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Derek Chauvin: judge sets $1m bail for police officer charged with George Floyd's murder – live Derek Chauvin: judge sets $1m bail for police officer charged with George Floyd's murder – live
(32 minutes later)
Former Minneapolis officer charged in connection to the killing of George Floyd appeared virtually in court todayFormer Minneapolis officer charged in connection to the killing of George Floyd appeared virtually in court today
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
A judge set a $1-1.25 million bail for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the killing of George Floyd.
Thousands of people paid their respects to Floyd in Houston, Texas. Thousands attended a public visitation to view Floyd’s casket, and a memorial service will be held tomorrow.
Congressional Democrats unveiled their sweeping police reform bill. The Justice in Policing Act would nationally ban chokeholds and create a national police misconduct registry, but many criminal justice activists have said reforms do not go far enough to address police brutality.
A group of economists said the US entered a recession in February. According to a committee of economists at the national bureau of economic research, the US economy entered a period of recession as businesses started to close down in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kayleigh McEnany said the White House had “no regrets” about forcibly removing peaceful protesters last week. The White House press secretary claimed the attorney general and the US park police made the decision to use tear gas against the protesters, but she said, “There’s no regrets on the part of this White House.”
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Trump emphasized his opposition to the defund the police movement during a lawn enforcement roundtable at the White House.
“We won’t be defunding our police. We won’t be dismantling our police. We won’t be disbanding our police,” the president said moments ago.
“We won’t be ending our police force in a city. I guess you might have some cities who want to try it, but that would be a very sad situation if they did.”
The president’s comments come one day after the Minneapolis city council pledged to disband the city’s police department and replace it with a new public safety system.
US attorney general William Barr said this afternoon that there are no plans to extradite Prince Andrew to the United States for questioning in the sex crimes case involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Asked during a Fox News interview whether the US has officially asked Britain to hand over the prince, Barr said: “I don’t think it’s a question of handing him over. I think it’s just a question of having him provide some evidence.”
Asked if Prince Andrew would be extradited, Barr said “No”, Reuters reports.
Lawyers for the prince earlier today accused US prosecutors of misleading the public and breaching their own confidentiality rules in their handling of the investigation into the disgraced financier and child sex offender, the Guardian reports.
In a strongly worded, two-page statement, Blackfords, the London-based criminal law specialists, alleged that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) had effectively rejected offers of help volunteered by the prince.
Epstein was found dead in a New York prison cell last year where he was being held on charges of sex trafficking girls as young as 14. The prince had known the billionaire since 1999 and stayed at several of his residences.
Epstein has been convicted years earlier in Florida of certain offenses, involving a plea deal, but was arrested last year and faced fresh and more serious charges.
But the federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, US attorney Geoffrey Berman, issued the following statement in response to Prince Andrew’s legal team, Axios reports:
When asked about the barriers around Lafayette Square during her White House briefing, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the matter was not in White House control.
McEnany acknowledged that the DC protests, like those across the country, have been mostly peaceful, but the press secretary claimed the fencing was a security matter and thus “not a decision for the White House.”
House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer are now calling on Trump to remove the barriers, arguing Lafayette Square “has long been a venue where Americans can gather to freely exercise their constitutional rights in close proximity to the White House.”
An update on former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who appeared in court today charged with second degree murder in the death of George Floyd two weeks ago.An update on former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who appeared in court today charged with second degree murder in the death of George Floyd two weeks ago.
He and the other three now-ex-officers charged in the case all remain behind bars at this point.He and the other three now-ex-officers charged in the case all remain behind bars at this point.
Chauvin, 44, said almost nothing during an 11-minute hearing in which he appeared before Hennepin County Judge Jeannice Reding on closed-circuit television from the state’s maximum security prison in Oak Park Heights, the AP reports.Chauvin, 44, said almost nothing during an 11-minute hearing in which he appeared before Hennepin County Judge Jeannice Reding on closed-circuit television from the state’s maximum security prison in Oak Park Heights, the AP reports.
Chauvin’s unconditional bond had been raised from $500,000 to $1 million when a second-degree murder charge was added on Wednesday.Chauvin’s unconditional bond had been raised from $500,000 to $1 million when a second-degree murder charge was added on Wednesday.
