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George Floyd: large procession of mourners expected to follow private Texas funeral – live George Floyd: large procession of mourners expected to follow private Texas funeral – live
(32 minutes later)
Family of George Floyd holds memorial in Houston, to conclude with a funeral procession to his final resting placeFamily of George Floyd holds memorial in Houston, to conclude with a funeral procession to his final resting place
A judge in Virginia has put a block on the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from the state capital Richmond’s historic Monument Avenue.
Virginia governor Ralph Northam had announced plans for the divisive statue to be removed. But the court granted a 10-day injunction after a lawsuit was filed.
It was in Charlottesville, Virginia, that neo-nazi, white supremacist and related far-right crowds paraded in 2017 for a “Unite the Right” rally, tied to previous demonstrations aimed at preserving another statue of Lee in the college town. The August rally descended into chaos and violence when counter-protesters arrived and later turned fatal when a man drove a car into anti-rightist marchers.
In Richmond, a 1890 deed was cited in court that prevents the statue there from being removed, including an agreement in which the state agrees to “faithfully guard and affectionately protect it.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
George Floyd’s final memorial service is underway in Houston, Texas. After the private service, a large procession of mourners is expected to accompany Floyd’s casket to his final resting place alongside his mother. Floyd cried out for his mother while a police officer kept a knee on his neck.George Floyd’s final memorial service is underway in Houston, Texas. After the private service, a large procession of mourners is expected to accompany Floyd’s casket to his final resting place alongside his mother. Floyd cried out for his mother while a police officer kept a knee on his neck.
Trump was severely criticized for peddling the baseless claim that a Buffalo protester shoved by police officers was an Antifa plant. The 75-year-old man was hospitalized after the incident, and the two police officers involved have been charged with assault.Trump was severely criticized for peddling the baseless claim that a Buffalo protester shoved by police officers was an Antifa plant. The 75-year-old man was hospitalized after the incident, and the two police officers involved have been charged with assault.
Trump said he may hold a campaign rally as soon as “next week.” The rallies have been halted due to the still-raging coronavirus pandemic, but some of the president’s allies have suggested the Floyd protests, which have attracted thousands of people, could shield the rallies from potential criticism.Trump said he may hold a campaign rally as soon as “next week.” The rallies have been halted due to the still-raging coronavirus pandemic, but some of the president’s allies have suggested the Floyd protests, which have attracted thousands of people, could shield the rallies from potential criticism.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from Houston, Texas:The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from Houston, Texas:
American flags lined the road leading up to the Fountain of Praise church in Houston, where George Floyd’s final funeral service was being held Tuesday.American flags lined the road leading up to the Fountain of Praise church in Houston, where George Floyd’s final funeral service was being held Tuesday.
The funeral was for family and friends only, but dozens still gathered outside the church to pay their respects to Floyd, wearing shirts reading “I can’t breathe” and “black lives matter”.The funeral was for family and friends only, but dozens still gathered outside the church to pay their respects to Floyd, wearing shirts reading “I can’t breathe” and “black lives matter”.
Tamecia Dogbe, 41, drove two and a half hours from Austin with her sister and 12-year-old niece to stand outside the church in the sweltering humidity.Tamecia Dogbe, 41, drove two and a half hours from Austin with her sister and 12-year-old niece to stand outside the church in the sweltering humidity.
“It feels like a part of history, something I want my niece to witness,” she said. “Ten years from now, she might be able to see this in a history book.” She can only pray that in 10 years, these sort of funerals -- services for victims of police killings -- will be a thing of the past as well.“It feels like a part of history, something I want my niece to witness,” she said. “Ten years from now, she might be able to see this in a history book.” She can only pray that in 10 years, these sort of funerals -- services for victims of police killings -- will be a thing of the past as well.
Among the line of buses and cars at the front of the church, Savant Moore, 35, shared a sentiment he posted on Facebook in the aftermath of the killing: “It really took a global pandemic with no sports, no concerts, no vacations to get the world to sit down and have no choice but to watch what’s really happening to Black people in America with zero distractions.”Among the line of buses and cars at the front of the church, Savant Moore, 35, shared a sentiment he posted on Facebook in the aftermath of the killing: “It really took a global pandemic with no sports, no concerts, no vacations to get the world to sit down and have no choice but to watch what’s really happening to Black people in America with zero distractions.”
