This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/12/us/george-floyd-protests.html

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Minnesota Tackles Police Overhaul Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Minnesota Tackles Police Overhaul
(32 minutes later)
Shaken by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and inspired by the protests that followed, the Minnesota State Legislature will convene a special session on Friday to consider a package of bills aimed at overhauling policing and redressing policies that have led to systemic economic inequality.Shaken by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and inspired by the protests that followed, the Minnesota State Legislature will convene a special session on Friday to consider a package of bills aimed at overhauling policing and redressing policies that have led to systemic economic inequality.
The measures include a ban on the use of chokeholds, creating community alternatives to policing and restoring voting rights for paroled prisoners. Some of the bills have been stalled for years, though Democratic lawmakers vowed they would push them through this time.The measures include a ban on the use of chokeholds, creating community alternatives to policing and restoring voting rights for paroled prisoners. Some of the bills have been stalled for years, though Democratic lawmakers vowed they would push them through this time.
“Minnesota will change the way we do policing,” Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, said during a news conference on Thursday. “Minnesota will change what accountability looks like, and Minnesota will start to lift up those voices that for too long have felt they haven’t been heard.”“Minnesota will change the way we do policing,” Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, said during a news conference on Thursday. “Minnesota will change what accountability looks like, and Minnesota will start to lift up those voices that for too long have felt they haven’t been heard.”
But Minnesota lawmakers emphasized that only they could ensure the reforms are passed into law. “It’s up to us in the Legislature to make transformative change,” said Jeffrey Hayden, a black state senator whose district includes the site where Mr. Floyd died while in police custody.But Minnesota lawmakers emphasized that only they could ensure the reforms are passed into law. “It’s up to us in the Legislature to make transformative change,” said Jeffrey Hayden, a black state senator whose district includes the site where Mr. Floyd died while in police custody.
While Democrats control the State House, Republican lawmakers have a majority in the Senate, and it is unclear how many Democratic proposals they might support. On Friday, State Senator Paul Gazelka, the Republican majority leader, said that the video of Mr. Floyd’s arrest had “stirred something in my soul that I would call righteous anger.”While Democrats control the State House, Republican lawmakers have a majority in the Senate, and it is unclear how many Democratic proposals they might support. On Friday, State Senator Paul Gazelka, the Republican majority leader, said that the video of Mr. Floyd’s arrest had “stirred something in my soul that I would call righteous anger.”
There could now be bipartisan support for measures such as banning chokeholds, but Republicans are more leery of other Democratic proposals, such as restoring voter rights to felons.There could now be bipartisan support for measures such as banning chokeholds, but Republicans are more leery of other Democratic proposals, such as restoring voter rights to felons.
None of the reforms being offered go as far as defunding or dismantling police departments altogether — a key demand of some activists that is now being pursued by the Minneapolis City Council. But the package would encourage alternatives to current policing by giving money to groups that step into conflicts without calling law enforcement, or to pair up more social workers with officers on calls.None of the reforms being offered go as far as defunding or dismantling police departments altogether — a key demand of some activists that is now being pursued by the Minneapolis City Council. But the package would encourage alternatives to current policing by giving money to groups that step into conflicts without calling law enforcement, or to pair up more social workers with officers on calls.
Minnesota’s ambitious legislative proposals underscore the critical role of state legislatures in making fundamental policy changes.Minnesota’s ambitious legislative proposals underscore the critical role of state legislatures in making fundamental policy changes.
Democrats in Congress have unveiled sweeping legislation to combat police misconduct and racial discrimination. Governors and corporations like NASCAR have agreed to ban or remove Confederate symbols. Cities have moved to dismantle or cut funding for police departments.Democrats in Congress have unveiled sweeping legislation to combat police misconduct and racial discrimination. Governors and corporations like NASCAR have agreed to ban or remove Confederate symbols. Cities have moved to dismantle or cut funding for police departments.
Despite the spread of protests reaching all 50 states and Washington, D.C., state legislatures have been slower to respond, in part because many are not in session.Despite the spread of protests reaching all 50 states and Washington, D.C., state legislatures have been slower to respond, in part because many are not in session.
