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US protests live: hundreds of thousands march against racial injustice US protests live: hundreds of thousands march against racial injustice
(32 minutes later)
Large crowds from coast to coast demonstrate against police killing of George FloydLarge crowds from coast to coast demonstrate against police killing of George Floyd
Demonstrators in Richmond, Virginia have pulled down a statue of Confederate general William Carter Wickham.
Earlier this week, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced that the state would begin clearing Confederate structures from Richmond, including a towering monument to Robert E. Lee.
Nearly 1,300 medical providers and public health experts have signed a petition this week calling for police to stop using the chemical agents — not just teargas, but also smoke bombs, pepper spray — over concerns that it will exacerbate the spread of coronavirus.
On Friday, Seattle’s mayor announced a 30-day moratorium on the use of teargas during protests after an outcry. But pepper spray, like tear gas, is a lachrymatory agent that causes tears, saliva and mucus to stream from demonstrators’ eyes and noses,
Because coronavirus spreads through droplets of mucus and spit that people launch into the air when they cough, sneeze, breathe and talk, teargas and other irritants that cause people to choke, hack and rip off their face masks will help the virus proliferate, according to Dr Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease physician who helped draft the petition.
Gas and pepper sprays also cause tears, saliva and mucus to stream from demonstrators’ eyes and noses, said Chin-Hong. “And it’ll cause people to shout and scream, propelling droplets of these fluids – which could be carrying coronavirus – and giving them superpowers, to spread much farther than six feet.”
In Seattle, police are using flashbangs and pepper spray against protestors, according to footage capture by a reporter for the Seattle Times.
The city banned the use of tear gas yesterday — but it seems officers have found a workaround.
Across the nation today, protestors called on officials to “defund the police”. Activists who have long fought to cut law enforcement budgets say they are seeing an unprecedented wave of support for their ideas, with some elected officials for the first time proposing budget reductions and divestments from police. Here’s what we know about the movement, and how cities and states are responding.Across the nation today, protestors called on officials to “defund the police”. Activists who have long fought to cut law enforcement budgets say they are seeing an unprecedented wave of support for their ideas, with some elected officials for the first time proposing budget reductions and divestments from police. Here’s what we know about the movement, and how cities and states are responding.
What does it mean to ‘defund the police’?What does it mean to ‘defund the police’?
For years, community groups have advocated for defunding law enforcement – taking money away from police and prisons – and reinvesting those funds in services. The basic principle is that government budgets and “public safety” spending should prioritize housing, employment, community health, education and other vital programs, instead of police officers. Advocates argue that defunding is the best way forward since attempts to reform police practices over the last five years have failed, as evidenced by the brutal killing of George Floyd. Groups have a range of demands, with some seeking modest reductions and others viewing full defunding as a step toward abolishing contemporary police services.For years, community groups have advocated for defunding law enforcement – taking money away from police and prisons – and reinvesting those funds in services. The basic principle is that government budgets and “public safety” spending should prioritize housing, employment, community health, education and other vital programs, instead of police officers. Advocates argue that defunding is the best way forward since attempts to reform police practices over the last five years have failed, as evidenced by the brutal killing of George Floyd. Groups have a range of demands, with some seeking modest reductions and others viewing full defunding as a step toward abolishing contemporary police services.
How much does America currently spend on police?How much does America currently spend on police?
In the past four decades, the cost of policing in the US has tripled and is now $115bn, according to a recent analysis. That steady increase comes as crime has been consistently declining. In most cities, spending on police is significantly greater than spending on services and other departments ($1.8bn on police in Los Angeles, for example, which is more than half the city’s general fund). The Covid-19 economic crisis has led cities and states to make drastic budget cuts to education, youth programs, arts and culture, parks, libraries, housing services and more. But police budgets have grown or gone largely untouched – until pressure from protests this weekIn the past four decades, the cost of policing in the US has tripled and is now $115bn, according to a recent analysis. That steady increase comes as crime has been consistently declining. In most cities, spending on police is significantly greater than spending on services and other departments ($1.8bn on police in Los Angeles, for example, which is more than half the city’s general fund). The Covid-19 economic crisis has led cities and states to make drastic budget cuts to education, youth programs, arts and culture, parks, libraries, housing services and more. But police budgets have grown or gone largely untouched – until pressure from protests this week
In Buffalo, where two officers were charged with the assault of a 75-year-old man amid protests, demonstrators have defied curfew and and returned to the city’s Niagra square for another night of rallying against police brutality.In Buffalo, where two officers were charged with the assault of a 75-year-old man amid protests, demonstrators have defied curfew and and returned to the city’s Niagra square for another night of rallying against police brutality.
