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George Floyd's brother testifies before House: 'I'm here to get justice' – live George Floyd's brother testifies before House: 'He didn't deserve to die over $20' – live
(32 minutes later)
Philonise Floyd participates in congressional hearing on police brutality, after his brother was killed after a police officer kneeled on his neckPhilonise Floyd participates in congressional hearing on police brutality, after his brother was killed after a police officer kneeled on his neck
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Trump did not regret sending a tweet suggesting a 75-year-old protester who was shoved to the ground by police was actually an Antifa plant.
“The president does not regret standing up for law enforcement,” McEnany said. She later added, “He has a right to ask those questions.”
McEnany claimed Trump had facts before he sent the tweet, but the tweet did not include any evidence of the claim, and McEnany did not elaborate on what facts the president had.
The press secretary argued that the country had become “reflexively anti-police officer,” which is “unacceptable to the president.” She also chastized reporters for making a judgment about the Buffalo incident based on a “brief snippet of a video.”
The video clearly shows the man, Martin Gugino, being shoved to the ground by two police officers, with blood quickly pooling beneath his head. Gugino remains hospitalized, and the two officers have been charged with assault.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany is now holding her briefing, where reporters are asking her about the president’s recent tweets on the George Floyd protests.
Just before McEnany took the podium, White House staffers passed out a printed copy of Trump’s new tweets expressing opposition to renaming military bases named after Confederate military leaders.
Trump said he would “not even consider” renaming military bases that are named after Confederate military leaders, even though the Pentagon has indicated it is open to the idea.
“These Monumental and very Powerful Bases have become part of a Great American Heritage, and a ... history of Winning, Victory, and Freedom,” Trump wrote in a new tweet thread.
“The United States of America trained and deployed our HEROES on these Hallowed Grounds, and won two World Wars. Therefore, my Administration will not even consider the renaming of these Magnificent and Fabled Military Installations ... Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with. Respect our Military!”
The tweet comes two days after an Army spokesperson said defense secretary Mark Esper and army secretary Ryan McCarthy “are open to a bi-partisan discussion on the topic,” reversing decades of Pentagon opposition to the idea.
Philonise Floyd broke down moments ago discussing the police killing of his brother, George Floyd, during the House judiciary committee hearing on police brutality.
Floyd said that watching the video of a police officer with his knee on his brother’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds “felt like eight hours and 46 minutes.”
“I just think about that video over and over again,” Floyd said, getting choked up. “That’s all people talk about. ... Kids have to watch the video. His kids have to watch the video.”
Through tears, Floyd said, “My family, they just cry, and cry every day.” Floyd directly addressed the officers who have been charged with murdering his brother, saying, “Justice has to be served. Those officers, they have to be convicted. Anybody with a heart, they know that’s wrong. You don’t do that to a human being, you don’t even do that to an animal.”
He finished by saying, “I wish I could get him back. Those officers, they get to live.”
The police officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck was in talks with the local prosecutor to strike a plea deal before his arrest, according to a new report.The police officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck was in talks with the local prosecutor to strike a plea deal before his arrest, according to a new report.
Derek Chauvin, who was fired on May 26, the day after Floyd was killed, was arrested three days later and, initially, charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter by the Hennepin county attorney Mike Freeman.Derek Chauvin, who was fired on May 26, the day after Floyd was killed, was arrested three days later and, initially, charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter by the Hennepin county attorney Mike Freeman.
Chauvin’s legal team had been in negotiations with that office and with the federal prosecutor, Chuck Laszewski, a spokesman for Freeman, told NBC earlier. However, those negotiations failed.Chauvin’s legal team had been in negotiations with that office and with the federal prosecutor, Chuck Laszewski, a spokesman for Freeman, told NBC earlier. However, those negotiations failed.
Eric Nelson, a defense lawyer for Chauvin, declined comment to NBC News today, the TV network reports.Eric Nelson, a defense lawyer for Chauvin, declined comment to NBC News today, the TV network reports.
