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Rayshard Brooks funeral set for Atlanta, as Kentucky and New York vote - live updates Trump to sign executive order to punish people who destroy or deface monuments – live
(32 minutes later)
Rayshard Brooks funeral will take place in Atlanta, as primaries are held in New York and Kentucky President threatens ‘up to 10 years in prison’ for monument vandalism and says he wasn’t kidding about slowing testing
A Reuters reporter noted Trump’s expected executive order on monuments would likely be meaningless because it is already a federal crime to deface federal property:
Trump said he would sign an executive order “very soon” on punishing those who attempt to deface or destroy monuments.
As he left the White House to travel to Arizona, the president told reporters that his administration is “looking at long-term jail sentences” for “anarchists.”
Trump also thanked law enforcement for helping to save a “great monument” last night, referring to the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square near the White House.
Protesters defaced the statue of the seventh president and attempted to topple it, but it is still on its pedestal as of this morning.
Trump similarly tweeted this morning that he has “authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act.”
A number of states have taken down statues of controversial figures, particularly Confederate leaders, since the start of the George Floyd protests. Some of the statues, such as that of Confederate general Albert Pike in Washington, have also been torn down by protesters.
Trump said he was serious on Saturday when he claimed he had asked his administration to slow down coronavirus testing.Trump said he was serious on Saturday when he claimed he had asked his administration to slow down coronavirus testing.
As he was leaving the White House to travel to Arizona, the president was asked by a CBS News reporter whether he was kidding when he made the claim at his Tulsa rally.As he was leaving the White House to travel to Arizona, the president was asked by a CBS News reporter whether he was kidding when he made the claim at his Tulsa rally.
“I don’t kid,” Trump replied.“I don’t kid,” Trump replied.
Several senior administration officials, including press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, have tried to dismiss the comment as a joke.Several senior administration officials, including press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, have tried to dismiss the comment as a joke.
However, Trump has continued to complain about how increased testing reveals more cases of coronavirus, and he deflected another reporter’s question about testing yesterday, saying, “We’ve done too good a job.”However, Trump has continued to complain about how increased testing reveals more cases of coronavirus, and he deflected another reporter’s question about testing yesterday, saying, “We’ve done too good a job.”
Of course, public health experts have said states reopening and Americans relaxing their social distancing practices are much more to blame for the country’s high number of cases.Of course, public health experts have said states reopening and Americans relaxing their social distancing practices are much more to blame for the country’s high number of cases.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
The Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed the University of Michigan has dropped out of hosting the second presidential debate.The Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed the University of Michigan has dropped out of hosting the second presidential debate.
Instead, the October 15 debate between Trump and Joe Biden will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida.Instead, the October 15 debate between Trump and Joe Biden will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida.
In its statement announcing the change, the commission simply said, “the University has concluded that it is not feasible to host the presidential debate as planned.”In its statement announcing the change, the commission simply said, “the University has concluded that it is not feasible to host the presidential debate as planned.”
However, news reports yesterday indicated the university was worried about hosting a major event in the middle of a pandemic, making the debate the latest event to be affected by coronavirus.However, news reports yesterday indicated the university was worried about hosting a major event in the middle of a pandemic, making the debate the latest event to be affected by coronavirus.
Biden’s campaign said in a letter yesterday that the Democratic candidate would participate in the three already-planned debates, but it did not commit to the expanded debate schedule that the Trump campaign has been pushing for.Biden’s campaign said in a letter yesterday that the Democratic candidate would participate in the three already-planned debates, but it did not commit to the expanded debate schedule that the Trump campaign has been pushing for.
The polls have opened in Kentucky, and some of the first pictures of early morning voters have begun to come through.The polls have opened in Kentucky, and some of the first pictures of early morning voters have begun to come through.
The Louisville Courier Journal is reporting that it is “so far, so good” in terms of the mechanics of the vote.The Louisville Courier Journal is reporting that it is “so far, so good” in terms of the mechanics of the vote.
