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George Floyd: large procession of mourners expected to follow private Texas funeral – live George Floyd memorial: Al Sharpton condemns Trump's 'wickedness in high places' – 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
The memorial service for George Floyd has concluded, and his casket is now on its way to his final resting place in Houston, where he grew up.
Many people waited outside of the Fountain of Praise church, where the service was held, in order to see Floyd’s casket and accompany it to his cemetery plot.
The Rev Al Sharpton has just concluded his eulogy at George Floyd’s memorial service in Houston.
Moments ago, the civil rights activist celebrated the protests that have spread across the country and around the world in response to the police killing of Floyd.
“All over the world I’ve seen grandchildren of slave masters tearing down slave master statues,” Sharpton said.
Sharpton specifically referenced the statue of the slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol, England, which was torn down and thrown into Bristol Harbour by Black Lives Matter protesters.
The Rev Al Sharpton sharply criticized Trump’s response to the George Floyd protests, describing the president’s recent actions as “wickedness in high places.”
While delivering a eulogy at Floyd’s memorial service in Houston, Sharpton said Trump was more focused on how to stop the protests than how to stop police brutality.
The civil rights activist accused the president of being fixated on how the protests would affect his re-election bid and putting American lives in jeopardy as a result.
“You take rubber bullets and teargas to clear out peaceful protesters, and then take a Bible and walk in front of a church, and use a church as a prop. Wickedness in high places,” Sharpton said.
In his eulogy at George Floyd’s memorial service, the Rev Al Sharpton criticized NFL commissioner Roger Goddell, who said last week that the league was “wrong” in its handling of players’ protests against police brutality.In his eulogy at George Floyd’s memorial service, the Rev Al Sharpton criticized NFL commissioner Roger Goddell, who said last week that the league was “wrong” in its handling of players’ protests against police brutality.
“Don’t apologize, give Colin Kaepernick his job back,” Sharpton said to applause.“Don’t apologize, give Colin Kaepernick his job back,” Sharpton said to applause.
Kaepernick was the first NFL player to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality, and he has since struggled to get picked up by a team, which his supporters have described as retaliation from management over his activism.Kaepernick was the first NFL player to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality, and he has since struggled to get picked up by a team, which his supporters have described as retaliation from management over his activism.
The Rev Al Sharpton is delivering a eulogy at George Floyd’s memorial service in Houston, demanding justice for Floyd and others killed by police.The Rev Al Sharpton is delivering a eulogy at George Floyd’s memorial service in Houston, demanding justice for Floyd and others killed by police.
“Lives like George will not matter until somebody pays the cost for taking their lives,” Sharpton said. “There is an intentional neglect to make people pay for taking our lives.”“Lives like George will not matter until somebody pays the cost for taking their lives,” Sharpton said. “There is an intentional neglect to make people pay for taking our lives.”
Shapton said any four police officers who killed a white person would be sent to jail, arguing the police officers charged with Floyd’s murder should receive the same punishment.Shapton said any four police officers who killed a white person would be sent to jail, arguing the police officers charged with Floyd’s murder should receive the same punishment.
The civil rights activist promised Floyd’s family he would “be here for the long haul.” “When the last TV truck is gone, we’ll still be here,” Sharpton said.The civil rights activist promised Floyd’s family he would “be here for the long haul.” “When the last TV truck is gone, we’ll still be here,” Sharpton said.
He later added, “We are fighting an institutional, systemic problem.”He later added, “We are fighting an institutional, systemic problem.”
The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from Houston, Texas:The Guardian’s Vivian Ho reports from Houston, Texas:
Meet Sharon Harry. This 64-year-old Houston nurse took time off work to attend not just Monday’s public viewing, but on Tuesday to stand outside the church where George Floyd’s memorial service is being held.Meet Sharon Harry. This 64-year-old Houston nurse took time off work to attend not just Monday’s public viewing, but on Tuesday to stand outside the church where George Floyd’s memorial service is being held.
For Harry, Floyd’s death - and the deaths of all killed by police - have personal meaning to her. Thirty-five years ago, her 22-year-old brother was driving home in San Antonio when he got pulled over by the police. He went to open the passenger-side door. Police thought he was reaching for his gun. And Harry’s baby brother Michael Haskins entered into a long legacy of unarmed black men killed by police in this country.For Harry, Floyd’s death - and the deaths of all killed by police - have personal meaning to her. Thirty-five years ago, her 22-year-old brother was driving home in San Antonio when he got pulled over by the police. He went to open the passenger-side door. Police thought he was reaching for his gun. And Harry’s baby brother Michael Haskins entered into a long legacy of unarmed black men killed by police in this country.
