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Trump says 'concept of chokeholds sounds innocent' as states move to ban practice – live Trump says 'concept of chokeholds sounds innocent' as states move to ban practice – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Trump indicated in interview he believed chokeholds are necessary, while cities and states have pushed for bans since the killing of George Floyd Trump indicates in interview he believed chokeholds are necessary even as cities and states push for bans since the killing of George Floyd
We’re wrapping up our live coverage for tonight. An updated recap of some of today’s political news:
Trump said he was “generally” in favor of banning police chokeholds but said they may be appropriate in some circumstances. “I think the concept of chokeholds sounds so innocent and so perfect,” Trump said in a Fox News interview, before addressing how they have been unfairly used against people like George Floyd, who was killed in police custody last month. “It would be, I think, a very good thing that, generally speaking, it should be ended,” Trump said.
The Trump administration has finalized a rule rolling back Obama-era protections for transgender Americans. The new policy could allow healthcare providers and insurance companies that receive federal funding to refuse to provide or cover transition-related care for transgender patients. Human Rights Campaign, among others, have pledged to file a lawsuit challenging the rule change.
Seattle’s mayor defended the city against Trump’s fear mongering over the activists who are currently occupying a few city blocks as a police-free zone they have dubbed the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. “Seattle is fine,” she said.
The Minneapolis city council unanimously passed a resolution to replace the city’s police department with a community-led public safety system in response to the killing of Floyd. The resolution, which comes days after a veto-proof majority of the council voted to disband the police department, will kick off a year-long process to devise a new public safety system.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed police reform bills passed by the state legislature this week. The bills will criminalize 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.
A leading prison abolitionist pushed back against attempts to respond to protests by passing police reforms. “We can’t reform the police,” Mariame Kaba argued in the New York Times. “The only way to diminish police violence is to reduce contact between the public and the police.
A growing number of American companies say they will observe Juneteenth as an official holiday this year, giving employees a paid day off in honor of the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Pop star Taylor Swift demanded Tennessee remove monuments to white supremacy, as police in Georgia jailed a 55-year-old woman who wrote “tear down” on a Confederate statue in chalk.
Leading prison abolitionist: ‘Yes, we mean literally abolish the police’
As Democratic politicians and media pundits discuss how to interpret the furious demand from protesters across the country to “defund the police,” longtime prison industrial complex abolitionist Mariame Kaba has a response in the New York Times:
Suicide help line calls up 20% in Mississippi during pandemicSuicide help line calls up 20% in Mississippi during pandemic
Officials in Mississippi say calls from people in the state to the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline have increased 20% since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the Associated Press reports.Officials in Mississippi say calls from people in the state to the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline have increased 20% since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the Associated Press reports.
“There is fear, there is pain and there is anxiety in this country and in our state and those cannot be overstated,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said at a press conference.“There is fear, there is pain and there is anxiety in this country and in our state and those cannot be overstated,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said at a press conference.
• In the US the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.• In the US the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
• In the UK and Irish Republic contact Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.• In the UK and Irish Republic contact Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
• In Australia the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.• In Australia the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.• Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
Woman held on $1,500 bail for writing on Confederate statue with chalkWoman held on $1,500 bail for writing on Confederate statue with chalk
A 55-year-old woman was arrested in Georgia yesterday for writing “tear down” in yellow chalk on a confederate statue, the Associated Press reports.A 55-year-old woman was arrested in Georgia yesterday for writing “tear down” in yellow chalk on a confederate statue, the Associated Press reports.
Georgia state troopers have charged the woman “with interference with government property, a felony, and criminal trespass, a misdemeanor,” and jail records indicated that she was still in jail Friday after being arrested on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Her bail was set at $1,500.Georgia state troopers have charged the woman “with interference with government property, a felony, and criminal trespass, a misdemeanor,” and jail records indicated that she was still in jail Friday after being arrested on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Her bail was set at $1,500.
