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Live Protest Updates: Peaceful Protesters Defy Curfews as Violence Ebbs Live Protest Updates: Cities on Edge as Peaceful Protesters Defy Curfews
(about 1 hour later)
Protesters returned to the streets on Tuesday from California to Pennsylvania, while the nation’s capital sizzled with tension a day after a highly criticized episode outside the White House in which law enforcement officers used tear gas on peaceful protesters in order to clear a path for President Trump. Protesters returned to the streets on Tuesday from California to Pennsylvania, while the nation’s capital sizzled with anger, a day after a highly criticized episode outside the White House in which law enforcement officers used tear gas on peaceful protesters in order to clear a path for President Trump.
The public spectacle on Monday and the arrival of dozens of military vehicles on Washington’s streets on Tuesday seemed to underscore the president’s latest threat — to use the military to crack down on violence and looting — as it emerged that it was Attorney General William P. Barr who ordered officers to clear Lafayette Park on Monday in time for Mr. Trump to walk to a historic church and have his picture taken there.The public spectacle on Monday and the arrival of dozens of military vehicles on Washington’s streets on Tuesday seemed to underscore the president’s latest threat — to use the military to crack down on violence and looting — as it emerged that it was Attorney General William P. Barr who ordered officers to clear Lafayette Park on Monday in time for Mr. Trump to walk to a historic church and have his picture taken there.
On Tuesday night, more than 1,000 protesters remained near the park after a 7 p.m. curfew, facing police officers across a tall chain-link fence erected overnight.On Tuesday night, more than 1,000 protesters remained near the park after a 7 p.m. curfew, facing police officers across a tall chain-link fence erected overnight.
“You’re in the cage now!” one protester yelled. Another said, “Our tax dollars at work.”“You’re in the cage now!” one protester yelled. Another said, “Our tax dollars at work.”
But the crowd remained peaceful in a mood that appeared to be taking hold in other cities, too. When a few demonstrators began to rock the fence, they were quickly stopped. “Use your words,” two women yelled. “Don’t do that.” The crowd remained peaceful. When a few demonstrators began to rock the fence, they were quickly stopped. “Use your words,” two women yelled. “Don’t do that.”
The tensions earlier in the day in Washington reflected a nation on edge, ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, skyrocketing unemployment and now a public reckoning with systematic racism and police brutality. The tensions in Washington reflected a nation on edge, ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, skyrocketing unemployment and now a public reckoning with systematic racism and police brutality.
Daily protests have spread to at least 140 cities, in a sprawling expression of anger and frustration after the killing in Minneapolis last week of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black security guard, who died after his neck was pinned under a white police officer’s knee for nearly nine minutes. The officer has been charged with murder.Daily protests have spread to at least 140 cities, in a sprawling expression of anger and frustration after the killing in Minneapolis last week of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black security guard, who died after his neck was pinned under a white police officer’s knee for nearly nine minutes. The officer has been charged with murder.
Though planned protests have largely been peaceful, the national unrest has also come with escalating tensions, including attacks on law enforcement, injuries and deaths of protesters and others on the streets, and widespread looting and destruction. Police officers in several cities have been fired or disciplined for using excessive force.Though planned protests have largely been peaceful, the national unrest has also come with escalating tensions, including attacks on law enforcement, injuries and deaths of protesters and others on the streets, and widespread looting and destruction. Police officers in several cities have been fired or disciplined for using excessive force.
Officials across the country remained on guard Tuesday for another night of chaos. Here is the latest from around the country. Officials across the country were on guard Tuesday for another night of chaos. Here is the latest from around the country.