Police officers Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski were charged and released without bail today. A crowd of off-duty officers, firefighters and others gathered outside the courthouse in a show of support for accused.Police officers Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski were charged and released without bail today. A crowd of off-duty officers, firefighters and others gathered outside the courthouse in a show of support for accused.
Here’s a sweet moment from earlier today, in Philadelphia:Here’s a sweet moment from earlier today, in Philadelphia:
The city of brotherly love saw one of the biggest showings of protesters yet, with crowds stretching across blocks and blocks around the Philadelphia Art Museum.The city of brotherly love saw one of the biggest showings of protesters yet, with crowds stretching across blocks and blocks around the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Hi there, it’s Maanvi Singh, blogging from the West Coast (and taking over from my colleague Bryan Graham in the east).Hi there, it’s Maanvi Singh, blogging from the West Coast (and taking over from my colleague Bryan Graham in the east).
First, let’s check in on the nation’s capital, where more than 10,000 people poured into the streets, gathered near Lafayette Square by the White House, marching down U Street’s historic Black Broadway, coalesced at the feet of Abraham Lincoln giant marble memorial.First, let’s check in on the nation’s capital, where more than 10,000 people poured into the streets, gathered near Lafayette Square by the White House, marching down U Street’s historic Black Broadway, coalesced at the feet of Abraham Lincoln giant marble memorial.
Donald Trump, who remained fortified behind the two miles of newly relected fencing surrounding the White House, tweeted: “Much smaller crowd in D.C. than anticipated. National Guard, Secret Service, and DC Police have been doing a fantastic job.”Donald Trump, who remained fortified behind the two miles of newly relected fencing surrounding the White House, tweeted: “Much smaller crowd in D.C. than anticipated. National Guard, Secret Service, and DC Police have been doing a fantastic job.”
Of course, DC saw one of the most massive mobilizations of protestors since demonstrations began nearly two weeks ago. And today, there were markedly fewer tanks and heavily armed federal officers around the city – following widespread outcry over the presence of militarized law enforcement over the past week.Of course, DC saw one of the most massive mobilizations of protestors since demonstrations began nearly two weeks ago. And today, there were markedly fewer tanks and heavily armed federal officers around the city – following widespread outcry over the presence of militarized law enforcement over the past week.
More than 140 scientists funded by Mark Zuckerberg have said Facebook should not be letting US president Donald Trump use the social media platform to “spread both misinformation and incendiary statements”.More than 140 scientists funded by Mark Zuckerberg have said Facebook should not be letting US president Donald Trump use the social media platform to “spread both misinformation and incendiary statements”.
The researchers, which include more than 60 professors at leading US research institutions and one Nobel laureate, sent the Facebook CEO a letter on Saturday asking him to “consider stricter policies on misinformation and incendiary language that harms people” and decrying the “deliberate misinformation and divisive language” as counter to the scientists’ broader goals of eradicating disease.The researchers, which include more than 60 professors at leading US research institutions and one Nobel laureate, sent the Facebook CEO a letter on Saturday asking him to “consider stricter policies on misinformation and incendiary language that harms people” and decrying the “deliberate misinformation and divisive language” as counter to the scientists’ broader goals of eradicating disease.
The two Buffalo police officers who were suspended after being captured on video shoving a 75-year-old protester in recent demonstrations, prompting the mass resignation of the department’s entire emergency response team, have been charged with assault.The two Buffalo police officers who were suspended after being captured on video shoving a 75-year-old protester in recent demonstrations, prompting the mass resignation of the department’s entire emergency response team, have been charged with assault.
The top editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer has resigned following an uproar over a headline bemoaning property damage incurred during the ongoing protests decrying police brutality and racial injustice, the newspaper has announced.The top editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer has resigned following an uproar over a headline bemoaning property damage incurred during the ongoing protests decrying police brutality and racial injustice, the newspaper has announced.
The paper said Stan Wischnowski, 58, was stepping down as senior vice president and executive editor after apologizing on Wednesday for the “horribly wrong” decision to use the headline, “Buildings Matter, Too”, on a column Tuesday suggested an equivalence between the loss of buildings and the lives of black Americans.The paper said Stan Wischnowski, 58, was stepping down as senior vice president and executive editor after apologizing on Wednesday for the “horribly wrong” decision to use the headline, “Buildings Matter, Too”, on a column Tuesday suggested an equivalence between the loss of buildings and the lives of black Americans.
The tone-deaf headline prompted a public denouncement from staff. Features reporter Brandon Bell wrote on Twitter that he was calling in “sick and tired” to work on Thursday. Some 30 members, out of a staff of about 210, skipped work for the same reason, a spokesman said.The tone-deaf headline prompted a public denouncement from staff. Features reporter Brandon Bell wrote on Twitter that he was calling in “sick and tired” to work on Thursday. Some 30 members, out of a staff of about 210, skipped work for the same reason, a spokesman said.
