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Black Lives Matter protests: push for justice and police reform continues - live updates Black Lives Matter protests: push for justice and police reform continues - live updates
(32 minutes later)
Activists continue to push for police reform as Rayshard Brooks family call for officers to face murder chargeActivists continue to push for police reform as Rayshard Brooks family call for officers to face murder charge
Trump blamed police brutality on a small number of police officers, even though criminal justice activists have argued police brutality is a reflection of systemic racism.
“They’re very tiny,” Trump said of the officers responsible for police brutality. “I use the word tiny. It’s a very small percentage. But nobody wants to get rid of them more than the really good and great police officers.”
The president also insisted the country wants “law and order,” a phrase he has frequently invoked on Twitter since the start of the George Floyd protests.
“Americans want law and order. They demand law and order,” Trump said. “Some of them may not even know that is what they want.”
Elaborating on the details of his police reform executive order, Trump said the department of justice would prioritize federal grants to police departments that pursue high standards on the use of force.
The president added that the order would ban police chokeholds, except for instances where an officer’s life is at risk.
Trump also pledged more resources for “co-responders,” such as social workers, who can help officers respond to calls related to homelessnness, mental health issues and substance abuse.
Trump said his police reform executive order would be focused on ensuring “the highest professional standards to serve their communities.”
The president criticized the defund the police movement, lashing out against those who have called for reenvisioning the country’s public safety systems.
“Without police, there is chaos. Without law, there is anarchy,” Trump said. “Law and order must be further restored nationwide.”
Trump has taken the podium in the Rose Garden, and he said he had just privately met with several families who lost loved ones to police brutality.
“All Americans mourn by your side,” Trump said to the families, who were not present for the Rose Garden event. “Your loved ones will not have died in vain.”
The president applauded the work of attorney general William Barr, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and Republican senator Tim Scott, who is working to craft a police reform bill.
“We are going to pursue what we said,” Trump said vaguely. “We will be pursuing it, and we will be pursuing it strongly, Tim, right? Okay.”
Reporters and guests have gathered in the Rose Garden for Trump’s event, where the president is expected to sign an executive order on police reform.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and Republican congressman Louie Gohmert and Jim Jordan were spotted among the guests of the event.
There was no microphone set up, suggesting the president did not intend to take questions after signing the executive order.
Trump similarly declined to take questions at two recent Rose Garden events, even as reporters shouted questions at the president about the George Floyd protests.
The House will vote on a bill to make Washington, DC, a state next Friday, weeks after the federal government’s response to protests in the capital city sparked criticism.The House will vote on a bill to make Washington, DC, a state next Friday, weeks after the federal government’s response to protests in the capital city sparked criticism.
House majority leader Steny Hoyer said the chamber would vote on the statehood bill, HR 51, on June 26, marking the first time since 1993 that the House has held a vote on the issue.House majority leader Steny Hoyer said the chamber would vote on the statehood bill, HR 51, on June 26, marking the first time since 1993 that the House has held a vote on the issue.
With 220 co-sponsors, the bill is expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House. This would be the first time either chamber has passed the statehood bill.With 220 co-sponsors, the bill is expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House. This would be the first time either chamber has passed the statehood bill.
“This will be an historic vote,” House speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “This deprivation of statehood is unjust, unequal, undemocratic and unacceptable.”“This will be an historic vote,” House speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “This deprivation of statehood is unjust, unequal, undemocratic and unacceptable.”
But the bill will be dead on arrival in the Senate, considering majority leader Mitch McConnell is an ardent opponent of statehood. Trump has also said statehood will “never happen,” expressing concern about the overwhelmingly Democratic city getting two senators.But the bill will be dead on arrival in the Senate, considering majority leader Mitch McConnell is an ardent opponent of statehood. Trump has also said statehood will “never happen,” expressing concern about the overwhelmingly Democratic city getting two senators.
The vote comes weeks after federal authorities’ handling of the George Floyd protests in DC, combined with Trump’s efforts to take over the city’s response to the demonstrations, reenergized the statehood debate.The vote comes weeks after federal authorities’ handling of the George Floyd protests in DC, combined with Trump’s efforts to take over the city’s response to the demonstrations, reenergized the statehood debate.
