violence, sometimes with weapons.
“These groups were planning to rally supporters and members to physically go on the ground to the protests, in some cases preparing to go with weapons,” Brian Fishman, Facebook’s director for counterterrorism and dangerous organizations, said on a call with reporters.“These groups were planning to rally supporters and members to physically go on the ground to the protests, in some cases preparing to go with weapons,” Brian Fishman, Facebook’s director for counterterrorism and dangerous organizations, said on a call with reporters.
Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the site had also removed a third batch of accounts that included those of users masquerading as members of Antifa, the loose-knit, far-left antifascism activist movement.Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the site had also removed a third batch of accounts that included those of users masquerading as members of Antifa, the loose-knit, far-left antifascism activist movement.
Mr. Gleicher said that third group of accounts was linked to an account that Twitter took down on Monday, a move reported earlier by NBC News. The owner of that account posed as an Antifa member aiming to incite violence during the protests.Mr. Gleicher said that third group of accounts was linked to an account that Twitter took down on Monday, a move reported earlier by NBC News. The owner of that account posed as an Antifa member aiming to incite violence during the protests.
Facebook said it had not seen foreign interference on its site related to the protests, even as its security teams were actively scouring the social network for signs of meddling. Attorney General William P. Barr had said on Thursday that the federal government had seen evidence of “foreign actors playing all sides to exacerbate the violence.”Facebook said it had not seen foreign interference on its site related to the protests, even as its security teams were actively scouring the social network for signs of meddling. Attorney General William P. Barr had said on Thursday that the federal government had seen evidence of “foreign actors playing all sides to exacerbate the violence.”
Prosecutors are investigating the actions of two Buffalo police officers who were suspended without pay on Thursday night after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protester, who was hospitalized with a head injury.Prosecutors are investigating the actions of two Buffalo police officers who were suspended without pay on Thursday night after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protester, who was hospitalized with a head injury.
The video taken by WBFO, a local radio station, showed the man, identified on Friday as Martin Gugino, approaching a group of officers during a protest stemming from the death of George Floyd. He was identified by the Western New York Peace Center, a nonprofit that said in a Facebook post that he was a member and a peace activist.The video taken by WBFO, a local radio station, showed the man, identified on Friday as Martin Gugino, approaching a group of officers during a protest stemming from the death of George Floyd. He was identified by the Western New York Peace Center, a nonprofit that said in a Facebook post that he was a member and a peace activist.
Also on Friday, John T. Evans, the president of the Buffalo police union, said all 57 officers on the Emergency Response Team, a special squad formed in 2016 to respond to riots, had resigned from their posts on the team in support of the suspended officers, according to The Buffalo News.Also on Friday, John T. Evans, the president of the Buffalo police union, said all 57 officers on the Emergency Response Team, a special squad formed in 2016 to respond to riots, had resigned from their posts on the team in support of the suspended officers, according to The Buffalo News.
The video posted by the radio station on Twitter showed that after Mr. Gugino stopped in front of the officers to talk, one yelled “push him back” three times; one officer then pushed his arm into Mr. Gugino’s chest, while another extended his baton toward him with both hands. Mr. Gugino flailed backward, landing just out of range of the camera, with blood immediately leaking from his right ear.The video posted by the radio station on Twitter showed that after Mr. Gugino stopped in front of the officers to talk, one yelled “push him back” three times; one officer then pushed his arm into Mr. Gugino’s chest, while another extended his baton toward him with both hands. Mr. Gugino flailed backward, landing just out of range of the camera, with blood immediately leaking from his right ear.
An officer leaned down to examine him, the video shows, but another then pulled the first officer away. Several others are seen in the video walking by him, while he is motionless on the ground, without checking on him.An officer leaned down to examine him, the video shows, but another then pulled the first officer away. Several others are seen in the video walking by him, while he is motionless on the ground, without checking on him.
On Friday, the Erie County district attorney’s office said in a statement that prosecutors were investigating the incident. It said Mr. Gugino was unable to provide a statement to investigators on Thursday night at the Erie County Medical Center, where he was taken for treatment for the head injury.On Friday, the Erie County district attorney’s office said in a statement that prosecutors were investigating the incident. It said Mr. Gugino was unable to provide a statement to investigators on Thursday night at the Erie County Medical Center, where he was taken for treatment for the head injury.