Moore was an Army ranger who had been deployed four times, once in Afghanistan and another time in Iraq. Yet it’s here in his home country that he is scared. “I have a college degree from Howard University. I’m an entrepreneur. And this is my America,” Moore said.Moore was an Army ranger who had been deployed four times, once in Afghanistan and another time in Iraq. Yet it’s here in his home country that he is scared. “I have a college degree from Howard University. I’m an entrepreneur. And this is my America,” Moore said.
“Every day, I still have to worry about whether people will not like me because of the color of my skin, or if I might not make it back home to my children because I encounter a police officer for a routine traffic stop.”“Every day, I still have to worry about whether people will not like me because of the color of my skin, or if I might not make it back home to my children because I encounter a police officer for a routine traffic stop.”
George Floyd’s memorial service is now underway at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston, Texas, where he will be laid to rest.George Floyd’s memorial service is now underway at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston, Texas, where he will be laid to rest.
The Rev Al Sharpton will lead the memorial service, which is private. Mourners are singing hymns to honor Floyd’s life, which ended late last month after a Minneapolis police officer put his knee on Floyd’s neck.The Rev Al Sharpton will lead the memorial service, which is private. Mourners are singing hymns to honor Floyd’s life, which ended late last month after a Minneapolis police officer put his knee on Floyd’s neck.
After the private service, a large procession of mourners is expected to accompany Floyd’s casket to his final resting place alongside his mother.After the private service, a large procession of mourners is expected to accompany Floyd’s casket to his final resting place alongside his mother.
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho is in Houston, Texas, where George Floyd’s memorial service is expected to begin at any moment.The Guardian’s Vivian Ho is in Houston, Texas, where George Floyd’s memorial service is expected to begin at any moment.
The service for Floyd, who was killed in police custody late last month, is private, but people have still gathered at the church where mourners are convening.The service for Floyd, who was killed in police custody late last month, is private, but people have still gathered at the church where mourners are convening.
One woman told Ho that she decided to come with her 12-year-old niece because “it feels like a part of history,” expressing hope that police brutality will soon be a thing of the past.One woman told Ho that she decided to come with her 12-year-old niece because “it feels like a part of history,” expressing hope that police brutality will soon be a thing of the past.
A large procession is expected to accompany Floyd’s casket to his final resting place once the service concludes.A large procession is expected to accompany Floyd’s casket to his final resting place once the service concludes.
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from Houston, Texas:The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from Houston, Texas:
The Rev Al Sharpton will lead George Floyd’s memorial service today, after leading the Minneapolis service for Floyd last week.The Rev Al Sharpton will lead George Floyd’s memorial service today, after leading the Minneapolis service for Floyd last week.
In Minneapolis, Sharpton delivered a rousing eulogy calling for white America to “get off our necks”, a reference to Floyd’s last moments.In Minneapolis, Sharpton delivered a rousing eulogy calling for white America to “get off our necks”, a reference to Floyd’s last moments.
Floyd, an African American, struggled to call out for his late mother and beg a police officer for mercy as he lay dying, pinned down by now-former officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, kneeling on his neck. Today, Floyd will join his mother when his family inters his body next to hers in Houston, where he grew up.Floyd, an African American, struggled to call out for his late mother and beg a police officer for mercy as he lay dying, pinned down by now-former officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, kneeling on his neck. Today, Floyd will join his mother when his family inters his body next to hers in Houston, where he grew up.
Shaprton said last week, “The reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed of being is you kept your knee on our neck. ... It’s time for us to stand up in George’s name and say: get your knee off our necks.”Shaprton said last week, “The reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed of being is you kept your knee on our neck. ... It’s time for us to stand up in George’s name and say: get your knee off our necks.”