“Dude, it’s chalk,” protest organizer JJ Nicole told the Associated Press. “Take a wet rag and wipe it off.... Surely there’s better things to do with our resources. Per usual, the police response was 10 times more than what it needed to be.”“Dude, it’s chalk,” protest organizer JJ Nicole told the Associated Press. “Take a wet rag and wipe it off.... Surely there’s better things to do with our resources. Per usual, the police response was 10 times more than what it needed to be.”
Jamie Loughner, the woman who was arrested for writing on a statue with chalk, uses a walker, Nicole said, and about 10 officers came out of the statecapitol to arrest her.Jamie Loughner, the woman who was arrested for writing on a statue with chalk, uses a walker, Nicole said, and about 10 officers came out of the statecapitol to arrest her.
Seattle mayor to Trump: ‘Don’t be so afraid of democracy’Seattle mayor to Trump: ‘Don’t be so afraid of democracy’
A federal judge has ordered Seattle police to temporarily stop using tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bang devices to break up largely peaceful protests, the Associated Press reported.A federal judge has ordered Seattle police to temporarily stop using tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bang devices to break up largely peaceful protests, the Associated Press reported.
Meanwhile, as Trump continues to fearmonger over Twitter about the hundreds of protesters who have occupied several city blocks in Seattle and dubbed them a police-free “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” Seattle’s mayor has responded that “Seattle is fine.”Meanwhile, as Trump continues to fearmonger over Twitter about the hundreds of protesters who have occupied several city blocks in Seattle and dubbed them a police-free “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” Seattle’s mayor has responded that “Seattle is fine.”
The autonomous zone “has both a protest and street fair vibe, with a small garden, medic station, smoking area, and a “No Cop Co-op”, where people can get supplies and food at no cost,” Hallie Golden reported for The Guardian yesterday. One activist said the takeover was reminiscent of the Occupy movement.The autonomous zone “has both a protest and street fair vibe, with a small garden, medic station, smoking area, and a “No Cop Co-op”, where people can get supplies and food at no cost,” Hallie Golden reported for The Guardian yesterday. One activist said the takeover was reminiscent of the Occupy movement.
Daily Beast reporter Kelly Weill also noted that claims that local businesses were being harmed by the takeover had been walked back, and that many local business owners were quite supportive of “CHAZ,” although one feared that it might distract attention from the key demands of the Black Lives Matter movement.Daily Beast reporter Kelly Weill also noted that claims that local businesses were being harmed by the takeover had been walked back, and that many local business owners were quite supportive of “CHAZ,” although one feared that it might distract attention from the key demands of the Black Lives Matter movement.
North Carolina man arrested for threatening to burn black churchNorth Carolina man arrested for threatening to burn black church
A 63-year-old white man in North Carolina was arrested today after allegedly threatening to set fire to an African-American church in Virginia, according to federal officials.A 63-year-old white man in North Carolina was arrested today after allegedly threatening to set fire to an African-American church in Virginia, according to federal officials.
John Malcolm Bareswill made a phone call to an African American church on June 7, saying “you [racial slur] need to shut up,” the Justice Department said in a press release.John Malcolm Bareswill made a phone call to an African American church on June 7, saying “you [racial slur] need to shut up,” the Justice Department said in a press release.
The call was placed “several days after one of the church’s leaders took part in a public prayer vigil and peaceful demonstration for George Floyd,” the Justice Department said.The call was placed “several days after one of the church’s leaders took part in a public prayer vigil and peaceful demonstration for George Floyd,” the Justice Department said.
The call, made late in the morning to the church’s land line telephone, “was placed on speakerphone and overheard by two adult members of the church and also several children,” officials said.The call, made late in the morning to the church’s land line telephone, “was placed on speakerphone and overheard by two adult members of the church and also several children,” officials said.
Bareswill was charged with making a telephonic threat, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.Bareswill was charged with making a telephonic threat, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
Taylor Swift calls for removal of racist monuments in TennesseeTaylor Swift calls for removal of racist monuments in Tennessee
White pop star Taylor Swift is calling for Tennessee to remove statues commemorating “racist historical figures” like Ku Klux Klan leader Nathan Bedford Forrest.White pop star Taylor Swift is calling for Tennessee to remove statues commemorating “racist historical figures” like Ku Klux Klan leader Nathan Bedford Forrest.
