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/07/george-floyd-protests-anti-racism-demonstrations-donald-trump-black-lives-matter-live-updates

The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 29 Version 30
Thousands continue protesting across US as Minneapolis vows to dismantle police department – live Thousands continue protesting across US as Minneapolis vows to dismantle police department – live
(32 minutes later)
Peaceful protests sweep US as calls for racial justice reach new heightsPeaceful protests sweep US as calls for racial justice reach new heights
US President Donald Trump has tweeted about statements made by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday last week regarding racism at the NFL.
Goodell, speaking in a video, said the league made mistakes in not listening to players in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people.
“We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,” he said. “We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter.”
Trump tweeted around an hour ago that it might be possible that Goodell is “intimating that it would not be OK for the players to KNEEL or not to stand, for the National Anthem, thereby disrespecting our Country & out flag.”
Goodell did not mention Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback whose decision to kneel during the national anthem during a preseason game in August 2016 kick-started the protest movement.
He did not mention the US flag or national anthem, either.
More on Goodell’s statements here:
Here is the full report on Minneapolis lawmakers vowing to disband the police department:
Speaking at a community rally on Sunday, a veto-proof majority of councilmembers declared their intent to “dismantle” and “abolish” the embattled police agency responsible for George Floyd’s death – and build an alternative model of community-led safety. The decision is a direct response to the massive protests that have taken over American cities in the last two weeks, and is a major victory for abolitionist activists who have long fought to disband police and prisons.
“In Minneapolis and in cities across the US, it is clear that our system of policing is not keeping our communities safe,” said Lisa Bender, the Minneapolis city council president, at the event.
Nine councilmembers announced their support and represent a supermajority on the twelve-person council, meaning the mayor, who earlier this weekend opposed disbanding the department, cannot override them. The remaining three councilmembers are broadly supportive of the effort as well, but weren’t ready to sign on, activists said. While the mayor has oversight over the police, the city council has authority over the budget and policy, and could work to dismantle the department through cuts and ordinances.
More footage of today’s protests in Los Angeles:
The decorations on the White House fence, which protestors are turning into a makeshift memorial, are growing:
In happier news, Sunday in the US saw marching taken to new levels of speed, grace and cool.
In LA, the Compton Cowboys, who describe themselves as “A collective of lifelong friends on a mission to uplift their community through horseback and farming lifestyle, all the while highlighting the rich legacy of African-Americans in equine and western heritage,” lead a “peace ride” to the Martin Luther King memorial:
In Philadelphia it was a group of skateboarders:
Photographer Lindsey Wasson has captured this photo of the moment the shooter in Seattle emerged from his car, as the 26-year-old man he shot – who later identified himself as Daniel – is treated by paramedics on the ground nearby:Photographer Lindsey Wasson has captured this photo of the moment the shooter in Seattle emerged from his car, as the 26-year-old man he shot – who later identified himself as Daniel – is treated by paramedics on the ground nearby:
Hi, Helen Sullivan with you now.Hi, Helen Sullivan with you now.
As always, it would be great to hear from you – please do get in touch with questions, comments, news and tips from your part of the US on twitter @helenrsullivan or via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.As always, it would be great to hear from you – please do get in touch with questions, comments, news and tips from your part of the US on twitter @helenrsullivan or via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.
That’s it from me today. Handing over to the incredible Helen Sullivan. Stay safe, everyone.That’s it from me today. Handing over to the incredible Helen Sullivan. Stay safe, everyone.
A protester was shot in the arm in Seattle, Washington trying to protect his fellow demonstrators from a man who had driven his car into the crowd and came out with a gun.A protester was shot in the arm in Seattle, Washington trying to protect his fellow demonstrators from a man who had driven his car into the crowd and came out with a gun.
Thousands marched in Phoenix, Arizona, where protesters rally not just for George Floyd, but for Dion Johnson, a 28-year-old black man who was shot and killed by an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer.Thousands marched in Phoenix, Arizona, where protesters rally not just for George Floyd, but for Dion Johnson, a 28-year-old black man who was shot and killed by an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer.
In Kauai, hundreds gathered to denounce police violence and racism in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.In Kauai, hundreds gathered to denounce police violence and racism in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Protesters in Miami, Florida briefly took over a section of an interstate ahead of the 9pm curfew.Protesters in Miami, Florida briefly took over a section of an interstate ahead of the 9pm curfew.
A man drove a car into a demonstration and shot a protester in Seattle, Washington.A man drove a car into a demonstration and shot a protester in Seattle, Washington.
