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| Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Democrats Unveil Police Reform Bill | Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Democrats Unveil Police Reform Bill |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Democratic lawmakers in Congress introduced legislation on Monday aimed at ending excessive use of force by police forces across the country, and making it easier to identify, track, and prosecute police misconduct. | Democratic lawmakers in Congress introduced legislation on Monday aimed at ending excessive use of force by police forces across the country, and making it easier to identify, track, and prosecute police misconduct. |
| The bill was introduced as a direct response to the recent killings of unarmed black Americans by police officers, as protests continue across the country against police violence and racial discrimination. It is the most expansive intervention into policing that lawmakers have proposed in recent memory. | The bill was introduced as a direct response to the recent killings of unarmed black Americans by police officers, as protests continue across the country against police violence and racial discrimination. It is the most expansive intervention into policing that lawmakers have proposed in recent memory. |
| The measure would curtail existing legal protections that shield police officers who are accused of misconduct from being prosecuted, and would impose new restrictions to prevent law enforcement officers from using deadly force, except as a last resort. It includes many proposals that civil rights activists have been pushing for decades, against opposition from police unions and law enforcement groups. | The measure would curtail existing legal protections that shield police officers who are accused of misconduct from being prosecuted, and would impose new restrictions to prevent law enforcement officers from using deadly force, except as a last resort. It includes many proposals that civil rights activists have been pushing for decades, against opposition from police unions and law enforcement groups. |
| “Never again should the world be subjected to witnessing what we saw on the streets in Minneapolis, the slow murder of an individual by a uniformed police officer,” said Representative Karen Bass, the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. | “Never again should the world be subjected to witnessing what we saw on the streets in Minneapolis, the slow murder of an individual by a uniformed police officer,” said Representative Karen Bass, the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. |
| She was joined by Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, and Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California in introducing the measure. | She was joined by Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, and Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California in introducing the measure. |
| Immediately beforehand, the four lawmakers joined with Democratic leaders to honor George Floyd, a black man who was killed in a confrontation with Minneapolis police, by kneeling for 8 minutes 46 seconds, the length of time an officer knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck. | Immediately beforehand, the four lawmakers joined with Democratic leaders to honor George Floyd, a black man who was killed in a confrontation with Minneapolis police, by kneeling for 8 minutes 46 seconds, the length of time an officer knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck. |
| Whether Democrats can seize the moment and push the changes into law remains unclear. They expect to pass the legislation swiftly in the Democratic-led House, but President Trump and Republican lawmakers who control the Senate have yet to signal which measures, if any, they would accept. | Whether Democrats can seize the moment and push the changes into law remains unclear. They expect to pass the legislation swiftly in the Democratic-led House, but President Trump and Republican lawmakers who control the Senate have yet to signal which measures, if any, they would accept. |
| Mr. Trump has said little about the issue in recent days except to reiterate on Twitter his support for law and order. Attorney General William P. Barr and the acting Homeland Security secretary, Chad Wolf, each said on Sunday that they did not believe there was a problem with systemic racism in law enforcement. | Mr. Trump has said little about the issue in recent days except to reiterate on Twitter his support for law and order. Attorney General William P. Barr and the acting Homeland Security secretary, Chad Wolf, each said on Sunday that they did not believe there was a problem with systemic racism in law enforcement. |
| Democrats will discuss the bill and hear testimony on police brutality and racial profiling at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday. Among those set to testify is Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd, according to a committee official familiar with the plans. The committee had yet to announce other witnesses. | Democrats will discuss the bill and hear testimony on police brutality and racial profiling at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday. Among those set to testify is Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd, according to a committee official familiar with the plans. The committee had yet to announce other witnesses. |