Bell was among those who distributed an open letter of protest, saying African American journalists were tired of careless mistakes that make it harder to do their jobs and, at worst, put lives at risk.Bell was among those who distributed an open letter of protest, saying African American journalists were tired of careless mistakes that make it harder to do their jobs and, at worst, put lives at risk.
“We’re tired of shouldering the burden of dragging this 200-year-old institution kicking and screaming into a more equitable age,” the letter read. “We’re tired of being told to show both sides of issues there are no two sides of.”“We’re tired of shouldering the burden of dragging this 200-year-old institution kicking and screaming into a more equitable age,” the letter read. “We’re tired of being told to show both sides of issues there are no two sides of.”
Guardian US reporter Nina Lakhani reports from Harlem:Guardian US reporter Nina Lakhani reports from Harlem:
Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets in San Francisco, Sacramento, Simi Valley, San Diego, Los Angeles and elsewhere across California on Saturday as the protest matches over the killing of George Floyd continued into their second week.Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets in San Francisco, Sacramento, Simi Valley, San Diego, Los Angeles and elsewhere across California on Saturday as the protest matches over the killing of George Floyd continued into their second week.
According to the Associated Press:According to the Associated Press:
In Los Angeles, protesters organized by Refuse Fascism LA took over Hollywood Boulevard, chanting “Revolution, nothing less!”In Los Angeles, protesters organized by Refuse Fascism LA took over Hollywood Boulevard, chanting “Revolution, nothing less!”
In San Diego, more than 3,000 people marched downtown and faced off with officers guarding police headquarters, while a caravan of 300 cars moved past the state university there.In San Diego, more than 3,000 people marched downtown and faced off with officers guarding police headquarters, while a caravan of 300 cars moved past the state university there.
In Simi Valley, a protest drawing several thousand demonstrators spilled onto the street and stopped traffic on a major road through the suburban town northwest of Los Angeles. It was there that four white Los Angeles police officers were found not guilty of beating motorist Rodney King, sparking riots in 1992.In Simi Valley, a protest drawing several thousand demonstrators spilled onto the street and stopped traffic on a major road through the suburban town northwest of Los Angeles. It was there that four white Los Angeles police officers were found not guilty of beating motorist Rodney King, sparking riots in 1992.
Roderick Sweeney, 49, who is black, said he was overwhelmed to see the large turnout of white protesters waving signs that said “Black Lives Matter” during a demonstration on San Francisco’s famed Golden Gate Bridge, the AP reported.Roderick Sweeney, 49, who is black, said he was overwhelmed to see the large turnout of white protesters waving signs that said “Black Lives Matter” during a demonstration on San Francisco’s famed Golden Gate Bridge, the AP reported.
“We’ve had discussions in our family and among friends that nothing is going to change until our white brothers and sisters voice their opinion,” he said. The large turnout of white protesters “is sending a powerful message. You can see protests are happening around this world, and so I’m hoping change will happen.”“We’ve had discussions in our family and among friends that nothing is going to change until our white brothers and sisters voice their opinion,” he said. The large turnout of white protesters “is sending a powerful message. You can see protests are happening around this world, and so I’m hoping change will happen.”
Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser delivered a resounding message to Donald Trump with her endorsement of a sprawling Black Lives Matter mural on the pavement of 16th Street near the White House in the city’s downtown.
“We want to call attention today to making sure our nation is more fair and more just, and that black lives and that black humanity matter in our nation,” Bowser told NBC Washington.
US satellite imagery company Maxar Technologies has released satellite images of the mural – and the full impact is striking.
A ninth straight day of protests over the killing of George Floyd and the broader issue of racism and police brutality is under way in Seattle, with thousands of doctors, nurses and others in lab coasts and scrubs leading the way on a march to City Hall.
Sam Sen, a software engineer originally from Jordan, was one of the estimated 7,000 people who attended the medical workers’ march, which has grown in size throughout the day according to the Seattle Times.
“I show up almost every day,“ he told the newspaper. “It’s been amazing! It shows how closely tied the community is, everybody’s got everybody’s back. I see all kinds of colors, backgrounds, sexual orientations. I’ve lived on Capitol Hill for 11 years, and this just makes me love this city even more.”
He added: “When things escalate, it’s usually from the police. ... The other day they used tear gas. Punished everyone here because of one asshole who threw a water bottle.”
Mayor Jenny Durkan and police chief Carmen Best have imposed a 30-day ban on the department’s use of one kind of tear gas after authorities were widely criticized for using the chemical deterrent to disperse of mostly peaceful crowds last week.