It’s unclear exactly what happened, but police said officers have a man in custody who drove a car into a crowd at 11th avenue and Pine street, and that officers recovered a gun.It’s unclear exactly what happened, but police said officers have a man in custody who drove a car into a crowd at 11th avenue and Pine street, and that officers recovered a gun.
Video shows a man driving a black sedan into the gathering, and catches a loud bang before the man exits the vehicle, gun in hand. The man then walks into the crowd with the gun at his side.Video shows a man driving a black sedan into the gathering, and catches a loud bang before the man exits the vehicle, gun in hand. The man then walks into the crowd with the gun at his side.
Photographer Alex Garland got video of the victim as the street medics who treated him for a gunshot wound in his arm helped him down the street.Photographer Alex Garland got video of the victim as the street medics who treated him for a gunshot wound in his arm helped him down the street.
“I punched him in the face,” said the man, who identified himself as Daniel. “I heard the gunshot go off, in my arm. I moved right in time. But my whole thing was to protect those people, my whole thing was to protect those people down there.”“I punched him in the face,” said the man, who identified himself as Daniel. “I heard the gunshot go off, in my arm. I moved right in time. But my whole thing was to protect those people, my whole thing was to protect those people down there.”
Thousands marched in Portland, Oregon, where law enforcement has come under scrutiny for responding to hostility from crowds with tear gas and stun grenades.Thousands marched in Portland, Oregon, where law enforcement has come under scrutiny for responding to hostility from crowds with tear gas and stun grenades.
Police used “tear gas, stun grenades and a device that emits ear-piercing sounds” in nine of the 11 consecutive days of protest, according to the Oregonian.Police used “tear gas, stun grenades and a device that emits ear-piercing sounds” in nine of the 11 consecutive days of protest, according to the Oregonian.
Law enforcement has justified this use of force by tweeting items allegedly thrown at officers during the protests.Law enforcement has justified this use of force by tweeting items allegedly thrown at officers during the protests.
Protesters in Miami, Florida briefly took over part of Interstate 95 ahead of the 9 pm curfew:Protesters in Miami, Florida briefly took over part of Interstate 95 ahead of the 9 pm curfew:
Police allowed protesters to march along the interstate:Police allowed protesters to march along the interstate:
Guardian contributor Jon Letman has this dispatch from Kauai, where demonstrators have turned out in a rural part of Hawaii over the weekend:Guardian contributor Jon Letman has this dispatch from Kauai, where demonstrators have turned out in a rural part of Hawaii over the weekend:
Hundreds gathered on Kauai on Saturday to express solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Waving placards and chanting slogans denouncing police violence and racism, demonstrators reflected the diversity of Hawaii’s mostly Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander population.Hundreds gathered on Kauai on Saturday to express solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Waving placards and chanting slogans denouncing police violence and racism, demonstrators reflected the diversity of Hawaii’s mostly Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander population.
Boisterous, but peaceful, protesters shouted “I can’t breathe!” as passing cars honked in support. Overhead, Hawaii’s state flag flew upside-down, signaling distress.Boisterous, but peaceful, protesters shouted “I can’t breathe!” as passing cars honked in support. Overhead, Hawaii’s state flag flew upside-down, signaling distress.
The only police present were six officers standing to the side on the steps of the county building as Kauai chief of police Todd Raybuck walked through the crowd talking with demonstrators.The only police present were six officers standing to the side on the steps of the county building as Kauai chief of police Todd Raybuck walked through the crowd talking with demonstrators.
Earlier in the morning, Raybuck had spoken at a “paddle-out” on Kauai’s north shore where hundreds had paddled surfboards into Hanalei Bay in a show of unity.Earlier in the morning, Raybuck had spoken at a “paddle-out” on Kauai’s north shore where hundreds had paddled surfboards into Hanalei Bay in a show of unity.
Although African Americans make up less than one percent of Kauai’s population, black demonstrators repeatedly described Kauai as “the best place they’d ever lived,” an island where community, respect, and tolerance were the norm.Although African Americans make up less than one percent of Kauai’s population, black demonstrators repeatedly described Kauai as “the best place they’d ever lived,” an island where community, respect, and tolerance were the norm.
One woman named Tsige Gesit said the Hawaiian spirit of aloha made Kauai different.One woman named Tsige Gesit said the Hawaiian spirit of aloha made Kauai different.
Native Hawaiian demonstrator, Peleke Flores, brought his small children to witness how kapu aloha (a philosophy and practice of nonviolent engagement) could be a positive force for change.Native Hawaiian demonstrator, Peleke Flores, brought his small children to witness how kapu aloha (a philosophy and practice of nonviolent engagement) could be a positive force for change.