| Bail was set on Monday at up to $1.25 million for Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the killing two weeks ago of George Floyd, a black man whose death in custody led to nationwide protests. | Bail was set on Monday at up to $1.25 million for Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the killing two weeks ago of George Floyd, a black man whose death in custody led to nationwide protests. |
| In the initial hearing in his case at the heavily fortified Hennepin County courthouse, Derek Chauvin, a 19-year veteran of the police force, participated through a video feed from jail. Mr. Chauvin, who has been behind bars since he was arrested on May 29, faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 40 years in prison. | In the initial hearing in his case at the heavily fortified Hennepin County courthouse, Derek Chauvin, a 19-year veteran of the police force, participated through a video feed from jail. Mr. Chauvin, who has been behind bars since he was arrested on May 29, faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 40 years in prison. |
| In a video that prompted anguish and outrage across the nation, Mr. Chauvin was seen pressing his knee on the neck of Mr. Floyd for nearly nine minutes. He has become a focus of global anger, referred to as the most hated man in the world. Activists said they were concerned that he would not abide by bail restrictions if he is permitted to go home while awaiting trial. | In a video that prompted anguish and outrage across the nation, Mr. Chauvin was seen pressing his knee on the neck of Mr. Floyd for nearly nine minutes. He has become a focus of global anger, referred to as the most hated man in the world. Activists said they were concerned that he would not abide by bail restrictions if he is permitted to go home while awaiting trial. |
| Mr. Chauvin’s bail would be $1 million if he agrees to certain conditions, including surrendering any firearms he has, remaining in the state until trial, not working in law enforcement and avoiding any contact with the Floyd family. | Mr. Chauvin’s bail would be $1 million if he agrees to certain conditions, including surrendering any firearms he has, remaining in the state until trial, not working in law enforcement and avoiding any contact with the Floyd family. |
| The bail set for Mr. Chauvin is significantly higher than the bail of at least $750,000 given last week to the three other officers accused of aiding and abetting in Mr. Floyd’s death. Lawyers for two of those men, both rookies who had been on the job for only a few days, blamed Mr. Chauvin, a training officer, for Mr. Floyd’s death. The third has cooperated with the authorities. Those are all indications that the defendants will not be presenting a united front, unusual in cases where police officers are charged in a death. | The bail set for Mr. Chauvin is significantly higher than the bail of at least $750,000 given last week to the three other officers accused of aiding and abetting in Mr. Floyd’s death. Lawyers for two of those men, both rookies who had been on the job for only a few days, blamed Mr. Chauvin, a training officer, for Mr. Floyd’s death. The third has cooperated with the authorities. Those are all indications that the defendants will not be presenting a united front, unusual in cases where police officers are charged in a death. |
| A lawyer for Mr. Chauvin declined to comment. | A lawyer for Mr. Chauvin declined to comment. |
| All four men have been fired from the police force. | All four men have been fired from the police force. |
| Much has changed in Minneapolis since the Mr. Floyd’s death. On Sunday, a veto-proof majority of the City Council pledged to dismantle the Police Department and create a new system of public safety. | Much has changed in Minneapolis since the Mr. Floyd’s death. On Sunday, a veto-proof majority of the City Council pledged to dismantle the Police Department and create a new system of public safety. |
| Mr. Chauvin, 44, and his wife of almost 10 years separated three days after Mr. Floyd’s death, and she has filed for divorce. His record at the police department was mixed. He was the subject of at least 17 misconduct complaints over two decades, according to a heavily redacted version of his personnel file. that included no details on most of those complaints. He was also given at least two medals of valor. | Mr. Chauvin, 44, and his wife of almost 10 years separated three days after Mr. Floyd’s death, and she has filed for divorce. His record at the police department was mixed. He was the subject of at least 17 misconduct complaints over two decades, according to a heavily redacted version of his personnel file. that included no details on most of those complaints. He was also given at least two medals of valor. |
| Two weeks after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, massive gatherings for racial justice around the country have achieved a scale and level of momentum not seen in decades — and they appear unlikely to run out anytime soon as a number of societal forces propel the movement forward. | Two weeks after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, massive gatherings for racial justice around the country have achieved a scale and level of momentum not seen in decades — and they appear unlikely to run out anytime soon as a number of societal forces propel the movement forward. |