“It’s very emotional for me,” she said. “I now have three grandsons that range in ages from 18 to 3 years old. As I’m growing older, it would be a solace for me to know that there’s been a change. It would be a comfort to me to know that with all of this with Mr Floyd’s death, we can now see a united front, in all rainbows of color, of all nationalities, that people can now become aware of some of their unbiased prejudices.”“It’s very emotional for me,” she said. “I now have three grandsons that range in ages from 18 to 3 years old. As I’m growing older, it would be a solace for me to know that there’s been a change. It would be a comfort to me to know that with all of this with Mr Floyd’s death, we can now see a united front, in all rainbows of color, of all nationalities, that people can now become aware of some of their unbiased prejudices.”
Thirty-five years later, it doesn’t get any easier. With each police killing, the heartache is renewed, Harry said, her voice cracking. “You know what the Floyd family feels,” she said. “You know the loss. You know the pain.”Thirty-five years later, it doesn’t get any easier. With each police killing, the heartache is renewed, Harry said, her voice cracking. “You know what the Floyd family feels,” she said. “You know the loss. You know the pain.”
But this time feels different.But this time feels different.
“I’ve watched all the past police brutality but never anything like this,” she said. “I just had to be here and say thank you to Mr Floyd, for giving his life to those who don’t have a voice anymore, who didn’t have a voice then because there weren’t any cameras.”“I’ve watched all the past police brutality but never anything like this,” she said. “I just had to be here and say thank you to Mr Floyd, for giving his life to those who don’t have a voice anymore, who didn’t have a voice then because there weren’t any cameras.”
The Senate has unanimously confirmed General Charles Brown as the next chief of staff of the Air Force, making him the first African American chief of a military service branch.The Senate has unanimously confirmed General Charles Brown as the next chief of staff of the Air Force, making him the first African American chief of a military service branch.
Vice President Mike Pence presided over the vote for Brown’s nomination, which all 98 senators who were present supported. Announcing the final vote, Pence described Brown’s nomination as “historic.”Vice President Mike Pence presided over the vote for Brown’s nomination, which all 98 senators who were present supported. Announcing the final vote, Pence described Brown’s nomination as “historic.”
Trump celebrated Brown’s confirmation about an hour before the vote was finalized, praising the general as “a Patriot and Great Leader” in a tweet.Trump celebrated Brown’s confirmation about an hour before the vote was finalized, praising the general as “a Patriot and Great Leader” in a tweet.
Brown’s confirmation came as George Floyd’s memorial service took place in Houston, with many speakers demanding that racial injustice be addressed after Floyd was killed in police custody.Brown’s confirmation came as George Floyd’s memorial service took place in Houston, with many speakers demanding that racial injustice be addressed after Floyd was killed in police custody.
Trump was reportedly on the brink of firing Mark Esper last week, when the defense secretary voiced opposition to the president’s idea of sending active-duty troops to states with George Floyd protests.Trump was reportedly on the brink of firing Mark Esper last week, when the defense secretary voiced opposition to the president’s idea of sending active-duty troops to states with George Floyd protests.
The Wall Street Journal reports:The Wall Street Journal reports:
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany signaled Esper’s job might be in trouble shortly after the cabinet secretary said he was against sending active-duty troops to the protests.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany signaled Esper’s job might be in trouble shortly after the cabinet secretary said he was against sending active-duty troops to the protests.
“As of right now, Secretary Esper is still Secretary Esper, and should the president lose faith, we will all learn about that in the future,” McEnany told reporters on Wednesday.“As of right now, Secretary Esper is still Secretary Esper, and should the president lose faith, we will all learn about that in the future,” McEnany told reporters on Wednesday.
The Guardian’s Vivan Ho reports from Houston, Texas:The Guardian’s Vivan Ho reports from Houston, Texas:
Supporters of George Floyd stood outside the church in the punishing Houston humidity, waiting for the procession to Floyd’s final resting place.Supporters of George Floyd stood outside the church in the punishing Houston humidity, waiting for the procession to Floyd’s final resting place.
Many in the crowd were friends of the family. Shereka Burton‘s mother grew up in the third ward, just like Floyd. The 32-year-old asked for time to think over the words she wished to express, unwilling to let anger and frustration take over the moment.“We prayed for unity for so long that we did not know how it would come,” she said. “If it took this, I hope that we can all be at once in unity, in peace, on our knees in prayer, and I pray for strength for the family and the entire nation.”Her mentor, Dr Edna L Kingsley, smiled at Burton’s words. Kingsley said she feels hope in this moment. “A change is going to come,” she said.“George Floyd’s life was not in vain,” Kingsley added. “It was an unfortunate situation, but a knee has been on our necks for a long time. However if we give up the fight, that knee will continue to be on our neck. So we’re going to continue to fight this good fight, and we will prevail.”Many in the crowd were friends of the family. Shereka Burton‘s mother grew up in the third ward, just like Floyd. The 32-year-old asked for time to think over the words she wished to express, unwilling to let anger and frustration take over the moment.“We prayed for unity for so long that we did not know how it would come,” she said. “If it took this, I hope that we can all be at once in unity, in peace, on our knees in prayer, and I pray for strength for the family and the entire nation.”Her mentor, Dr Edna L Kingsley, smiled at Burton’s words. Kingsley said she feels hope in this moment. “A change is going to come,” she said.“George Floyd’s life was not in vain,” Kingsley added. “It was an unfortunate situation, but a knee has been on our necks for a long time. However if we give up the fight, that knee will continue to be on our neck. So we’re going to continue to fight this good fight, and we will prevail.”