Lawmakers in nearly a dozen states have introduced or amended 77 bills in response to the national unrest, including 51 measures in New York, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.Lawmakers in nearly a dozen states have introduced or amended 77 bills in response to the national unrest, including 51 measures in New York, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
New York State lawmakers this week began passing an extensive package of bills targeting police misconduct, overcoming longstanding opposition from law enforcement unions. The measures, many of which have languished for years, include a ban on the use of chokeholds as well as the repeal of a decades-old statute that has allowed the police to keep disciplinary records of officers secret. On Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York signed a package of bills targeting police misconduct. The measures, some of which languished for years and faced opposition from police unions, included a ban on the use of chokeholds as well as the repeal of a decades-old statute that has allowed the police to keep disciplinary records of officers secret.
Mr. Cuomo also announced that he would also issue an executive order that would require New York’s roughly 500 local police departments and agencies to develop plans to modernize their tactics with community input, or risk becoming ineligible for state funding.
“We’re not going to fund police agencies in this state that do not look at what has been happening, come to terms with it, and reform themselves,” Mr. Cuomo said. Under the order, the police agencies must adopt their new plans by April 1.
This week, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico said the State Legislature could require body cameras for all law enforcement agencies during an upcoming special session originally scheduled for budget matters. Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio announced that he had directed a state task force to draw up new standards for how the police respond to mass protests. And Massachusetts lawmakers said they were working on legislation to ban chokeholds, enhance police oversight and obligate officers to intervene if a fellow officer is using inappropriate force.This week, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico said the State Legislature could require body cameras for all law enforcement agencies during an upcoming special session originally scheduled for budget matters. Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio announced that he had directed a state task force to draw up new standards for how the police respond to mass protests. And Massachusetts lawmakers said they were working on legislation to ban chokeholds, enhance police oversight and obligate officers to intervene if a fellow officer is using inappropriate force.
There is not a consensus on how much local governments should spend on the police or how much of a priority the police ought to have compared with schools, parks, housing and health care. But the police share of spending has grown over the past 40 years, even as cities have become far safer. And the protesters who are now calling to defund the police, all or in part, are questioning these numbers.There is not a consensus on how much local governments should spend on the police or how much of a priority the police ought to have compared with schools, parks, housing and health care. But the police share of spending has grown over the past 40 years, even as cities have become far safer. And the protesters who are now calling to defund the police, all or in part, are questioning these numbers.
Across 150 large cities, the average share of general expenditures devoted to the police has gradually increased by about 1.2 percentage points since the late 1970s, to 7.8 percent. That change is relatively modest, but it means that residents have watched city police budgets rise by millions of dollars annually.Across 150 large cities, the average share of general expenditures devoted to the police has gradually increased by about 1.2 percentage points since the late 1970s, to 7.8 percent. That change is relatively modest, but it means that residents have watched city police budgets rise by millions of dollars annually.
For comparison, this same set of cities now devotes on average about 5 percent of spending to housing, and 3 percent to parks.For comparison, this same set of cities now devotes on average about 5 percent of spending to housing, and 3 percent to parks.
The long rise in spending is partly rooted in the war on crime that began in the 1960s, and white racial fears attached to it. Federal and local officials wrestled then with how to address concentrated poverty and segregation in cities — whether to focus on welfare programs or social control.The long rise in spending is partly rooted in the war on crime that began in the 1960s, and white racial fears attached to it. Federal and local officials wrestled then with how to address concentrated poverty and segregation in cities — whether to focus on welfare programs or social control.
“Ultimately, the decision to manage these larger socioeconomic problems with law enforcement and with prisons ends up winning out,” said Elizabeth Hinton, a historian at Harvard who has written a book on that era.“Ultimately, the decision to manage these larger socioeconomic problems with law enforcement and with prisons ends up winning out,” said Elizabeth Hinton, a historian at Harvard who has written a book on that era.
That choice largely remains with American society today.That choice largely remains with American society today.