| Many people filling the streets say the economic devastation of the coronavirus had already cleared their schedules. With jobs lost and colleges shuttered, they have nothing but time. And aggressive responses by the police at protests are only reinforcing their commitment. | Many people filling the streets say the economic devastation of the coronavirus had already cleared their schedules. With jobs lost and colleges shuttered, they have nothing but time. And aggressive responses by the police at protests are only reinforcing their commitment. |
| “You’re watching injustice take place in every sector of our society,” said Wes Moore, who chronicled the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore and its aftermath in the book, “Five Days.” “Schools have been closed. Students are burdened and under debt. There’s a compounding to the pain.” | “You’re watching injustice take place in every sector of our society,” said Wes Moore, who chronicled the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore and its aftermath in the book, “Five Days.” “Schools have been closed. Students are burdened and under debt. There’s a compounding to the pain.” |
| The sustained outcry has already led to stark promises for change in several cities, as calls to defund, downsize or abolish police departments gain new traction. | The sustained outcry has already led to stark promises for change in several cities, as calls to defund, downsize or abolish police departments gain new traction. |
| In Minneapolis, where Mr. Floyd was held under a police officer’s knee for nearly nine minutes in a fatal encounter on May 25, nine of 13 City Council members publicly promised on Sunday to dismantle the police department and create a new system of public safety. Though Mayor Jacob Frey has expressed reservations, the council members said they had enough votes to override any potential veto. | In Minneapolis, where Mr. Floyd was held under a police officer’s knee for nearly nine minutes in a fatal encounter on May 25, nine of 13 City Council members publicly promised on Sunday to dismantle the police department and create a new system of public safety. Though Mayor Jacob Frey has expressed reservations, the council members said they had enough votes to override any potential veto. |
| In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to cut the city’s police budget and spend more on social services. The mayor did not say how much funding he planned to divert to social services from the New York Police Department, whose annual $6 billion budget represents more than 6 percent of Mr. de Blasio’s proposed $90 billion budget. | In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to cut the city’s police budget and spend more on social services. The mayor did not say how much funding he planned to divert to social services from the New York Police Department, whose annual $6 billion budget represents more than 6 percent of Mr. de Blasio’s proposed $90 billion budget. |
| Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles also announced last week that he would cut as much as $150 million from a planned increase in the Police Department’s budget. | Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles also announced last week that he would cut as much as $150 million from a planned increase in the Police Department’s budget. |
| A battle over the proper response to the moment played out on the streets of Washington over the weekend, when activists responded to an official city message painting “Black Lives Matter” on streets leading to the White House with their own mural: “Defund the Police.” | A battle over the proper response to the moment played out on the streets of Washington over the weekend, when activists responded to an official city message painting “Black Lives Matter” on streets leading to the White House with their own mural: “Defund the Police.” |
| Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, “does not believe that police should be defunded,” a spokesman for his campaign said Monday.His stance puts him at odds with some on the left of his party, who want to shrink police budgets and make radical changes in law enforcement. | Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, “does not believe that police should be defunded,” a spokesman for his campaign said Monday.His stance puts him at odds with some on the left of his party, who want to shrink police budgets and make radical changes in law enforcement. |
| A Biden campaign spokesman, Andrew Bates, said Mr. Biden “hears and shares the deep grief and frustration of those calling out for change” and “supports the urgent need for reform.” But Mr. Bates emphasized that Mr. Biden believes providing funding is necessary to help improve policing, including by supporting “community policing programs that improve relationships between officers and residents.” | A Biden campaign spokesman, Andrew Bates, said Mr. Biden “hears and shares the deep grief and frustration of those calling out for change” and “supports the urgent need for reform.” But Mr. Bates emphasized that Mr. Biden believes providing funding is necessary to help improve policing, including by supporting “community policing programs that improve relationships between officers and residents.” |