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from Houston, Texas:The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from Houston, Texas:
The family of George Floyd is preparing to lay his body to rest in his home town of Houston, following weeks of protest over his killing by police in Minneapolis and a public viewing attended by thousands who waited for hours in the hot sun the day before.The family of George Floyd is preparing to lay his body to rest in his home town of Houston, following weeks of protest over his killing by police in Minneapolis and a public viewing attended by thousands who waited for hours in the hot sun the day before.
The memorial is set to begin in about 20 minutes at 11 am CT, and it will be led by the Rev Al Sharpton. He reminded the mourners outside the church on Monday that none of the victims’ families who traveled to Houston had wanted to become activists, and that it would take work to change policing and racism in the country.The memorial is set to begin in about 20 minutes at 11 am CT, and it will be led by the Rev Al Sharpton. He reminded the mourners outside the church on Monday that none of the victims’ families who traveled to Houston had wanted to become activists, and that it would take work to change policing and racism in the country.
Thousands attended Monday’s public viewing, traveling into the city from across the US, and thousands more attended a candlelight vigil after viewing hours ended.Thousands attended Monday’s public viewing, traveling into the city from across the US, and thousands more attended a candlelight vigil after viewing hours ended.
Though Tuesday’s funeral and burial are for invited guests and family only, officials expect a large turnout of mourners wishing to pay their respects to follow the funeral procession to Floyd’s final resting place.Though Tuesday’s funeral and burial are for invited guests and family only, officials expect a large turnout of mourners wishing to pay their respects to follow the funeral procession to Floyd’s final resting place.
The Brooklyn district attorney said a New York City police officer has been charged with assault, after a now-viral video showed the officer shoving a protester to the ground.The Brooklyn district attorney said a New York City police officer has been charged with assault, after a now-viral video showed the officer shoving a protester to the ground.
Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez said officer Vincent D’Andraia, 28, would be charged with assault, criminal mischief, harassment and menacing for shoving 20-year-old Dounya Zayer to the ground during a George Floyd protest.Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez said officer Vincent D’Andraia, 28, would be charged with assault, criminal mischief, harassment and menacing for shoving 20-year-old Dounya Zayer to the ground during a George Floyd protest.
“I fully support the long-held American tradition of non-violent protest,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “As District Attorney I cannot tolerate the use of excessive force against anyone exercising this Constitutionally guaranteed right.“I fully support the long-held American tradition of non-violent protest,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “As District Attorney I cannot tolerate the use of excessive force against anyone exercising this Constitutionally guaranteed right.
“This is especially true of those who are sworn to protect us and uphold the law. I am deeply troubled by this unnecessary assault. We will now seek to hold this defendant accountable.”“This is especially true of those who are sworn to protect us and uphold the law. I am deeply troubled by this unnecessary assault. We will now seek to hold this defendant accountable.”
Newsweek reporter Jason Lemon first shared a video of the incident and said D’Andraia called Zayer a “stupid fucking bitch” as he shoved her. The NYPD previously said it was reviewing the matter.Newsweek reporter Jason Lemon first shared a video of the incident and said D’Andraia called Zayer a “stupid fucking bitch” as he shoved her. The NYPD previously said it was reviewing the matter.
Two law enforcement agencies acknowledged that police officers in Minneapolis cut some drivers’ tires as the George Floyd protests played out across the city.Two law enforcement agencies acknowledged that police officers in Minneapolis cut some drivers’ tires as the George Floyd protests played out across the city.
Mother Jones previously shared videos showing police officers slashing tires in a K-Mart parking lot on May 30 and a highway overpass on May 31, both of which became police staging grounds near the protests.Mother Jones previously shared videos showing police officers slashing tires in a K-Mart parking lot on May 30 and a highway overpass on May 31, both of which became police staging grounds near the protests.
The Star Tribune reports:The Star Tribune reports:
Trump said he may resume holding campaign rallies, which have been halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, as soon as next week.Trump said he may resume holding campaign rallies, which have been halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, as soon as next week.
“BIG DEMAND! Starting up again soon, maybe next week!” the president wrote in response to a tweet about resuming the rallies.“BIG DEMAND! Starting up again soon, maybe next week!” the president wrote in response to a tweet about resuming the rallies.