Philadelphia: Hundreds of protesters gathered outside City Hall by Tuesday afternoon, after a night of explosive tension. Mayor Jim Kenney defended a decision to use tear gas on protesters Monday but condemned a group of largely white men who had been seen patrolling the largely white neighborhood of Fishtown holding baseball bats. “Armed vigilantism will not be tolerated moving forward,” he said. However, no arrest was made after the owner of a South Philadelphia gun shop opened fire early Tuesday morning on four men who smashed through the front door of his business, killing one of the men. The authorities said the incident was under investigation.Philadelphia: Hundreds of protesters gathered outside City Hall by Tuesday afternoon, after a night of explosive tension. Mayor Jim Kenney defended a decision to use tear gas on protesters Monday but condemned a group of largely white men who had been seen patrolling the largely white neighborhood of Fishtown holding baseball bats. “Armed vigilantism will not be tolerated moving forward,” he said. However, no arrest was made after the owner of a South Philadelphia gun shop opened fire early Tuesday morning on four men who smashed through the front door of his business, killing one of the men. The authorities said the incident was under investigation.
Atlanta: Officials extended a curfew and arrest warrants were issued against six officers after video footage of the police firing Tasers and dragging two college students out of a car on Saturday ignited outrage.Atlanta: Officials extended a curfew and arrest warrants were issued against six officers after video footage of the police firing Tasers and dragging two college students out of a car on Saturday ignited outrage.
New York: Mayor Bill de Blasio moved a nightly curfew up to 8 p.m., three hours earlier than on Monday, after a night of looting in Manhattan. He acknowledged that the Monday night curfew, announced several hours before it was to begin, had failed to quell the violence that marred the peaceful protests of previous days. And he said on Tuesday that a curfew would be imposed again each day for the remainder of the week.New York: Mayor Bill de Blasio moved a nightly curfew up to 8 p.m., three hours earlier than on Monday, after a night of looting in Manhattan. He acknowledged that the Monday night curfew, announced several hours before it was to begin, had failed to quell the violence that marred the peaceful protests of previous days. And he said on Tuesday that a curfew would be imposed again each day for the remainder of the week.
California: Protesters filled the streets of Hollywood with chants of “black lives matter,” a crowd of protesters gathered along a beach in San Francisco and the city of Santa Monica enacted among the strictest curfews in the nation, starting at 2 p.m. local time.California: Protesters filled the streets of Hollywood with chants of “black lives matter,” a crowd of protesters gathered along a beach in San Francisco and the city of Santa Monica enacted among the strictest curfews in the nation, starting at 2 p.m. local time.
Las Vegas: An officer was in critical condition after being shot near the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino as the police tried to disperse crowds that were pelting them with bottles and rocks, officials said.Las Vegas: An officer was in critical condition after being shot near the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino as the police tried to disperse crowds that were pelting them with bottles and rocks, officials said.
Louisville: The police said that a restaurant owner who was killed in a shooting involving the National Guard and police officers this week had fired a gun first, and produced video that they say proved it.Louisville: The police said that a restaurant owner who was killed in a shooting involving the National Guard and police officers this week had fired a gun first, and produced video that they say proved it.
New Haven, Conn.: Police and the F.B.I. were investigating after Molotov cocktails were thrown at two police substations and caused fire damage.New Haven, Conn.: Police and the F.B.I. were investigating after Molotov cocktails were thrown at two police substations and caused fire damage.
Denver: A police officer was fired after sharing a photo of himself and two other officers in riot gear on Instagram on Monday with the caption “Let’s start a riot,” the department said.Denver: A police officer was fired after sharing a photo of himself and two other officers in riot gear on Instagram on Monday with the caption “Let’s start a riot,” the department said.
ADAM POPESCUADAM POPESCU
Hollywood, Calif.Hollywood, Calif.
Hollywood’s Walk of Fame was the flash point today.Hollywood’s Walk of Fame was the flash point today.
Hundreds of protesters gathered steam for hours before converging at the corner of Hollywood and Cahuenga Boulevard, a Los Angeles landmark that in many ways is the heart of the city’s film roots. Flanked by the Capitol Records building and the Hollywood sign behind them, the protesters held “Love” signs or upstretched empty hands in 90 degree heat as dozens of Los Angeles Police Department officers filed out of trucks and formed a skirmish line in front of a Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen.Hundreds of protesters gathered steam for hours before converging at the corner of Hollywood and Cahuenga Boulevard, a Los Angeles landmark that in many ways is the heart of the city’s film roots. Flanked by the Capitol Records building and the Hollywood sign behind them, the protesters held “Love” signs or upstretched empty hands in 90 degree heat as dozens of Los Angeles Police Department officers filed out of trucks and formed a skirmish line in front of a Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen.