Monday’s hearing was a chance for arguments over the higher bail. Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, did not contest the increased bail and didn’t address the substance of the charges, which also include third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.Monday’s hearing was a chance for arguments over the higher bail. Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, did not contest the increased bail and didn’t address the substance of the charges, which also include third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Nelson did not speak with reporters afterward.Nelson did not speak with reporters afterward.
Chauvin’s next appearance was set for June 29 at 1.30 p.m.Chauvin’s next appearance was set for June 29 at 1.30 p.m.
Chauvin, a white officer, pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck during an arrest attempt, as Floyd, a black member of the public, was held down on the street and pleaded with him, struggling to say “I can’t breathe” until he eventually became silent and died.Chauvin, a white officer, pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck during an arrest attempt, as Floyd, a black member of the public, was held down on the street and pleaded with him, struggling to say “I can’t breathe” until he eventually became silent and died.
Chauvin and three other officers on the scene were fired the day after.Chauvin and three other officers on the scene were fired the day after.
The other three officers J. Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting the murder of Floyd. They remain in the Hennepin County jail on $750,000 bond.The other three officers J. Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting the murder of Floyd. They remain in the Hennepin County jail on $750,000 bond.
The World Bank said today that humanity is facing an unprecedented health and economic crisis that has spread with astonishing speed and will result in the largest shock the global economy has witnessed in more than seven decades.The World Bank said today that humanity is facing an unprecedented health and economic crisis that has spread with astonishing speed and will result in the largest shock the global economy has witnessed in more than seven decades.
Millions of people are expected to be pushed into extreme poverty, the Associated Press reports.Millions of people are expected to be pushed into extreme poverty, the Associated Press reports.
In an updated “Global Economic Prospects,” the World Bank projected that global economic activity will shrink by 5.2% this year, the deepest recession since a 13.8% global contraction in 1945-46 at the end of World War II.In an updated “Global Economic Prospects,” the World Bank projected that global economic activity will shrink by 5.2% this year, the deepest recession since a 13.8% global contraction in 1945-46 at the end of World War II.
The 5.2% downturn this year will be the fourth worst global downturn over the past 150 years, exceeded only by the Great Depression of the 1930s and the periods after World War I and World War II when the economies of many war-torn countries were devastated and the United States and other nations demobilized after massive defense buildups.The 5.2% downturn this year will be the fourth worst global downturn over the past 150 years, exceeded only by the Great Depression of the 1930s and the periods after World War I and World War II when the economies of many war-torn countries were devastated and the United States and other nations demobilized after massive defense buildups.
Because of the steep contraction, the amount of income per person is expected to fall sharply, with more than 90% of emerging market and developing countries seeing per capita incomes declining.Because of the steep contraction, the amount of income per person is expected to fall sharply, with more than 90% of emerging market and developing countries seeing per capita incomes declining.
For all countries, the drop in per capital incomes is expected to average 6.2%, much larger than the 2.9% fall during the 2009 financial recession.For all countries, the drop in per capital incomes is expected to average 6.2%, much larger than the 2.9% fall during the 2009 financial recession.
Reflecting this downward pressure on incomes, World Bank economists said they expected the number of people in extreme poverty could grow by between 70 million and 100 million this year.Reflecting this downward pressure on incomes, World Bank economists said they expected the number of people in extreme poverty could grow by between 70 million and 100 million this year.
The 5.2% estimate for a decline in global output is 7.7 percentage-points more severe than the World Bank’s January estimate that the world economy would grow by a modest 2.5% this year.The 5.2% estimate for a decline in global output is 7.7 percentage-points more severe than the World Bank’s January estimate that the world economy would grow by a modest 2.5% this year.
For the United States, the updated World Bank forecast is for GDP to fall 7% this year, before growing 3.9% in 2021. That estimate is similar to top forecasters for the National Association for Business Economics who forecast a 5.9% drop in for the U.S. this year.For the United States, the updated World Bank forecast is for GDP to fall 7% this year, before growing 3.9% in 2021. That estimate is similar to top forecasters for the National Association for Business Economics who forecast a 5.9% drop in for the U.S. this year.
Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are calling on Trump to reopen Lafayette Square, the park near the White House that has been barricaded off from the public since last week’s George Floyd protests.Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are calling on Trump to reopen Lafayette Square, the park near the White House that has been barricaded off from the public since last week’s George Floyd protests.