The following week, the state of Minnesota’s attorney general, Keith Ellison, took over the investigation from the county team. Shortly afterwards, the charge against Chauvin was increased to second-degree murder.The following week, the state of Minnesota’s attorney general, Keith Ellison, took over the investigation from the county team. Shortly afterwards, the charge against Chauvin was increased to second-degree murder.
And the three other now-former officers who were also involved in the arrest and restraint of Floyd were charged with aiding and abetting murder.And the three other now-former officers who were also involved in the arrest and restraint of Floyd were charged with aiding and abetting murder.
All four cops remain behind bars, following initial court appearances in Minneapolis, as protests have spread across the country and internationally, calling for an end to systemic racism, especially in policing, and comprehensive reform.All four cops remain behind bars, following initial court appearances in Minneapolis, as protests have spread across the country and internationally, calling for an end to systemic racism, especially in policing, and comprehensive reform.
Senior White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said he does not believe there is systemic racism in America, despite the recent police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.Senior White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said he does not believe there is systemic racism in America, despite the recent police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
Kudlow said he did not consider African Americans’ heightened levels of unemployment in comparison to white Americans to be a sign of institutional discrimination.Kudlow said he did not consider African Americans’ heightened levels of unemployment in comparison to white Americans to be a sign of institutional discrimination.
“I don’t believe there is systemic racism,” Kudlow told reporters gathered on the White House driveway, blaming the recent police killings on some “bad apples” within departments.“I don’t believe there is systemic racism,” Kudlow told reporters gathered on the White House driveway, blaming the recent police killings on some “bad apples” within departments.
The Trump campaign is demanding that CNN retract a recent poll showing the president 14 points down against Joe Biden, CNN is now reporting.The Trump campaign is demanding that CNN retract a recent poll showing the president 14 points down against Joe Biden, CNN is now reporting.
According to CNN, the president’s reelection campaign sent a cease and desist letter to CNN president Jeff Zucker demanding that the network retract and apologize for the poll.According to CNN, the president’s reelection campaign sent a cease and desist letter to CNN president Jeff Zucker demanding that the network retract and apologize for the poll.
CNN immediately rejected the campaign’s request. “We stand by our poll,” said Matt Dornic, a CNN spokesman.CNN immediately rejected the campaign’s request. “We stand by our poll,” said Matt Dornic, a CNN spokesman.
The poll showed Biden attracting the support of 55% of registered voters, in comparison to Trump’s 41%. The results also found Trump’s approval rating to be at 38%, his worst showing since January 2019.The poll showed Biden attracting the support of 55% of registered voters, in comparison to Trump’s 41%. The results also found Trump’s approval rating to be at 38%, his worst showing since January 2019.
The president said earlier this week that he was hiring an outside firm to review CNN’s poll and other recent surveys showing him losing to Biden, an announcement that was quickly met with mockery on social media.The president said earlier this week that he was hiring an outside firm to review CNN’s poll and other recent surveys showing him losing to Biden, an announcement that was quickly met with mockery on social media.
The independent State Department watchdog fired by Donald Trump says top department officials tried to bully him and dissuade his office from conducting a review of a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia.The independent State Department watchdog fired by Donald Trump says top department officials tried to bully him and dissuade his office from conducting a review of a multibillion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia.
Former Inspector General Steve Linick told Congress last week that two senior officials sought to block an inquiry into the arms deal, according to a transcript of the interview made public Wednesday by Democrats leading an investigation into his dismissal, The Associated Press reports today.Former Inspector General Steve Linick told Congress last week that two senior officials sought to block an inquiry into the arms deal, according to a transcript of the interview made public Wednesday by Democrats leading an investigation into his dismissal, The Associated Press reports today.
Linick, who had been inspector general since 2013, also said he was looking into previously reported allegations that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife may have misused government staff to run personal errands and several other matters.Linick, who had been inspector general since 2013, also said he was looking into previously reported allegations that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife may have misused government staff to run personal errands and several other matters.
