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George Floyd Protest Live Updates: Reckoning Spreads Beyond Policing George Floyd Protest Live Updates: Reckoning Spreads Beyond Policing
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Protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis have quickly given rise to a vast American reckoning with racism, as a backlash against entrenched inequality reverberates across society, from the upper echelons of corporations and media organizations to the pages of the dictionary.Protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis have quickly given rise to a vast American reckoning with racism, as a backlash against entrenched inequality reverberates across society, from the upper echelons of corporations and media organizations to the pages of the dictionary.
The fallout has been swift and fierce.The fallout has been swift and fierce.
By Wednesday, the chief executive of CrossFit had resigned after speaking belligerently about race and racism on a company call. Thousands of researchers across the country went on strike, forgoing research, classes, meetings and other work to instead spend the day calling for actions to protect the lives of black people. And Merriam-Webster said it would expand its dictionary definition of racism to address systemic bias.By Wednesday, the chief executive of CrossFit had resigned after speaking belligerently about race and racism on a company call. Thousands of researchers across the country went on strike, forgoing research, classes, meetings and other work to instead spend the day calling for actions to protect the lives of black people. And Merriam-Webster said it would expand its dictionary definition of racism to address systemic bias.
The changes come as protesters across the country continue to cry out for racial justice and accountability with a visceral force.The changes come as protesters across the country continue to cry out for racial justice and accountability with a visceral force.
In Richmond, Va., protesters ripped down a statue of the explorer and colonizer Christopher Columbus overnight and threw it into a lake. In Boston, a similar statue was beheaded. Across the country, at least 10 monuments to Confederates or other controversial historical figures have been removed, and people have challenged similar monuments in more than 20 cities.In Richmond, Va., protesters ripped down a statue of the explorer and colonizer Christopher Columbus overnight and threw it into a lake. In Boston, a similar statue was beheaded. Across the country, at least 10 monuments to Confederates or other controversial historical figures have been removed, and people have challenged similar monuments in more than 20 cities.
The demand for consequences reflects a considerable shift in public opinion, as Congress races to address police accountability and racial bias in law enforcement during a pivotal election year. The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Wednesday from a brother of Mr. Floyd, who spoke out against the repeated police killings of black Americans and urged lawmakers to “make it stop.”The demand for consequences reflects a considerable shift in public opinion, as Congress races to address police accountability and racial bias in law enforcement during a pivotal election year. The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Wednesday from a brother of Mr. Floyd, who spoke out against the repeated police killings of black Americans and urged lawmakers to “make it stop.”
Almost no industry has been immune from the fallout.Almost no industry has been immune from the fallout.
In Minneapolis, the police chief, Medaria Arradondo, said that he would no longer engage in contract negotiations with the police union, as officials across the country increasingly defy influential police and corrections groups.In Minneapolis, the police chief, Medaria Arradondo, said that he would no longer engage in contract negotiations with the police union, as officials across the country increasingly defy influential police and corrections groups.
As major sports grapple with how to respond to the protests — and how much freedom to allow athletes to speak out — NASCAR banned the Confederate battle flag from its races, many of them in the South. Last week, the National Football League commissioner, Roger Goodell, said the league had been wrong to discourage political protest by its players.As major sports grapple with how to respond to the protests — and how much freedom to allow athletes to speak out — NASCAR banned the Confederate battle flag from its races, many of them in the South. Last week, the National Football League commissioner, Roger Goodell, said the league had been wrong to discourage political protest by its players.
Facing anger from employees, Adidas made a series of concessions, including a pledge that 30 percent of the people it hired would be black or Latino, but critics remain upset that the company has not formally acknowledged discrimination or apologized.Facing anger from employees, Adidas made a series of concessions, including a pledge that 30 percent of the people it hired would be black or Latino, but critics remain upset that the company has not formally acknowledged discrimination or apologized.
After a University of Chicago economist, Harald Uhlig, criticized and belittled black protesters, a group of economists is demanding his ouster as editor of a top academic publication in the field, the Journal of Political Economy.After a University of Chicago economist, Harald Uhlig, criticized and belittled black protesters, a group of economists is demanding his ouster as editor of a top academic publication in the field, the Journal of Political Economy.
Authors and book publishing employees are speaking publicly about pay disparities in an overwhelmingly white industry under the hashtag #PublishingPaidMe.Authors and book publishing employees are speaking publicly about pay disparities in an overwhelmingly white industry under the hashtag #PublishingPaidMe.
Among newspapers, whose newsrooms are also disproportionately white, high-ranking editors at The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Philadelphia Inquirer have stepped down or been reassigned in recent days after staff complaints about editorial decisions touching on race and protests.Among newspapers, whose newsrooms are also disproportionately white, high-ranking editors at The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Philadelphia Inquirer have stepped down or been reassigned in recent days after staff complaints about editorial decisions touching on race and protests.
At The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, two prominent black journalists say that their bosses unfairly kept them from covering protests against racism and police violence, and many of their colleagues are expressing support for them. The top editor, Keith C. Burris, said the newspaper had only acted against journalists who had demonstrated bias.At The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, two prominent black journalists say that their bosses unfairly kept them from covering protests against racism and police violence, and many of their colleagues are expressing support for them. The top editor, Keith C. Burris, said the newspaper had only acted against journalists who had demonstrated bias.
