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George Floyd's brother testifies before House: 'He didn't deserve to die over $20' – 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
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, testified before the House judiciary committee. Floyd told lawmakers that his brother, who was killed in police custody late last month, “didn’t deserve to die over twenty dollars.” He later said that the killing of his brother was “a modern-day lynching in broad daylight.”
Trump said he would “not even consider” renaming military bases named after Confederate generals. The president’s comment came two days after the Pentagon signaled it was open to a discussion on changing the base names, which have attracted more criticism as Black Lives Matter protests spread across the country.
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.”
Trump will hold a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, next Friday, marking his first rally since the start of the US coronavirus crisis. The event could spark public health concerns, considering coronavirus infections are on the rise in 12 states. The rally will also take place on Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in America, and it comes as the president has voiced criticism of Black Lives Matter protesters.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
An astute reader of the blog just pointed out that the president’s first campaign rally in more than three months will take place on Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in America.
The rally will also be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a 1921 race massacre resulted in the destruction of black businesses and residences at the hands of angry, white mobs. The massacre has been described as “the single worst incident of racial violence in American history.”
Trump’s announcement of the event comes as the president has criticized the George Floyd protests and referred to those demonstrating against police brutality as “thugs.”
Trump said his first rally since the start of the US coronavirus crisis would be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, next Friday.Trump said his first rally since the start of the US coronavirus crisis would be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, next Friday.
The June 19 rally will likely rattle some public health experts, considering coronavirus infections are on the rise in about a dozen states.The June 19 rally will likely rattle some public health experts, considering coronavirus infections are on the rise in about a dozen states.
But the president has clearly been itching to resume his campaign rallies, where he has been known to go on extended tangents boasting about his successes since taking office, which frequently require fact-checking.But the president has clearly been itching to resume his campaign rallies, where he has been known to go on extended tangents boasting about his successes since taking office, which frequently require fact-checking.
After last week’s jobs report showed US unemployment had slightly dropped to 13.3%, Trump held a celebratory event in the Rose Garden that had the feel of a campaign rally. The president appeared to improvise many lines and refused to take questions from the White House reporters who attended the event.After last week’s jobs report showed US unemployment had slightly dropped to 13.3%, Trump held a celebratory event in the Rose Garden that had the feel of a campaign rally. The president appeared to improvise many lines and refused to take questions from the White House reporters who attended the event.
Trump has just told the White House press pool that his next campaign rally, the first since states started shutting down in response to the coronavirus crisis, will likely be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma.Trump has just told the White House press pool that his next campaign rally, the first since states started shutting down in response to the coronavirus crisis, will likely be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The president made the comment during a roundtable discussion with African-American leaders from media and community activism, which did not appear on his original White House schedule.The president made the comment during a roundtable discussion with African-American leaders from media and community activism, which did not appear on his original White House schedule.
The president said he would first hold a rally in Oklahoma before moving on to other states like Florida, Arizona and North Carolina, where the Republican national convention was originally supposed to be held.The president said he would first hold a rally in Oklahoma before moving on to other states like Florida, Arizona and North Carolina, where the Republican national convention was originally supposed to be held.
Coronavirus hospitalizations are currently on the rise in Arizona and North Carolina, which could intensify public health concerns about resuming the campaign rallies.Coronavirus hospitalizations are currently on the rise in Arizona and North Carolina, which could intensify public health concerns about resuming the campaign rallies.
The Trump campaign released a video teasing the imminent restarting of campaign rallies, which the president has said he may resume as soon as next week.The Trump campaign released a video teasing the imminent restarting of campaign rallies, which the president has said he may resume as soon as next week.
The video includes footage from previous campaign rallies, which have become a defining aspect of Trump’s campaigning style.The video includes footage from previous campaign rallies, which have become a defining aspect of Trump’s campaigning style.
The rallies will restart “this month,” according to the video, which closes with the words “Coming soon!” The campaign has not yet released details on where the first rally will be held or when exactly it will occur.The rallies will restart “this month,” according to the video, which closes with the words “Coming soon!” The campaign has not yet released details on where the first rally will be held or when exactly it will occur.
The rallies will likely spark public health concerns, considering coronavirus infections are on the rise in many states, but some of the president’s allies have argued the recent George Floyd protests, which have attracted thousands of people, could shield the rallies from potential criticism.The rallies will likely spark public health concerns, considering coronavirus infections are on the rise in many states, but some of the president’s allies have argued the recent George Floyd protests, which have attracted thousands of people, could shield the rallies from potential criticism.