Raymond Catania, a local labor rights activist, was impassioned. “The Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) suffer with their lands taken away. Filipino and Micronesian workers are on the bottom… American capitalism does not work,” Catania said. “This is the beginning of the end of their system. It’s going take a while, but people are wising up.”Raymond Catania, a local labor rights activist, was impassioned. “The Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) suffer with their lands taken away. Filipino and Micronesian workers are on the bottom… American capitalism does not work,” Catania said. “This is the beginning of the end of their system. It’s going take a while, but people are wising up.”
In Phoenix, Arizona, thousands showed up to march not just for George Floyd, but for Dion Johnson, a 28-year-old black man who was shot and killed by an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer in a “struggle” in which there are scant details.
The Guardian’s amazing voting rights editor Ankita Rao brings us more reporting from the protests in New York:
New York City saw more protests across the city today, with most expecting less tension with the New York Police Department after mayor Bill de Blasio lifted the 8pm curfew. The majority of the marches, including one with family and children and a meditation, were largely without incident.
But later in the evening, a small protest of about a hundred people made their way down Flatbush Avenue and then planned to cross the Manhattan Bridge on the pedestrian walkway. Like most protests, there was a group of protestors on bicycle at the front and back of the crowd. As protestors made their way, two or three protestors trailed behind, slowing down a long line of police vehicles going down the street, zig zagging on their bikes.
At one point, police officers exited the car with batons in hand before pushing the protestors on their back and chest, telling them to get on the sidewalk. At one point, a cop picked up a bicycle and threw it from a few inches away at the owner.
Hey there, Vivian Ho taking over the blog for Bryan Graham.
Protesters took to the streets in San Francisco and Oakland again on Sunday, some on foot and some on bicycle.
Barack Obama said that the nationwide protests following the recent deaths George Floyd and others were fueled from “decades worth of anguish, frustration, over unequal treatment and a failure to perform police practices” and issued a warning against “division and falsehoods” in a commencement speech during YouTube’s Dear Class of 2020 virtual ceremony.
The former US president spoke along with his wife, Michelle, on a bill that included Beyoncé, Katy Perry, K-pop titans BTS and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star quarterback Tom Brady.
“Democracy isn’t about relying on some charismatic leader to make changes from on high,” Obama said. “It’s about finding hope in ourselves, and creating it in others. Especially in a time like this. You don’t always need hope when everything’s going fine. It’s when things seem darkest – that’s when you need it the most.”
He added: “In a lot of ways, the pandemic just brought into focus problems that have been growing for a very long time, whether it’s widening economic inequality, the lack of basic health care for millions of people, the continuing scourge of bigotry and sexism, or the divisions and dysfunction that plague our political system.
“As scary and uncertain these times may be, they are also a wake-up call. And they’re an incredible opportunity for your generation.”
CNN reports that White House officials are deliberating a plan for Donald Trump to address the nation on the racial tensions and civil unrest across the country in coming days, citing a senior administration official.
Housing and Urban Development secretary Ben Carson suggested as much on Sunday during an interview on CNN’s State of the Union when asked about the subject, saying: “I believe you’re going to be hearing from the president this week on this topic in some detail. And I would ask you maybe to reserve judgment until after that time.”
After firing off tweets and retweets at a record-shattering clip to start the weekend, Trump has kept a relatively low profile on Sunday: posting a handful of boilerplate endorsements, retweeting his own previous musings for amplification’s sake, taking a shot at the New York Times and claiming: “I built the greatest economy in the World, the best the U.S. has ever had. I am doing it again!”
Trump’s most recent attempt at an Oval Office address at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic in March was widely panned even by some friendly outlets, with Daniel Larison of the American Conservative writing it “went over like a lead balloon”.
Of course, Trump has also risen to the moment of a prime-time spotlight in the past. Even previously hostile CNN pundit and former Obama administration official Van Jones couldn’t help but gush after Trump’s first State of the Union address: “He became president of the United States in that moment, period.”
The Associated Press reports charges have been filed against a man in St Louis who police say shot and killed a retired police captain during a night of violent protests as the former officer tried to protect his friend’s pawn shop.
A 24-year-old St Louis man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a retired police captain who died on a night of violent protests while trying to protect his friend’s pawn shop, the city’s prosecutor announced Sunday/
Stephan Cannon was being held without bond on a first-degree murder charge in the death of David Dorn, 77, who was killed Tuesday on the sidewalk outside Lee’s Pawn and Jewelry. Dorn’s last moments were caught on video and apparently posted on Facebook Live, though the video has since been taken down.
