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George Floyd: Cuomo signs police reform bills banning chokeholds – live updates Trump says 'concept of chokeholds sounds innocent' as states move to ban practice – live
(32 minutes later)
New York governor signs bills banning police chokeholds and repealing 50-A, which shields police misconduct reports from the public Trump indicated in interview he believed chokeholds are necessary, while cities and states have pushed for bans since the killing of George Floyd
Trump repeated his highly controversial claim that he has done more for the black community than any other US president, although he allowed a potential exception for Abraham Lincoln, who ended slavery.
“I think I’ve done more for the black community than any other president, and let’s take a pass on Abraham Lincoln because he did good, although it’s always questionable, you know, in other words, the end result,” Trump told Fox News’ Harris Faulkner.
Faulkner, who is black, then interjected, “Well, we are free, Mr President, so he did pretty well.”
Trump has previously claimed that “nobody has ever done for the black community what President Trump has done,” but fact-checkers have rated that audacious claim as false.
During his Fox News interview, Trump seemed to indicate he believed there were situations where police chokeholds might be necessary.
“I don’t like chokeholds,” Trump told Harris Faulker. But he went on to say that the specific circumstances should dictate whether a chokehold is used.
The president laid out an example of a “really bad person” confronting a police officer and said that situation had played out in recent weeks amid the George Floyd protests.
“You saw some very good people protesting, but you saw some bad people also,” Trump said. “And you get somebody in a chokehold. What are you going to do now? Let go and say, ‘Oh, let’s start all over again’?”
Trump later said be believed chokeholds to be theoretically acceptable, but he acknowledged they are often used inappropriately by police.
“I think the concept of chokeholds sounds so innocent and so perfect,” Trump said, before addressing how they have been unfairly used against people like Floyd.
“So you have to be careful. With that being said, it would be, I think, a very good thing that, generally speaking, it should be ended,” Trump said.
A number of cities and states have pushed to ban police chokeholds since the killing of Floyd, and New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation today that would ban chokeholds in the state.
Trump responded to criticism of his decision to hold a campaign rally on Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America, by decribing the event as a “celebration.”
In a Fox News interview with Harris Faulker, Trump was asked whether he had specifically chosen the date of June 19 for its historical significance.
“No, but I know exactly what you’re going to say,” Trump said. “Think about it as a celebration. My rally is a celebration.”
The president insisted the rally should not be seen as an “inconvenience” and should instead be thought of “very positively as a celebration.”
“It wasn’t done for that reason, but it’s an interesting date, but it’s a celebration,” Trump said.
The president and his campaign have received widespread criticism for hosting his first rally in more than three months on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the site of a deadly 1921 race massacre that targeted African Americans and their businesses.
In a pre-taped interview with Fox News, Trump suggested some of the people protesting the police killing of George Floyd did not understand the purpose of the demonstrations.In a pre-taped interview with Fox News, Trump suggested some of the people protesting the police killing of George Floyd did not understand the purpose of the demonstrations.
The president had been emphasizing the “riots” seen in some cities, but Fox News’ Harris Faulker specifically asked Trump what he would say to the many peaceful protesters who took to the streets in recent weeks.The president had been emphasizing the “riots” seen in some cities, but Fox News’ Harris Faulker specifically asked Trump what he would say to the many peaceful protesters who took to the streets in recent weeks.
“I think you had protesters for different reasons, and then you had protesting also because, you know, they just didn’t know,” Trump said.“I think you had protesters for different reasons, and then you had protesting also because, you know, they just didn’t know,” Trump said.
The president claimed (without evidence) that many protesters could not give a reason for why they chose to join the demonstrations.The president claimed (without evidence) that many protesters could not give a reason for why they chose to join the demonstrations.
“They were there for a reason perhaps, but a lot of them really were there because they’re following the crowd,” Trump said.“They were there for a reason perhaps, but a lot of them really were there because they’re following the crowd,” Trump said.