The police began to evacuate adjacent businesses. Some officers held batons; others had green shotguns with rubber bullets or pepper balls. The protesters stood firm.The police began to evacuate adjacent businesses. Some officers held batons; others had green shotguns with rubber bullets or pepper balls. The protesters stood firm.
Young women began kneeling in the intersection, some taking selfies.Young women began kneeling in the intersection, some taking selfies.
Alejandra RosaAlejandra Rosa
San Juan, P.R.San Juan, P.R.
Police officers used pepper spray today in Puerto Rico as more than 200 protesters wearing gas masks broke a 7 p.m. curfew.Police officers used pepper spray today in Puerto Rico as more than 200 protesters wearing gas masks broke a 7 p.m. curfew.
The protest, organized by Colectiva Feminista, demanded a stop to racism and police brutality in the island.The protest, organized by Colectiva Feminista, demanded a stop to racism and police brutality in the island.
”Where are the anti racist people? We are here,” hundreds chanted on the cobblestone streets. “And we are not afraid.””Where are the anti racist people? We are here,” hundreds chanted on the cobblestone streets. “And we are not afraid.”
Protesters blamed local officials for black lives lost.Protesters blamed local officials for black lives lost.
“Don’t tell us you don’t see racism here,” said Gloriann Sacha Antonetty, 39. “Because we don’t only see it. We feel it in our skin.”“Don’t tell us you don’t see racism here,” said Gloriann Sacha Antonetty, 39. “Because we don’t only see it. We feel it in our skin.”
Thomas Gibbons-NeffThomas Gibbons-Neff
Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday afternoon, less than two hours before Washington’s 7 p.m. curfew went into effect, U.S. troops positioned military vehicles across the city.On Tuesday afternoon, less than two hours before Washington’s 7 p.m. curfew went into effect, U.S. troops positioned military vehicles across the city.
The crowd of protesters in Lafayette Square was at least twice the size from the day prior and swelling.The crowd of protesters in Lafayette Square was at least twice the size from the day prior and swelling.
Following the arrival of the troops and the use of helicopters to suppress protesters Monday night — a tactic fitting for battles with insurgents but now applied to American citizens — some in the crowd whispered that more soldiers were on the way.Following the arrival of the troops and the use of helicopters to suppress protesters Monday night — a tactic fitting for battles with insurgents but now applied to American citizens — some in the crowd whispered that more soldiers were on the way.
Alec, a 32 year old protester who spent two deployments in Afghanistan, said he had seen things over the past two days that he never expected to see in his own country.Alec, a 32 year old protester who spent two deployments in Afghanistan, said he had seen things over the past two days that he never expected to see in his own country.
“There are real problems here,” Alec said, declining to give his last name because he works for the government, “and no amount of uniforms or soldiers are going to fix them.”“There are real problems here,” Alec said, declining to give his last name because he works for the government, “and no amount of uniforms or soldiers are going to fix them.”
“They’re only going to get worse,” he said.“They’re only going to get worse,” he said.
Attorney General William P. Barr ordered federal law enforcement officers to clear peaceful protesters out of Washington’s Lafayette Park on Monday so that President Trump could walk to a historic church and have his picture taken there, a Justice Department official who was not authorized to discuss the matter said on Tuesday.Attorney General William P. Barr ordered federal law enforcement officers to clear peaceful protesters out of Washington’s Lafayette Park on Monday so that President Trump could walk to a historic church and have his picture taken there, a Justice Department official who was not authorized to discuss the matter said on Tuesday.
The plan to clear the park, which is adjacent to the White House, was devised before Mr. Trump decided he wanted his photo op, the official said, but was not executed until just before he set out. The action, and its timing, drew condemnation from many quarters, including clergy members and political leaders of both parties.The plan to clear the park, which is adjacent to the White House, was devised before Mr. Trump decided he wanted his photo op, the official said, but was not executed until just before he set out. The action, and its timing, drew condemnation from many quarters, including clergy members and political leaders of both parties.