He was still in serious condition on Friday, the Erie County executive, Mark Poloncarz, wrote on Twitter. He said an official at the medical center told him that Mr. Gugino was “alert and oriented.”He was still in serious condition on Friday, the Erie County executive, Mark Poloncarz, wrote on Twitter. He said an official at the medical center told him that Mr. Gugino was “alert and oriented.”
The video added to a growing body of recordings from across the nation that showed officers responding to protests against police violence with more police violence. Fury among online supporters of the protests was heightened by the Police Department’s initial claim that Mr. Gugino “tripped and fell,” a description at direct odds with the video. A police spokesman could not be reached on Friday.The video added to a growing body of recordings from across the nation that showed officers responding to protests against police violence with more police violence. Fury among online supporters of the protests was heightened by the Police Department’s initial claim that Mr. Gugino “tripped and fell,” a description at direct odds with the video. A police spokesman could not be reached on Friday.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York condemned the officers’ conduct late Thursday. “The incident in Buffalo is wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful,” Mr. Cuomo said in a statement. “Police officers must enforce — NOT ABUSE — the law.”Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York condemned the officers’ conduct late Thursday. “The incident in Buffalo is wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful,” Mr. Cuomo said in a statement. “Police officers must enforce — NOT ABUSE — the law.”
A woman who witnessed the arrest of Manuel Ellis, a black man in Tacoma, Wash., called on the police to “stop hitting him” after they wrestled Mr. Ellis to the ground, according to a video of the arrest.A woman who witnessed the arrest of Manuel Ellis, a black man in Tacoma, Wash., called on the police to “stop hitting him” after they wrestled Mr. Ellis to the ground, according to a video of the arrest.
Mr. Ellis died in the minutes following his arrest in March after pleading, “I can’t breathe” — an eerie echo of some of the final words from other black men who have died in police custody, including Eric Garner and George Floyd.Mr. Ellis died in the minutes following his arrest in March after pleading, “I can’t breathe” — an eerie echo of some of the final words from other black men who have died in police custody, including Eric Garner and George Floyd.
The woman captured video clips showing brief portions of the arrest of Mr. Ellis, 33, including punches that officers threw while he was on the ground. She was in her car and had pulled up right behind the police vehicle on the southern edge of Tacoma late on the night of March 3.The woman captured video clips showing brief portions of the arrest of Mr. Ellis, 33, including punches that officers threw while he was on the ground. She was in her car and had pulled up right behind the police vehicle on the southern edge of Tacoma late on the night of March 3.
After the videos were posted online, Tacoma’s mayor, Victoria Woodards, released a video message late Wednesday night saying she was enraged by what she saw and was directing the city manager to fire each officer involved.After the videos were posted online, Tacoma’s mayor, Victoria Woodards, released a video message late Wednesday night saying she was enraged by what she saw and was directing the city manager to fire each officer involved.
“The officers who committed this crime should be fired and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Ms. Woodards said.“The officers who committed this crime should be fired and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Ms. Woodards said.
The first video captured by the witness begins in the middle of the encounter, showing both officers standing, right as they took Mr. Ellis to the ground on the road in front of some garbage cans. With Mr. Ellis on his back, one of the officers got down on his knees and began punching Mr. Ellis.The first video captured by the witness begins in the middle of the encounter, showing both officers standing, right as they took Mr. Ellis to the ground on the road in front of some garbage cans. With Mr. Ellis on his back, one of the officers got down on his knees and began punching Mr. Ellis.
“Stop. Oh my god, stop hitting him. Just arrest him,” the witness called out in the video.“Stop. Oh my god, stop hitting him. Just arrest him,” the witness called out in the video.
In a later clip, as she drove past the scene, video showed the officers asking Mr. Ellis to put his hands behind his back. The officers appeared to have Mr. Ellis subdued and on his side.In a later clip, as she drove past the scene, video showed the officers asking Mr. Ellis to put his hands behind his back. The officers appeared to have Mr. Ellis subdued and on his side.
Detective Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, which is handling the investigation, said Mr. Ellis at one point called out “I can’t breathe,” and the officers called for medical support.Detective Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, which is handling the investigation, said Mr. Ellis at one point called out “I can’t breathe,” and the officers called for medical support.