The national reckoning over police violence has spread to schools, with several districts choosing in recent days to sever their relationships with local police departments out of concern that the officers patrolling their hallways represent more of a threat than a form of protection.The national reckoning over police violence has spread to schools, with several districts choosing in recent days to sever their relationships with local police departments out of concern that the officers patrolling their hallways represent more of a threat than a form of protection.
School districts in Minneapolis, Seattle and Portland, Ore., have all promised to remove officers, with the Seattle superintendent saying the presence of armed police “prohibits many students and staff from feeling fully safe.” In Oakland, Calif., leaders expressed support on Wednesday for eliminating the district’s internal police force, while the Denver Board of Education voted unanimously on Thursday to end its police contract.School districts in Minneapolis, Seattle and Portland, Ore., have all promised to remove officers, with the Seattle superintendent saying the presence of armed police “prohibits many students and staff from feeling fully safe.” In Oakland, Calif., leaders expressed support on Wednesday for eliminating the district’s internal police force, while the Denver Board of Education voted unanimously on Thursday to end its police contract.
Some black teachers and students, in particular, say they consider officers on campus a danger, rather than a bulwark against threats like mass shootings.Some black teachers and students, in particular, say they consider officers on campus a danger, rather than a bulwark against threats like mass shootings.
There has been no shortage of episodes to back up their concerns. In Orange County, Fla., in November, a school resource officer was fired after a video showed him grasping a middle school student’s hair and yanking her head back during an arrest after students fought near school grounds. A few weeks later, an officer assigned to a school in Vance County, N.C., lost his job after he repeatedly slammed an 11-year old boy to the ground.There has been no shortage of episodes to back up their concerns. In Orange County, Fla., in November, a school resource officer was fired after a video showed him grasping a middle school student’s hair and yanking her head back during an arrest after students fought near school grounds. A few weeks later, an officer assigned to a school in Vance County, N.C., lost his job after he repeatedly slammed an 11-year old boy to the ground.
For years, activists have called on districts to rein in campus police. They cite data showing that mass shootings like those in Parkland, Fla., or Newtown, Conn., are rare, and crime on school grounds has generally declined in recent years.For years, activists have called on districts to rein in campus police. They cite data showing that mass shootings like those in Parkland, Fla., or Newtown, Conn., are rare, and crime on school grounds has generally declined in recent years.
Still, efforts to remove school resource officers face the same pushback as a broader national effort to reduce funding for police departments: resistance from the police themselves, who are often politically powerful, and concern from some parents and school officials that removing officers could leave schools and students vulnerable.Still, efforts to remove school resource officers face the same pushback as a broader national effort to reduce funding for police departments: resistance from the police themselves, who are often politically powerful, and concern from some parents and school officials that removing officers could leave schools and students vulnerable.
The Louisville Metro Council on Thursday unanimously voted to ban “no-knock” warrants, a controversial procedure that the city’s police force used during the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in March.The Louisville Metro Council on Thursday unanimously voted to ban “no-knock” warrants, a controversial procedure that the city’s police force used during the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in March.
Mayor Greg Fischer said on Twitter that he would sign the ban into law.Mayor Greg Fischer said on Twitter that he would sign the ban into law.
The measure, known as Breonna’s Law, also sets new guidelines for other types of search warrants, according to a statement from the council. It requires that police officers have their body cameras on when conducting a search.The measure, known as Breonna’s Law, also sets new guidelines for other types of search warrants, according to a statement from the council. It requires that police officers have their body cameras on when conducting a search.
“A few weeks ago, the community began to cry out for justice and change,” said Councilwoman Barbara Saxton Smith, a primary sponsor of the ordinance. “You spoke, we listened, and tonight we took action.”“A few weeks ago, the community began to cry out for justice and change,” said Councilwoman Barbara Saxton Smith, a primary sponsor of the ordinance. “You spoke, we listened, and tonight we took action.”