Politico reported yesterday that the president planned to restart the rallies, which have become a defining aspect of his campaigning style, in the next two weeks.Politico reported yesterday that the president planned to restart the rallies, which have become a defining aspect of his campaigning style, in the next two weeks.
There are still concerns about holding massive in-person events amid the coronavirus pandemic, but some of the president’s allies have argued the recent George Floyd protests, which have attracted thousands of people, make it harder for critics to question the safety of the rallies.There are still concerns about holding massive in-person events amid the coronavirus pandemic, but some of the president’s allies have argued the recent George Floyd protests, which have attracted thousands of people, make it harder for critics to question the safety of the rallies.
Trump has clearly missed holding rallies, where he has been known to go on extended tangents about his many accomplishments in office, often creating a lot of work for news outlets’ fact-checkers.Trump has clearly missed holding rallies, where he has been known to go on extended tangents about his many accomplishments in office, often creating a lot of work for news outlets’ fact-checkers.
On Friday, the president held a celebratory press conference after the jobs report showed the US unemployment rate had slightly dropped to a still-high figure of 13.3%. Trump’s boasts about his accomplishments gave the event the feeling of a rally, particularly because the president took no questions from reporters at the “press conference.”On Friday, the president held a celebratory press conference after the jobs report showed the US unemployment rate had slightly dropped to a still-high figure of 13.3%. Trump’s boasts about his accomplishments gave the event the feeling of a rally, particularly because the president took no questions from reporters at the “press conference.”
Trump was later criticized for saying during the event that it was a “great day” for Floyd, who was killed while in police custody late last month.Trump was later criticized for saying during the event that it was a “great day” for Floyd, who was killed while in police custody late last month.
Georgia is holding its primary today, three weeks after the election was originally supposed to take place. Governor Brian Kemp delayed the primary because of the coronavirus pandemic.Georgia is holding its primary today, three weeks after the election was originally supposed to take place. Governor Brian Kemp delayed the primary because of the coronavirus pandemic.
State officials had encouraged voters to vote by mail in order to limit the potential spread of the virus at polling places, and 943,000 absentee ballots had been returned as of Sunday.State officials had encouraged voters to vote by mail in order to limit the potential spread of the virus at polling places, and 943,000 absentee ballots had been returned as of Sunday.
However, Georgians attempting to vote in person are already running into issues, with Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms complaining of long lines and broken machines in her city.However, Georgians attempting to vote in person are already running into issues, with Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms complaining of long lines and broken machines in her city.
Georgia attracted scrutiny for its handling of the state’s 2018 gubernatorial race, with Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams alleging voter suppression by her opponent, Kemp, who was then Georgia secretary of state.Georgia attracted scrutiny for its handling of the state’s 2018 gubernatorial race, with Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams alleging voter suppression by her opponent, Kemp, who was then Georgia secretary of state.
Abrams and her allies have argued that she would have won the race, which she lost by 1.4 points, if the vote had not been suppressed.Abrams and her allies have argued that she would have won the race, which she lost by 1.4 points, if the vote had not been suppressed.
Trump’s baseless claim that the 75-year-old Buffalo protester who was shoved to the ground by police was an Antifa plant appears to have been sparked by this segment from the far-right One America News Network.Trump’s baseless claim that the 75-year-old Buffalo protester who was shoved to the ground by police was an Antifa plant appears to have been sparked by this segment from the far-right One America News Network.
The segment was done by OAN’s Kristian Rouz, who has previously written for the Kremlin-owned outlet Sputnik. The US intelligence community has concluded that Sputnik played a role in Russia’s election interference efforts during the 2016 presidential race.The segment was done by OAN’s Kristian Rouz, who has previously written for the Kremlin-owned outlet Sputnik. The US intelligence community has concluded that Sputnik played a role in Russia’s election interference efforts during the 2016 presidential race.
Rouz did a report last month peddling the theory that the coronavirus pandemic was “a globalist conspiracy to establish sweeping population control” backed by George Soros.Rouz did a report last month peddling the theory that the coronavirus pandemic was “a globalist conspiracy to establish sweeping population control” backed by George Soros.