The House speaker and Senate minority leader said in a letter to the president that Lafayette Square “has long been a venue where Americans can gather to freely exercise their constitutional rights in close proximity to the White House.”The House speaker and Senate minority leader said in a letter to the president that Lafayette Square “has long been a venue where Americans can gather to freely exercise their constitutional rights in close proximity to the White House.”
Barriers have been erected around the public square in response to the mostly peaceful protests in DC, and administration officials have not been transparent about when the barriers might be removed.Barriers have been erected around the public square in response to the mostly peaceful protests in DC, and administration officials have not been transparent about when the barriers might be removed.
The Democratic leaders wrote, “Lafayette Square should be a symbol of freedom and openness, not a place behind which the leader of our Executive Branch cowers in fear of protesters who are crying out for justice.”The Democratic leaders wrote, “Lafayette Square should be a symbol of freedom and openness, not a place behind which the leader of our Executive Branch cowers in fear of protesters who are crying out for justice.”
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany just wrapped up her briefing, during which she was asked whether Trump still believes NFL players who kneel during the national anthem should be fired.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany just wrapped up her briefing, during which she was asked whether Trump still believes NFL players who kneel during the national anthem should be fired.
“The president is very much against kneeling in general,” McEnany said. “He’s not a fan of the kneeling movement. He’s made that very clear.”“The president is very much against kneeling in general,” McEnany said. “He’s not a fan of the kneeling movement. He’s made that very clear.”
However, the press secretary would not explicitly say whether the president still believes players who kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality should be fired.However, the press secretary would not explicitly say whether the president still believes players who kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality should be fired.
Last night, Trump criticized NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for saying that the league had mishandled the players’ protests and encouraging players to “speak out” about police brutality.Last night, Trump criticized NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for saying that the league had mishandled the players’ protests and encouraging players to “speak out” about police brutality.
“Could it be even remotely possible that in Roger Goodell’s rather interesting statement of peace and reconciliation, he was intimating that it would now be O.K. for the players to KNEEL, or not to stand, for the National Anthem, thereby disrespecting our Country & our Flag?” Trump wrote in a tweet.“Could it be even remotely possible that in Roger Goodell’s rather interesting statement of peace and reconciliation, he was intimating that it would now be O.K. for the players to KNEEL, or not to stand, for the National Anthem, thereby disrespecting our Country & our Flag?” Trump wrote in a tweet.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany lashed out against Mitt Romney after the Republican senator participated in a protest against police brutality over the weekend.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany lashed out against Mitt Romney after the Republican senator participated in a protest against police brutality over the weekend.
McEnany recounted some of Romney’s gaffes during his 2012 presidential campaign and went on to brag that Trump got 8% of the black vote, while Romney got 2%.McEnany recounted some of Romney’s gaffes during his 2012 presidential campaign and went on to brag that Trump got 8% of the black vote, while Romney got 2%.
But exit polls indicate Romney actually got 6% of the black vote when he ran against Barack Obama in 2012, and needless to say, both men received very little support from African Americans, which is something the Republican party as a whole has struggled with.But exit polls indicate Romney actually got 6% of the black vote when he ran against Barack Obama in 2012, and needless to say, both men received very little support from African Americans, which is something the Republican party as a whole has struggled with.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the administration stands by the decision to forcibly remove peaceful protesters using tear gas last week.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the administration stands by the decision to forcibly remove peaceful protesters using tear gas last week.
“There’s no regrets on the part of this White House,” McEnany said of the decision, which sparked international outcry.“There’s no regrets on the part of this White House,” McEnany said of the decision, which sparked international outcry.
McEnany tried to shift responsibility for the decision to attorney general William Barr and the US park police.McEnany tried to shift responsibility for the decision to attorney general William Barr and the US park police.
When again asked whether Trump is sorry about the way protesters were removed, McEnany deflected by saying, “The president is sorry about the fact that Antifa wreaked havoc on our streets.”When again asked whether Trump is sorry about the way protesters were removed, McEnany deflected by saying, “The president is sorry about the fact that Antifa wreaked havoc on our streets.”
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany emphasized that Trump is strongly opposed to proposals to defund police departments.
The president “is appalled by the defund the police movement,” McEnany said during her White House briefing.
When McEnany was pressed on whether Trump believes there is systemic racism in law enforcement, she said the president thinks there are “instances of racism” among police officers but they are overall “good, hard-working people.”
A judge has set a $1-$1.25 million bail for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the killing of George Floyd.