The Carolina Panthers removed a statue of the football team’s former owner, Jerry Richardson, from outside its stadium in Charlotte, N.C., two years after the N.F.L. fined him for racist comments and sexual harassment. The team called it a matter of public safety, citing the possibility that someone could try to tear the statue down.The Carolina Panthers removed a statue of the football team’s former owner, Jerry Richardson, from outside its stadium in Charlotte, N.C., two years after the N.F.L. fined him for racist comments and sexual harassment. The team called it a matter of public safety, citing the possibility that someone could try to tear the statue down.
In Atlanta, two police officers were fired Wednesday for their role in dragging two students from their car and shooting them with stun guns while they were stuck in traffic during a May 30 protest against police brutality, bringing to four the number of officers fired as a result of the incident.In Atlanta, two police officers were fired Wednesday for their role in dragging two students from their car and shooting them with stun guns while they were stuck in traffic during a May 30 protest against police brutality, bringing to four the number of officers fired as a result of the incident.
History suggests that such intense focus on societal racism is unlikely to last, the Rev. Al Sharpton warned during a eulogy for Mr. Floyd this week. He promised to be back in Minneapolis when the trial for officers start, and to march on Washington “by the tens of thousands” on the anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in August.History suggests that such intense focus on societal racism is unlikely to last, the Rev. Al Sharpton warned during a eulogy for Mr. Floyd this week. He promised to be back in Minneapolis when the trial for officers start, and to march on Washington “by the tens of thousands” on the anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in August.
“We must commit to this family — all of these families, all of his children, grandchildren and all — that until these people pay for what they did, that we’re going to be there with them,” he said. “Because lives like George’s will not matter until somebody pays the cost for taking their lives.”“We must commit to this family — all of these families, all of his children, grandchildren and all — that until these people pay for what they did, that we’re going to be there with them,” he said. “Because lives like George’s will not matter until somebody pays the cost for taking their lives.”
A day after George Floyd was laid to rest during an impassioned service calling for broad corrections to racial injustice, his brother Philonise Floyd testified on Wednesday before a House hearing on police accountability and racial bias in law enforcement, and offered lawmakers a wrenching plea for change.A day after George Floyd was laid to rest during an impassioned service calling for broad corrections to racial injustice, his brother Philonise Floyd testified on Wednesday before a House hearing on police accountability and racial bias in law enforcement, and offered lawmakers a wrenching plea for change.
“I’m here to ask you to make it stop,” Mr. Floyd told the House Judiciary Committee, describing the agony he felt as he watched the video his older brother dying while pinned under the knee of a white police officer for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. The elder Mr. Floyd died on May 25 after being arrested over a complaint that he had bought cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.“I’m here to ask you to make it stop,” Mr. Floyd told the House Judiciary Committee, describing the agony he felt as he watched the video his older brother dying while pinned under the knee of a white police officer for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. The elder Mr. Floyd died on May 25 after being arrested over a complaint that he had bought cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.
“I am asking you, is that what a black man’s life is worth? Twenty dollars?” Mr. Floyd asked members of Congress. “This is 2020. Enough is enough. The people marching in the streets are telling you enough is enough.”“I am asking you, is that what a black man’s life is worth? Twenty dollars?” Mr. Floyd asked members of Congress. “This is 2020. Enough is enough. The people marching in the streets are telling you enough is enough.”
Moved to tears as he recounted how his brother had continued to address the officers detaining him as “sir” as he lay dying, Mr. Floyd later broke down as he detailed the horror his family felt watching the video, saying it felt like “eight hours and 46 minutes.”Moved to tears as he recounted how his brother had continued to address the officers detaining him as “sir” as he lay dying, Mr. Floyd later broke down as he detailed the horror his family felt watching the video, saying it felt like “eight hours and 46 minutes.”
“Sitting here, coming to try to tell you all about how I want justice for my brother, I just think about that video over and over again,” Mr. Floyd said. “Every day just looking at it, being anywhere, that’s all people talk about. The rest of my life, that’s all I’ll ever see.”“Sitting here, coming to try to tell you all about how I want justice for my brother, I just think about that video over and over again,” Mr. Floyd said. “Every day just looking at it, being anywhere, that’s all people talk about. The rest of my life, that’s all I’ll ever see.”
Anybody “with a heart,” he continued, would know that how his brother was treated was wrong: “You don’t do that to a human being, you don’t even do that to an animal.”Anybody “with a heart,” he continued, would know that how his brother was treated was wrong: “You don’t do that to a human being, you don’t even do that to an animal.”
After delivering his testimony, Mr. Floyd marched to what is now known as Black Lives Matter Plaza, the area near the White House where federal officers last week used chemical spray to clear demonstrators protesting his brother’s death.After delivering his testimony, Mr. Floyd marched to what is now known as Black Lives Matter Plaza, the area near the White House where federal officers last week used chemical spray to clear demonstrators protesting his brother’s death.
“George Floyd matters,” Mr. Floyd shouted, raising his fist as protesters chanted “Raise ’em up! Raise ’em high!” He was flanked by his attorney, Benjamin Crump, and Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat of Texas.“George Floyd matters,” Mr. Floyd shouted, raising his fist as protesters chanted “Raise ’em up! Raise ’em high!” He was flanked by his attorney, Benjamin Crump, and Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat of Texas.
Mr. Floyd was the marquee voice among more than a half-dozen civil rights experts and activists at a hearing called to consider the most expansive federal intervention into law enforcement that lawmakers have proposed in recent memory, which was put forth by Democrats this week.Mr. Floyd was the marquee voice among more than a half-dozen civil rights experts and activists at a hearing called to consider the most expansive federal intervention into law enforcement that lawmakers have proposed in recent memory, which was put forth by Democrats this week.