| Mr. Biden traveled to Houston on Monday to meet with the family of George Floyd, whose killing in Minneapolis sparked widespread protests over police brutality and racism in America. | Mr. Biden traveled to Houston on Monday to meet with the family of George Floyd, whose killing in Minneapolis sparked widespread protests over police brutality and racism in America. |
| “Listening to one another is what will begin to heal America. That’s just what VP@JoeBiden did with the family of #GeorgeFloyd — for more than an hour,” Benjamin Crump, the lawyer working with Mr. Floyd’s family, wrote on Twitter after the meeting. | “Listening to one another is what will begin to heal America. That’s just what VP@JoeBiden did with the family of #GeorgeFloyd — for more than an hour,” Benjamin Crump, the lawyer working with Mr. Floyd’s family, wrote on Twitter after the meeting. |
| Mr. Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton, the civil rights leader and commentator, posted photos of themselves standing with Mr. Biden, an uncle of Mr. Floyd and Representative Cedric Richmond, Democrat of Louisiana, who is also a co-chairman of Mr. Biden’s campaign. Everyone pictured wore masks. | Mr. Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton, the civil rights leader and commentator, posted photos of themselves standing with Mr. Biden, an uncle of Mr. Floyd and Representative Cedric Richmond, Democrat of Louisiana, who is also a co-chairman of Mr. Biden’s campaign. Everyone pictured wore masks. |
| Mr. Biden is not expected to attend the funeral service for Mr. Floyd on Tuesday because of concerns that his Secret Service protection would make his presence disruptive. | Mr. Biden is not expected to attend the funeral service for Mr. Floyd on Tuesday because of concerns that his Secret Service protection would make his presence disruptive. |
| Hundreds of mourners waited outside a southwest Houston church on Monday to grieve and pray by the body of George Floyd. The public viewing, one of in a series of memorial services honoring Mr. Floyd around the country, is the first to be held in the city where he was raised. | Hundreds of mourners waited outside a southwest Houston church on Monday to grieve and pray by the body of George Floyd. The public viewing, one of in a series of memorial services honoring Mr. Floyd around the country, is the first to be held in the city where he was raised. |
| The visitation at the Fountain of Praise Church began at noon and was scheduled to last six hours. Because of coronavirus precautions, only a few mourners at a time were allowed inside. Many wore masks, including some emblazoned with Mr. Floyd’s anguished cry, “I can’t breathe.” | The visitation at the Fountain of Praise Church began at noon and was scheduled to last six hours. Because of coronavirus precautions, only a few mourners at a time were allowed inside. Many wore masks, including some emblazoned with Mr. Floyd’s anguished cry, “I can’t breathe.” |
| More than an hour before the viewing began, upward of 100 people were already in line, and the crowd grew steadily into the afternoon. | More than an hour before the viewing began, upward of 100 people were already in line, and the crowd grew steadily into the afternoon. |
| “I’m going to wait in line all day if it’s necessary,” said Charles Edward Jackson, 70, a retired bus driver sweating in the Houston heat and humidity. | “I’m going to wait in line all day if it’s necessary,” said Charles Edward Jackson, 70, a retired bus driver sweating in the Houston heat and humidity. |
| Others in front of and behind him carried umbrellas and waved fans. Many were black, but the crowd was diverse. One young white man held a bouquet of flowers as he stood in line. | Others in front of and behind him carried umbrellas and waved fans. Many were black, but the crowd was diverse. One young white man held a bouquet of flowers as he stood in line. |
| Mr. Jackson said he had not known Mr. Floyd, but he attended Wheatley High, the longtime rival of Yates High, where Mr. Floyd graduated in 1993. That slight connection, and his anger over Mr. Floyd’s death, was enough to bring Mr. Jackson to the church on Monday. | Mr. Jackson said he had not known Mr. Floyd, but he attended Wheatley High, the longtime rival of Yates High, where Mr. Floyd graduated in 1993. That slight connection, and his anger over Mr. Floyd’s death, was enough to bring Mr. Jackson to the church on Monday. |
| “Needless killing by the police, it has to stop,” Mr. Jackson said. “It has to stop or this world is headed to destruction.” | “Needless killing by the police, it has to stop,” Mr. Jackson said. “It has to stop or this world is headed to destruction.” |
| Far behind him on line was Kina Ardoin, 43, a nurse who wore a shirt reading “Rest in Peace George Floyd.” A mother of three black sons aged 18, 16 and 11, Ms. Ardoin said she worries about their interactions with police officers. | Far behind him on line was Kina Ardoin, 43, a nurse who wore a shirt reading “Rest in Peace George Floyd.” A mother of three black sons aged 18, 16 and 11, Ms. Ardoin said she worries about their interactions with police officers. |