The paper says that the lines at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, which is acting as Jefferson County’s only polling location, are spaced with 6 feet between people in an effort to practice social distancing, and that most voters appear to have brought face masks with them. The voting booths are being sanitized by a cleaning crew after each use.The paper says that the lines at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, which is acting as Jefferson County’s only polling location, are spaced with 6 feet between people in an effort to practice social distancing, and that most voters appear to have brought face masks with them. The voting booths are being sanitized by a cleaning crew after each use.
There were some lines before voting opened - but the paper’s live coverage quotes one voter as saying that at around 8am in Louisville, the whole process had been “a breeze”.There were some lines before voting opened - but the paper’s live coverage quotes one voter as saying that at around 8am in Louisville, the whole process had been “a breeze”.
While Trump/Biden is a done deal for November, there’s a competitive race between Amy McGrath, Charles Booker and Mike Broihier for the Democratic nomination for the Senate, and the November chance to unseat Mitch McConnell.While Trump/Biden is a done deal for November, there’s a competitive race between Amy McGrath, Charles Booker and Mike Broihier for the Democratic nomination for the Senate, and the November chance to unseat Mitch McConnell.
USA Today have published a thought-provoking set of interviews ahead of what would have been Tamir Rice’s 18th birthday on 25 June. Rice was just 12 when he was killed. They’ve pulled together 31 interviews with 18-year-old black men from across the US, to hear their thoughts on growing up in “Tamir Rice’s America”USA Today have published a thought-provoking set of interviews ahead of what would have been Tamir Rice’s 18th birthday on 25 June. Rice was just 12 when he was killed. They’ve pulled together 31 interviews with 18-year-old black men from across the US, to hear their thoughts on growing up in “Tamir Rice’s America”
You can read it here: USA Today - These black teens are turning 18 in Tamir Rice’s AmericaYou can read it here: USA Today - These black teens are turning 18 in Tamir Rice’s America
Arwa Mahdawi’s latest column for us has arrived - she’s looking at why Trump believes playing the victim will help him win in November.Arwa Mahdawi’s latest column for us has arrived - she’s looking at why Trump believes playing the victim will help him win in November.
Read it here: Arwa Mahdawi - Presidential harassment! Why Trump believes playing the victim will help him winRead it here: Arwa Mahdawi - Presidential harassment! Why Trump believes playing the victim will help him win
Donald Trump will be in Arizona today, and his visit is not entirely welcomed by the state’s official. Arizona will be a key battleground in November, but it is also a coronavirus hotspot - it has reported over 11,000 new Covid-19 cases in the last four days alone.Donald Trump will be in Arizona today, and his visit is not entirely welcomed by the state’s official. Arizona will be a key battleground in November, but it is also a coronavirus hotspot - it has reported over 11,000 new Covid-19 cases in the last four days alone.
The Democratic mayor of Phoenix, Kate Gallego, has said that she does not believe that Trump’s planned speech can be safely held in the city. She urged him to wear a face mask - as she does on her own official Twitter avatar - saying “Everyone attending tomorrow’s event, particularly any elected official, should set an example to residents by wearing a mask. This includes the President.”The Democratic mayor of Phoenix, Kate Gallego, has said that she does not believe that Trump’s planned speech can be safely held in the city. She urged him to wear a face mask - as she does on her own official Twitter avatar - saying “Everyone attending tomorrow’s event, particularly any elected official, should set an example to residents by wearing a mask. This includes the President.”
It’s unlikely - Trump has yet to show any willingness to wear a mask in public. He’ll be addressing a group of young Republicans at a Phoenix megachurch, where event organizers have pledged thousands will attend. After Tulsa’s empty seats, the world be watching to see if they can be taken at their word.It’s unlikely - Trump has yet to show any willingness to wear a mask in public. He’ll be addressing a group of young Republicans at a Phoenix megachurch, where event organizers have pledged thousands will attend. After Tulsa’s empty seats, the world be watching to see if they can be taken at their word.