Other department policies for crowd control, including the use of chokeholds and pepper spray, will be reviewed by the city’s police accountability groups, according to local media reports.
Seattle City councilperson Kshama Sawant issued a statement on Saturday calling for Durkan’s resignation, describing her as responsible for “violence and brutality” in the city’s response to “overwhelmingly peaceful” demonstrations.
Guardian US reporter Jessica Glenza checks in from the ground in Jersey City:
The protests in Atlanta have entered their ninth day with mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms having officially lifted the citywide 8pm curfew after Friday night’s demonstrations ended with no arrests (and national guardsmen even dancing the Macarena alongside protestors).
Saturday’s events have been scattered throughout numerous locations across the metro area and downtown, including City Hall, the Centennial Olympic Park and police headquarters.
The curfew was first implemented by city officials after last weekend’s peaceful demonstrations took a violent turn on Friday night, prompting Atlanta’s police chief to say: “Whether it’s by police or other individuals, the reality is we’ve diminished the value on their life.”
Players and staff members for the NFL’s Denver Broncos took part in a rally over the death of George Floyd, marching from the state capitol and gathering in Civic Center park downtown.
“Your voice is heavy, and it matters,” fifth-year safety Justin Simmons said. “Why does it matter? For the same reasons you tell and ask each and every one of these athletes to your sons, to your daughters about what it takes to make it professionally, right? It’s that level of equal ground of ‘he’s an athlete, my son’s an athlete, my daughter’s an athlete. I need you to explain to them what it takes.
“We as a black community need our white brothers and sisters to explain to the rest of the white brothers and sisters out there what it means for ‘black lives matter.’”
The march comes one day after the Jacksonville Jaguars marched from their home stadium to the steps of the local sheriff’s department in protest of inequality, joining an unprecedented groundswell that’s brought together some of the NFL’s biggest stars.
The protests are gathering numbers across the country today, but one protester who spoke to CNN in Washington DC sounded a cautious note about how much would change following the recent demonstrations.
“It is something that has to be solved through legislation, through new precedents being set in the legal system, and social change so people’s mindsets change so we don’t keep fostering the sense of... underlying racial bias in the country. It cannot be solved with a couple marches,” Olivia Butler said.
Donald Trump’s approval rating has taken a hit over the last few weeks due to his response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the protests following the death of George Floyd. But the Guardian’s Simon Tisdall cautions against the view that Trump’s chances of reelection have been dealt a fatal blow.
Revived fury over racial injustice may galvanise the black vote – a crucial 12.5% of the electorate – against the president. In 2016, black turnout declined for the first time in 20 years.
Biden’s appeal among African-Americans, demonstrated in the primaries, could reverse that trend and provide winning margins in swing states. Among all voters, Biden’s current lead is 11%.
Yet Trump has been written off before. He has the advantage of incumbency and an enormous war chest. He plays dirty. By autumn, the economy may have revived, and the pandemic subsided. And gaffe-prone Biden carries much baggage.
The protests may have scared as many Middle America voters as they energised. Nobody knows how Trump’s Nixonian appeals to the “silent majority” and “law and order” will play in Peoria.
One thing is certain: he’s a long way from beaten.
You can read the full article here:
Seattle’s mayor, Jenny Durkan, has urged people who have attended demonstrations in the city to be tested for Covid-19 after concerns over the virus spreading in the packed crowds.
“Over the last week, residents across Seattle have been gathering to build community and share their anger and frustration about the killing of George Floyd and injustices against black Americans, here in Seattle and across the country. While I believe everyone should exercise their right and speak out, we must also remember we’re in the middle of a pandemic,” Durkan said in the statement.
Noa Yachot is on the ground at a march in New York City:
Thousands marched across the Brooklyn Bridge toward Manhattan’s City Hall on Saturday afternoon in a peaceful protest that began two miles away.
The march to the bridge blocked traffic on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn’s main artery, but was met with motorists honking in support along the way. The route was dotted with mutual aid activists passing out masks, bottled water, and granola bars.
Police largely kept their distance from the crowd. Additional protests throughout the city are planned in multiple locations throughout the day.
Washington DC’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, has spoken at one of the protests in the city. She said she had “pushed the Army away from our city” after she called on Donald Trump to withdraw thousands of national guard soldiers and federal law enforcement officers from the capital on Friday.
She also spoke about her young daughter. “I want to grow up in a country where she is not scared to go to the grocery store, not scared to go to work,” she said. “Where she can grow up in an America where she can be a senator in the 51st state, Washington DC.”
She finished her speech by talking about telling the crowd to vote against the president in November’s elections. “Today we say no. In November, we say next,” she said.