His testimony added to the mounting sense of urgency on Capitol Hill to overhaul law enforcement practices and address systemic racism in policing.His testimony added to the mounting sense of urgency on Capitol Hill to overhaul law enforcement practices and address systemic racism in policing.
House Democrats have indicated that they intend to act quickly, with a vote on their legislation planned by the end of the month. Congressional Republicans, faced with a rapid shift in public opinion, are scrambling to coalesce around a legislative response.House Democrats have indicated that they intend to act quickly, with a vote on their legislation planned by the end of the month. Congressional Republicans, faced with a rapid shift in public opinion, are scrambling to coalesce around a legislative response.
Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota is summoning a special session of the state legislature to respond to the dual tragedies of the killing of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic.Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota is summoning a special session of the state legislature to respond to the dual tragedies of the killing of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic.
“This call to a special session is not a call just from me, it’s that primal scream you heard from people on the streets demanding justice, demanding it now, and demanding us step into this moment,” Governor Walz said on Wednesday, saying police reform and economic aid should be lawmakers’ priorities.“This call to a special session is not a call just from me, it’s that primal scream you heard from people on the streets demanding justice, demanding it now, and demanding us step into this moment,” Governor Walz said on Wednesday, saying police reform and economic aid should be lawmakers’ priorities.
A few hours later, one of the four officers charged in Mr. Floyd’s death, Thomas Lane, posted $750,000 bail and was released, according to a Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office spokesman. The other three remain in custody.A few hours later, one of the four officers charged in Mr. Floyd’s death, Thomas Lane, posted $750,000 bail and was released, according to a Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office spokesman. The other three remain in custody.
In the session, to begin on Friday, the governor said lawmakers should pass a package of bills that address a list of recommendations from the legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus. The package includes designating the state attorney general as the primary investigator of police killings; creating a criminal offense of “use of force by law enforcement that leads to severe injury or death”; making it easier to discipline officers; and requiring officers to intervene when their colleagues wrongfully hurt someone.In the session, to begin on Friday, the governor said lawmakers should pass a package of bills that address a list of recommendations from the legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus. The package includes designating the state attorney general as the primary investigator of police killings; creating a criminal offense of “use of force by law enforcement that leads to severe injury or death”; making it easier to discipline officers; and requiring officers to intervene when their colleagues wrongfully hurt someone.
The governor also said he wanted to ban chokeholds, pointing out that the Minneapolis City Council had done so and that New York’s legislature had sent a bill to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo banning chokeholds, which Mr. Cuomo said he would sign.The governor also said he wanted to ban chokeholds, pointing out that the Minneapolis City Council had done so and that New York’s legislature had sent a bill to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo banning chokeholds, which Mr. Cuomo said he would sign.
Governor Walz said he was open to state legislators altering any state laws that deal with police unions. The chief of the Minneapolis Police Department said earlier on Wednesday that he would no longer engage in contract negotiations with the city’s police union.Governor Walz said he was open to state legislators altering any state laws that deal with police unions. The chief of the Minneapolis Police Department said earlier on Wednesday that he would no longer engage in contract negotiations with the city’s police union.
Lawmakers should not end the special session until they have passed serious policing measures and economic aid to address to the coronavirus, the governor said, urging legislators to respond to the large crowds of Minnesotans who took to the streets in reaction to the killing of Mr. Floyd.Lawmakers should not end the special session until they have passed serious policing measures and economic aid to address to the coronavirus, the governor said, urging legislators to respond to the large crowds of Minnesotans who took to the streets in reaction to the killing of Mr. Floyd.
“Let’s show them that democracy works,” he said. “Let’s show them, in this moment, that what those people did going to the streets makes a difference. Let’s show them that by raising up their voices and asking for change, it can come about.”“Let’s show them that democracy works,” he said. “Let’s show them, in this moment, that what those people did going to the streets makes a difference. Let’s show them that by raising up their voices and asking for change, it can come about.”
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said that she had spoken earlier on Wednesday to Valerie Castile, the mother of Philando Castile, who was shot and killed by a police officer in a suburb of Saint Paul in 2016, and that Ms. Castile had encouraged the state to make meaningful change following Mr. Floyd’s death.Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said that she had spoken earlier on Wednesday to Valerie Castile, the mother of Philando Castile, who was shot and killed by a police officer in a suburb of Saint Paul in 2016, and that Ms. Castile had encouraged the state to make meaningful change following Mr. Floyd’s death.
“She said, ‘God gave you Philando, but Philando wasn’t enough, and now God has given you George Floyd,’” Ms. Flanagan said, recalling their conversation. “We cannot let this opportunity pass. It is too important.”“She said, ‘God gave you Philando, but Philando wasn’t enough, and now God has given you George Floyd,’” Ms. Flanagan said, recalling their conversation. “We cannot let this opportunity pass. It is too important.”
Seven officers from the Los Angeles Police Department have been reassigned as part of an investigation into excessive force and other misconduct during protests and unrest in Los Angeles spurred by the killing of George Floyd, the department said on Wednesday.Seven officers from the Los Angeles Police Department have been reassigned as part of an investigation into excessive force and other misconduct during protests and unrest in Los Angeles spurred by the killing of George Floyd, the department said on Wednesday.