Joe Biden expressed support for the Buffalo protester who was shoved to the ground by police officers, after Trump suggested the 75-year-old man might be an Antifa plant.Joe Biden expressed support for the Buffalo protester who was shoved to the ground by police officers, after Trump suggested the 75-year-old man might be an Antifa plant.
“My Dad used to say there’s no greater sin than the abuse of power,” Biden said in a tweet. “Whether it’s an officer bloodying a peaceful protester or a President defending him with a conspiracy theory he saw on TV.”“My Dad used to say there’s no greater sin than the abuse of power,” Biden said in a tweet. “Whether it’s an officer bloodying a peaceful protester or a President defending him with a conspiracy theory he saw on TV.”
Noting that he and the protester, Martin Gugino, were both Catholic, Biden added, “Our faith says that we can’t accept either.”Noting that he and the protester, Martin Gugino, were both Catholic, Biden added, “Our faith says that we can’t accept either.”
Gugino was hospitalized after being shoved while protesting the police killing of George Floyd, and the two officers involved have now been charged with assault.Gugino was hospitalized after being shoved while protesting the police killing of George Floyd, and the two officers involved have now been charged with assault.
Some Republican lawmakers are offering cautious words of criticism for Trump’s tweet about the Buffalo protester, who was shoved to the ground by police officers and has been hospitalized.Some Republican lawmakers are offering cautious words of criticism for Trump’s tweet about the Buffalo protester, who was shoved to the ground by police officers and has been hospitalized.
The president peddled a baseless claim that the 75-year-old protester was an Antifa plant, which was first suggested in a report from the far-right One America News Network.The president peddled a baseless claim that the 75-year-old protester was an Antifa plant, which was first suggested in a report from the far-right One America News Network.
“It’s a serious accusation which should only be made with facts and evidence, and I haven’t seen any yet,” Senate majority whip John Thune said of the tweet.“It’s a serious accusation which should only be made with facts and evidence, and I haven’t seen any yet,” Senate majority whip John Thune said of the tweet.
Senator Mitt Romney, who participated in a protest against police brutality this weekend said, “I saw the tweet. It was a shocking thing to say, and I won’t dignify it with any further comment.”Senator Mitt Romney, who participated in a protest against police brutality this weekend said, “I saw the tweet. It was a shocking thing to say, and I won’t dignify it with any further comment.”
However, some senators, such as Cory Gardner, claimed they had not seen the tweet and refused to read it when congressional reporters presented them with a printed version of it.However, some senators, such as Cory Gardner, claimed they had not seen the tweet and refused to read it when congressional reporters presented them with a printed version of it.
Joe Biden delivered remarks at George Floyd’s memorial service in Houston, appearing via livestream a day after meeting with Floyd’s family.Joe Biden delivered remarks at George Floyd’s memorial service in Houston, appearing via livestream a day after meeting with Floyd’s family.
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, whose son Beau died of brain cancer five years ago, said he connected with the family’s grief.The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, whose son Beau died of brain cancer five years ago, said he connected with the family’s grief.
“As I’ve said to you privately, we know. We know you will never feel the same again,” Biden said to the Floyd family, going on to describe “the burden” of having to grieve in public.“As I’ve said to you privately, we know. We know you will never feel the same again,” Biden said to the Floyd family, going on to describe “the burden” of having to grieve in public.
The former vice president then directly addressed Floyd’s daughter, Gianna. “Little Gianna — as I said to you when I saw you yesterday, you are so brave. Daddy is looking down and he is so proud of you,” Biden said.The former vice president then directly addressed Floyd’s daughter, Gianna. “Little Gianna — as I said to you when I saw you yesterday, you are so brave. Daddy is looking down and he is so proud of you,” Biden said.
The presidential candidate concluded his remarks with a call for change. “Today, now is the time, the purpose, the season to listen and heal,” Biden said. “Now is the time for racial justice. That’s the answer we must give to our children when they ask why. Because when there is justice for George Floyd, we will truly be on our way to racial justice in America.The presidential candidate concluded his remarks with a call for change. “Today, now is the time, the purpose, the season to listen and heal,” Biden said. “Now is the time for racial justice. That’s the answer we must give to our children when they ask why. Because when there is justice for George Floyd, we will truly be on our way to racial justice in America.
“And then, as you said, Gianna, your Daddy will have ‘changed the world.’”“And then, as you said, Gianna, your Daddy will have ‘changed the world.’”
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.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.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.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.”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.”