Before the rally, the president will travel to Yuma to mark the construction of more than 200 miles (322 km) of wall along the US-Mexico border. His administration has promised to build 450 miles by the end of the year, a target they seem unlikely to meet. It is Trump’s first visit to the border in more than a year, and comes a day after he ordered an extended a ban on employment-based visas throughout 2020.Before the rally, the president will travel to Yuma to mark the construction of more than 200 miles (322 km) of wall along the US-Mexico border. His administration has promised to build 450 miles by the end of the year, a target they seem unlikely to meet. It is Trump’s first visit to the border in more than a year, and comes a day after he ordered an extended a ban on employment-based visas throughout 2020.
Rayshard Brooks, who was fatally shot by a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia on 12 June, will be remembered later today in a funeral service in a church where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.Rayshard Brooks, who was fatally shot by a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia on 12 June, will be remembered later today in a funeral service in a church where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.
The private funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church will see Rev. Raphael Warnock, senior pastor at the church and a Democratic candidate for Senate, deliver the eulogy.The private funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church will see Rev. Raphael Warnock, senior pastor at the church and a Democratic candidate for Senate, deliver the eulogy.
A short excerpt was released in advance, and he is expected to say: “Rayshard Brooks wasn’t just running from the police. He was running from a system that makes slaves out of people. A system that doesn’t give ordinary people who’ve made mistakes a second chance, a real shot at redemption.”A short excerpt was released in advance, and he is expected to say: “Rayshard Brooks wasn’t just running from the police. He was running from a system that makes slaves out of people. A system that doesn’t give ordinary people who’ve made mistakes a second chance, a real shot at redemption.”
“Ebenezer is a parish for all people, a sanctuary for those who suffer,” Warnock said in a statement when the funeral plans were first announced.“Ebenezer is a parish for all people, a sanctuary for those who suffer,” Warnock said in a statement when the funeral plans were first announced.
“Rayshard was not a member of our church but he, and his loved ones, are a part of our family. We seek to embrace them, comfort them and walk beside them in the days ahead.”“Rayshard was not a member of our church but he, and his loved ones, are a part of our family. We seek to embrace them, comfort them and walk beside them in the days ahead.”
King’s daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, also plans to deliver remarks at Brooks’ funeral, along with a friend of his and his mother-in-law, according to a draft programme released by the church.Brooks was fatally shot in the back by officer Garrett Rolfe. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced 11 charges against him, including felony murder, and Rolfe is being held without bond.King’s daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, also plans to deliver remarks at Brooks’ funeral, along with a friend of his and his mother-in-law, according to a draft programme released by the church.Brooks was fatally shot in the back by officer Garrett Rolfe. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced 11 charges against him, including felony murder, and Rolfe is being held without bond.
One of the other events today is the publishing of John Bolton’s book The Room Where It Happened. Donald Trump has already dismissed him as “washed up creepster” and “a lowlife who should be in jail” this morning.One of the other events today is the publishing of John Bolton’s book The Room Where It Happened. Donald Trump has already dismissed him as “washed up creepster” and “a lowlife who should be in jail” this morning.
Over at Politico this morning, Meridith McGraw has an analysis of the way that the Trump administration has fought back against the book. At times claiming that what Bolton says is untrue, arguing that he has also exposed classified information, and oftentimes suggesting that he wasn’t “in the room” as many times as Bolton appears to make out.Over at Politico this morning, Meridith McGraw has an analysis of the way that the Trump administration has fought back against the book. At times claiming that what Bolton says is untrue, arguing that he has also exposed classified information, and oftentimes suggesting that he wasn’t “in the room” as many times as Bolton appears to make out.