Forty investigators have been assigned to look into 56 cases of possible misconduct, including 28 involving accusations of improper use of force, the department saidForty investigators have been assigned to look into 56 cases of possible misconduct, including 28 involving accusations of improper use of force, the department said
In a statement, the department said it would “look into every complaint thoroughly and hold every officer accountable for their actions.”In a statement, the department said it would “look into every complaint thoroughly and hold every officer accountable for their actions.”
A number of lawmakers and officials have urged investigations, buttressed by videos showing an officer repeatedly shocking a woman on the ground with a stun gun, a police vehicle pushing into a crowd and officers swinging at protesters with batons.A number of lawmakers and officials have urged investigations, buttressed by videos showing an officer repeatedly shocking a woman on the ground with a stun gun, a police vehicle pushing into a crowd and officers swinging at protesters with batons.
The president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, Eileen Decker, a former federal prosecutor during the Obama administration, has called for a review of the use of force by officers.The president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, Eileen Decker, a former federal prosecutor during the Obama administration, has called for a review of the use of force by officers.
Ms. Decker and the city’s police chief, Michel Moore, announced on Sunday an immediate moratorium on carotid restraint holds by police, which restrict blood flow to the brain by compressing the neck.Ms. Decker and the city’s police chief, Michel Moore, announced on Sunday an immediate moratorium on carotid restraint holds by police, which restrict blood flow to the brain by compressing the neck.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said last week that he would look into cutting as much as $150 million from the Police Department’s budget.Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said last week that he would look into cutting as much as $150 million from the Police Department’s budget.
Amazon said on Wednesday that it was putting a one-year pause on letting police departments use its facial recognition tool, Rekognition. The artificial intelligence software has been criticized for misidentifying African-Americans and other people of color.Amazon said on Wednesday that it was putting a one-year pause on letting police departments use its facial recognition tool, Rekognition. The artificial intelligence software has been criticized for misidentifying African-Americans and other people of color.
In a two-paragraph blog post, the company said it hoped the moratorium “might give Congress enough time to put in place appropriate rules” for the ethical use of facial recognition.In a two-paragraph blog post, the company said it hoped the moratorium “might give Congress enough time to put in place appropriate rules” for the ethical use of facial recognition.
In the past, Amazon had said its tools were accurate but were improperly used by researchers.In the past, Amazon had said its tools were accurate but were improperly used by researchers.
Earlier this week, IBM said it would stop selling facial recognition products, and last year the leading maker of police body cameras banned the use of facial recognition on its products at the recommendation of its independent ethics board.Earlier this week, IBM said it would stop selling facial recognition products, and last year the leading maker of police body cameras banned the use of facial recognition on its products at the recommendation of its independent ethics board.
President Trump rejected the idea on Wednesday of changing the names of American military bases that bear the names of Confederate officers, propelling himself even further into the culture war dividing the United States.President Trump rejected the idea on Wednesday of changing the names of American military bases that bear the names of Confederate officers, propelling himself even further into the culture war dividing the United States.
“These Monumental and very Powerful Bases have become part of a Great American Heritage, and a history of Winning, Victory, and Freedom,” Mr. Trump wrote in a string of messages on Twitter.“These Monumental and very Powerful Bases have become part of a Great American Heritage, and a history of Winning, Victory, and Freedom,” Mr. Trump wrote in a string of messages on Twitter.
Mr. Trump volunteered his view without being asked, after Gen. David H. Petraeus, the retired Army commander in Iraq and Afghanistan and former director of the C.I.A., wrote in The Atlantic that the 10 United States Army installations named for Confederates should be renamed. The list includes Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Benning in Georgia.Mr. Trump volunteered his view without being asked, after Gen. David H. Petraeus, the retired Army commander in Iraq and Afghanistan and former director of the C.I.A., wrote in The Atlantic that the 10 United States Army installations named for Confederates should be renamed. The list includes Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Benning in Georgia.
On Monday, a Pentagon official said that Defense Secretary Mark P. Esper and Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy were “open to a bipartisan discussion on the topic” of removing Confederate names from bases.On Monday, a Pentagon official said that Defense Secretary Mark P. Esper and Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy were “open to a bipartisan discussion on the topic” of removing Confederate names from bases.
Mr. Trump, a native of New York, has aligned himself repeatedly with defenders of Confederate heritage, most notably during the Charlottesville rally in 2017 that attracted white supremacists and turned violent.Mr. Trump, a native of New York, has aligned himself repeatedly with defenders of Confederate heritage, most notably during the Charlottesville rally in 2017 that attracted white supremacists and turned violent.
A number of Confederate memorials have recently been targeted for removal, including a statue commemorating Confederate soldiers in Alexandria, Va., just outside Washington, and a prominent statue of Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Va., that has been covered in graffiti by protesters.A number of Confederate memorials have recently been targeted for removal, including a statue commemorating Confederate soldiers in Alexandria, Va., just outside Washington, and a prominent statue of Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Va., that has been covered in graffiti by protesters.
Also on Wednesday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for the removal of 11 remaining Confederate statues on display in the Capitol, including statues of Lee and Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy. “These statues pay homage to hate, not heritage,” she tweeted.Also on Wednesday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for the removal of 11 remaining Confederate statues on display in the Capitol, including statues of Lee and Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy. “These statues pay homage to hate, not heritage,” she tweeted.