But the president then interestingly added that many of the protesters were there “because what we witnessed was a terrible thing,” which would seem to be at odds with his claim that many were just “following the crowd.”But the president then interestingly added that many of the protesters were there “because what we witnessed was a terrible thing,” which would seem to be at odds with his claim that many were just “following the crowd.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed police reform bills passed by the state legislature this week. The bills will ban police chokeholds and repeal 50-A, which shielded police misconduct records from the public. Cuomo also announced an executive order requiring local officials to enact plans to modernize policing strategies in order to be eligible for state funding.New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed police reform bills passed by the state legislature this week. The bills will ban police chokeholds and repeal 50-A, which shielded police misconduct records from the public. Cuomo also announced an executive order requiring local officials to enact plans to modernize policing strategies in order to be eligible for state funding.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Black Lives Matter protests in the UK have been “hijacked by extremists intent on violence”. In a series of tweets, Johnson described the “legitimate feelings of outrage” about the police killing of George Floyd, but he said attacks on UK police have been “intolerable” and “abhorrent”.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Black Lives Matter protests in the UK have been “hijacked by extremists intent on violence”. In a series of tweets, Johnson described the “legitimate feelings of outrage” about the police killing of George Floyd, but he said attacks on UK police have been “intolerable” and “abhorrent”.
John Bolton’s book will detail “Ukraine-like transgressions” by Trump, according to a new press release. In the book, which will be released June 23, the former national security adviser “argues that the House committed impeachment malpractice by keeping their prosecution focused narrowly on Ukraine when Trump’s Ukraine-like transgressions existed across the full range of his foreign policy.”John Bolton’s book will detail “Ukraine-like transgressions” by Trump, according to a new press release. In the book, which will be released June 23, the former national security adviser “argues that the House committed impeachment malpractice by keeping their prosecution focused narrowly on Ukraine when Trump’s Ukraine-like transgressions existed across the full range of his foreign policy.”
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Hillary Clinton has critcized Trump for planning a campaign rally for next Friday, despite ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.Hillary Clinton has critcized Trump for planning a campaign rally for next Friday, despite ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
The former Democratic presidential nominee specifically chastized Trump for asking rally attendees to sign a liability waiver regarding the risks around potentially contracting the virus.The former Democratic presidential nominee specifically chastized Trump for asking rally attendees to sign a liability waiver regarding the risks around potentially contracting the virus.
“If your rallies come with a liability waiver, you shouldn’t be holding them,” Clinton said in a tweet.“If your rallies come with a liability waiver, you shouldn’t be holding them,” Clinton said in a tweet.
The president intends to hold his first campaign rally in more than three months at the 19,000-seat BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 19.The president intends to hold his first campaign rally in more than three months at the 19,000-seat BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 19.
Oklahoma is in the process of reopening, but the state is still advising residents to “minimize time spent in crowded environments”.Oklahoma is in the process of reopening, but the state is still advising residents to “minimize time spent in crowded environments”.
In response to that recommendation, the Trump campaign is making rally attendees sign a waiver saying they understand “that an inherent risk of exposure to Covid-19 exists in any public place where people are present” and they “voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19.”In response to that recommendation, the Trump campaign is making rally attendees sign a waiver saying they understand “that an inherent risk of exposure to Covid-19 exists in any public place where people are present” and they “voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19.”
The Rev Al Sharpton applauded New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to crack down on police brutality in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.The Rev Al Sharpton applauded New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to crack down on police brutality in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
The longtime civil rights activist said Cuomo had “raised the bar” for how governors should address police reform. “He has gone even beyond my expectations,” Sharpton said.The longtime civil rights activist said Cuomo had “raised the bar” for how governors should address police reform. “He has gone even beyond my expectations,” Sharpton said.
Shaprton specifically praised Cuomo’s executive order, which would withhold state funding from localities that do not enact a plan to reinvent and modernize policing strategies. “To hold funds means he means it,” Sharpton said.Shaprton specifically praised Cuomo’s executive order, which would withhold state funding from localities that do not enact a plan to reinvent and modernize policing strategies. “To hold funds means he means it,” Sharpton said.