It is packed full of detail and a good read: Politico - Trump’s response to Bolton: No, you’re the threatIt is packed full of detail and a good read: Politico - Trump’s response to Bolton: No, you’re the threat
The president has just re-iterated his line that the US has so many coronavirus cases because the US is testing so much.The president has just re-iterated his line that the US has so many coronavirus cases because the US is testing so much.
Yesterday more than half of all US states have reported a rise in new coronavirus cases, with some breaking their daily records. The US has over 2.3 million cases of coronavirus recorded, out of just over 9 million cases worldwide.Yesterday more than half of all US states have reported a rise in new coronavirus cases, with some breaking their daily records. The US has over 2.3 million cases of coronavirus recorded, out of just over 9 million cases worldwide.
Donald Trump has just tweeted that he has “authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the US with up to 10 years in prison.”Donald Trump has just tweeted that he has “authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the US with up to 10 years in prison.”
He hasn’t cited it directly but last night there was a stand-off between police and protesters as there was an attempt to pull down a statue of former president Andrew Jackson near the White House.He hasn’t cited it directly but last night there was a stand-off between police and protesters as there was an attempt to pull down a statue of former president Andrew Jackson near the White House.
WUSA-TV in Washington reported that police used pepper spray to move the protesters out of Lafayette Square, while videos posted on social media showed protesters had climbed on to the statue and tied ropes around it, then tried to pull it off its pedestal.WUSA-TV in Washington reported that police used pepper spray to move the protesters out of Lafayette Square, while videos posted on social media showed protesters had climbed on to the statue and tied ropes around it, then tried to pull it off its pedestal.
The 19th century president’s ruthless treatment of Native Americans has made his statue a target of demonstrators protesting racial injustice.The 19th century president’s ruthless treatment of Native Americans has made his statue a target of demonstrators protesting racial injustice.
Trump tweeted about the attack on the statue late last night - again with the threat of 10 years jail.Trump tweeted about the attack on the statue late last night - again with the threat of 10 years jail.
The Associated Press is reporting that a Baltimore restaurant issued an apology Monday after a video showed a black woman and her son being denied service because of the boy’s clothes, while a white child dressed a similar way had been served.The Associated Press is reporting that a Baltimore restaurant issued an apology Monday after a video showed a black woman and her son being denied service because of the boy’s clothes, while a white child dressed a similar way had been served.
The Atlas Restaurant Group, which owns Ouzo Bay, posted the apology on Facebook, saying it was disturbed by the incident and had put the manager seen in the video on “indefinite leave.”The Atlas Restaurant Group, which owns Ouzo Bay, posted the apology on Facebook, saying it was disturbed by the incident and had put the manager seen in the video on “indefinite leave.”
The video posted by Marcia Grant shows her son wearing athletic shorts, sneakers and an Air Jordan T-shirt. The unidentified manager tells Grant that her son’s outfit violates the restaurant’s dress code.The video posted by Marcia Grant shows her son wearing athletic shorts, sneakers and an Air Jordan T-shirt. The unidentified manager tells Grant that her son’s outfit violates the restaurant’s dress code.
Grant turns her camera toward a white boy at the restaurant wearing a graphic T-shirt and similar-looking shorts who was being served, but the manager replies the child wasn’t wearing shorts like Grant’s son.Atlas said they were immediately changing their policy so that children ages 12 and under aren’t subject to the dress code and said the dress code wasn’t “intended to be discriminatory.”Grant turns her camera toward a white boy at the restaurant wearing a graphic T-shirt and similar-looking shorts who was being served, but the manager replies the child wasn’t wearing shorts like Grant’s son.Atlas said they were immediately changing their policy so that children ages 12 and under aren’t subject to the dress code and said the dress code wasn’t “intended to be discriminatory.”
Kentucky and New York are voting today in what are going to be unusual primaries. Both of them have been delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak, and with Donald Trump and Joe Biden essentially confirmed as presidential nominees, there’s not much interest at the top of the ballot.Kentucky and New York are voting today in what are going to be unusual primaries. Both of them have been delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak, and with Donald Trump and Joe Biden essentially confirmed as presidential nominees, there’s not much interest at the top of the ballot.