| “You teach them and you go over and over, but at the end of the day, when they’re in that situation, you don’t know how they’re going to react,” she said. “You don’t know how scared they’re going to be. You don’t know if they’ll move a certain way. You worry about that all the time.” | “You teach them and you go over and over, but at the end of the day, when they’re in that situation, you don’t know how they’re going to react,” she said. “You don’t know how scared they’re going to be. You don’t know if they’ll move a certain way. You worry about that all the time.” |
| Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas was among the first to pay his respects to Mr. Floyd on Monday. He met later with the Floyd family privately inside the church. The governor wore a striped tie in crimson and gold, the Yates High School colors. | Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas was among the first to pay his respects to Mr. Floyd on Monday. He met later with the Floyd family privately inside the church. The governor wore a striped tie in crimson and gold, the Yates High School colors. |
| “This is the most horrific tragedy I’ve ever personally observed,” Governor Abbott, a Republican, said of Mr. Floyd’s death in police custody. “George Floyd is going to change the arc of the future of the United States. George Floyd has not died in vain.” | “This is the most horrific tragedy I’ve ever personally observed,” Governor Abbott, a Republican, said of Mr. Floyd’s death in police custody. “George Floyd is going to change the arc of the future of the United States. George Floyd has not died in vain.” |
| He said he was “committed to working with the family of George Floyd to ensure we never have anything like this ever occur in the state of Texas.” | He said he was “committed to working with the family of George Floyd to ensure we never have anything like this ever occur in the state of Texas.” |
| The white police chief in Portland, Ore. announced that she was resigning from her leadership position on Monday and that she had asked a black lieutenant to replace her. The move comes after days of protests and chaos in the largely white, liberal city of 650,000. | |
| “Over the last 10 days, I’ve watched our city, I’ve listened, and I hear you,” the outgoing chief, Jami Resch, said at a news conference. “I have asked our community time and time again, what do we need to do? And each time we hear them say, ‘Show us change.’” | |
| Ms. Resch, a veteran of the department who had served as chief for less than six months, said she would remain on the police force in an undetermined capacity. | |
| “To say this is unexpected would be an understatement,” her successor, Charles Lovell, said at the news conference. Chief Lovell praised Ms. Resch as a “selfless, caring leader” who wanted to do what was right for the community. | |
| He also directly addressed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, whose fatal encounter with the police was captured on video that has driven two weeks of anger and demands for change nationwide. | |
| “As I watched the agonizing minutes tick by, it wasn’t the tactics, it wasn’t the number of officers there,” he said. “It was really the lack of care and compassion.” | |
| “It almost felt like, ‘you’re not important,’” he added. He promised to fight against that idea in his police force and his city. | |
| While tensions have eased in the last few days between protesters and police in many cities, Portland has continued to see confrontations, with officers repeatedly using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. | |
| A veteran Philadelphia police inspector who was seen on video beating a Temple University student in the head with a baton at a protest last week turned himself in on Monday, while dozens of officers turned out to applaud him in support. | A veteran Philadelphia police inspector who was seen on video beating a Temple University student in the head with a baton at a protest last week turned himself in on Monday, while dozens of officers turned out to applaud him in support. |
| The moment underscored the fierce tensions rippling across Philadelphia and the country, as skirmishes at protests draw increasingly sharp battle lines between those who support protesters and those who support the police. | The moment underscored the fierce tensions rippling across Philadelphia and the country, as skirmishes at protests draw increasingly sharp battle lines between those who support protesters and those who support the police. |
| The case also illustrates the crucial role bystander video is playing in the debate, often documenting aggressive police tactics. | The case also illustrates the crucial role bystander video is playing in the debate, often documenting aggressive police tactics. |
| The case centers on an encounter between a white police inspector, Joseph Bologna, and a white protester, Evan Gorski, 21, in an exchange captured on video. | The case centers on an encounter between a white police inspector, Joseph Bologna, and a white protester, Evan Gorski, 21, in an exchange captured on video. |