New York City police officers have resorted repeatedly to the tactic of “kettling” peaceful after-curfew demonstrators in recent days, penning them in even when they offer to disperse, and then charging them to make arrests, often using force in the process.New York City police officers have resorted repeatedly to the tactic of “kettling” peaceful after-curfew demonstrators in recent days, penning them in even when they offer to disperse, and then charging them to make arrests, often using force in the process.
That approach, witnessed several times by reporters around the city and attested to by protesters, marks a more aggressive approach by the Police Department and has produced hundreds of arrests at a time. Demonstrators say it has abetted the use of excess force by officers in the past week, which has sparked a political backlash against the department and Mayor Bill de Blasio.That approach, witnessed several times by reporters around the city and attested to by protesters, marks a more aggressive approach by the Police Department and has produced hundreds of arrests at a time. Demonstrators say it has abetted the use of excess force by officers in the past week, which has sparked a political backlash against the department and Mayor Bill de Blasio.
On Wednesday night, about 45 minutes after the city’s 8 p.m. curfew, hundreds of peaceful protest marchers in downtown Brooklyn encountered a formation of officers in riot gear. Minutes later, they tried to retreat, only to find that the police had formed another human barricade behind them. They were surrounded.On Wednesday night, about 45 minutes after the city’s 8 p.m. curfew, hundreds of peaceful protest marchers in downtown Brooklyn encountered a formation of officers in riot gear. Minutes later, they tried to retreat, only to find that the police had formed another human barricade behind them. They were surrounded.
Officers charged the demonstrators, many of the officers swinging batons, as the scene turned into a melee.Officers charged the demonstrators, many of the officers swinging batons, as the scene turned into a melee.
In the Bronx on Thursday night, officers began surrounding a group of demonstrators before the curfew began, and started making arrests by 8:02 p.m.In the Bronx on Thursday night, officers began surrounding a group of demonstrators before the curfew began, and started making arrests by 8:02 p.m.
The tactic of penning crowds in can be used to defuse tension, with officers allowing people to leave a few at a time. Instead, the New York police have used it as a way to prevent people from leaving and facilitate mass arrests.The tactic of penning crowds in can be used to defuse tension, with officers allowing people to leave a few at a time. Instead, the New York police have used it as a way to prevent people from leaving and facilitate mass arrests.
Mr. de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot F. Shea have called kettling necessary to deter looters who ransacked parts of Manhattan over the weekend, but since Monday, protests have gone off with far less violence and destruction.Mr. de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot F. Shea have called kettling necessary to deter looters who ransacked parts of Manhattan over the weekend, but since Monday, protests have gone off with far less violence and destruction.
“I don’t want to see protesters hemmed in if they don’t need to be,” the mayor said in an interview on WNYC radio on Friday. But he added “that sometimes there’s a legitimate problem and it’s not visible to protesters.“I don’t want to see protesters hemmed in if they don’t need to be,” the mayor said in an interview on WNYC radio on Friday. But he added “that sometimes there’s a legitimate problem and it’s not visible to protesters.
Reporting was contributed by Davey Alba, Emily Badger, Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Kim Barker, Ken Belson, Katie Benner, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Julia Carmel, Emily Cochrane, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Elizabeth Dias, John Eligon, Reid J. Epstein, Tess Felder, Thomas Fuller, Matt Furber, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Katie Glueck, Erica L. Green, Anemona Hartocollis, Christine Hauser, Shawn Hubler, Thomas Kaplan, Neil MacFarquhar Sarah Mervosh, Richard Pérez-Peña, Catherine Porter, Katie Rogers, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Derrick Taylor, Neil Vigdor and Daniel Victor. Reporting was contributed by Davey Alba, Emily Badger, Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Kim Barker, Ken Belson, Katie Benner, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Julia Carmel, Emily Cochrane, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Elizabeth Dias, John Eligon, Reid J. Epstein, Tess Felder, Thomas Fuller, Matt Furber, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Katie Glueck, Erica L. Green, Anemona Hartocollis, Christine Hauser, Shawn Hubler, Thomas Kaplan, Neil MacFarquhar Sarah Mervosh, Richard Pérez-Peña, Catherine Porter, Katie Rogers, Simon Romero, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Derrick Taylor, Neil Vigdor and Daniel Victor.