The activist joked that Cuomo, with whom he has previously clashed, should “enjoy these few minutes” of his support.The activist joked that Cuomo, with whom he has previously clashed, should “enjoy these few minutes” of his support.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo has signed the police reform bills, which will ban police chokeholds and repeal a state law that shielded police misconduct records from the public.New York governor Andrew Cuomo has signed the police reform bills, which will ban police chokeholds and repeal a state law that shielded police misconduct records from the public.
After signing the bills, the Democratic governor handed out pens to the legislative leaders and activists present for the signing.After signing the bills, the Democratic governor handed out pens to the legislative leaders and activists present for the signing.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would also sign an executive order requiring local governments and police agencies to develop plans to reinvent and modernize policing strategies.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would also sign an executive order requiring local governments and police agencies to develop plans to reinvent and modernize policing strategies.
Cuomo emphasized local officials needed to lay out a plan to address the use of force among officers, as well as implicit bias training and community-based outreach, in order to “restore trust” among their constituents.Cuomo emphasized local officials needed to lay out a plan to address the use of force among officers, as well as implicit bias training and community-based outreach, in order to “restore trust” among their constituents.
The Democratic governor said the plans must be enacted through local legislation by April 1 in order for localities to be eligible for state funding.The Democratic governor said the plans must be enacted through local legislation by April 1 in order for localities to be eligible for state funding.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily coronavirus briefing, where he said he will soon sign the police reform bills passed by the state legislature.New York governor Andrew Cuomo is holding his daily coronavirus briefing, where he said he will soon sign the police reform bills passed by the state legislature.
The bills will ban police chokeholds and repeal 50-A, which has allowed New York to shield police misconduct reports from the public.The bills will ban police chokeholds and repeal 50-A, which has allowed New York to shield police misconduct reports from the public.
Cuomo was joined at the briefing by New York’s legislative leaders, state Assembly speaker Carl Heastie and state Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, whom he thanked for ensuring the bills’ passage.Cuomo was joined at the briefing by New York’s legislative leaders, state Assembly speaker Carl Heastie and state Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, whom he thanked for ensuring the bills’ passage.
The Rev Al Sharpton and the mothers of Eric Garner and Sean Bell were also present for the briefing. Like George Floyd, Garner was killed by a police chokehold in 2014, and Bell was fatally shot by NYPD officers in 2006.The Rev Al Sharpton and the mothers of Eric Garner and Sean Bell were also present for the briefing. Like George Floyd, Garner was killed by a police chokehold in 2014, and Bell was fatally shot by NYPD officers in 2006.
Vice President Mike Pence is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, today, where he will participate in a listening session with faith and community leaders. The visit in the latest in a series of trips Pence has made to swing states that will ultimately determine the outcome of the presidential election.Vice President Mike Pence is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, today, where he will participate in a listening session with faith and community leaders. The visit in the latest in a series of trips Pence has made to swing states that will ultimately determine the outcome of the presidential election.
Joe Biden’s campaign released a statement criticizing Pence for the trip, accusing the vice president of using the Pennsylvania city as a “prop” to push Trump’s claim that the US economy is making a “great comeback.”Joe Biden’s campaign released a statement criticizing Pence for the trip, accusing the vice president of using the Pennsylvania city as a “prop” to push Trump’s claim that the US economy is making a “great comeback.”
“It’s an insult to Pennsylvanians that Vice President Pence is using Pittsburgh as a prop on the cynically-titled ‘Great American Comeback Tour’ -- because had the Trump-Pence Administration not bungled the response to the coronavirus pandemic so dramatically, there wouldn’t be a need for such an enormous ‘comeback,’” said deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield.“It’s an insult to Pennsylvanians that Vice President Pence is using Pittsburgh as a prop on the cynically-titled ‘Great American Comeback Tour’ -- because had the Trump-Pence Administration not bungled the response to the coronavirus pandemic so dramatically, there wouldn’t be a need for such an enormous ‘comeback,’” said deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield.