| As a chaotic brawl broke out at a protest, Mr. Gorski, a student at Temple University, appeared to try to intervene in a struggle between police officers and another protester. Inspector Bologna quickly struck him to the ground with a baton, leaving him with a head injury that required 10 staples. | As a chaotic brawl broke out at a protest, Mr. Gorski, a student at Temple University, appeared to try to intervene in a struggle between police officers and another protester. Inspector Bologna quickly struck him to the ground with a baton, leaving him with a head injury that required 10 staples. |
| The Philadelphia police originally arrested Mr. Gorski and held him for more than 24 hours, officials said. But after examining the video, the Philadelphia district attorney’s office declined to press charges against Mr. Gorski — and pressed aggravated assault charges against Inspector Bologna instead. | The Philadelphia police originally arrested Mr. Gorski and held him for more than 24 hours, officials said. But after examining the video, the Philadelphia district attorney’s office declined to press charges against Mr. Gorski — and pressed aggravated assault charges against Inspector Bologna instead. |
| His arrest comes as protests have roiled Philadelphia, a city of 1.5 million that is 43 percent black. The police union, which condemned the charges as baseless, has been selling T-shirts to support Inspector Bologna. | His arrest comes as protests have roiled Philadelphia, a city of 1.5 million that is 43 percent black. The police union, which condemned the charges as baseless, has been selling T-shirts to support Inspector Bologna. |
| “This is a very sad day for the Philadelphia Police Department as one of our most decorated officers was formally arraigned on felony assault charges for doing his job, trying to keep our great city safe during recent unrest,” John McNesby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said in a statement. | “This is a very sad day for the Philadelphia Police Department as one of our most decorated officers was formally arraigned on felony assault charges for doing his job, trying to keep our great city safe during recent unrest,” John McNesby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said in a statement. |
| A lawyer for Mr. Gorski, Jonathan H. Feinberg, declined to comment on the charges. | A lawyer for Mr. Gorski, Jonathan H. Feinberg, declined to comment on the charges. |
| A group of black state lawmakers in Pennsylvania took to the rostrum of the State House of Representatives in Harrisburg on Monday, and said they would not give it up until the legislature agreed to hold votes on bills to make an array of changes in policing. | A group of black state lawmakers in Pennsylvania took to the rostrum of the State House of Representatives in Harrisburg on Monday, and said they would not give it up until the legislature agreed to hold votes on bills to make an array of changes in policing. |
| Before long, the Republican speaker of the house, Mike Turzai, said he would support a special legislative session on police reform, which the black lawmakers took as a hopeful sign that bills that have been bottled up in committee would be debated and voted on. | Before long, the Republican speaker of the house, Mike Turzai, said he would support a special legislative session on police reform, which the black lawmakers took as a hopeful sign that bills that have been bottled up in committee would be debated and voted on. |
| Shortly before the legislative session was scheduled to begin, the legislators walked to the head of the ornate chamber, beneath an enormous mural centered on the figures of William Penn and Benjamin Franklin, and unfurled a Black Lives Matter banner. | Shortly before the legislative session was scheduled to begin, the legislators walked to the head of the ornate chamber, beneath an enormous mural centered on the figures of William Penn and Benjamin Franklin, and unfurled a Black Lives Matter banner. |
| “Vote how you want, but let us take action on these bills,” said Representative Margo Davidson one of the group. Another, Representative Christopher M. Rabb, said: “Of the two dozen bills that do address these issues, some of them with bipartisan support, how many of those bills have received a hearing? Zero.” | “Vote how you want, but let us take action on these bills,” said Representative Margo Davidson one of the group. Another, Representative Christopher M. Rabb, said: “Of the two dozen bills that do address these issues, some of them with bipartisan support, how many of those bills have received a hearing? Zero.” |
| Mr. Turzai, the speaker, made no effort to clear the rostrum of what he called “this act of peaceful civil disobedience.” About an hour after the protest began, he joined the black lawmakers there and made a conciliatory speech, saying he would support calling the special session. | Mr. Turzai, the speaker, made no effort to clear the rostrum of what he called “this act of peaceful civil disobedience.” About an hour after the protest began, he joined the black lawmakers there and made a conciliatory speech, saying he would support calling the special session. |
| “Clearly, the entire country — the entire world — is up in arms over what began with the killing in Minneapolis,” he said, referring to the death of George Floyd. “So why wouldn’t this body try to address what’s going on?” | “Clearly, the entire country — the entire world — is up in arms over what began with the killing in Minneapolis,” he said, referring to the death of George Floyd. “So why wouldn’t this body try to address what’s going on?” |