We also won’t be getting the results in anywhere near the usual timescale either. Mail-in ballots in Kentucky have until 27 June to be received, and in New York that deadline is 30 June - provided they are post-marked 23 June at the latest.We also won’t be getting the results in anywhere near the usual timescale either. Mail-in ballots in Kentucky have until 27 June to be received, and in New York that deadline is 30 June - provided they are post-marked 23 June at the latest.
Two of the largest counties in Kentucky, Jefferson and Fayette, which include Louisville and Lexington respectively, have already said they will not be releasing any results until 30 June.Two of the largest counties in Kentucky, Jefferson and Fayette, which include Louisville and Lexington respectively, have already said they will not be releasing any results until 30 June.
But if there isn’t much at stake for presidential candidates, that’s not true of the rest of the slate, especially in New York. Jonathan Easley and Julia Manchester have been reporting for The Hill on how Democrats in New York are bracing for a turbulent election day.But if there isn’t much at stake for presidential candidates, that’s not true of the rest of the slate, especially in New York. Jonathan Easley and Julia Manchester have been reporting for The Hill on how Democrats in New York are bracing for a turbulent election day.
They say that there is growing consensus hat Rep. Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will lose to Jamaal Bowman, “potentially giving progressives their biggest primary victory of the cycle.”They say that there is growing consensus hat Rep. Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will lose to Jamaal Bowman, “potentially giving progressives their biggest primary victory of the cycle.”
You can read about the state of the race in New York here: The Hill - NY Democrats brace for primary night stunnersYou can read about the state of the race in New York here: The Hill - NY Democrats brace for primary night stunners
Today, in partnership with Consumer Reports and others, the Guardian is launching a one-year series of investigations highlighting the US water crisis. America’s water crisis is looking at the challenges many in the US face getting access to safe, clean, affordable water, and the injustices of those most at risk.Today, in partnership with Consumer Reports and others, the Guardian is launching a one-year series of investigations highlighting the US water crisis. America’s water crisis is looking at the challenges many in the US face getting access to safe, clean, affordable water, and the injustices of those most at risk.
Bernie Sanders and Brenda Lawrence have written a joint op-ed, saying:Bernie Sanders and Brenda Lawrence have written a joint op-ed, saying:
Read it here: Bernie Sanders and Brenda Lawrence - Clean water should be an American human right, not a government profit machineRead it here: Bernie Sanders and Brenda Lawrence - Clean water should be an American human right, not a government profit machine
Good morning, welcome to our live coverage of US politics. Here’s what we can expect coming up.Good morning, welcome to our live coverage of US politics. Here’s what we can expect coming up.
Today will see the emotional funeral of Rayshard Brooks at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Brooks was killed by police on 12 June.Today will see the emotional funeral of Rayshard Brooks at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Brooks was killed by police on 12 June.
Donald Trump will be looking to re-energise his re-election campaign after his Tulsa disaster with a trip to Arizona and a visit to the border wall.Donald Trump will be looking to re-energise his re-election campaign after his Tulsa disaster with a trip to Arizona and a visit to the border wall.
Joe Biden will be taking part in a virtual fund-raiser with former president Barack Obama. It is the first time the two have appeared together since Obama endorsed him in April.Joe Biden will be taking part in a virtual fund-raiser with former president Barack Obama. It is the first time the two have appeared together since Obama endorsed him in April.
We can expect long lines in Kentucky for a primary where authorities have drastically reduced the number of polling locations in response, they say, to the coronavirus outbreak. New York votes as well.We can expect long lines in Kentucky for a primary where authorities have drastically reduced the number of polling locations in response, they say, to the coronavirus outbreak. New York votes as well.
I’m Martin Belam - you can get in touch with me at martin.belam@theguardian.comI’m Martin Belam - you can get in touch with me at martin.belam@theguardian.com