Ms. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was killed by the police during a late-night drug investigation after three officers used a no-knock warrant to enter her apartment without warning. Her boyfriend, who later said he thought someone was breaking into the apartment, shot an officer in the leg. The officers shot Ms. Taylor eight times; they have not been charged despite widespread protests calling for their arrests.Ms. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was killed by the police during a late-night drug investigation after three officers used a no-knock warrant to enter her apartment without warning. Her boyfriend, who later said he thought someone was breaking into the apartment, shot an officer in the leg. The officers shot Ms. Taylor eight times; they have not been charged despite widespread protests calling for their arrests.
“All she wanted to do was save lives,” Ms. Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said after the ordinance was passed. “With this law, she’ll get to continue to do that. She would be so happy.”“All she wanted to do was save lives,” Ms. Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said after the ordinance was passed. “With this law, she’ll get to continue to do that. She would be so happy.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain on Friday made a series of critical comments about large anti-discrimination protests that were prompted by the death of George Floyd, and said people “should not support” the demonstrations.Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain on Friday made a series of critical comments about large anti-discrimination protests that were prompted by the death of George Floyd, and said people “should not support” the demonstrations.
With more rallies planned in London and across the country this weekend, Mr. Johnson risked drawing outrage, as he urged Britons to “stay away from these protests.”With more rallies planned in London and across the country this weekend, Mr. Johnson risked drawing outrage, as he urged Britons to “stay away from these protests.”
“It is clear that the protests have been sadly hijacked by extremists intent on violence,” he wrote as part of a substantial Twitter thread. “The attacks on the police and indiscriminate acts of violence which we have witnessed over the last week are intolerable and they are abhorrent.”“It is clear that the protests have been sadly hijacked by extremists intent on violence,” he wrote as part of a substantial Twitter thread. “The attacks on the police and indiscriminate acts of violence which we have witnessed over the last week are intolerable and they are abhorrent.”
The demonstrations that have gripped the United States have spilled over to Britain in recent weeks, with thousands rallying on the streets of London and other cities. And the call for an end to racial discrimination has forced soul searching in Britain as the country examines its own history of abuse, colonialism and participation in the slave trade.The demonstrations that have gripped the United States have spilled over to Britain in recent weeks, with thousands rallying on the streets of London and other cities. And the call for an end to racial discrimination has forced soul searching in Britain as the country examines its own history of abuse, colonialism and participation in the slave trade.
While the mass demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, there have been pockets of violence and monuments have been vandalized.While the mass demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, there have been pockets of violence and monuments have been vandalized.
A statue of Winston Churchill was defaced on Sunday in central London, with the words “was a racist” scrawled across the monument. By Friday, the statute had been covered by a protective box to prevent further vandalism.A statue of Winston Churchill was defaced on Sunday in central London, with the words “was a racist” scrawled across the monument. By Friday, the statute had been covered by a protective box to prevent further vandalism.
On the same day, protesters in the city of Bristol tore down a statue of Edward Colston, a prominent benefactor of the city who made his money from the slave trade, and thrust the figure into the harbor.On the same day, protesters in the city of Bristol tore down a statue of Edward Colston, a prominent benefactor of the city who made his money from the slave trade, and thrust the figure into the harbor.
Mr. Johnson, who appeared to take particular ire with the defacing of the statute of Churchill, a former prime minister, posted on Twitter that he believed the tearing down statues of problematic figures would be “to lie about our history, and impoverish the education of generations to come.”Mr. Johnson, who appeared to take particular ire with the defacing of the statute of Churchill, a former prime minister, posted on Twitter that he believed the tearing down statues of problematic figures would be “to lie about our history, and impoverish the education of generations to come.”
Mr. Johnson has also come under scrutiny for his delay in addressing the growing protests in Britain and his own past use of racist language: In a 2002 column he referred to a “cheering crowds of flag-waving piccaninnies,” an offensive term for a black child, and to African people as having “watermelon smiles.”Mr. Johnson has also come under scrutiny for his delay in addressing the growing protests in Britain and his own past use of racist language: In a 2002 column he referred to a “cheering crowds of flag-waving piccaninnies,” an offensive term for a black child, and to African people as having “watermelon smiles.”