| The speaker said leaders from both parties would meet Monday afternoon to decide how to proceed. | The speaker said leaders from both parties would meet Monday afternoon to decide how to proceed. |
| Relatives of George Floyd and others killed by police officers joined more than 650 human rights groups on Monday in appealing to the United Nations to investigate racism and brutality in policing in the United States. | Relatives of George Floyd and others killed by police officers joined more than 650 human rights groups on Monday in appealing to the United Nations to investigate racism and brutality in policing in the United States. |
| Hoping to step up international pressure for change, the organizations and families signed a letter urging the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to convene an emergency session and investigate American police practices. | Hoping to step up international pressure for change, the organizations and families signed a letter urging the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to convene an emergency session and investigate American police practices. |
| The letter, initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union and the U.S. Human Rights Network, an umbrella group for hundreds of organizations, said the inquiry should cover events from the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., in August 2014 through the death of Mr. Floyd and the use of force against protesters that followed. | The letter, initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union and the U.S. Human Rights Network, an umbrella group for hundreds of organizations, said the inquiry should cover events from the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., in August 2014 through the death of Mr. Floyd and the use of force against protesters that followed. |
| “The situation is developing to the point where there needs to be international attention and pressure to put the brakes on before it is too late,” Jamil Dakwar, director of the A.C.L.U. human rights program and co-author of the letter, said in a telephone interview. | “The situation is developing to the point where there needs to be international attention and pressure to put the brakes on before it is too late,” Jamil Dakwar, director of the A.C.L.U. human rights program and co-author of the letter, said in a telephone interview. |
| A U.N. inquiry would put the United States under scrutiny in a forum where it was once active in calling other states to account for human rights abuses. That ended when the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Human Rights Council in 2018, accusing it of bias and hypocrisy. Calling a special session of the council would require the support of one-third of its 47 member nations. | A U.N. inquiry would put the United States under scrutiny in a forum where it was once active in calling other states to account for human rights abuses. That ended when the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Human Rights Council in 2018, accusing it of bias and hypocrisy. Calling a special session of the council would require the support of one-third of its 47 member nations. |
| Along with 656 human rights organizations from 66 countries, the signatories of the letter included Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd; Quincy Mason, a son of Mr. Floyd, and several other relatives of black people who have died at the hands of police officers. | Along with 656 human rights organizations from 66 countries, the signatories of the letter included Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd; Quincy Mason, a son of Mr. Floyd, and several other relatives of black people who have died at the hands of police officers. |
| “I want people across the world and the leaders in the United Nations to see the video of my brother George Floyd, to listen to his cry for help, and I want them to answer his cry,” Philonise Floyd said in a statement. “I appeal to the United Nations to help him. Help me. Help us. Help black men and women in America.” | “I want people across the world and the leaders in the United Nations to see the video of my brother George Floyd, to listen to his cry for help, and I want them to answer his cry,” Philonise Floyd said in a statement. “I appeal to the United Nations to help him. Help me. Help us. Help black men and women in America.” |
| France’s interior minister announced on Monday that a controversial chokehold method used by the police to detain suspects would be abandoned, after anger over racism and police brutality erupted in protests in Europe in recent days. | France’s interior minister announced on Monday that a controversial chokehold method used by the police to detain suspects would be abandoned, after anger over racism and police brutality erupted in protests in Europe in recent days. |
| Demonstrators were spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but the protests built on years of complaints of discriminatory policing and excessive force in their own countries. | Demonstrators were spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but the protests built on years of complaints of discriminatory policing and excessive force in their own countries. |