Ms. Pelosi sent a letter recommending the removal of the statues to the bipartisan joint committee that over sees the Capitol library. The Democratic vice chairwoman, Representative Zoe Lofgren of California, endorsed the proposal, while the Republican chairman, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, suggested to reporters prior to the letter that he would prefer to leave it up to the states that chose to display those statues, saying that most “appear to be headed in this direction anyway.”Ms. Pelosi sent a letter recommending the removal of the statues to the bipartisan joint committee that over sees the Capitol library. The Democratic vice chairwoman, Representative Zoe Lofgren of California, endorsed the proposal, while the Republican chairman, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, suggested to reporters prior to the letter that he would prefer to leave it up to the states that chose to display those statues, saying that most “appear to be headed in this direction anyway.”
With the city’s curfew lifted and civil unrest abated, bicyclists have taken to New York City’s streets by the hundreds for several evenings in a row in support of racial justice and police reform.With the city’s curfew lifted and civil unrest abated, bicyclists have taken to New York City’s streets by the hundreds for several evenings in a row in support of racial justice and police reform.
On Wednesday, the mood was jovial as a throng of cyclist gathered in Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn before the 7 p.m. ride. With few police officers in sight and no police helicopter thumping overhead, supporters lined the route to cheer riders on. Passing drivers honked their horns, and one man banged on a drum. On Wednesday, the mood was jovial as a throng of cyclist gathered in Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn before the 6 p.m. ride. With few police officers in sight and no police helicopter thumping overhead, supporters lined the route to cheer riders on. Passing drivers honked their horns, and one man banged on a drum.
“I’m loving this bicycle protest, we have to support the people, I’m so proud of everyone,” said Magalie Desince, 50, a librarian who lives in Crown Heights. “We have to be present, we have to be vocal, we have to be heard.”“I’m loving this bicycle protest, we have to support the people, I’m so proud of everyone,” said Magalie Desince, 50, a librarian who lives in Crown Heights. “We have to be present, we have to be vocal, we have to be heard.”
Ms. Desince said she was happy to see the peaceful parts of the George Floyd protests grow and continue. She intends to keep coming out.Ms. Desince said she was happy to see the peaceful parts of the George Floyd protests grow and continue. She intends to keep coming out.
So does Dante Griffin, 34, a business owner who lives in Bay Ridge. Holding a “Black Lives Matter” sign, Mr. Griffin said he saw a direct causal link between protests and the changes being made in law enforcement policy.So does Dante Griffin, 34, a business owner who lives in Bay Ridge. Holding a “Black Lives Matter” sign, Mr. Griffin said he saw a direct causal link between protests and the changes being made in law enforcement policy.
“We want to see an end to this violence,” he said.“We want to see an end to this violence,” he said.
Khoi Le, 39, a bartender from Queens, said he expected to keep coming out for a long time.Khoi Le, 39, a bartender from Queens, said he expected to keep coming out for a long time.
“As long as it needs to be, hundreds of days, we can’t stop,” he said. “It’s going to be a long summer.”“As long as it needs to be, hundreds of days, we can’t stop,” he said. “It’s going to be a long summer.”
NASCAR said Wednesday that it would ban the Confederate battle flag from its events and properties, becoming the latest organization to reconsider the flag’s place at a time of national reckoning over racism and white supremacy following the death of George Floyd.NASCAR said Wednesday that it would ban the Confederate battle flag from its events and properties, becoming the latest organization to reconsider the flag’s place at a time of national reckoning over racism and white supremacy following the death of George Floyd.
“The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry,” the group said in a statement. “Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”“The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry,” the group said in a statement. “Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”
The racing association made the announcement two days after Darrell Wallace Jr., the first black driver in 50 years to win one of its top three national touring series, called on NASCAR to ban the flags outright.The racing association made the announcement two days after Darrell Wallace Jr., the first black driver in 50 years to win one of its top three national touring series, called on NASCAR to ban the flags outright.
“No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race,” Mr. Wallace, who is known as Bubba, told Don Lemon of CNN. “So it starts with Confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them.”“No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race,” Mr. Wallace, who is known as Bubba, told Don Lemon of CNN. “So it starts with Confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them.”
The association began asking fans to stop bringing Confederate battle flags to races in 2015, after photos circulated online of the white man who killed nine black churchgoers in Charleston, S.C., posing with the flag.The association began asking fans to stop bringing Confederate battle flags to races in 2015, after photos circulated online of the white man who killed nine black churchgoers in Charleston, S.C., posing with the flag.
NASCAR announced on Tuesday that Mr. Wallace would compete in a car painted with Black Lives Matter imagery at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia on Wednesday.NASCAR announced on Tuesday that Mr. Wallace would compete in a car painted with Black Lives Matter imagery at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia on Wednesday.
American public opinion can sometimes seem stubborn. Voters haven’t really changed their views on abortion in 50 years. Donald J. Trump’s approval rating among registered voters has fallen within a five-point range for just about every day of his presidency.American public opinion can sometimes seem stubborn. Voters haven’t really changed their views on abortion in 50 years. Donald J. Trump’s approval rating among registered voters has fallen within a five-point range for just about every day of his presidency.
But the Black Lives Matter movement is proving to be an exception.But the Black Lives Matter movement is proving to be an exception.
Public opinion on race and criminal justice issues has been steadily moving left since the first protests ignited over the fatal shootings of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. And since the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25, public opinion on race, criminal justice and the Black Lives Matter movement has shifted leftward.Public opinion on race and criminal justice issues has been steadily moving left since the first protests ignited over the fatal shootings of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. And since the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25, public opinion on race, criminal justice and the Black Lives Matter movement has shifted leftward.