Overnight Sunday, after protesters had defaced the nearby Treasury Department building and a part of the church, St. John’s, had caught fire, top federal law enforcement officials decided that increased security measures were needed around the White House, including expanding the perimeter around the park.Overnight Sunday, after protesters had defaced the nearby Treasury Department building and a part of the church, St. John’s, had caught fire, top federal law enforcement officials decided that increased security measures were needed around the White House, including expanding the perimeter around the park.
When Mr. Barr found on Monday afternoon that it had not been done yet, he ordered officers on the scene to complete the expansion of the perimeter, but there was not enough time to do it before Mr. Trump made a speech in the Rose Garden, declaring himself a friend to peaceful protest. When Mr. Trump and aides then set out for the church, the protesters in the park were dispersed using gas and other forceful measures.When Mr. Barr found on Monday afternoon that it had not been done yet, he ordered officers on the scene to complete the expansion of the perimeter, but there was not enough time to do it before Mr. Trump made a speech in the Rose Garden, declaring himself a friend to peaceful protest. When Mr. Trump and aides then set out for the church, the protesters in the park were dispersed using gas and other forceful measures.
Mr. Barr was aware that those crowd control measures might be used, but it was supposed to have happened long before Mr. Trump decided that he, Mr. Barr and other officials would walk to the church, the official said.Mr. Barr was aware that those crowd control measures might be used, but it was supposed to have happened long before Mr. Trump decided that he, Mr. Barr and other officials would walk to the church, the official said.
The Justice Department has confirmed that Mr. Barr is managing the federal law enforcement response to the ongoing protests against police brutality.The Justice Department has confirmed that Mr. Barr is managing the federal law enforcement response to the ongoing protests against police brutality.
Mr. Barr issued a statement on Tuesday saying that “there will be even greater law enforcement resources” deployed in Washington on Tuesday evening.Mr. Barr issued a statement on Tuesday saying that “there will be even greater law enforcement resources” deployed in Washington on Tuesday evening.
“The most basic function of government is to provide security for people to live their lives and exercise their rights, and we will meet that responsibility here in the nation’s capital,” Mr. Barr said. He called Monday evening “a more peaceful night in the District of Columbia.”“The most basic function of government is to provide security for people to live their lives and exercise their rights, and we will meet that responsibility here in the nation’s capital,” Mr. Barr said. He called Monday evening “a more peaceful night in the District of Columbia.”
President Trump this week responded to the unrest roiling the nation by visiting two religious sites and calling for more military intervention.President Trump this week responded to the unrest roiling the nation by visiting two religious sites and calling for more military intervention.
On Tuesday, both moves were greeted with criticism from many of his rivals, as well as some of his sometime allies.On Tuesday, both moves were greeted with criticism from many of his rivals, as well as some of his sometime allies.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the likely Democratic nominee for president, said during a speech in Philadelphia that the nation was “crying out for leadership.” And House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, wielding her own Bible and quoting from the Book of Ecclesiastes, criticized Mr. Trump for being a “fanner of the flame” of division.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the likely Democratic nominee for president, said during a speech in Philadelphia that the nation was “crying out for leadership.” And House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, wielding her own Bible and quoting from the Book of Ecclesiastes, criticized Mr. Trump for being a “fanner of the flame” of division.
Two Republican senators, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Tim Scott of South Carolina, joined in the criticism. “If your question is, ‘Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op?’ the answer is no,” Mr. Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate, said at an event hosted by Politico.Two Republican senators, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Tim Scott of South Carolina, joined in the criticism. “If your question is, ‘Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op?’ the answer is no,” Mr. Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate, said at an event hosted by Politico.
Some moderate Democrats in conservative-leaning districts also denounced Mr. Trump. Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, a former C.I.A. officer, called his response the type of action “undertaken by authoritarian regimes throughout the world.”Some moderate Democrats in conservative-leaning districts also denounced Mr. Trump. Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, a former C.I.A. officer, called his response the type of action “undertaken by authoritarian regimes throughout the world.”