Trump abruptly fired him late on May 15 with what Linick said was no warning or cited cause.Trump abruptly fired him late on May 15 with what Linick said was no warning or cited cause.
“I was in a state of shock because I had no advance notice of anything like that,” Linick said, recalling his reaction when he was informed of Trump’s decision. “I had no indication whatsoever.”“I was in a state of shock because I had no advance notice of anything like that,” Linick said, recalling his reaction when he was informed of Trump’s decision. “I had no indication whatsoever.”
Shortly after the transcript was released, Pompeo called Linick a “bad actor” who had been acting inappropriately and not in the best interests of the State Department.Shortly after the transcript was released, Pompeo called Linick a “bad actor” who had been acting inappropriately and not in the best interests of the State Department.
Pompeo did not address the allegations of attempted bullying. He stood by his recommendation that Trump fire Linick, one of several inspectors general whom the president has recently dismissed.Pompeo did not address the allegations of attempted bullying. He stood by his recommendation that Trump fire Linick, one of several inspectors general whom the president has recently dismissed.
Linick said he had opened a review of last year’s $8 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia at the request of lawmakers who claimed Pompeo had inappropriately circumvented Congress to approve the deal.Linick said he had opened a review of last year’s $8 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia at the request of lawmakers who claimed Pompeo had inappropriately circumvented Congress to approve the deal.
Linick said the State Department’s top management officer, Brian Bulatao, and legal adviser Marik String tried to stop him.Linick said the State Department’s top management officer, Brian Bulatao, and legal adviser Marik String tried to stop him.
Bulatao “said that we shouldn’t be doing the work because it was a policy matter not within the IG’s jurisdiction,” Linick said, adding that both Bulatao and String “were of the same mind” on the matter.Bulatao “said that we shouldn’t be doing the work because it was a policy matter not within the IG’s jurisdiction,” Linick said, adding that both Bulatao and String “were of the same mind” on the matter.
Linick said in the interview that he believed the Saudi review, which is continuing, was appropriate.Linick said in the interview that he believed the Saudi review, which is continuing, was appropriate.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
George Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, testified before the House judiciary committee. In his opening statement for the panel’s hearing on police brutality, Floyd told the lawmakers that his brother “didn’t deserve to die over twenty dollars.” “It is on you to make sure his death isn’t in vain,” Floyd said.George Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, testified before the House judiciary committee. In his opening statement for the panel’s hearing on police brutality, Floyd told the lawmakers that his brother “didn’t deserve to die over twenty dollars.” “It is on you to make sure his death isn’t in vain,” Floyd said.
The Minneapolis police chief said he was immediately ending contract negotiations with the city’s police union. Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo said the contract with the police union needed to be restructured to allow for meaningful reform after the police killing of Floyd.The Minneapolis police chief said he was immediately ending contract negotiations with the city’s police union. Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo said the contract with the police union needed to be restructured to allow for meaningful reform after the police killing of Floyd.
A former federal judge said the criminal charges against Michael Flynn should not be dismissed. Former US district judge John Gleeson, who was appointed to review the justice department’s motion to dismiss Flynn’s charges, argued in a new court filing that the motion should be denied because there is “clear evidence of a gross abuse of prosecutorial power.”A former federal judge said the criminal charges against Michael Flynn should not be dismissed. Former US district judge John Gleeson, who was appointed to review the justice department’s motion to dismiss Flynn’s charges, argued in a new court filing that the motion should be denied because there is “clear evidence of a gross abuse of prosecutorial power.”
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
A former federal judge appointed to review the justice department’s motion to dismiss criminal charges against Michael Flynn has concluded that the move represented an abuse of power.A former federal judge appointed to review the justice department’s motion to dismiss criminal charges against Michael Flynn has concluded that the move represented an abuse of power.
Former US district judge John Gleeson argued in a new court filing that the justice department’s motion to dismiss should be denied because there is “clear evidence of a gross abuse of prosecutorial power.”Former US district judge John Gleeson argued in a new court filing that the justice department’s motion to dismiss should be denied because there is “clear evidence of a gross abuse of prosecutorial power.”