“Villains don’t deserve statues,” the singer-songwriter argued in a long Twitter thread explaining why the statues must be removed, and why Americans like black investigative journalist activist Ida B. Wells should be honored instead.“Villains don’t deserve statues,” the singer-songwriter argued in a long Twitter thread explaining why the statues must be removed, and why Americans like black investigative journalist activist Ida B. Wells should be honored instead.
“When you fight to honor racists, you show black Tennesseans and all of their allies where you stand, and you continue this cycle of hurt,” Swift advised fellow white Americans. “You can’t change history, but you can change this.”“When you fight to honor racists, you show black Tennesseans and all of their allies where you stand, and you continue this cycle of hurt,” Swift advised fellow white Americans. “You can’t change history, but you can change this.”
In an interview with The Guardian last August, responding to a question about what critics called a narrative of “white victimhood” throughout her music career, Swift said that she was trying to recognize her own “white privilege” and that “it’s something that I’m still trying to educate myself on every day.”In an interview with The Guardian last August, responding to a question about what critics called a narrative of “white victimhood” throughout her music career, Swift said that she was trying to recognize her own “white privilege” and that “it’s something that I’m still trying to educate myself on every day.”
Swift’s tweets have garnered some positive reactions. As one progressive organizer on Twitter quipped:Swift’s tweets have garnered some positive reactions. As one progressive organizer on Twitter quipped:
Human Rights Campaign will sue Trump administration over erasing healthcare discrimination protection for trans peopleHuman Rights Campaign will sue Trump administration over erasing healthcare discrimination protection for trans people
The Human Rights Campaign announced it will file a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to end healthcare discrimination protections for Americans based on their gender identity.The Human Rights Campaign announced it will file a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to end healthcare discrimination protections for Americans based on their gender identity.
By rewriting an Obama-administration interpretation of a federal healthcare law, the Trump administration “will eliminate explicit protections from discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity... thereby sanctioning discrimination against LGBTQ people in health care programs and activities,” the Human Rights Campaign said in a statement.By rewriting an Obama-administration interpretation of a federal healthcare law, the Trump administration “will eliminate explicit protections from discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity... thereby sanctioning discrimination against LGBTQ people in health care programs and activities,” the Human Rights Campaign said in a statement.
Vox journalist Katelyn Burns highlighted the immediate, seriously effects of the Trump administration’s new rule:Vox journalist Katelyn Burns highlighted the immediate, seriously effects of the Trump administration’s new rule:
More companies recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday this yearMore companies recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday this year
This is Lois Beckett, picking up our live politics coverage from our West Coast office in Oakland.This is Lois Beckett, picking up our live politics coverage from our West Coast office in Oakland.
The Washington Post and the New York Times will both observe Juneteenth as a holiday this year, and give employees a paid day off, reporters at the two major newspapers tweeted this afternoon.The Washington Post and the New York Times will both observe Juneteenth as a holiday this year, and give employees a paid day off, reporters at the two major newspapers tweeted this afternoon.
The announcement comes as both newspapers, and the American media industry more broadly, has been pushed to reckon with the decades of discrimination that black employees have faced within majority-white newsrooms.The announcement comes as both newspapers, and the American media industry more broadly, has been pushed to reckon with the decades of discrimination that black employees have faced within majority-white newsrooms.
Current and former black journalists have been speaking out about about the hostile newsroom environments they have faced, and about how widespread racism within the media has pushed some black journalists out of the business, while continuing to undermine accurate coverage of issues crucial to black Americans, including police violence.Current and former black journalists have been speaking out about about the hostile newsroom environments they have faced, and about how widespread racism within the media has pushed some black journalists out of the business, while continuing to undermine accurate coverage of issues crucial to black Americans, including police violence.
Washington Post publisher Fred Ryan said the holiday “was an appropriate and symbolic moment to provide time for reflection on all that has happened.”Washington Post publisher Fred Ryan said the holiday “was an appropriate and symbolic moment to provide time for reflection on all that has happened.”
Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, was created by black Texans in the 1860s. It celebrates June 19, 1865, when formerly enslaved people in Texas were finally told by Union troops that they were free. Widely celebrated by black Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the holiday was revived in the Civil Rights era, and first became an official state holiday in Texas in 1979.Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, was created by black Texans in the 1860s. It celebrates June 19, 1865, when formerly enslaved people in Texas were finally told by Union troops that they were free. Widely celebrated by black Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the holiday was revived in the Civil Rights era, and first became an official state holiday in Texas in 1979.
Other companies, including Vox Media, Twitter and Square had already announced that they would be observing Juneteenth as a holiday this year.Other companies, including Vox Media, Twitter and Square had already announced that they would be observing Juneteenth as a holiday this year.
Update: since this post was first published, Guardian US informed staff that we, too will be observing Juneteenth as a holiday this year, and that “We will be marking Juneteenth in this way annually.”Update: since this post was first published, Guardian US informed staff that we, too will be observing Juneteenth as a holiday this year, and that “We will be marking Juneteenth in this way annually.”
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will be taking over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will be taking over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Trump said he was “generally” in favor of banning police chokeholds but said they may be appropriate in some circumstances. “I think the concept of chokeholds sounds so innocent and so perfect,” Trump said in a Fox News interview, before addressing how they have been unfairly used against people like George Floyd, who was killed in police custody last month. “It would be, I think, a very good thing that, generally speaking, it should be ended,” Trump said.Trump said he was “generally” in favor of banning police chokeholds but said they may be appropriate in some circumstances. “I think the concept of chokeholds sounds so innocent and so perfect,” Trump said in a Fox News interview, before addressing how they have been unfairly used against people like George Floyd, who was killed in police custody last month. “It would be, I think, a very good thing that, generally speaking, it should be ended,” Trump said.
The Trump administration has finalized a rule rolling back Obama-era protections for transgender Americans. The new policy could allow healthcare providers and insurance companies that receive federal funding to refuse to provide or cover transition-related care for transgender patients.The Trump administration has finalized a rule rolling back Obama-era protections for transgender Americans. The new policy could allow healthcare providers and insurance companies that receive federal funding to refuse to provide or cover transition-related care for transgender patients.
The Minneapolis city council unanimously passed a resolution to replace the city’s police department with a community-led public safety system in response to the killing of Floyd. The resolution, which comes days after a veto-proof majority of the council voted to disband the police department, will kick off a year-long process to devise a new public safety system.The Minneapolis city council unanimously passed a resolution to replace the city’s police department with a community-led public safety system in response to the killing of Floyd. The resolution, which comes days after a veto-proof majority of the council voted to disband the police department, will kick off a year-long process to devise a new public safety system.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed police reform bills passed by the state legislature this week. The bills will criminalize 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 criminalize 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.
John Bolton’s upcoming 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 upcoming 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.”
Lois will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Lois will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The Trump administration has finalized a rule rolling back Obama-era protections for transgender Americans under the Affordable Care Act’s non-discrimination policy.The Trump administration has finalized a rule rolling back Obama-era protections for transgender Americans under the Affordable Care Act’s non-discrimination policy.
According to the new version of the policy, the department of health and human services will be “returning to the government’s interpretation of sex discrimination according to the plain meaning of the word ‘sex’ as male or female and as determined by biology.”According to the new version of the policy, the department of health and human services will be “returning to the government’s interpretation of sex discrimination according to the plain meaning of the word ‘sex’ as male or female and as determined by biology.”
This would allow healthcare providers and insurance companies that receive federal funding to refuse to provide or cover transition-related care for transgender Americans.This would allow healthcare providers and insurance companies that receive federal funding to refuse to provide or cover transition-related care for transgender Americans.
The announcement came on the fourth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, when a shooter killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.The announcement came on the fourth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, when a shooter killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
House majority whip Jim Clyburn said Democrats already have enough votes to pass their Justice in Policing Act, which includes a series of police reforms in response to the killing of George Floyd.House majority whip Jim Clyburn said Democrats already have enough votes to pass their Justice in Policing Act, which includes a series of police reforms in response to the killing of George Floyd.