“I know this playbook,” Ms. Spanberger said, “and I know the president’s actions are betraying the very foundation of the rule of law he purports to support — the U.S. Constitution.”“I know this playbook,” Ms. Spanberger said, “and I know the president’s actions are betraying the very foundation of the rule of law he purports to support — the U.S. Constitution.”
Retired senior military leaders also spoke out against the strategy of deploying active-duty units onto America’s streets.Retired senior military leaders also spoke out against the strategy of deploying active-duty units onto America’s streets.
Mr. Trump visited two religious sites — on Monday he posed holding a Bible outside St. John’s Church, an Episcopal parish near the White House, and on Tuesday he and his wife spent about 10 minutes inside the St. John Paul II National Shrine, a Catholic site in northeast Washington. Both visits were criticized by Christian leaders.Mr. Trump visited two religious sites — on Monday he posed holding a Bible outside St. John’s Church, an Episcopal parish near the White House, and on Tuesday he and his wife spent about 10 minutes inside the St. John Paul II National Shrine, a Catholic site in northeast Washington. Both visits were criticized by Christian leaders.
“I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree,” Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington wrote in a statement. He said that the shrine’s dedicatee, John Paul II, “certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of place of worship and peace.”“I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people, even those with whom we might disagree,” Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington wrote in a statement. He said that the shrine’s dedicatee, John Paul II, “certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of place of worship and peace.”
And the Rev. Gini Gerbasi, an Episcopal priest who had been on the patio of St. John’s on Monday when nearby protesters were sprayed with tear gas, said in an interview, “People were hurt and terrified, for a photo op. They took what literally had been holy ground that day and turned it into a literal battleground.”And the Rev. Gini Gerbasi, an Episcopal priest who had been on the patio of St. John’s on Monday when nearby protesters were sprayed with tear gas, said in an interview, “People were hurt and terrified, for a photo op. They took what literally had been holy ground that day and turned it into a literal battleground.”
Law enforcement officers have been targeted in attacks in cities across the country in recent days, with officers wounded in gun battles in St. Louis and Las Vegas and others injured when they were run over by cars in New York City and Buffalo.Law enforcement officers have been targeted in attacks in cities across the country in recent days, with officers wounded in gun battles in St. Louis and Las Vegas and others injured when they were run over by cars in New York City and Buffalo.
But officers also have been charged, or fired, in several states by police and government leaders trying to preserve and defend demonstrators’ right to protest while also restoring order after days of violence and lawlessness. The swirl of emotions and instructions and events, Manny Fernandez of The Times reports, have made it a volatile time to be a police officer in America.But officers also have been charged, or fired, in several states by police and government leaders trying to preserve and defend demonstrators’ right to protest while also restoring order after days of violence and lawlessness. The swirl of emotions and instructions and events, Manny Fernandez of The Times reports, have made it a volatile time to be a police officer in America.
The Las Vegas police on Tuesday identified both a man who was killed by officers and an officer who was gravely wounded, in two separate shooting episodes the night before.The Las Vegas police on Tuesday identified both a man who was killed by officers and an officer who was gravely wounded, in two separate shooting episodes the night before.
The Las Vegas officer, Shay K. Mikalonis, 29, was shot in the head near the Circus Circus hotel and casino. Police officials said he was in “grave condition;” a 20-year-old suspect was arrested.The Las Vegas officer, Shay K. Mikalonis, 29, was shot in the head near the Circus Circus hotel and casino. Police officials said he was in “grave condition;” a 20-year-old suspect was arrested.
The officer’s shooting came on the same night the Las Vegas police fatally shot Jorge Gomez, 25, who they said raised one of the three Glock pistols he was carrying at officers after they had hit him with “low lethal” shotgun rounds.The officer’s shooting came on the same night the Las Vegas police fatally shot Jorge Gomez, 25, who they said raised one of the three Glock pistols he was carrying at officers after they had hit him with “low lethal” shotgun rounds.