Dorn’s death came on a violent night in St Louis, where four officers were shot, officers were pelted with rocks and fireworks, and 55 businesses were burglarized or damaged, including a convenience store that burned.
The unrest came as cities across the US have seen protests and violence since George Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes, even after the handcuffed black man stopped moving and pleading for air.
St Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced the charges.
According to a police probable cause statement, Cannon was among those seen on surveillance footage entering the store and then stealing several televisions, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Dorn, a friend of the pawn shop’s owner who was in the habit of checking on the business when alarms went off, arrived at the store. Cannon then walked toward the street corner with gun in his hand.
“At the time the shots were fired, (Cannon) was the only person standing at that corner,” the probable cause statement reads. “Multiple plumes of smoke” can be seen coming from where Cannon was standing, and shell casings were found on the spot, police said.
Cannon also faces several other charges including robbery and felon in possession of a firearm.
The NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks led an estimated crowd of 7,500 supporters on what the team described as a public protest march through the city’s downtown area on Sunday.
Sterling Brown, a third-year Bucks guard whose own police brutality case against the city for a 2018 incident is still pending, led the crowd in nine seconds of silence to honor George Floyd.
“We making something great happen, something positive happen, something that’s heard around the world,” Brown said to the gathered demonstrators outside the team’s home arena, who responded with a various chants including “black lives matter”, “no justice, no peace”, and “we will be seen, we will be heard”.
He added: “It’s great to see everybody out here standing as one, standing for equality, standing for George Floyd and his family and everybody who’s been a victim to police brutality.”
Guardian US columnist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who started his own NBA career playing in Milwaukee, wrote about Brown’s parking violation gone wrong at the time.
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti has announced that national guard troops will be pulled out of the California cities where they’ve been deployed for a week.
“The California National Guard is departing Los Angeles this evening,” Garcetti said in a statement on Sunday. “A small number of units will be stationed nearby until June 10 to provide emergency support if needed. I’m proud that our city has been peaceful this week – and that our residents are leading a powerful movement to make Los Angeles more just, equitable, and fair for Black Angelenos, communities of color, and all of our workers, youth, and families.”
The announcement came amid another day of peaceful demonstrations across the state over the death of George Floyd and calls for police reforms.
Over 7,000 national guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and other cities after rampant violence and thievery marred the first days of protests marred the first days of the protest, though the overwhelming majority of the more than 3,000 arrests in Los Angeles county by Wednesday were for non-violent offenses like failure to disperse or breaking curfew.
A veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis city council has announced its intent to dismantle the city’s police department and invest in community-led public safety, a move that would mark the first concrete victory in the mounting nationwide movement to defund law enforcement agencies in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd.
Nine of the council’s 12 members announced their pledge to create a new system of public safety before hundreds of demonstrators at a rally at Powderhorn Park in south Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon.
“This council is going to dismantle this police department,” councilman Jeremiah Ellison said.
Added city council president Lisa Bender: “We’re here because we hear you. We are here today because George Floyd was killed by the Minneapolis police. We are here because here in Minneapolis and in cities across the United States it is clear that our existing system of policing and public safety is not keeping our communities safe.
“Our efforts at incremental reform have failed. Period.”
On Friday, the council approved an agreement to ban the use of police chokeholds and neck restraints in response to the killing of Floyd with the state’s department of human rights, which also requires officers to intervene anytime they seen an unauthorized use of force.
When pressed by CNN for details on what a city with a defunded police department might look like, Bender told the network that funding would be shifted to other needs.
“The idea of having no police department is certainly not in the short term,” Bender said.
Utah senator Mitt Romney is among the roughly 1,000 demonstrators marching in a faith-based protest to the White House in Washington on Sunday afternoon.
Asked by a Washington Post reporter why he chose to join the movement, Romney said: “Finding a way to end injustice and brutality and to make sure people understand that black lives matter.”
On Saturday, the 2012 Republican presidential candidate shared a photo of his father, George, participating in a civil rights march in protest of housing discrimination in 1963, his first year as Michigan’s governor. The caption included a quote from the elder Romney: “Force alone will not eliminate riots. ... We must eliminate the problems from which they stem.”
Earlier Sunday, Romney was topic of discussion on the morning news shows after a New York Times story that said he and former US president George W Bush won’t be supporting Donald Trump’s reelection campaign.