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy has complained Republicans were excluded from the drafting process of the bill, but he also said there are a number of provisions in the bill that his caucus could support.House minority leader Kevin McCarthy has complained Republicans were excluded from the drafting process of the bill, but he also said there are a number of provisions in the bill that his caucus could support.
McCarthy specifically said he would be in favor of a national ban on police chokeholds, which is part of the Democrats’ legislation.McCarthy specifically said he would be in favor of a national ban on police chokeholds, which is part of the Democrats’ legislation.
However, even if the House approves the bill, it will still need to pass the Republican-controlled Senate, and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell will not likely be eager to take up the Democratic bill in its current form.However, even if the House approves the bill, it will still need to pass the Republican-controlled Senate, and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell will not likely be eager to take up the Democratic bill in its current form.
McConnell has tapped senator Tim Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate, to lead a group of several senators working to develop their own police reform proposal.McConnell has tapped senator Tim Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate, to lead a group of several senators working to develop their own police reform proposal.
As Trump prepares to resume his campaign rallies and George Floyd protests continue across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “strongly encouraged” attendees of large gatherings to wear cloth face coverings in newly issued guidance.As Trump prepares to resume his campaign rallies and George Floyd protests continue across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “strongly encouraged” attendees of large gatherings to wear cloth face coverings in newly issued guidance.
According to the guidance, “Cloth face coverings are strongly encouraged in settings where individuals might raise their voice (e.g., shouting, chanting, singing).”According to the guidance, “Cloth face coverings are strongly encouraged in settings where individuals might raise their voice (e.g., shouting, chanting, singing).”
Speaking to reporters about the new guidance, Jay Butler, the CDC’s deputy director for Infectious Diseases, dodged questions about what specific events the agency was referring to.Speaking to reporters about the new guidance, Jay Butler, the CDC’s deputy director for Infectious Diseases, dodged questions about what specific events the agency was referring to.
“They are not regulations. They are not commands,” Butler said. “But they are recommendations or even suggestions … how you can have a gathering that will keep people as safe as possible.”“They are not regulations. They are not commands,” Butler said. “But they are recommendations or even suggestions … how you can have a gathering that will keep people as safe as possible.”
The guidance comes as the Trump campaign asks attendees of the president’s rally in Tulsa next Friday to sign waivers saying they “voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19.”The guidance comes as the Trump campaign asks attendees of the president’s rally in Tulsa next Friday to sign waivers saying they “voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19.”
The list of Joe Biden’s potential running mates has dwindled to a handful of Democratic women, according to the Associated Press.The list of Joe Biden’s potential running mates has dwindled to a handful of Democratic women, according to the Associated Press.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
Biden said at a fundraiser late last month that he hopes to announce his choice of running mate by August 1.Biden said at a fundraiser late last month that he hopes to announce his choice of running mate by August 1.
Since the police killing of George Floyd, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has also faced increased pressure to ask a black woman to join his ticket.Since the police killing of George Floyd, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has also faced increased pressure to ask a black woman to join his ticket.
The Minneapolis city council has unanimously passed a resolution to replace the city’s police department with a community-led public safety system in response to the police killing of George Floyd.The Minneapolis city council has unanimously passed a resolution to replace the city’s police department with a community-led public safety system in response to the police killing of George Floyd.
The adoption of the resolution will begin a year-long process to devise a new public safety system, and it comes days after a veto-proof majority of the council voted to disband the Minneapolis police department.The adoption of the resolution will begin a year-long process to devise a new public safety system, and it comes days after a veto-proof majority of the council voted to disband the Minneapolis police department.
The resolution creates a “Future of Community Safety Work Group,” which will have until July 24 to craft preliminary recommendations on engaging with community members and experts on what the new system should look like.The resolution creates a “Future of Community Safety Work Group,” which will have until July 24 to craft preliminary recommendations on engaging with community members and experts on what the new system should look like.