Seattle’s mayor on Thursday defended the city’s decision to allow protesters to declare an “autonomous zone” on the city’s streets, pushing back a day after President Trump threatened to send federal resources to crack down on the protesters, whom he labeled terrorists.Seattle’s mayor on Thursday defended the city’s decision to allow protesters to declare an “autonomous zone” on the city’s streets, pushing back a day after President Trump threatened to send federal resources to crack down on the protesters, whom he labeled terrorists.
The mayor, Jenny Durkan, said it was the people’s right to challenge authority and their government.The mayor, Jenny Durkan, said it was the people’s right to challenge authority and their government.
“It’s not terrorism. It’s patriotism,” she said, adding, “We do not need anyone, including the president, to try to sow further divide, further mistrust and misinformation.”“It’s not terrorism. It’s patriotism,” she said, adding, “We do not need anyone, including the president, to try to sow further divide, further mistrust and misinformation.”
Mr. Trump’s ire focused on the city’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, where protesters and police officers had repeatedly clashed next to a police station in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.Mr. Trump’s ire focused on the city’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, where protesters and police officers had repeatedly clashed next to a police station in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
Seattle officials decided this week to withdraw from the area and boarded up the police building, leaving protesters to claim the streets and declare an autonomous zone.Seattle officials decided this week to withdraw from the area and boarded up the police building, leaving protesters to claim the streets and declare an autonomous zone.
With the tacit blessing of the city, including the fire chief helping to install portable toilets, protesters have held community meetings and speeches while sharing free food and painting “black lives matter” on the street.With the tacit blessing of the city, including the fire chief helping to install portable toilets, protesters have held community meetings and speeches while sharing free food and painting “black lives matter” on the street.
Ms. Durkan said city officials have been communicating with demonstrators in the zone and will continue to find ways for them to protest peacefully, while also making sure people can get in and out of the neighborhood.Ms. Durkan said city officials have been communicating with demonstrators in the zone and will continue to find ways for them to protest peacefully, while also making sure people can get in and out of the neighborhood.
Late Wednesday and again on Thursday, Mr. Trump criticized the decision of city and state officials on Twitter. “Take back your city NOW,” Mr. Trump wrote in a tweet directed at Ms. Durkan and Gov. Jay Inslee. “If you don’t do it, I will.” He added, “Domestic Terrorists have taken over Seattle.”Late Wednesday and again on Thursday, Mr. Trump criticized the decision of city and state officials on Twitter. “Take back your city NOW,” Mr. Trump wrote in a tweet directed at Ms. Durkan and Gov. Jay Inslee. “If you don’t do it, I will.” He added, “Domestic Terrorists have taken over Seattle.”
Ms. Durkan responded with a tweet of her own: “Make us all safe. Go back to your bunker.”Ms. Durkan responded with a tweet of her own: “Make us all safe. Go back to your bunker.”
Carmen Best, the police chief, said in a video message on Thursday that the decision to leave the police station was not hers and that she was angry about how it developed. She also shared, without evidence, concerns about problems in the area, such as businesses being asked to pay money in exchange for protection.Carmen Best, the police chief, said in a video message on Thursday that the decision to leave the police station was not hers and that she was angry about how it developed. She also shared, without evidence, concerns about problems in the area, such as businesses being asked to pay money in exchange for protection.
Ms. Best said later in the day that nobody had made a formal report and that those issues were just circulating on places like social media. The Capitol Hill Business Alliance said it had been reaching out to businesses in the area and found no reports of any such problems.Ms. Best said later in the day that nobody had made a formal report and that those issues were just circulating on places like social media. The Capitol Hill Business Alliance said it had been reaching out to businesses in the area and found no reports of any such problems.
Five months from a crucial presidential election, the usual political debates, campaign events and policy fights have faded into the background for voters battered by a public health crisis, struggling through an economic recession and boiling over with fury over racial inequities.Five months from a crucial presidential election, the usual political debates, campaign events and policy fights have faded into the background for voters battered by a public health crisis, struggling through an economic recession and boiling over with fury over racial inequities.