| Large Black Lives Matter protests in London and other British cities over the weekend ended in clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, and the toppling of a statue of a slave trader in Bristol. In Paris last week, some 20,000 people protested what they said were brutality and racism within the police force, putting French authorities under increasing pressure to address the issues. | Large Black Lives Matter protests in London and other British cities over the weekend ended in clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, and the toppling of a statue of a slave trader in Bristol. In Paris last week, some 20,000 people protested what they said were brutality and racism within the police force, putting French authorities under increasing pressure to address the issues. |
| The demonstration was organized by the family of Adama Traoré, a 24-year-old black man whose death in police custody outside Paris in 2016 led to days of unrest. Like Mr. Floyd, Mr. Traoré reportedly was held to the ground by multiple officers, even as he said he could not breathe. | The demonstration was organized by the family of Adama Traoré, a 24-year-old black man whose death in police custody outside Paris in 2016 led to days of unrest. Like Mr. Floyd, Mr. Traoré reportedly was held to the ground by multiple officers, even as he said he could not breathe. |
| Christophe Castaner, the interior minister, said he was banning both the chokehold and the use of neck restraints to pin someone down, because of the risk of asphyxiation. But he disputed parallels to the United States, saying, “the French police are not the American police.” | Christophe Castaner, the interior minister, said he was banning both the chokehold and the use of neck restraints to pin someone down, because of the risk of asphyxiation. But he disputed parallels to the United States, saying, “the French police are not the American police.” |
| The government also promised greater independence for the office that handles allegations against officers. A report released on Monday said that complaints against officers — particularly for violence against civilians — were up sharply. | The government also promised greater independence for the office that handles allegations against officers. A report released on Monday said that complaints against officers — particularly for violence against civilians — were up sharply. |
| In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned what he called illegal attacks on the police, writing on Twitter on Sunday night, “These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery — and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve. Those responsible will be held to account.” | In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned what he called illegal attacks on the police, writing on Twitter on Sunday night, “These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery — and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve. Those responsible will be held to account.” |
| But many in the opposition Labour Party noted that the protests were largely peaceful — a call for racial justice in a country where anger over police brutality burst into violent protests in 2011. | But many in the opposition Labour Party noted that the protests were largely peaceful — a call for racial justice in a country where anger over police brutality burst into violent protests in 2011. |
| In Bristol, a crowd toppled the statue of Edward Colston, a wealthy merchant slave trader of the 17th and 18th centuries, which critics had campaigned for years to take down. The protesters then dumped it into the harbor. | In Bristol, a crowd toppled the statue of Edward Colston, a wealthy merchant slave trader of the 17th and 18th centuries, which critics had campaigned for years to take down. The protesters then dumped it into the harbor. |
| “Whilst I am disappointed that people would damage one of our statues, I do understand why it’s happened,” Andy Bennett, a local police superintendent, told the BBC. “It’s very symbolic.” | “Whilst I am disappointed that people would damage one of our statues, I do understand why it’s happened,” Andy Bennett, a local police superintendent, told the BBC. “It’s very symbolic.” |
| Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Kim Barker, Katie Benner, Chris Cameron, Helene Cooper, Nick Cumming-Bruce, John Eligon, Nicholas Fandos, Tess Felder, Manny Fernandez, Katie Glueck, Adam Goldman, Russel Goldman, Jack Healy, Lara Jakes, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Thomas Kaplan, Eric Killelea, Mark Landler, Constant Meheut, Sarah Mervosh, Katie Rogers, Dana Rubinstein, Marc Santora, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Ashley Southall and Farah Stockman. | Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Kim Barker, Katie Benner, Chris Cameron, Helene Cooper, Nick Cumming-Bruce, John Eligon, Nicholas Fandos, Tess Felder, Manny Fernandez, Katie Glueck, Adam Goldman, Russel Goldman, Jack Healy, Lara Jakes, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Thomas Kaplan, Eric Killelea, Mark Landler, Constant Meheut, Sarah Mervosh, Katie Rogers, Dana Rubinstein, Marc Santora, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Ashley Southall and Farah Stockman. |