Senate majority whip John Thune also said the Senate could vote on a police reform bill as soon as next week.Senate majority whip John Thune also said the Senate could vote on a police reform bill as soon as next week.
“I think the leader is going to try and move it as soon as it’s ready to move, as quickly as possible,” the Republican senator told reporters. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he would do that at some point again, potentially, next week.”“I think the leader is going to try and move it as soon as it’s ready to move, as quickly as possible,” the Republican senator told reporters. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he would do that at some point again, potentially, next week.”
Senator Tim Scott, who is leading a group of several senators working to craft the legislation, said yesterday he thought it would be a mistake to delay voting on the bill, which is expected to be unveiled tomorrow.Senator Tim Scott, who is leading a group of several senators working to craft the legislation, said yesterday he thought it would be a mistake to delay voting on the bill, which is expected to be unveiled tomorrow.
“If the House is voting next week — I think it is — I think us waiting a month before we vote is a bad decision,” Scott said.“If the House is voting next week — I think it is — I think us waiting a month before we vote is a bad decision,” Scott said.
House Democrats intend to vote on their sweeping police reform bill next week, and it already has enough co-sponsors to pass the chamber.House Democrats intend to vote on their sweeping police reform bill next week, and it already has enough co-sponsors to pass the chamber.
Senate majority whip John Thune said it is “perhaps time” to rename the military bases named after Confederate generals.Senate majority whip John Thune said it is “perhaps time” to rename the military bases named after Confederate generals.
The South Dakota Republican said it would likely be difficult to remove senator Elizabeth Warren’s amendment from the annual defense authorization bill. Warren’s amendment lays out a plan to rename the bases wthin three years.The South Dakota Republican said it would likely be difficult to remove senator Elizabeth Warren’s amendment from the annual defense authorization bill. Warren’s amendment lays out a plan to rename the bases wthin three years.
“It’ll probably take 60 votes to get out,” Thune told reporters on Capitol Hill. “This is a debate whose time has probably come. I think we’ll listen to where people in the country are.”“It’ll probably take 60 votes to get out,” Thune told reporters on Capitol Hill. “This is a debate whose time has probably come. I think we’ll listen to where people in the country are.”
Thune acknowledged Senate Republicans did not want to risk a veto from Trump, who is staunchly opposed to renaming the bases. But he added, “We have to proceed here, and right now we’ve got a provision in the bill that, at least for right now, looks like that’s going to be maybe the new position.”Thune acknowledged Senate Republicans did not want to risk a veto from Trump, who is staunchly opposed to renaming the bases. But he added, “We have to proceed here, and right now we’ve got a provision in the bill that, at least for right now, looks like that’s going to be maybe the new position.”
Two justice department officials have been subpoenaed to testify in a House hearing next week on the politicization of the department.Two justice department officials have been subpoenaed to testify in a House hearing next week on the politicization of the department.
The Democratic chairman of the House judiciary committee, Jerry Nadler, said John W Elias and Aaron SJ Zelinsky had been subpoenaed and were expected to appear at the June 24 hearing on “the unprecedented politicization of the Department under President Trump and Attorney General William Barr.”The Democratic chairman of the House judiciary committee, Jerry Nadler, said John W Elias and Aaron SJ Zelinsky had been subpoenaed and were expected to appear at the June 24 hearing on “the unprecedented politicization of the Department under President Trump and Attorney General William Barr.”
Zelinsky was previously a member of special counsel Robert Mueller’s team, and he was one of the prosecutors who quit the Roger Stone case after Barr and other senior leaders intervened to request leniency for the former Trump associate.Zelinsky was previously a member of special counsel Robert Mueller’s team, and he was one of the prosecutors who quit the Roger Stone case after Barr and other senior leaders intervened to request leniency for the former Trump associate.
“Again and again, Attorney General Barr has demonstrated that he will cater to President Trump’s private political interests, at the expense of the American people and the rule of law,” Nadler said in a statement.“Again and again, Attorney General Barr has demonstrated that he will cater to President Trump’s private political interests, at the expense of the American people and the rule of law,” Nadler said in a statement.
The hearing comes less than a month after peaceful protesters were forcibly removed from near the White House, a highly controversial decision that Barr was reportedly directly involved in.The hearing comes less than a month after peaceful protesters were forcibly removed from near the White House, a highly controversial decision that Barr was reportedly directly involved in.