“I hope that Vice President Pence sees today in Pennsylvania the extent of the damage he’s helped cause, and is swayed to finally give real, much-needed relief to the Commonwealth.”“I hope that Vice President Pence sees today in Pennsylvania the extent of the damage he’s helped cause, and is swayed to finally give real, much-needed relief to the Commonwealth.”
Starbucks will allow employees to wear Black Lives Matter attire, marking a reversal after some customers threatened to boycott the coffee company over the issue.Starbucks will allow employees to wear Black Lives Matter attire, marking a reversal after some customers threatened to boycott the coffee company over the issue.
Starbucks had previously said employees could not wear BLM attire because it violated the company’s dress code policy, which also prohibits any type of political, religious, or personal accessories or clothing.Starbucks had previously said employees could not wear BLM attire because it violated the company’s dress code policy, which also prohibits any type of political, religious, or personal accessories or clothing.
But the company is now walking back that stance after many customers threatened to boycott the company if they did not allow employees to express support for the George Floyd protests.But the company is now walking back that stance after many customers threatened to boycott the company if they did not allow employees to express support for the George Floyd protests.
The company announced the policy change in a new letter to employees, which was signed by chief operating officer Roz Brewer, executive vice president Rossann Williams and diversity officer Zing Shaw.The company announced the policy change in a new letter to employees, which was signed by chief operating officer Roz Brewer, executive vice president Rossann Williams and diversity officer Zing Shaw.
“We see you. We hear you. Black Lives Matter. That is a fact and will never change,” the letter says.“We see you. We hear you. Black Lives Matter. That is a fact and will never change,” the letter says.
“As we talked about earlier this week, we’re designing new t-shirts with the graphic below to demonstrate our allyship and show we stand together in unity. Until these arrive, we’ve heard you want to show your support, so just be you.“As we talked about earlier this week, we’re designing new t-shirts with the graphic below to demonstrate our allyship and show we stand together in unity. Until these arrive, we’ve heard you want to show your support, so just be you.
“Wear your BLM pin or t-shirt. We are so proud of your passionate support of our common humanity. We trust you to do what’s right while never forgetting Starbucks is a welcoming third place where all are treated with dignity and respect.”“Wear your BLM pin or t-shirt. We are so proud of your passionate support of our common humanity. We trust you to do what’s right while never forgetting Starbucks is a welcoming third place where all are treated with dignity and respect.”
Behind-the-scenes books like John Bolton’s are often used to draw a flattering picture of that official’s contributions to the White House, and “The Room Where It Happened” seems to be no exception.Behind-the-scenes books like John Bolton’s are often used to draw a flattering picture of that official’s contributions to the White House, and “The Room Where It Happened” seems to be no exception.
According to the press release for the book, the former national security adviser will describe Trump’s Ukraine-like transgressions “and attempts by [Bolton] and others in the Administration to raise alarms about them.”According to the press release for the book, the former national security adviser will describe Trump’s Ukraine-like transgressions “and attempts by [Bolton] and others in the Administration to raise alarms about them.”
However, critics will likely pounce on Bolton for not publicly raising concerns about these “trangressions” while they were occurring -- and for later refusing to testify to the House about them.However, critics will likely pounce on Bolton for not publicly raising concerns about these “trangressions” while they were occurring -- and for later refusing to testify to the House about them.
In his new book, John Bolton argues that the House committed “impeachment malpractice” by focusing solely on Ukraine in its inquiry against Trump, suggesting the president had committed other “Ukraine-like transgressions.”In his new book, John Bolton argues that the House committed “impeachment malpractice” by focusing solely on Ukraine in its inquiry against Trump, suggesting the president had committed other “Ukraine-like transgressions.”