Gleeson, who was appointed by US district judge Emmet Sullivan to review the unusual request, accused the justice department of engaging in “highly irregular conduct to benefit a political ally of the President.”Gleeson, who was appointed by US district judge Emmet Sullivan to review the unusual request, accused the justice department of engaging in “highly irregular conduct to benefit a political ally of the President.”
Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017 about his contact with the former Russian ambassador to the US.Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017 about his contact with the former Russian ambassador to the US.
Flynn was waiting to be sentenced by Sullivan when the justice department announced it was moving to drog the charges against him. The situation has put Sullivan in a unique and difficult position, and the judge will now have to determine whether to grant the justice dpeartment’s request.Flynn was waiting to be sentenced by Sullivan when the justice department announced it was moving to drog the charges against him. The situation has put Sullivan in a unique and difficult position, and the judge will now have to determine whether to grant the justice dpeartment’s request.
If Sullivan moves forward with sentencing, Flynn’s team will almost certainly appeal the decision, so this legal saga is likely to continue.If Sullivan moves forward with sentencing, Flynn’s team will almost certainly appeal the decision, so this legal saga is likely to continue.
More than 1,200 former employees of the justice department are calling for an investigation into attorney general William Barr’s role in the forcible removal of peaceful protesters from near the White House last week.More than 1,200 former employees of the justice department are calling for an investigation into attorney general William Barr’s role in the forcible removal of peaceful protesters from near the White House last week.
In a letter to the justice department inspector general Michael Horowitz, the former staffers said, “We are deeply concerned about the Department’s actions, and those of Attorney General William Barr himself, in response to the nationwide lawful gatherings to protest the systemic racism that has plagued this country throughout its history, recently exemplified by the brutal killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by sworn law enforcement officers acting under the color of law.”In a letter to the justice department inspector general Michael Horowitz, the former staffers said, “We are deeply concerned about the Department’s actions, and those of Attorney General William Barr himself, in response to the nationwide lawful gatherings to protest the systemic racism that has plagued this country throughout its history, recently exemplified by the brutal killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by sworn law enforcement officers acting under the color of law.”
The letter noted that those who have signed on to the request have worked under both Democratic and Republican administrations. The former staffers said they had severe concerns about Barr’s role in the decision to use tear gas against protesters in order to allow Trump to stage a photo op at a nearby church.The letter noted that those who have signed on to the request have worked under both Democratic and Republican administrations. The former staffers said they had severe concerns about Barr’s role in the decision to use tear gas against protesters in order to allow Trump to stage a photo op at a nearby church.
The former staffers said they were also concerned about the decision to deploy federal law enforcement officers to Washington, DC, in response to the protests.The former staffers said they were also concerned about the decision to deploy federal law enforcement officers to Washington, DC, in response to the protests.
“For all of these reasons, we are asking you to immediately open and conduct an investigation of the full scope of the Attorney General’s and the DOJ’s role in these events,” the letter says.“For all of these reasons, we are asking you to immediately open and conduct an investigation of the full scope of the Attorney General’s and the DOJ’s role in these events,” the letter says.
“If the Attorney General or any other DOJ employee has directly participated in actions that have deprived Americans of their constitutional rights or that physically injured Americans lawfully exercising their rights, that would be misconduct of the utmost seriousness, the details of which must be shared with the American people.”“If the Attorney General or any other DOJ employee has directly participated in actions that have deprived Americans of their constitutional rights or that physically injured Americans lawfully exercising their rights, that would be misconduct of the utmost seriousness, the details of which must be shared with the American people.”
Trump is expected to travel to Dallas, Texas, tomorrow for a discussion on race relations and policing, in response to the police killing of George Floyd.Trump is expected to travel to Dallas, Texas, tomorrow for a discussion on race relations and policing, in response to the police killing of George Floyd.