Over the last two weeks, support for Black Lives Matter increased by nearly as much as it had over the previous two years, according to data from Civiqs, an online survey research firm. By a 28-point margin, Civiqs finds that a majority of Americans support the movement, up from a 17-point margin before the most recent wave of protests began.Over the last two weeks, support for Black Lives Matter increased by nearly as much as it had over the previous two years, according to data from Civiqs, an online survey research firm. By a 28-point margin, Civiqs finds that a majority of Americans support the movement, up from a 17-point margin before the most recent wave of protests began.
The survey is not the only one to suggest that recent protests enjoy broad public support. Weekly polling for the Democracy Fund’s U.C.L.A./Nationscape survey shows a significant increase in unfavorable views of the police, and an increase in the belief that African-Americans face a lot of discrimination.The survey is not the only one to suggest that recent protests enjoy broad public support. Weekly polling for the Democracy Fund’s U.C.L.A./Nationscape survey shows a significant increase in unfavorable views of the police, and an increase in the belief that African-Americans face a lot of discrimination.
Perhaps most significant, the Civiqs data is not alone in suggesting that an outright majority of Americans agree with the central arguments of Black Lives Matter.Perhaps most significant, the Civiqs data is not alone in suggesting that an outright majority of Americans agree with the central arguments of Black Lives Matter.
The chief of the Minneapolis Police Department said on Wednesday that he was calling off contract negotiations with the police union, as he sought to keep control of the department amid calls from city lawmakers to dismantle it.The chief of the Minneapolis Police Department said on Wednesday that he was calling off contract negotiations with the police union, as he sought to keep control of the department amid calls from city lawmakers to dismantle it.
Chief Medaria Arradondo said he would bring in outside advisers to examine how to revamp the police union contract to allow “more flexibility for true reform.” He said the review would cover issues like the role of supervisors and the discipline and arbitration process, a thorny subject raised by protesters in several states.Chief Medaria Arradondo said he would bring in outside advisers to examine how to revamp the police union contract to allow “more flexibility for true reform.” He said the review would cover issues like the role of supervisors and the discipline and arbitration process, a thorny subject raised by protesters in several states.
Chief Arradondo, an African-American who once sued the police department and the city for discrimination, expressed frustration with the way police union contracts tie the hands of department leaders in dealing with problem officers.Chief Arradondo, an African-American who once sued the police department and the city for discrimination, expressed frustration with the way police union contracts tie the hands of department leaders in dealing with problem officers.
“There is nothing more debilitating to a chief, from an employment-matter perspective, than when you have grounds to terminate an officer for misconduct, and you’re dealing with a third-party mechanism that allows for that employee to not only be back on your department, but to be patrolling in your communities,” he said.“There is nothing more debilitating to a chief, from an employment-matter perspective, than when you have grounds to terminate an officer for misconduct, and you’re dealing with a third-party mechanism that allows for that employee to not only be back on your department, but to be patrolling in your communities,” he said.
Derek Chauvin, the former officer charged with murder after kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, was on the Minneapolis force for 19 years before being fired the day after Mr. Floyd’s death. During that time Mr. Chauvin was the subject of at least 17 misconduct complaints, his personnel file shows, including one in 2007 in which he appears to have been reprimanded and possibly suspended.Derek Chauvin, the former officer charged with murder after kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, was on the Minneapolis force for 19 years before being fired the day after Mr. Floyd’s death. During that time Mr. Chauvin was the subject of at least 17 misconduct complaints, his personnel file shows, including one in 2007 in which he appears to have been reprimanded and possibly suspended.
Activists say the police union in Minneapolis exerts more control than the chief does over police officers’ behavior.Activists say the police union in Minneapolis exerts more control than the chief does over police officers’ behavior.
Lt. Bob Kroll, president of the Minneapolis Police Officers Federation, the union representing more than 800 officers, did not immediately return a call seeking comment for this report.Lt. Bob Kroll, president of the Minneapolis Police Officers Federation, the union representing more than 800 officers, did not immediately return a call seeking comment for this report.
Lieutenant Kroll has been the subject of at least 20 internal-affairs complaints; all but three were closed with no discipline, according to an investigation by The Minneapolis Star Tribune. In the past, he has referred to Black Lives Matter as a “terrorist organization.”Lieutenant Kroll has been the subject of at least 20 internal-affairs complaints; all but three were closed with no discipline, according to an investigation by The Minneapolis Star Tribune. In the past, he has referred to Black Lives Matter as a “terrorist organization.”
In his first substantial reaction to the killing of Mr. Floyd and its aftermath, Lieutenant Kroll sent a letter to officers on June 1 commending their “outstanding work” and criticizing how the city handled the protests, which he described as “a riot” backed by a “terrorist movement” that he said was years in the making.In his first substantial reaction to the killing of Mr. Floyd and its aftermath, Lieutenant Kroll sent a letter to officers on June 1 commending their “outstanding work” and criticizing how the city handled the protests, which he described as “a riot” backed by a “terrorist movement” that he said was years in the making.
Chief Arradondo said he would bring in a company called Benchmark Analytics to track police officers’ performance and alert supervisors to “early warning signs” of misconduct. He promised to announce more measures over the next week.Chief Arradondo said he would bring in a company called Benchmark Analytics to track police officers’ performance and alert supervisors to “early warning signs” of misconduct. He promised to announce more measures over the next week.