With tens of millions unemployed, more than 110,000 killed by the coronavirus and thousands of people protesting across the country, Americans see their personal concerns and political choices through a strikingly existential lens — mourning the past, worried about the present and fearful about their future.With tens of millions unemployed, more than 110,000 killed by the coronavirus and thousands of people protesting across the country, Americans see their personal concerns and political choices through a strikingly existential lens — mourning the past, worried about the present and fearful about their future.
In interviews with more than two dozen voters in key political battleground states, Republicans, Democrats and independents expressed worries that their nation has careened off track, with problems no election could easily solve. Fiercely polarized over public health, public safety and, perhaps, truth itself, the country is united only in its collective anxiety.In interviews with more than two dozen voters in key political battleground states, Republicans, Democrats and independents expressed worries that their nation has careened off track, with problems no election could easily solve. Fiercely polarized over public health, public safety and, perhaps, truth itself, the country is united only in its collective anxiety.
President Trump has done little to soothe the country’s collective angst, offering few new policy proposals and plenty of pointed warnings that Democrats would make the country worse. He has offered an incendiary response, invoking “law and order,” promoting conspiracy theories and pushing hard for the country to reopen despite rising case numbers.President Trump has done little to soothe the country’s collective angst, offering few new policy proposals and plenty of pointed warnings that Democrats would make the country worse. He has offered an incendiary response, invoking “law and order,” promoting conspiracy theories and pushing hard for the country to reopen despite rising case numbers.
The presumptive Democratic nominee, Joseph R. Biden Jr., has spoken emotionally about those killed by the virus and about the death of George Floyd, advocated new police reforms, called for the mending of racial divisions in the country, and urged Americans to rise to the challenge of the times. But he has struggled to break through the crush of news and connect with young voters.The presumptive Democratic nominee, Joseph R. Biden Jr., has spoken emotionally about those killed by the virus and about the death of George Floyd, advocated new police reforms, called for the mending of racial divisions in the country, and urged Americans to rise to the challenge of the times. But he has struggled to break through the crush of news and connect with young voters.
Lisa Mañon, an executive assistant who backed Senator Bernie Sanders in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary election, does not believe that either Mr. Trump or Mr. Biden will force the kind of economic changes that would affect her.Lisa Mañon, an executive assistant who backed Senator Bernie Sanders in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary election, does not believe that either Mr. Trump or Mr. Biden will force the kind of economic changes that would affect her.
“Better manners are the only difference in Biden compared to Trump,” Ms. Mañon, 46, said. “I don’t see either person winning affecting me a ton.”“Better manners are the only difference in Biden compared to Trump,” Ms. Mañon, 46, said. “I don’t see either person winning affecting me a ton.”
When President Trump last month responded to protests over the death of George Floyd with a phrase attributed to a racist former police chief of Miami, it prompted an outcry and helped fuel protests.When President Trump last month responded to protests over the death of George Floyd with a phrase attributed to a racist former police chief of Miami, it prompted an outcry and helped fuel protests.
The phrase — “When the looting starts, the shooting starts” — recalled what Walter E. Headley, Miami’s former police chief, said in 1967 as he pledged a no-holds-barred response to an outbreak of violence in black neighborhoods that had left three people dead in attempted robberies.The phrase — “When the looting starts, the shooting starts” — recalled what Walter E. Headley, Miami’s former police chief, said in 1967 as he pledged a no-holds-barred response to an outbreak of violence in black neighborhoods that had left three people dead in attempted robberies.
But Mr. Trump claimed in an interview to be broadcast Friday on Fox News that he got it from another infamous police chief from that era — Frank Rizzo of Philadelphia, whose history of bad relations with African-Americans was one of the reasons a statue of him near Philadelphia’s City Hall was removed last week.But Mr. Trump claimed in an interview to be broadcast Friday on Fox News that he got it from another infamous police chief from that era — Frank Rizzo of Philadelphia, whose history of bad relations with African-Americans was one of the reasons a statue of him near Philadelphia’s City Hall was removed last week.
“He had an expression like that,” Mr. Trump said of Mr. Rizzo, who later became the city’s mayor. “But I’ve heard it may times from — I think it’s been used many times.”“He had an expression like that,” Mr. Trump said of Mr. Rizzo, who later became the city’s mayor. “But I’ve heard it may times from — I think it’s been used many times.”