Here’s some unsurprising but still demoralizing news: Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in half a century amid the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over police brutality, according to a new study.Here’s some unsurprising but still demoralizing news: Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in half a century amid the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over police brutality, according to a new study.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
Most of the survey’s interviews were completed before the police killing of George Floyd last month, which sparked the most recent protests against police brutality.Most of the survey’s interviews were completed before the police killing of George Floyd last month, which sparked the most recent protests against police brutality.
However, early evidence suggests Floyd’s death, along with the video capturing a white police officer kneeling on his neck in his final moments, have taken a toll on African Americans’ mental health.However, early evidence suggests Floyd’s death, along with the video capturing a white police officer kneeling on his neck in his final moments, have taken a toll on African Americans’ mental health.
Census data indicates rates of anxiety and depression surged among African Americans in the week after the video was made public, even as those numbers remained relatively flat among white Americans.Census data indicates rates of anxiety and depression surged among African Americans in the week after the video was made public, even as those numbers remained relatively flat among white Americans.
The vice president is headed to Iowa today, marking his second trip to the Midwestern state in the past six weeks amid signs that Joe Biden may be gaining support there.The vice president is headed to Iowa today, marking his second trip to the Midwestern state in the past six weeks amid signs that Joe Biden may be gaining support there.
Mike Pence will meet with the state’s Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, and tour Winnebago Industries, which produces recreational vehicles, to highlight the reopening of the country.Mike Pence will meet with the state’s Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, and tour Winnebago Industries, which produces recreational vehicles, to highlight the reopening of the country.
Pence’s trip comes one day after the Des Moines Register released a poll showing Trump leading Biden by just 1 point in Iowa, which the president carried by 9.4 points in 2016.Pence’s trip comes one day after the Des Moines Register released a poll showing Trump leading Biden by just 1 point in Iowa, which the president carried by 9.4 points in 2016.
However, Barack Obama carried the state twice, giving some Democrats hope that Biden could win it back in November. If he can, it would have major implications for the Senate map, as Republican senator Joni Ernst is up for reelection in Iowa this year.However, Barack Obama carried the state twice, giving some Democrats hope that Biden could win it back in November. If he can, it would have major implications for the Senate map, as Republican senator Joni Ernst is up for reelection in Iowa this year.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was on the Today show this morning, discussing the police killing of Rayshard Brooks and the policing reforms she has already implemented in response to his death.Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was on the Today show this morning, discussing the police killing of Rayshard Brooks and the policing reforms she has already implemented in response to his death.
Bottoms said the killing of Brooks, a black man who was fatally shot by a white police officer, is “so personal to so many people of color in this country.”Bottoms said the killing of Brooks, a black man who was fatally shot by a white police officer, is “so personal to so many people of color in this country.”
“When I watch the video and the interaction with Rayshard Brooks in that drive-through, that could have been any one of us,” Bottoms said. “It breaks my heart. This interaction with these police officers was almost a pleasant interaction, and it did not have to end this way.”“When I watch the video and the interaction with Rayshard Brooks in that drive-through, that could have been any one of us,” Bottoms said. “It breaks my heart. This interaction with these police officers was almost a pleasant interaction, and it did not have to end this way.”
Bottoms announced yesterday she would sign a series of administrative orders aimed at reforming the city’s police department. The orders specifically called for examining use of force policies and requiring de-escalation in police encounters.Bottoms announced yesterday she would sign a series of administrative orders aimed at reforming the city’s police department. The orders specifically called for examining use of force policies and requiring de-escalation in police encounters.
The Democratic mayor initially said after the police killing of George Floyd last month that a task force would offer recommendations on police reforms in the coming weeks, but Bottoms then came out with her own orders, stressing the urgency of the situation.The Democratic mayor initially said after the police killing of George Floyd last month that a task force would offer recommendations on police reforms in the coming weeks, but Bottoms then came out with her own orders, stressing the urgency of the situation.
“We can’t wait,” Bottoms said in her interview this morning. “We don’t have another hour to wait in Atlanta, and there will likely be even more announcements and more administrative orders from my administration for us to very quickly begin to address and in so many ways undo the training that our officers have received over several years.”“We can’t wait,” Bottoms said in her interview this morning. “We don’t have another hour to wait in Atlanta, and there will likely be even more announcements and more administrative orders from my administration for us to very quickly begin to address and in so many ways undo the training that our officers have received over several years.”