However, Bolton’s argument struck some reporters as hypocritical, considering the former national security adviser refused to provide a deposition during the House’s impeachment inquiry.However, Bolton’s argument struck some reporters as hypocritical, considering the former national security adviser refused to provide a deposition during the House’s impeachment inquiry.
Bolton signaled he would comply with a Senate subpoena if one were issued during Trump’s impeachment trial, but the Republican-controlled chamber voted against calling additional witnesses for the trial.Bolton signaled he would comply with a Senate subpoena if one were issued during Trump’s impeachment trial, but the Republican-controlled chamber voted against calling additional witnesses for the trial.
In his new book, former national security adviser John Bolton criticizes the House for focusing on Ukraine in its impeachment inquiry against Trump and details other “Ukraine-like” transgressions by the persident.In his new book, former national security adviser John Bolton criticizes the House for focusing on Ukraine in its impeachment inquiry against Trump and details other “Ukraine-like” transgressions by the persident.
According to a press release for Bolton’s upcoming book, “The Room Where It Happened,” the former administration official “argues that the House committed impeachment malpractice by keeping their prosecution focused narrowly on Ukraine when Trump’s Ukraine-like transgressions existed across the full range of his foreign policy — and Bolton documents exactly what those were, and attempts by him and others in the Administration to raise alarms about them.”According to a press release for Bolton’s upcoming book, “The Room Where It Happened,” the former administration official “argues that the House committed impeachment malpractice by keeping their prosecution focused narrowly on Ukraine when Trump’s Ukraine-like transgressions existed across the full range of his foreign policy — and Bolton documents exactly what those were, and attempts by him and others in the Administration to raise alarms about them.”
Bolton also criticizes the president for focusing solely on his chances of reelection as he made major policy decisions. “I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my tenure that wasn’t driven by reelection calculations,” he writes.Bolton also criticizes the president for focusing solely on his chances of reelection as he made major policy decisions. “I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my tenure that wasn’t driven by reelection calculations,” he writes.
The book will be released June 23, and if precedent is any indication, it’s likely that Trump will work on discrediting Bolton using the bully pulpit of Twitter in the days leading up to its release.The book will be released June 23, and if precedent is any indication, it’s likely that Trump will work on discrediting Bolton using the bully pulpit of Twitter in the days leading up to its release.
Microsoft won’t sell its facial recognition technology to police departments until federal legislation is passed to regulate its use, the company says.Microsoft won’t sell its facial recognition technology to police departments until federal legislation is passed to regulate its use, the company says.
The moratorium is a concession to campaigners, who have called on all the major tech companies to stop selling the technology to law enforcement. It follows IBM declaring a total cessation of sales of “general purpose” facial recognition technology, and Amazon declaring that it would stop selling its own tech to police departments for the next year, in the hope that the pause provides time for a societal conversation.The moratorium is a concession to campaigners, who have called on all the major tech companies to stop selling the technology to law enforcement. It follows IBM declaring a total cessation of sales of “general purpose” facial recognition technology, and Amazon declaring that it would stop selling its own tech to police departments for the next year, in the hope that the pause provides time for a societal conversation.
“We will not sell facial-recognition technology to police departments in the United States until we have a national law in place, grounded in human rights, that will govern this technology,” Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, said on Thursday night.“We will not sell facial-recognition technology to police departments in the United States until we have a national law in place, grounded in human rights, that will govern this technology,” Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, said on Thursday night.
“The bottom line for us is to protect the human rights of people as this technology is deployed.”“The bottom line for us is to protect the human rights of people as this technology is deployed.”
Some campaigners have expressed concern about the potential form such legislation could take, however. Microsoft has endorsed privacy laws that activists say are weaker than is necessary, and some worry that the hiatus could lead to a rushed-through law that ultimately harms rights.Some campaigners have expressed concern about the potential form such legislation could take, however. Microsoft has endorsed privacy laws that activists say are weaker than is necessary, and some worry that the hiatus could lead to a rushed-through law that ultimately harms rights.