According to the Dallas Morning News, the president will announce a plan for “holistic revitalization and recovery.” White House spokesman Judd Deere shared the Dallas Morning News article on the upcoming trip.According to the Dallas Morning News, the president will announce a plan for “holistic revitalization and recovery.” White House spokesman Judd Deere shared the Dallas Morning News article on the upcoming trip.
The event is scheduled to occur before a high-dollar fundraising dinner in Dallas, which is expected to bring in $10m for the president’s reelection campaign.The event is scheduled to occur before a high-dollar fundraising dinner in Dallas, which is expected to bring in $10m for the president’s reelection campaign.
The discussion comes as Trump has faced calls to deliver a national address on police brutality in recent weeks, as protests in response to Floyd’s death have spread across the nation.The discussion comes as Trump has faced calls to deliver a national address on police brutality in recent weeks, as protests in response to Floyd’s death have spread across the nation.
But the president’s aides have brushed off questions about a potential speech, which would likely be ill-received considering Trump’s controversial comments about the protests.But the president’s aides have brushed off questions about a potential speech, which would likely be ill-received considering Trump’s controversial comments about the protests.
Most recently, the president suggested (without evidence) that a 75-year-old protester who was shoved to the ground by two Buffalo police officers was actually an Antifa plant.Most recently, the president suggested (without evidence) that a 75-year-old protester who was shoved to the ground by two Buffalo police officers was actually an Antifa plant.
The barriers near the White House, which were erected in response to the George Floyd protests, are starting to come down, nearly two weeks after demonstrators first took to Washington’s streets to condemn police brutality.The barriers near the White House, which were erected in response to the George Floyd protests, are starting to come down, nearly two weeks after demonstrators first took to Washington’s streets to condemn police brutality.
The National Park Service said yesterday that Lafayette Square would soon reopen, but the agency noted some parts would “remain closed to allow the park to address damages and safety hazards.”The National Park Service said yesterday that Lafayette Square would soon reopen, but the agency noted some parts would “remain closed to allow the park to address damages and safety hazards.”
House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer sent Trump a letter earlier this week calling on him to remove the barriers, but the White House claimed it was decision for NPS and the Secret Service.House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer sent Trump a letter earlier this week calling on him to remove the barriers, but the White House claimed it was decision for NPS and the Secret Service.
In the days since the barriers went up, the temporary fencing has become somewhat of a monument to Floyd, who was killed in police custody late last month.In the days since the barriers went up, the temporary fencing has become somewhat of a monument to Floyd, who was killed in police custody late last month.
Protesters had taken to putting their signs, which include Floyd’s name and “Black Lives Matter,” on the fencing. When NPS announced the fencing would be removed, people started removing the signs to preserve them. and the Smithsonian has said it will collect some of the signs to commemorate the protests.Protesters had taken to putting their signs, which include Floyd’s name and “Black Lives Matter,” on the fencing. When NPS announced the fencing would be removed, people started removing the signs to preserve them. and the Smithsonian has said it will collect some of the signs to commemorate the protests.
In his press conference, Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo sharply condemned the actions of the officers involved in the killing of George Floyd.In his press conference, Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo sharply condemned the actions of the officers involved in the killing of George Floyd.
Arradondo refused to even say the name of Derek Chauvin, who kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes and has now been charged with second-degree murder.Arradondo refused to even say the name of Derek Chauvin, who kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes and has now been charged with second-degree murder.
A reporter noted that this misconduct may not have come to light if a civilian had not recorded Floyd’s last moments.A reporter noted that this misconduct may not have come to light if a civilian had not recorded Floyd’s last moments.
Arradondo responded by encouraging civilians to record and report such police misconduct to superiors, saying he was “thankful” the incident had been recorded so that Floyd and his family can get justice.Arradondo responded by encouraging civilians to record and report such police misconduct to superiors, saying he was “thankful” the incident had been recorded so that Floyd and his family can get justice.
Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo declined to provide further details about the 911 call that brought police officers to George Floyd.Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo declined to provide further details about the 911 call that brought police officers to George Floyd.
