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George Floyd: US gears up for weekend of Black Lives Matter protests – live updates George Floyd: US gears up for weekend of Black Lives Matter protests – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Activist express anger at president Trump’s plan to rally in Tulsa on emotional Juneteenth anniversaryActivist express anger at president Trump’s plan to rally in Tulsa on emotional Juneteenth anniversary
Nelson Mandela’s statue in London has been boarded up amid fears of attacks by the Far Right as concerns about street violence in England this weekend shifted to other cities and towns where extremists and some football supporters are planning to confront Black Lives Matter (BLM) protestors.
BLM organisers called off a planned protest at Hyde Park at 1pm on Saturday, warning that “many hate groups” were threatening the safety of those planning to come.
However, while some Far Right groups are still expected to be present on Saturday in London, discussions on their online forums among football gangs has turned to mobilising in other cities and towns including Leeds, Bristol and Sunderland, against perceived threats to contested historical monuments. In Poole, locals have prevented the authorities removing a statue of the founder of the Boy Scout movement, Robert Baden-Powell.
Chatter among Far Right activists has also turned to targeting statues such as Nelson Mandela, perceived to be associated with their opponents, according to researchers at the campaign group Hope not Hate (HnH).
HnH warned of a particular potential flashpoint on Saturday in Leeds, where football groups and the Far Right have more traditionally been more interwined than elsewhere, as well as in towns such as Shrewsbury, which is home to a Clive of India statue as well as the English Border Front, a football hooligan firm of the League One club Shrewsbury Town
“One of our concerns is that, generally, the Metropolitan Police are quite experienced in managing big demonstrations now, but forces in some of the smaller towns are not as experienced,” said Nick Lowles, Chief Executive of HnH.
“Many on the far-right who tried to pretend they didn’t care about race, only culture and identity, let the mask slip and openly started talking about whiteness and race again and threatened to pull down the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square,” said Lowles.
Earlier today British prime minister Boris Johnson said in an intervention that removing statues is “to lie about our history” and claimed the Black Lives Matters protests “have been sadly hijacked by extremists intent on violence”.
A statue of war-time leader Winston Churchill has also been boarded up for protection, after it had “Churchill is a racist” daubed on it last weekend.
My colleagues on the photo desk have put together a brilliant picture essay of what it has been like as a black photographer covering the Black Lives Matter demonstrations.My colleagues on the photo desk have put together a brilliant picture essay of what it has been like as a black photographer covering the Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
Brandon Bell in Minneapolis, Flo Ngala in New York, Sylvia Jarrus in Detroit and Jonathan Cherry in Louisville talk about their experiences, and what it has meant to them to cover such an outpouring of anger and grief.Brandon Bell in Minneapolis, Flo Ngala in New York, Sylvia Jarrus in Detroit and Jonathan Cherry in Louisville talk about their experiences, and what it has meant to them to cover such an outpouring of anger and grief.
Cherry spoke in particular about Breonna Taylor, shot dead in Louisville in her apartment on 13 March this year.Cherry spoke in particular about Breonna Taylor, shot dead in Louisville in her apartment on 13 March this year.
There are some amazing photos in the essay, which you can find here: Capturing the cry for change: photographers on the BLM protestsThere are some amazing photos in the essay, which you can find here: Capturing the cry for change: photographers on the BLM protests
The wave of global protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd has led to a re-appraisal of monuments around the world. Slave-traders in England, monarchs in Belgium, and Christopher Columbus in Virginia have all had their statues removed - some more violently than others.The wave of global protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd has led to a re-appraisal of monuments around the world. Slave-traders in England, monarchs in Belgium, and Christopher Columbus in Virginia have all had their statues removed - some more violently than others.
In New Zealand, a statue of the British naval captain that gives the city of Hamilton its name was removed after a local Māori elder threatened to take it down by force.In New Zealand, a statue of the British naval captain that gives the city of Hamilton its name was removed after a local Māori elder threatened to take it down by force.
Associated Press are reporting on new pressure over two statues of Spanish conqueror Juan de Oñate in New Mexico.Associated Press are reporting on new pressure over two statues of Spanish conqueror Juan de Oñate in New Mexico.
A petition drive with more than 1,500 signatures is calling for the removal of an Oñate statue on the outskirts of Española in northern New Mexico, while activists are calling on Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller to remove another Oñate likeness from a caravan of Spanish colonists set in bronze outside a city museum.A petition drive with more than 1,500 signatures is calling for the removal of an Oñate statue on the outskirts of Española in northern New Mexico, while activists are calling on Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller to remove another Oñate likeness from a caravan of Spanish colonists set in bronze outside a city museum.
“If NASCAR can do away with Confederate flags at their events, surely our cities can do this,” Moises Gonzales told AP. He is a professor of urban planning at the University of New Mexico, who has long protested the Albuquerque statue as a glorification of white supremacy. Oñate arrived in present-day New Mexico in 1598. The statue in his honour was erected in the late 1990s.“If NASCAR can do away with Confederate flags at their events, surely our cities can do this,” Moises Gonzales told AP. He is a professor of urban planning at the University of New Mexico, who has long protested the Albuquerque statue as a glorification of white supremacy. Oñate arrived in present-day New Mexico in 1598. The statue in his honour was erected in the late 1990s.