Mr. Trump’s remarks came after the interviewer, Harris Faulkner, pressed him on why he had used the phrase in the first place, given its threatening tone.Mr. Trump’s remarks came after the interviewer, Harris Faulkner, pressed him on why he had used the phrase in the first place, given its threatening tone.
Saying that Mr. Trump had not been “a consoler in this instance,” she asked, “Why those words?”Saying that Mr. Trump had not been “a consoler in this instance,” she asked, “Why those words?”
Mr. Trump replied that it was “an expression I’ve heard over the years.”Mr. Trump replied that it was “an expression I’ve heard over the years.”
Shortly after the president repeated the line on Twitter two weeks ago, Twitter quickly prevented users from viewing the tweet without reading a brief notice that the post glorified violence, the first time it had applied such a warning on any public figure’s tweets.Shortly after the president repeated the line on Twitter two weeks ago, Twitter quickly prevented users from viewing the tweet without reading a brief notice that the post glorified violence, the first time it had applied such a warning on any public figure’s tweets.
On Monday’s segment of his prime time program, the Fox News host Tucker Carlson cast doubt on the reasons behind the worldwide unrest prompted by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.On Monday’s segment of his prime time program, the Fox News host Tucker Carlson cast doubt on the reasons behind the worldwide unrest prompted by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.
“This may be a lot of things, this moment we are living through,” Mr. Carlson said. “But it is definitely not about black lives, and remember that when they come for you. And at this rate, they will.”“This may be a lot of things, this moment we are living through,” Mr. Carlson said. “But it is definitely not about black lives, and remember that when they come for you. And at this rate, they will.”
Since he made those statements and others, prominent companies including The Walt Disney Company, Papa John’s, Poshmark and T-Mobile have distanced themselves from “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” joining other businesses that have backed away from the show in recent years.Since he made those statements and others, prominent companies including The Walt Disney Company, Papa John’s, Poshmark and T-Mobile have distanced themselves from “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” joining other businesses that have backed away from the show in recent years.
The flight of advertisers accelerated on Tuesday, when the watchdog group Sleeping Giants tagged T-Mobile in a Twitter post, saying that Fox News had aired what amounted to an “extremely racist segment scaremongering about the Black community.”The flight of advertisers accelerated on Tuesday, when the watchdog group Sleeping Giants tagged T-Mobile in a Twitter post, saying that Fox News had aired what amounted to an “extremely racist segment scaremongering about the Black community.”
The telecommunications giant responded on Twitter, saying that its ads had not run on the show since early May and would not run in the future. Mike Sievert, T-Mobile’s chief executive, added a post of his own: “Bye-bye, Tucker Carlson!”The telecommunications giant responded on Twitter, saying that its ads had not run on the show since early May and would not run in the future. Mike Sievert, T-Mobile’s chief executive, added a post of his own: “Bye-bye, Tucker Carlson!”
Companies are trying to be especially sensitive amid the nationwide reckoning over race. Many, including Disney, T-Mobile, Poshmark and Papa John’s, have posted messages on social media in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Others have been advertising less in recent weeks.Companies are trying to be especially sensitive amid the nationwide reckoning over race. Many, including Disney, T-Mobile, Poshmark and Papa John’s, have posted messages on social media in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Others have been advertising less in recent weeks.
Fox News said the advertiser departures had not caused the network to suffer a financial hit overall, noting that the commercials that would have run nationwide on “Tucker Carlson Tonight” had moved to other programs on the network.Fox News said the advertiser departures had not caused the network to suffer a financial hit overall, noting that the commercials that would have run nationwide on “Tucker Carlson Tonight” had moved to other programs on the network.
On Thursday night, a hashtag campaign — #IStandWithTucker — sprang up on Twitter, with his fans appending it to messages of support for the host. As the phrase made the list of the platform’s trending topics, Mr. Carlson’s detractors tweeted insults at the host and the network that employs him while making use of the same hashtag.On Thursday night, a hashtag campaign — #IStandWithTucker — sprang up on Twitter, with his fans appending it to messages of support for the host. As the phrase made the list of the platform’s trending topics, Mr. Carlson’s detractors tweeted insults at the host and the network that employs him while making use of the same hashtag.