Chauvin virtually appeared in court today to face charges of murder and manslaughter after he was filmed keeping his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.
Judge Jeannice Reding granted the prosecutors’ motion to set unconditional bail at $1.25 million, or $1 million with conditions, which included being law-abiding, making future court appearances and surrendering firearms.
Joe Biden met with George Floyd’s family in Houston, where the family will soon hold a memorial for Floyd, who was killed in police custody two weeks ago.
The family allowed the public to view Floyd’s casket today before the memorial, and thousands have already attended the visitation.
Here’s some unsurprising but still alarming news: the US economy entered a recession in February, according to a committee of economists at the national bureau of economic research.
The economists said today that the depth of the country’s economic downturn since February led them to conclude a recession had started, ending the longest expansion on record.
“The unprecedented magnitude of the decline in employment and production, and its broad reach across the entire economy, warrants the designation of this episode as a recession, even if it turns out to be briefer than earlier contractions,” the NBER panel said.
The news comes after Friday’s jobs report showed the country’s unemployment rate had dropped slightly to a still-high figure of 13.3%.
More than 42 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits since the start of the coronavirus crisis, and many businesses remain shuttered due to social distancing restrictions.
The Trump campaign is still trying to link Joe Biden to the movement to defund police departments, even though a Biden spokesperson has issued a statement saying he does not support the idea.
“Joe Biden cannot be let off the hook after his campaign issued a weak statement from a mid-level staffer,” said Tim Murtaugh, the communications director of the Trump campaign.
“We have previously seen the Biden campaign say one thing on an issue right before their candidate says another. Until Americans hear from Joe Biden himself, they have no way of knowing where he really stands.”
The statement seemed a bit odd coming from a staffer for Trump, who has become well known for throwing the White House into chaos after sending an unexpected tweet that caught his aides by surprise.
A leader of the Virginia KKK has been arrested for driving into a group of demonstrators yesterday, who were protesting the killing of George Floyd in police custody.
Harry Rogers appeared in court in Henrico county this morning and was charged with attempted malicious wounding, felony vandalism, and assault and battery. No one was seriously injured in the attack.
“The accused, by his own admission and by a cursory glance at social media, is an admitted leader of the Ku Klux Klan and a propagandist for Confederate ideology,” Henrico county commonwealth’s attorney Shannon Taylor said in a statement.
Taylor said her office was investigating whether hate crime charges “are appropriate” in the case.
“While I am grateful that the victim’s injuries do not appear to be serious, an attack on peaceful protesters is heinous and despicable and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” Taylor said.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Congressional Democrats unveiled their sweeping police reform bill. The legislation would nationally ban police chokeholds and create a national police misconduct registry, but many criminal justice activists have said reforms do not go far enough to address police brutality.
The former police officer charged with George Floyd’s murder is expected to appear in court today. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to Floyd’s death, is scheduled to appear in court in about 45 minutes.
New York started its reopening process today. Hundreds of thousands of employees returned to work today in the city, where more than 21,000 people have died of coronavirus. However, many businesses, such as hair salons and gyms, remain closed.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Joe Biden’s statement expressing opposition to defunding police departments comes shortly after the Trump campaign held a press call about the movement.
The president and his allies have sought to tie all Democrats to calls to defund police departments, which have intensified since the killing of George Floyd.
However, many of the Democratic party’s leaders seem hesitant to endorse the movement, and congressional Democrats just unveiled legislation to reform police departments rather than defund them.
A spokesperson for Joe Biden said the presumptive Democratic nominee does not support defunding the police, as a number of criminal justice activists have called for after the killing of George Floyd.
Campaign spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement that Biden “hears and shares the deep grief and frustration of those calling out for change, and is driven to ensure that justice is done and that we put a stop to this terrible pain.”
Bates said the former vice president “supports the urgent need for reform,” including proposals to fund community policing programs and diversify cities’ police forces, but some activists have said such reforms do not go far enough to crack down on police brutality.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said anyone who participated in George Floyd protests should get a coronavirus test, as New York City starts to reopen.
The Democratic governor held his daily briefing today as the city entered phase one of its reopening process, after the coronavirus infection rate there started to slow. Cuomo said the city would be conducting 35,000 tests a day to begin the reopening.
Cuomo also implored state legislators to pass police reform legislation, which would ban chokeholds and make police disciplinary records transparent, in response to the killing of Floyd.