Former Republican senator Jeff Flake accused Trump of “trafficking in conspiracy theories” after the president suggested a 75-year-old protester who was shoved to the ground by police might have been an Antifa plant.Former Republican senator Jeff Flake accused Trump of “trafficking in conspiracy theories” after the president suggested a 75-year-old protester who was shoved to the ground by police might have been an Antifa plant.
George Conway, who is married to senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, responded to the president’s tweet by resharing a less-than-flattering anecdote about another time when Trump saw someone in physical pain.George Conway, who is married to senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, responded to the president’s tweet by resharing a less-than-flattering anecdote about another time when Trump saw someone in physical pain.
Trump is now threatening to release dirt on former defense secretary James Mattis, who released a scathing statement last week criticizing the president’s response to the George Floyd protests.Trump is now threatening to release dirt on former defense secretary James Mattis, who released a scathing statement last week criticizing the president’s response to the George Floyd protests.
“Mattis was our Country’s most overrated General,” Trump wrote in a tweet. “He talked a lot, but never ‘brought home the bacon.’ He was terrible! Someday I will tell the real story on him and others - both good and bad!”“Mattis was our Country’s most overrated General,” Trump wrote in a tweet. “He talked a lot, but never ‘brought home the bacon.’ He was terrible! Someday I will tell the real story on him and others - both good and bad!”
In his statement last week, Mattis said Trump was further dividing the country as it wrestled with how to crack down on police brutality.In his statement last week, Mattis said Trump was further dividing the country as it wrestled with how to crack down on police brutality.
Directly addressing the forcible removal of peaceful protesters near the White House last week, Mattis said, “We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Park. We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our constitution.”Directly addressing the forcible removal of peaceful protesters near the White House last week, Mattis said, “We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Park. We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our constitution.”
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
The Buffalo man who Trump claims was an Antifa plant is actually a “longtime peaceful protester and human rights advocate,” according to a statement from his lawyer released over the weekend.The Buffalo man who Trump claims was an Antifa plant is actually a “longtime peaceful protester and human rights advocate,” according to a statement from his lawyer released over the weekend.
The Washington Post reported that 75-year-old Martin Gugino, who was shoved to the ground by two police officers while he was protesting, is a member of PUSH Buffalo, which advocates for affordable housing, and the human rights organization Western New York Peace Center.The Washington Post reported that 75-year-old Martin Gugino, who was shoved to the ground by two police officers while he was protesting, is a member of PUSH Buffalo, which advocates for affordable housing, and the human rights organization Western New York Peace Center.
His lawyer said he was in serious but stable condition after the incident and is now “alert and oriented.” The two officers who shoved him have been charged with assault.His lawyer said he was in serious but stable condition after the incident and is now “alert and oriented.” The two officers who shoved him have been charged with assault.
Donald Trump has just rather unexpectedly tweeted the claim that Martin Gugino, the 75-year-old pushed to the ground by police in Buffalo, New York state, last week may have been an “ANTIFA provocateur” who was trying to scan equipment and black out police communications.Donald Trump has just rather unexpectedly tweeted the claim that Martin Gugino, the 75-year-old pushed to the ground by police in Buffalo, New York state, last week may have been an “ANTIFA provocateur” who was trying to scan equipment and black out police communications.
Two police officers – Aaron Torgalski, 39, and Robert McCabe, 32 – have pleaded not guilty to felony assault after a video emerged which showed the officers shoving Gugino as he was protesting outside City Hall on Thursday night.Two police officers – Aaron Torgalski, 39, and Robert McCabe, 32 – have pleaded not guilty to felony assault after a video emerged which showed the officers shoving Gugino as he was protesting outside City Hall on Thursday night.
One of our New York reporters is looking further into this claim from Trump, which seems to have originated from coverage of the incident on OANN, the small far-right news channel which Trump has recently taken to promoting.One of our New York reporters is looking further into this claim from Trump, which seems to have originated from coverage of the incident on OANN, the small far-right news channel which Trump has recently taken to promoting.
Here’s the video clip of the incident that Trump is referring to.Here’s the video clip of the incident that Trump is referring to.