Mr. Carlson, who recently sold his stake in the conservative site The Daily Caller, has lost major advertisers in the past few years. Dozens of companies, including Pacific Life, Farmers Insurance and IHOP, have distanced themselves following his on-air comments about white supremacy, immigrants and women.Mr. Carlson, who recently sold his stake in the conservative site The Daily Caller, has lost major advertisers in the past few years. Dozens of companies, including Pacific Life, Farmers Insurance and IHOP, have distanced themselves following his on-air comments about white supremacy, immigrants and women.
But his show remains a linchpin of the Fox News lineup, drawing 4.8 million viewers last week.But his show remains a linchpin of the Fox News lineup, drawing 4.8 million viewers last week.
Confederate statues and those of other historical figures, including slave traders and Christopher Columbus, are being toppled after weeks of protests over entrenched racism in the United States.Confederate statues and those of other historical figures, including slave traders and Christopher Columbus, are being toppled after weeks of protests over entrenched racism in the United States.
To discuss the issue, we spoke with the art historian Erin L. Thompson, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, who has spent her career thinking about what it means when people deliberately destroy icons of cultural heritage. Here is an excerpt from the larger conversation:To discuss the issue, we spoke with the art historian Erin L. Thompson, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, who has spent her career thinking about what it means when people deliberately destroy icons of cultural heritage. Here is an excerpt from the larger conversation:
What are the some of the issues that arise when we talk about statues being torn down?What are the some of the issues that arise when we talk about statues being torn down?
I know that destruction is the norm and preservation is the rare exception. We have as humans been making monuments to glorify people and ideas since we started making art, and since we started making statues, other people have started tearing them down.I know that destruction is the norm and preservation is the rare exception. We have as humans been making monuments to glorify people and ideas since we started making art, and since we started making statues, other people have started tearing them down.
What do the attacks on statues in recent weeks tell us about the protests themselves?What do the attacks on statues in recent weeks tell us about the protests themselves?
The current attacks on statues are a sign that what’s in question is not just our future but our past, I think, as a nation, as a society, as a world. These attacks show how deeply white supremacy is rooted in our national structure — that we need to question everything about the way we understand the world, even the past, in order to get to a better future.The current attacks on statues are a sign that what’s in question is not just our future but our past, I think, as a nation, as a society, as a world. These attacks show how deeply white supremacy is rooted in our national structure — that we need to question everything about the way we understand the world, even the past, in order to get to a better future.
What do you make of the comparisons between what protesters in the U.S. are doing and, say, what the Islamic State did in destroying monuments in Palmyra?What do you make of the comparisons between what protesters in the U.S. are doing and, say, what the Islamic State did in destroying monuments in Palmyra?
I don’t think we can say that destruction is always warranted or that destruction is never warranted. We have to think about who is doing the destruction for what purposes. ISIS was destroying monuments of a tolerant past in order to achieve a future of violence and hate. These protesters are attacking symbols of a hateful past as part of fighting for a peaceful future. So I think they’re exactly opposite actions.I don’t think we can say that destruction is always warranted or that destruction is never warranted. We have to think about who is doing the destruction for what purposes. ISIS was destroying monuments of a tolerant past in order to achieve a future of violence and hate. These protesters are attacking symbols of a hateful past as part of fighting for a peaceful future. So I think they’re exactly opposite actions.
Reporting was contributed by Emily Badger, Mike Baker, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Quoctrung Bui, Dana Goldstein, Alisha Haridasani Gupta, Maggie Haberman, Jack Healy, Tiffany Hsu, Dan Levin and Megan Specia.Reporting was contributed by Emily Badger, Mike Baker, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Quoctrung Bui, Dana Goldstein, Alisha Haridasani Gupta, Maggie Haberman, Jack Healy, Tiffany Hsu, Dan Levin and Megan Specia.