To Native Americans, Onate is known for having ordered the right feet cut off of 24 captive tribal warriors after his soldiers stormed Acoma Pueblo’s mesa-top “sky city.” That attack was precipitated by the killing of Onate’s nephew. In 1998, someone sawed the right foot off the statue of Oñate near Española.To Native Americans, Onate is known for having ordered the right feet cut off of 24 captive tribal warriors after his soldiers stormed Acoma Pueblo’s mesa-top “sky city.” That attack was precipitated by the killing of Onate’s nephew. In 1998, someone sawed the right foot off the statue of Oñate near Española.
An online signature petition to remove the stand-alone statue of Oñate north of Española describes the conquistador’s inhumane treatment of indigenous people and invokes solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. There are public protests planned for Monday.An online signature petition to remove the stand-alone statue of Oñate north of Española describes the conquistador’s inhumane treatment of indigenous people and invokes solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. There are public protests planned for Monday.
That’s Sherry Gamble Smith, the president of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, on Donald Trump’s decision to kick-start his re-election campaign with a rally in the Oklahoma city on 19 June. It was the scene of one of the worst ever racial atrocities in US history, and Trump will hold his rally on the Juneteenth anniversary of the final emancipation of enslaved people in the country.That’s Sherry Gamble Smith, the president of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, on Donald Trump’s decision to kick-start his re-election campaign with a rally in the Oklahoma city on 19 June. It was the scene of one of the worst ever racial atrocities in US history, and Trump will hold his rally on the Juneteenth anniversary of the final emancipation of enslaved people in the country.
Critics accused the president of “racially motivated trolling” and timing akin to “blasphemy”.Critics accused the president of “racially motivated trolling” and timing akin to “blasphemy”.
You can read a full report here: Critics decry Trump election rally in city of Tulsa race massacre on JuneteenthYou can read a full report here: Critics decry Trump election rally in city of Tulsa race massacre on Juneteenth
In London, Boris Johnson the British prime minister has sent a series of tweets this morning saying that Black Lives Matter protests in the UK have been “hijacked by extremists intent on violence”.In London, Boris Johnson the British prime minister has sent a series of tweets this morning saying that Black Lives Matter protests in the UK have been “hijacked by extremists intent on violence”.
Johnson said “We all understand the legitimate feelings of outrage at what happened in Minnesota and the legitimate desire to protest against discrimination” but added that attacks on police in the UK last weekend during protests had been “intolerable” and “abhorrent”.Johnson said “We all understand the legitimate feelings of outrage at what happened in Minnesota and the legitimate desire to protest against discrimination” but added that attacks on police in the UK last weekend during protests had been “intolerable” and “abhorrent”.
He also condemned the removal of statues, saying:He also condemned the removal of statues, saying:
One of the statues of a slave-owner removed in London had only been placed in its present location in 1997.One of the statues of a slave-owner removed in London had only been placed in its present location in 1997.
Demonstrations planned for central London on Saturday have been cancelled for fear that there will be clashes with far-right activists.Demonstrations planned for central London on Saturday have been cancelled for fear that there will be clashes with far-right activists.
Read it in full: Boris Johnson says removing statues is ‘to lie about our history’Read it in full: Boris Johnson says removing statues is ‘to lie about our history’
Getting Republicans on board for widespread police reform is going to be crucial for turning the energy of the Black Lives Matter movement into real change.Getting Republicans on board for widespread police reform is going to be crucial for turning the energy of the Black Lives Matter movement into real change.
This morning CNN have a profile piece on one of the Republicans who could be a key part of that fight - South Carolina senator Tim Scott.This morning CNN have a profile piece on one of the Republicans who could be a key part of that fight - South Carolina senator Tim Scott.
Scott is expected to unveil his policing proposal next week, building on legislation he started working on in 2015 after the murder of Walter Scott. The act in his would create a national database of police use-of-force incidents that resulted in death.Scott is expected to unveil his policing proposal next week, building on legislation he started working on in 2015 after the murder of Walter Scott. The act in his would create a national database of police use-of-force incidents that resulted in death.
Read it here: CNN - Tim Scott has for years highlighted racial tension with police. Now he’s leading the GOP’s effort to fix itRead it here: CNN - Tim Scott has for years highlighted racial tension with police. Now he’s leading the GOP’s effort to fix it
Axios are being a little bit coy about just what is in it, but a source has given them advance access to the long-awaited book by former national security adviser John Bolton.Axios are being a little bit coy about just what is in it, but a source has given them advance access to the long-awaited book by former national security adviser John Bolton.
They say it will “offer multiple revelations about President Trump’s conduct in office, with direct quotes by the president and senior officials”.They say it will “offer multiple revelations about President Trump’s conduct in office, with direct quotes by the president and senior officials”.
There is the suggestion that the book will contain more details of Donald Trump’s words over Ukraine, and that Bolton will contend there was “Trump misconduct with other countries”.There is the suggestion that the book will contain more details of Donald Trump’s words over Ukraine, and that Bolton will contend there was “Trump misconduct with other countries”.