But Arradondo emphasized that the call could not possibly justify the killing of Floyd. “There is nothing in that call that should have resulted in Mr Floyd’s death,” Arradondo said.But Arradondo emphasized that the call could not possibly justify the killing of Floyd. “There is nothing in that call that should have resulted in Mr Floyd’s death,” Arradondo said.
Police officers were called to a Minneapolis convenience store because Floyd allegedly tried to pay using a counterfeit $20 bill.Police officers were called to a Minneapolis convenience store because Floyd allegedly tried to pay using a counterfeit $20 bill.
This morning, Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, testified before the House judiciary committee and said, “He didn’t deserve to die over twenty dollars. I am asking you, is that what a black man’s life is worth? Twenty dollars? This is 2020. Enough is enough.” This morning, Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, testified before the House judiciary committee and said, “He didn’t deserve to die over $20. I am asking you, is that what a black man’s life is worth? $20? This is 2020. Enough is enough.”
Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo said the contract with the police union needed to be restructured to allow for meaningful reform after the police killing of George Floyd.Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo said the contract with the police union needed to be restructured to allow for meaningful reform after the police killing of George Floyd.
Arradondo expressed frustration with being unable to terminate officers after violent incidents because they are protected by a third-party mechanism.Arradondo expressed frustration with being unable to terminate officers after violent incidents because they are protected by a third-party mechanism.
“I think it’s very clear that we have to evolve,” Arradondo said, describing the protocol for contract negotiations as “antiquated” and insufficent for meeting the needs of all stakeholders.“I think it’s very clear that we have to evolve,” Arradondo said, describing the protocol for contract negotiations as “antiquated” and insufficent for meeting the needs of all stakeholders.
Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo said he is immediately withdrawing from contract negotiations with the city’s police union.Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo said he is immediately withdrawing from contract negotiations with the city’s police union.
Arradondo said he would restart an effort to use early warning signs to identify troubled officers.Arradondo said he would restart an effort to use early warning signs to identify troubled officers.
Arradondo’s announcement come as many call for the resignation of Bob Kroll, the leader of the Minneapolis police union who described George Floyd as a “violent criminal.”Arradondo’s announcement come as many call for the resignation of Bob Kroll, the leader of the Minneapolis police union who described George Floyd as a “violent criminal.”
Among the witnesses called by Republicans was Angela Underwood Jacobs, the sister of Dave Patrick Underwood, an officer with the federal protective service who was fatally shot while on duty during a protest in Oakland over the police killing of George Floyd.Among the witnesses called by Republicans was Angela Underwood Jacobs, the sister of Dave Patrick Underwood, an officer with the federal protective service who was fatally shot while on duty during a protest in Oakland over the police killing of George Floyd.
In her remarks, Jacobs, the first African-American woman elected to the city council in Lancaster, California, said she could relate to the pain and anguish felt by the Floyd family.In her remarks, Jacobs, the first African-American woman elected to the city council in Lancaster, California, said she could relate to the pain and anguish felt by the Floyd family.
But she forcefully disagreed with some of the solutions being proposed by activists demanding policing reforms, and said such changes could leave law enforcement officers more vulnerable.But she forcefully disagreed with some of the solutions being proposed by activists demanding policing reforms, and said such changes could leave law enforcement officers more vulnerable.
“Police brutality of any kind must not be condoned; however it is blatantly wrong to create an excuse out of discrimination and disparity to loot and burn our communities, to kill our officers of the law,” she said.“Police brutality of any kind must not be condoned; however it is blatantly wrong to create an excuse out of discrimination and disparity to loot and burn our communities, to kill our officers of the law,” she said.
“It is a ridiculous solution to proclaim that defunding police departments is a solution to police brutality and discrimination because it is not a solution. It gets us nowhere as a nation and removes a safety net of protection that every citizen deserves.”“It is a ridiculous solution to proclaim that defunding police departments is a solution to police brutality and discrimination because it is not a solution. It gets us nowhere as a nation and removes a safety net of protection that every citizen deserves.”