Like today, 1968 saw racial tensions boil over in more than 100 cities; like today, the country was riven by such partisan divisions it seemed to be ripping apart at the seams.Like today, 1968 saw racial tensions boil over in more than 100 cities; like today, the country was riven by such partisan divisions it seemed to be ripping apart at the seams.
In the past few days another aspect of the parallels between 1968 and 2020 has exploded on to the nation’s consciousness: the warped character and dark scheming of their respective Republican leaders – Richard Nixon and Donald Trump.In the past few days another aspect of the parallels between 1968 and 2020 has exploded on to the nation’s consciousness: the warped character and dark scheming of their respective Republican leaders – Richard Nixon and Donald Trump.
Not only has Trump taken to wielding the “law and order” baton on Twitter with abandon, but he has gone where Nixon never dared to tread – spouting direct threats of violence and using openly racist language.Not only has Trump taken to wielding the “law and order” baton on Twitter with abandon, but he has gone where Nixon never dared to tread – spouting direct threats of violence and using openly racist language.
Trump’s intentions in all this are clear – to try to repeat the Nixon playbook and turn white voters’ deep-rooted racial anxieties to his advantage in November. The billion-dollar question is: will it work?Trump’s intentions in all this are clear – to try to repeat the Nixon playbook and turn white voters’ deep-rooted racial anxieties to his advantage in November. The billion-dollar question is: will it work?
Eduardo Porter is a social analyst who fears that it might. In his new book, American Poison, he argues that racial hostilities have so distorted the social contract in America it has turned the country into a failed state.Eduardo Porter is a social analyst who fears that it might. In his new book, American Poison, he argues that racial hostilities have so distorted the social contract in America it has turned the country into a failed state.
“It’s all about sharing the bounty of citizenship,” Porter told the Guardian. “White Americans have a real difficulty with doing that.”“It’s all about sharing the bounty of citizenship,” Porter told the Guardian. “White Americans have a real difficulty with doing that.”
He sees the current moment as a tribal inflection point that could trigger white fears, much as it did in 1968.He sees the current moment as a tribal inflection point that could trigger white fears, much as it did in 1968.
The University of Virginia has announced it is changing the logos it uses for its athletics teams, just two months after they were unveiled. They had been criticised for a design element that referred to the school’s history with slavery.The University of Virginia has announced it is changing the logos it uses for its athletics teams, just two months after they were unveiled. They had been criticised for a design element that referred to the school’s history with slavery.
Objections were raised to the serpentine curves put on the handles of the sabres that were meant to mimic “the design of the serpentine walls” that long stood on the campus.Objections were raised to the serpentine curves put on the handles of the sabres that were meant to mimic “the design of the serpentine walls” that long stood on the campus.
Athletic Director Carla Williams said she decided to change the logos after she was “made aware of the negative connotation between the serpentine walls and slavery.”Athletic Director Carla Williams said she decided to change the logos after she was “made aware of the negative connotation between the serpentine walls and slavery.”
Historians pointed out that former President Thomas Jefferson designed the original eight-foot-high walls to muffle the sounds of slaves and hide them from public view.Historians pointed out that former President Thomas Jefferson designed the original eight-foot-high walls to muffle the sounds of slaves and hide them from public view.
“There was no intent to cause harm, but we did, and for that I apologise to those who bear the pain of slavery in our history,” Williams said.“There was no intent to cause harm, but we did, and for that I apologise to those who bear the pain of slavery in our history,” Williams said.
The school has redesigned the detail in the logos to remove the curved handle. Fans who purchased clothes with the logos between 24 April and 14 June who are interested in exchanging them for the newly altered ones are being asked to email the athletics department.The school has redesigned the detail in the logos to remove the curved handle. Fans who purchased clothes with the logos between 24 April and 14 June who are interested in exchanging them for the newly altered ones are being asked to email the athletics department.
Donald Trump is up and tweeting about a record increase in retail sales.Donald Trump is up and tweeting about a record increase in retail sales.
My colleague Jasper Jolly has looked at the figures for us on our live business blog.My colleague Jasper Jolly has looked at the figures for us on our live business blog.