Mayor Jacob Frey applauded the chief’s plans in a statement, saying the city needed not only a new police union contract but also “a new compact between the people of Minneapolis and the people trusted to protect and serve.”Mayor Jacob Frey applauded the chief’s plans in a statement, saying the city needed not only a new police union contract but also “a new compact between the people of Minneapolis and the people trusted to protect and serve.”
A freelance photographer and author who was blinded in one eye by a law enforcement officer during a night of unrest in Minneapolis filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday, accusing the city and state police of deliberately targeting the news media.A freelance photographer and author who was blinded in one eye by a law enforcement officer during a night of unrest in Minneapolis filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday, accusing the city and state police of deliberately targeting the news media.
Linda Tirado, 37, was struck in the left eye by a non-lethal projectile fired by an officer on May 29, as she was covering demonstrations after the death of George Floyd. Ms. Tirado said officers ignored the press credential she wore around her neck and first hit her with a green tracking round, leaving a mark on her backpack.Linda Tirado, 37, was struck in the left eye by a non-lethal projectile fired by an officer on May 29, as she was covering demonstrations after the death of George Floyd. Ms. Tirado said officers ignored the press credential she wore around her neck and first hit her with a green tracking round, leaving a mark on her backpack.
“Then, with a bright green target on her, the police shot her in her face,” her lawyers wrote.“Then, with a bright green target on her, the police shot her in her face,” her lawyers wrote.
U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, a joint effort of several journalism organizations, has collected well over 200 reports from around the country of journalists being arrested, shot with non-lethal rounds, hit or pepper-sprayed by law enforcement officers while covering the protests of the past two weeks. It says it is looking into more than 90 incidents in Minnesota alone.U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, a joint effort of several journalism organizations, has collected well over 200 reports from around the country of journalists being arrested, shot with non-lethal rounds, hit or pepper-sprayed by law enforcement officers while covering the protests of the past two weeks. It says it is looking into more than 90 incidents in Minnesota alone.
The Minneapolis Police Department uses 40 mm “less-lethal” foam rounds, and Ms. Tirado said doctors had removed foam particles from her eye.The Minneapolis Police Department uses 40 mm “less-lethal” foam rounds, and Ms. Tirado said doctors had removed foam particles from her eye.
Ms. Tirado, a mother of two who lives in Tennessee and does not have health insurance, has had two surgeries. She said she had lost her sense of depth perception and did not expect to be able to work as a photographer.Ms. Tirado, a mother of two who lives in Tennessee and does not have health insurance, has had two surgeries. She said she had lost her sense of depth perception and did not expect to be able to work as a photographer.
“I’m not sure I am ever going to feel comfortable in a protest situation where I might have to run,” she said in an interview.“I’m not sure I am ever going to feel comfortable in a protest situation where I might have to run,” she said in an interview.
Asked if she was deliberately targeted, she said: “I think the totality of evidence is that there certainly was animus toward the press.”Asked if she was deliberately targeted, she said: “I think the totality of evidence is that there certainly was animus toward the press.”
A lawyer for Ms. Tirado, Tai-Heng Cheng, said that if she won a settlement or judgment, after paying her medical bills she would donate the money to a charity dedicated to police reform.A lawyer for Ms. Tirado, Tai-Heng Cheng, said that if she won a settlement or judgment, after paying her medical bills she would donate the money to a charity dedicated to police reform.
A Minneapolis Police spokesman said his agency did not fire at Ms. Tirado.A Minneapolis Police spokesman said his agency did not fire at Ms. Tirado.
“Our department was not a part of that incident,” John A. Elder, a spokesman, said. “Several agencies have been involved in addressing the riots.”“Our department was not a part of that incident,” John A. Elder, a spokesman, said. “Several agencies have been involved in addressing the riots.”
Bruce Gordon, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said “we are reviewing the incidents involving our troopers,” but would not say whether a state officer had fired at Ms. Tirado.Bruce Gordon, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said “we are reviewing the incidents involving our troopers,” but would not say whether a state officer had fired at Ms. Tirado.
He added that it “can be difficult for officers to distinguish journalists from those who are violating a curfew order or not complying with commands to leave an area.”He added that it “can be difficult for officers to distinguish journalists from those who are violating a curfew order or not complying with commands to leave an area.”
David McAtee, the black owner of a Louisville barbecue restaurant who was killed on June 1, was fatally shot by a member of the Kentucky National Guard, state officials said on Tuesday.David McAtee, the black owner of a Louisville barbecue restaurant who was killed on June 1, was fatally shot by a member of the Kentucky National Guard, state officials said on Tuesday.
Mr. McAtee, 53, was killed by a single shot to the chest after two Guard soldiers and two Louisville Metro Police Department officers discharged their weapons as they tried to disperse a crowd of curfew violators outside his restaurant.Mr. McAtee, 53, was killed by a single shot to the chest after two Guard soldiers and two Louisville Metro Police Department officers discharged their weapons as they tried to disperse a crowd of curfew violators outside his restaurant.
Bullet fragments recovered from Mr. McAtee’s body matched the green-tipped ammunition from Guard members’ assault rifles, according to J. Michael Brown, the executive cabinet secretary overseeing the Kentucky State Police’s investigation into the shooting.Bullet fragments recovered from Mr. McAtee’s body matched the green-tipped ammunition from Guard members’ assault rifles, according to J. Michael Brown, the executive cabinet secretary overseeing the Kentucky State Police’s investigation into the shooting.
He said the fragments were too badly damaged to identify which rifle had fired the fatal shot.He said the fragments were too badly damaged to identify which rifle had fired the fatal shot.