Trump is once again attacking Democratic lawmakers in Washington state, bemoaning the “anarchists takeover” of Seattle, where demonstrators have taken over several city blocks to protest police brutality.Trump is once again attacking Democratic lawmakers in Washington state, bemoaning the “anarchists takeover” of Seattle, where demonstrators have taken over several city blocks to protest police brutality.
The president specifically called out Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan, saying in a tweet, “These Liberal Dems don’t have a clue. The terrorists burn and pillage our cities, and they think it is just wonderful, even the death. Must end this Seattle takeover now!”The president specifically called out Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan, saying in a tweet, “These Liberal Dems don’t have a clue. The terrorists burn and pillage our cities, and they think it is just wonderful, even the death. Must end this Seattle takeover now!”
Durkan said during a press conference yesterday that the story Trump is trying to tell about the city, focused on alleged domestic terrorists, is “simply not true.”Durkan said during a press conference yesterday that the story Trump is trying to tell about the city, focused on alleged domestic terrorists, is “simply not true.”
Hallie Golden has more on the situation in Seattle:Hallie Golden has more on the situation in Seattle:
John Bolton expressed support for General Mark Milley after the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff apologized for participating in Trump’s photo op at St John’s Church last week.John Bolton expressed support for General Mark Milley after the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff apologized for participating in Trump’s photo op at St John’s Church last week.
“Gen. Mark Milley is a dedicated public servant who made a courageous choice to admit a mistake,” Bolton said in a tweet. “His actions are a powerful example of courage, leadership and patriotism.”“Gen. Mark Milley is a dedicated public servant who made a courageous choice to admit a mistake,” Bolton said in a tweet. “His actions are a powerful example of courage, leadership and patriotism.”
The tweet comes one day after Milley said in a prerecorded commencement address that he should not have been at the photo op moments after peaceful protesters nearby were forcibly removed using tear gas.The tweet comes one day after Milley said in a prerecorded commencement address that he should not have been at the photo op moments after peaceful protesters nearby were forcibly removed using tear gas.
“My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics,” Milley told the graduates of National Defense University. “As a commissioned uniformed officer, it was a mistake that I have learned from, and I sincerely hope we all can learn from it.”“My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics,” Milley told the graduates of National Defense University. “As a commissioned uniformed officer, it was a mistake that I have learned from, and I sincerely hope we all can learn from it.”
Milley’s statement could create tension with the president, which is a matter that Bolton has some experience in. The former national security adviser resigned (or was fired, depending on who you ask) after reports emerged that he pushed back against the president’s later-scrapped plan to meet with the Taliban at Camp David.Milley’s statement could create tension with the president, which is a matter that Bolton has some experience in. The former national security adviser resigned (or was fired, depending on who you ask) after reports emerged that he pushed back against the president’s later-scrapped plan to meet with the Taliban at Camp David.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
A new poll shows a majority of Americans oppose the movement to defund the police, which has gained steam since the police killing of George Floyd last month.A new poll shows a majority of Americans oppose the movement to defund the police, which has gained steam since the police killing of George Floyd last month.
According to the new ABC News/Ipsos poll, 64% of Americans oppose the defund movement, compared to 34% who support it.According to the new ABC News/Ipsos poll, 64% of Americans oppose the defund movement, compared to 34% who support it.
When respondents were specifically asked if police departments’ budgets should be reduced to reallocate the funds to public health and social programs, 60% opposed the idea, and 39% supported it.When respondents were specifically asked if police departments’ budgets should be reduced to reallocate the funds to public health and social programs, 60% opposed the idea, and 39% supported it.
However, a majority of black Americans (57%) support the defund movement, and 64% are in favor of reducing and reallocating police departments’ budgets. Only 26% of white Americans support the defund movement, indicating a racial split on the issue.However, a majority of black Americans (57%) support the defund movement, and 64% are in favor of reducing and reallocating police departments’ budgets. Only 26% of white Americans support the defund movement, indicating a racial split on the issue.