Incidentally, The Hill’s Jonathan Easley is reporting that Donald Trump Jr. will interview his father Donald Trump on Team Trump’s online show “Triggered” this week - it will air Thursday night. Possibly not going to be the most hard-hitting interview of Trump’s re-election campaign.Incidentally, The Hill’s Jonathan Easley is reporting that Donald Trump Jr. will interview his father Donald Trump on Team Trump’s online show “Triggered” this week - it will air Thursday night. Possibly not going to be the most hard-hitting interview of Trump’s re-election campaign.
Elizabeth Warren has just endorsed Jamaal Bowman for the 16th Congressional District of New York.Elizabeth Warren has just endorsed Jamaal Bowman for the 16th Congressional District of New York.
Bowman is challenging longtime New York Rep. Eliot Engel in the New York primary elections on 23 June.Bowman is challenging longtime New York Rep. Eliot Engel in the New York primary elections on 23 June.
CNN had a copy of the endorsement in advance, reporting Warren’s statement as: “[Bowman] is exactly the kind of person we need in Congress fighting for big, structural change. Whether it’s fighting for high-quality public schools, affordable housing, or rooting out systemic racism, Jamaal Bowman will be a champion for working people in Washington.”CNN had a copy of the endorsement in advance, reporting Warren’s statement as: “[Bowman] is exactly the kind of person we need in Congress fighting for big, structural change. Whether it’s fighting for high-quality public schools, affordable housing, or rooting out systemic racism, Jamaal Bowman will be a champion for working people in Washington.”
Bowman promises “big, structural change” rather than “nibbling around the edges.”Bowman promises “big, structural change” rather than “nibbling around the edges.”
Hillary Clinton yesterday endorsed the incumbent Engel, who has been a congressman since 1989.Hillary Clinton yesterday endorsed the incumbent Engel, who has been a congressman since 1989.
Gerald Bostock was one of the lead plaintiffs in the case that the Supreme Court adjudicated yesterday, leading to the ruling that the 1964 civil rights law bars employers from discriminating against workers based on sexual orientation or transgender status.Gerald Bostock was one of the lead plaintiffs in the case that the Supreme Court adjudicated yesterday, leading to the ruling that the 1964 civil rights law bars employers from discriminating against workers based on sexual orientation or transgender status.
Bostock, an award-winning child social services coordinator, was fired from his job in Georgia after his boss discovered he had joined a gay softball league.Bostock, an award-winning child social services coordinator, was fired from his job in Georgia after his boss discovered he had joined a gay softball league.
He was on television this morning, talking about the case and the struggle to get equality. You can watch a clip here:He was on television this morning, talking about the case and the struggle to get equality. You can watch a clip here:
The killing of George Floyd has seen protests all around the world, including in the UK. Today photographer Henry J Kamara has published a picture essay for us looking at what it was like to experience the protests in London.The killing of George Floyd has seen protests all around the world, including in the UK. Today photographer Henry J Kamara has published a picture essay for us looking at what it was like to experience the protests in London.
The protest movement has started a national debate in the UK about statues and memorials, which led to ugly clashes at the weekend as far-right activists sought to defend monuments which they claimed were being targetted.The protest movement has started a national debate in the UK about statues and memorials, which led to ugly clashes at the weekend as far-right activists sought to defend monuments which they claimed were being targetted.
One such monument was in Mowbray Park in Sunderland, in the north-east of England. The statue is of General Havelock - a major figure in crushing rebellion in India in 1857 when it was under British rule. That statue appears to have been vandalised overnight with the words “racist” and “parasite” daubed on to it.One such monument was in Mowbray Park in Sunderland, in the north-east of England. The statue is of General Havelock - a major figure in crushing rebellion in India in 1857 when it was under British rule. That statue appears to have been vandalised overnight with the words “racist” and “parasite” daubed on to it.
Less successfully, and to some considerable ridicule on social media, a group of men has also been somewhat inexplicably defending the Nuneaton statue of 19th century novelist Mary Ann Evans - she is ofter better known by her pen name George Eliot.Less successfully, and to some considerable ridicule on social media, a group of men has also been somewhat inexplicably defending the Nuneaton statue of 19th century novelist Mary Ann Evans - she is ofter better known by her pen name George Eliot.