“The City Council will engage with every willing community member in Minneapolis, centering the voices of Black people, American Indian people, people of color, immigrants, victims of harm, and other stakeholders who have been historically marginalized or underserved by our present system,” the resolution states. “Together, we will identify what safety looks like for everyone.”“The City Council will engage with every willing community member in Minneapolis, centering the voices of Black people, American Indian people, people of color, immigrants, victims of harm, and other stakeholders who have been historically marginalized or underserved by our present system,” the resolution states. “Together, we will identify what safety looks like for everyone.”
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey has said he is not in favor of disbanding the police department but he supports “massive structural reform to revise a structurally racist system.”Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey has said he is not in favor of disbanding the police department but he supports “massive structural reform to revise a structurally racist system.”
Census data indicates levels of depression and anxiety have surged among African Americans since the police killing of George Floyd, according to the Washington Post.Census data indicates levels of depression and anxiety have surged among African Americans since the police killing of George Floyd, according to the Washington Post.
The Post reports:The Post reports:
The American Psychiatric Association said in a 2018 statement, “Constant depictions of these incidences have had a profound impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of black families and communities, contributing to fear and uncertainty.”The American Psychiatric Association said in a 2018 statement, “Constant depictions of these incidences have had a profound impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of black families and communities, contributing to fear and uncertainty.”
The organization recommended “research that explores the mental health impact of police brutality and the use of excessive/deadly force on black males and black communities.”The organization recommended “research that explores the mental health impact of police brutality and the use of excessive/deadly force on black males and black communities.”
Two-thirds of Americans express support for the Black Lives Matter movement, according to a new poll from the Pew Research Center.Two-thirds of Americans express support for the Black Lives Matter movement, according to a new poll from the Pew Research Center.
The Pew survey found that 67% of Americans say they support the BLM movement, with 38% saying they strongly support it.The Pew survey found that 67% of Americans say they support the BLM movement, with 38% saying they strongly support it.
The figure is slightly higher among black Americans, 86% of whom say they support it. However, the movement also attracts support from majorities of white Americans (60%), Hispanic Americans (77%) and Asian Americans (75%).The figure is slightly higher among black Americans, 86% of whom say they support it. However, the movement also attracts support from majorities of white Americans (60%), Hispanic Americans (77%) and Asian Americans (75%).
Those numbers have increased dramatically from just a few years ago. A 2016 Pew poll found that a minority of American (43%) supported the BLM movement.Those numbers have increased dramatically from just a few years ago. A 2016 Pew poll found that a minority of American (43%) supported the BLM movement.
Democratic senator Michael Bennet is calling for the Russell Senate Office Building to be renamed, as calls intensify to remove the names of Confederate generals from Army bases and replace Confederate statues in the Capitol.Democratic senator Michael Bennet is calling for the Russell Senate Office Building to be renamed, as calls intensify to remove the names of Confederate generals from Army bases and replace Confederate statues in the Capitol.
“Everyone who works in the Russell Senate Office Building—senators and our staff—has to walk through the doors each morning of a building named after a staunch segregationist,” Bennet said in a tweet. “We can do a lot better. It’s time to #RenameRussell.”“Everyone who works in the Russell Senate Office Building—senators and our staff—has to walk through the doors each morning of a building named after a staunch segregationist,” Bennet said in a tweet. “We can do a lot better. It’s time to #RenameRussell.”
The Russell building is named for longtime Georgia senator Richard Russell Jr, an avowed segregationist who led the opposition to the civil rights movement in the Senate.The Russell building is named for longtime Georgia senator Richard Russell Jr, an avowed segregationist who led the opposition to the civil rights movement in the Senate.
There have been previous calls to rename the building, particularly after the 2018 death of Republican senator John McCain, with many suggesting his name should replace Russell’s.There have been previous calls to rename the building, particularly after the 2018 death of Republican senator John McCain, with many suggesting his name should replace Russell’s.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer previously introduced legislation to name the building after McCain, but majority leader Mitch McConnell sidelined the proposal, saying a bipartisan group would review ways in which the chamber could honor McCain’s memory. It’s unclear whether that group was ever appointed.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer previously introduced legislation to name the building after McCain, but majority leader Mitch McConnell sidelined the proposal, saying a bipartisan group would review ways in which the chamber could honor McCain’s memory. It’s unclear whether that group was ever appointed.