Mr. McAtee fired a gun before being shot, though a visual investigation by The New York Times found that he appeared to be reacting to pepper balls fired directly at his restaurant.Mr. McAtee fired a gun before being shot, though a visual investigation by The New York Times found that he appeared to be reacting to pepper balls fired directly at his restaurant.
Mr. Brown said investigators found two casings from rounds fired from Mr. McAtee’s gun, as well as gunpowder residue on his body.Mr. Brown said investigators found two casings from rounds fired from Mr. McAtee’s gun, as well as gunpowder residue on his body.
The state investigation, which is continuing, is being conducted in conjunction with the F.B.I.The state investigation, which is continuing, is being conducted in conjunction with the F.B.I.
A video showing sheriff’s deputies delivering repeated electric shocks to a black man just before he died, even as he told them he had heart disease and could not breathe, has triggered calls for the sheriff of a Central Texas county to resign, amid nationwide protests against bias and excessive force in policing.A video showing sheriff’s deputies delivering repeated electric shocks to a black man just before he died, even as he told them he had heart disease and could not breathe, has triggered calls for the sheriff of a Central Texas county to resign, amid nationwide protests against bias and excessive force in policing.
The incident occurred last year, but the video, with parallels to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis that has ignited two weeks of demonstrations, was made public on Monday, a day before Mr. Floyd was laid to rest after an emotional service in Houston. The video was published by The Austin American-Statesman and an Austin TV station, KVUE.The incident occurred last year, but the video, with parallels to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis that has ignited two weeks of demonstrations, was made public on Monday, a day before Mr. Floyd was laid to rest after an emotional service in Houston. The video was published by The Austin American-Statesman and an Austin TV station, KVUE.
The death of Javier Ambler after a car chase drew little attention at the time, but after the release of the video, taken from a police officer’s body camera, three of four Williamson County Commissioners have demanded the resignation of Sheriff Robert Chody. The Sheriff’s Department concluded that the deputies did nothing wrong.The death of Javier Ambler after a car chase drew little attention at the time, but after the release of the video, taken from a police officer’s body camera, three of four Williamson County Commissioners have demanded the resignation of Sheriff Robert Chody. The Sheriff’s Department concluded that the deputies did nothing wrong.
The case is also under investigation in Travis County, where the car chase ended, and is expected to be presented to a grand jury.The case is also under investigation in Travis County, where the car chase ended, and is expected to be presented to a grand jury.
“Yet another black man aggressively arrested and resulting in death,” one of the Williamson County commissioners, Terry Cook, said in a telephone interview Wednesday.“Yet another black man aggressively arrested and resulting in death,” one of the Williamson County commissioners, Terry Cook, said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
The deputies tried to pull over Mr. Ambler over for failing to dim his headlights, but he led them on a 22-minute chase. The events were filmed by crew members from A&E’s reality show “Live PD” who were riding with the deputies, Austin outlets reported.The deputies tried to pull over Mr. Ambler over for failing to dim his headlights, but he led them on a 22-minute chase. The events were filmed by crew members from A&E’s reality show “Live PD” who were riding with the deputies, Austin outlets reported.
After Mr. Ambler, 40, finally stopped, deputies attempted to put him face-down on the ground and cuff his hands behind his back. In the video, he appears to resist, telling them that he has congestive heart failure and — like Mr. Floyd — says he can’t breathe. At one point Mr. Ambler said “save me.”After Mr. Ambler, 40, finally stopped, deputies attempted to put him face-down on the ground and cuff his hands behind his back. In the video, he appears to resist, telling them that he has congestive heart failure and — like Mr. Floyd — says he can’t breathe. At one point Mr. Ambler said “save me.”
After the deputies restrained him, Mr. Ambler became unresponsive and they tried unsuccessfully to revive him. An autopsy concluded that he died of heart disease in combination with the deputies restraining him.After the deputies restrained him, Mr. Ambler became unresponsive and they tried unsuccessfully to revive him. An autopsy concluded that he died of heart disease in combination with the deputies restraining him.
Representatives of “Live PD” told the American-Statesman on Tuesday that no law enforcement agency had asked for its footage of the incident, which was never broadcast. They said that after the Sheriff’s Department concluded its internal investigation, it had destroyed that video as a matter of routine.Representatives of “Live PD” told the American-Statesman on Tuesday that no law enforcement agency had asked for its footage of the incident, which was never broadcast. They said that after the Sheriff’s Department concluded its internal investigation, it had destroyed that video as a matter of routine.
Reporting was contributed by Jason M. Bailey, Kim Barker, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Nate Cohn, Johnny Diaz, Catie Edmonson, Nicholas Fandos, Thomas Fuller, Emma Grillo, Lara Jakes, Erin McCann, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, David Montgomery, Dennis Overbye, Richard Pérez-Peña, Kevin Quealy, Frances Robles, Nate Schweber, Ed Shanahan, Natasha Singer, Nicole Sperling, Tracey Tully, Daniel Victor and Karen Weise.Reporting was contributed by Jason M. Bailey, Kim Barker, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Nate Cohn, Johnny Diaz, Catie Edmonson, Nicholas Fandos, Thomas Fuller, Emma Grillo, Lara Jakes, Erin McCann, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, David Montgomery, Dennis Overbye, Richard Pérez-Peña, Kevin Quealy, Frances Robles, Nate Schweber, Ed Shanahan, Natasha Singer, Nicole Sperling, Tracey Tully, Daniel Victor and Karen Weise.