Testifying before the House judiciary committee for a hearing on police brutality, Philonise Floyd said the police killing of his brother, George Floyd, was a “modern-day lynching.”Testifying before the House judiciary committee for a hearing on police brutality, Philonise Floyd said the police killing of his brother, George Floyd, was a “modern-day lynching.”
“They lynched my brother. That was a modern-day lynching in broad daylight,” Floyd said of the officers who have been charged with murdering his brother.“They lynched my brother. That was a modern-day lynching in broad daylight,” Floyd said of the officers who have been charged with murdering his brother.
“People was out there pleading, ‘Please, please, get off, he can’t breathe.’ People were video-recording it. Nobody cared, nobody,” Floyd said.“People was out there pleading, ‘Please, please, get off, he can’t breathe.’ People were video-recording it. Nobody cared, nobody,” Floyd said.
Floyd called on police departments to “stop hiring corrupted police officers.” “You’re supposed to serve, and you’re supposed to protect,” Floyd said of the officers involved in the killing of his brother. “I didn’t see anybody protecting and serving that day.”Floyd called on police departments to “stop hiring corrupted police officers.” “You’re supposed to serve, and you’re supposed to protect,” Floyd said of the officers involved in the killing of his brother. “I didn’t see anybody protecting and serving that day.”
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has just concluded her briefing, which ended with her criticizing presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has just concluded her briefing, which ended with her criticizing presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Returning to the topic of renaming military bases named after Confederate military leaders, McEnany reminded reporters of Biden’s past work with segregationist senators and his opposition to busing to end school segregation.Returning to the topic of renaming military bases named after Confederate military leaders, McEnany reminded reporters of Biden’s past work with segregationist senators and his opposition to busing to end school segregation.
“Should we then rename the Biden Welcome Center?” McEnany asked, referring to the Delaware tourism center named after the Democratic candidate.“Should we then rename the Biden Welcome Center?” McEnany asked, referring to the Delaware tourism center named after the Democratic candidate.
But those in favor of changing the base names have specifically argued that it’s offensive to have military sites named after the very generals who fought against the US Army in a conflict that killed more than 600,000 people.But those in favor of changing the base names have specifically argued that it’s offensive to have military sites named after the very generals who fought against the US Army in a conflict that killed more than 600,000 people.
A CQ Roll Call reporter asked White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany whether the president would veto any legislation that included a provision to rename military bases named after Confederate military leaders.A CQ Roll Call reporter asked White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany whether the president would veto any legislation that included a provision to rename military bases named after Confederate military leaders.
The reporter specifically asked if Trump would veto the defense authorization act if it included a provision to rename Army forts for “a general who won the Civil War.”The reporter specifically asked if Trump would veto the defense authorization act if it included a provision to rename Army forts for “a general who won the Civil War.”
McEnany replied that the president would veto any proposal to rename American forts, arguing it was a “complete disrespect” to soldiers who trained at those forts to suggest the names are “somehow inherently racist.”McEnany replied that the president would veto any proposal to rename American forts, arguing it was a “complete disrespect” to soldiers who trained at those forts to suggest the names are “somehow inherently racist.”
Of course, one could make the argument that the service members who left those Army bases and never returned home were fighting for American ideals and democratic principles, not for the right to name military sites after Confederate generals.Of course, one could make the argument that the service members who left those Army bases and never returned home were fighting for American ideals and democratic principles, not for the right to name military sites after Confederate generals.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that diminishing qualified immunity for police officers was a “nonstarter” for the president.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that diminishing qualified immunity for police officers was a “nonstarter” for the president.
In their sweeping police reform bill, congressional Democrats proposed ending qualified immunity, which provides police officers protection from civil lawsuits.In their sweeping police reform bill, congressional Democrats proposed ending qualified immunity, which provides police officers protection from civil lawsuits.
Criminal justice activists have long called for ending qualified immunity, arguing the legal doctrine makes it much more difficult to hold police officers accountable.Criminal justice activists have long called for ending qualified immunity, arguing the legal doctrine makes it much more difficult to hold police officers accountable.
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.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.”“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.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 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.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.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.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.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.“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 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.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.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.”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.”“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.”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.”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.