It seems difficult to believe, with the way the world has changed with coronavirus and the global outpouring of anger and grief over the killing of George Floyd, but it is only 14 weeks since president Trump was acquitted over his behaviour towards Ukraine.It seems difficult to believe, with the way the world has changed with coronavirus and the global outpouring of anger and grief over the killing of George Floyd, but it is only 14 weeks since president Trump was acquitted over his behaviour towards Ukraine.
Bolton’s book - The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir - will be published on 23 June.Bolton’s book - The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir - will be published on 23 June.
LeBron James, arguably America’s most prominent athlete, has stepped up by backing a new campaign group More Than a Vote.LeBron James, arguably America’s most prominent athlete, has stepped up by backing a new campaign group More Than a Vote.
James commented earlier in the week about the long voting line that were seen in the Georgia primary on Tuesday.James commented earlier in the week about the long voting line that were seen in the Georgia primary on Tuesday.
Joining James in the new venture are his business partner Maverick Carter. Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young, Phoenix Mercury’s Skylar Diggins-Smith and former NBA player Jalen Rose. James has cited Muhammad Ali as an inspiration for his involvement in politics.Joining James in the new venture are his business partner Maverick Carter. Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young, Phoenix Mercury’s Skylar Diggins-Smith and former NBA player Jalen Rose. James has cited Muhammad Ali as an inspiration for his involvement in politics.
Gabriel Baumgaertner looks at just what LeBron is planning: ‘How do we fix this?’ - LeBron James takes fight to black voter suppressionGabriel Baumgaertner looks at just what LeBron is planning: ‘How do we fix this?’ - LeBron James takes fight to black voter suppression
While Florida Rep Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms have had their names touted as a possible VP pick from Joe Biden, Kamala Harris is in a strong position to take the spot.While Florida Rep Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms have had their names touted as a possible VP pick from Joe Biden, Kamala Harris is in a strong position to take the spot.
Bloomberg have a piece from Jennifer Epstein this morning running the rule over Biden’s options. It includes this quote from Democratic strategist Karen Finney:Bloomberg have a piece from Jennifer Epstein this morning running the rule over Biden’s options. It includes this quote from Democratic strategist Karen Finney:
Biden has already committed to choosing a woman for VP.Biden has already committed to choosing a woman for VP.
Read it here: Bloomberg - Harris is on strong footing in Biden’s vice presidential searchRead it here: Bloomberg - Harris is on strong footing in Biden’s vice presidential search
Hi, welcome to our US politics and protests live blog today. Here’s a reminder of some of the key points from yesterday and overnight, and a look at what we can expect later todayHi, welcome to our US politics and protests live blog today. Here’s a reminder of some of the key points from yesterday and overnight, and a look at what we can expect later today
General Mark Milley apologized for participating in Trump’s church and bible photo op after the forcible removal of peaceful protesters. “I should not have been there,” he told the National Defense UniversityGeneral Mark Milley apologized for participating in Trump’s church and bible photo op after the forcible removal of peaceful protesters. “I should not have been there,” he told the National Defense University
Republicans confirmed that Donald Trump will become their nominee for the election in a convention rescheduled to Jacksonville, Florida. The party were unhappy that the original venue in North Carolina would have to be down-sized due to coronavirus restrictionsRepublicans confirmed that Donald Trump will become their nominee for the election in a convention rescheduled to Jacksonville, Florida. The party were unhappy that the original venue in North Carolina would have to be down-sized due to coronavirus restrictions
Black community and political leaders are calling on Trump to at least change the date of his Tulsa rally, saying that holding the event on Juneteenth is a “slap in the face”Black community and political leaders are calling on Trump to at least change the date of his Tulsa rally, saying that holding the event on Juneteenth is a “slap in the face”
Seattle’s mayor has continued to defend protesters in the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone”Seattle’s mayor has continued to defend protesters in the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone”
The Senate voted 65-19 early Friday morning to advance a bipartisan conservation bill, the Great American Outdoors ActThe Senate voted 65-19 early Friday morning to advance a bipartisan conservation bill, the Great American Outdoors Act
Arizona has seen an alarming surge of more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases dailyArizona has seen an alarming surge of more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases daily
What can we expect from today? Well, there are no public events scheduled for Donald Trump, but vice president Mike Pence will be having a morning roundtable with faith and community leaders in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He’s giving a talk later on at Oberg Industries. Joe Biden will be doing a teletown hall with the AFSCME union.What can we expect from today? Well, there are no public events scheduled for Donald Trump, but vice president Mike Pence will be having a morning roundtable with faith and community leaders in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He’s giving a talk later on at Oberg Industries. Joe Biden will be doing a teletown hall with the AFSCME union.
The White House sent out an email yesterday titled “The corporate media is now controlled by the radical left”. I don’t know whether that includes me, but you can get in touch at martin.belam@theguardian.com - I’ll be looking after our coverage for the next couple of hours.The White House sent out an email yesterday titled “The corporate media is now controlled by the radical left”. I don’t know whether that includes me, but you can get in touch at martin.belam@theguardian.com - I’ll be looking after our coverage for the next couple of hours.