In St. Louis, four officers were struck by gunfire in a shootout between gunmen at a protest and the police. The officers’ injuries were believed to be “non-life threatening,” Chief John Hayden of the St. Louis Police Department said at a news conference.In St. Louis, four officers were struck by gunfire in a shootout between gunmen at a protest and the police. The officers’ injuries were believed to be “non-life threatening,” Chief John Hayden of the St. Louis Police Department said at a news conference.
In New York, an N.Y.P.D. officer was in stable condition after being run over by a black sedan early Tuesday in the Bronx, and in Buffalo the driver of an S.U.V. was arrested after speeding through a line of law enforcement officers in riot gear and injuring two of them in an episode that was caught on video. The driver, a woman, now faces several felony charges.In New York, an N.Y.P.D. officer was in stable condition after being run over by a black sedan early Tuesday in the Bronx, and in Buffalo the driver of an S.U.V. was arrested after speeding through a line of law enforcement officers in riot gear and injuring two of them in an episode that was caught on video. The driver, a woman, now faces several felony charges.
But the police also have been the subject of complaints about their actions.But the police also have been the subject of complaints about their actions.
Officials in Atlanta said arrest warrants had been issued for six police officers after video footage showed them tasing and assaulting two college students in a car while enforcing a curfew. “The conduct involved in this incident is not indicative of the way that we treat people in the City of Atlanta,” Paul L. Howard, Jr., the district attorney, said in a news conference on Tuesday announcing the arrest warrants.Officials in Atlanta said arrest warrants had been issued for six police officers after video footage showed them tasing and assaulting two college students in a car while enforcing a curfew. “The conduct involved in this incident is not indicative of the way that we treat people in the City of Atlanta,” Paul L. Howard, Jr., the district attorney, said in a news conference on Tuesday announcing the arrest warrants.
The students, Taniyah Pilgrim, 20, and Messiah Young, 22, appeared at the news conference alongside Mr. Howard. “I hope every police officer who thinks it’s OK to drag someone, beat someone, do all this stuff because they are cops — I hope they are all going to be held accountable as well,” Ms. Pilgrim said.The students, Taniyah Pilgrim, 20, and Messiah Young, 22, appeared at the news conference alongside Mr. Howard. “I hope every police officer who thinks it’s OK to drag someone, beat someone, do all this stuff because they are cops — I hope they are all going to be held accountable as well,” Ms. Pilgrim said.
In Richmond, Va., the police department apologized and said it would discipline officers who used tear gas on protesters on Monday.In Richmond, Va., the police department apologized and said it would discipline officers who used tear gas on protesters on Monday.
In Louisville, police officials said a restaurant owner killed Saturday had fired a gun before he was fatally shot, by either a police officer or a National Guard soldier. The police released security-camera videos that they said appeared to support their account.In Louisville, police officials said a restaurant owner killed Saturday had fired a gun before he was fatally shot, by either a police officer or a National Guard soldier. The police released security-camera videos that they said appeared to support their account.
The restaurant owner, David McAtee, 53, was killed shortly after midnight on Monday, and has been cited as an innocent victim of the violent turmoil rocking the country. Before the day was over, Gov. Andy Beshear ordered an investigation by the Kentucky State Police, and Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville dismissed the city’s police chief because the officers at the scene had not activated their body cameras.The restaurant owner, David McAtee, 53, was killed shortly after midnight on Monday, and has been cited as an innocent victim of the violent turmoil rocking the country. Before the day was over, Gov. Andy Beshear ordered an investigation by the Kentucky State Police, and Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville dismissed the city’s police chief because the officers at the scene had not activated their body cameras.
On Tuesday, Mr. Fischer and police commanders held a news conference to show and to release images from two security cameras. Neither camera gives an unobstructed view of what happened, and neither has sound.On Tuesday, Mr. Fischer and police commanders held a news conference to show and to release images from two security cameras. Neither camera gives an unobstructed view of what happened, and neither has sound.
In Denver, an officer was fired after sharing a photo of himself and two other officers in riot gear on Instagram on Monday with the caption “Let’s start a riot.”In Denver, an officer was fired after sharing a photo of himself and two other officers in riot gear on Instagram on Monday with the caption “Let’s start a riot.”
Former President George W. Bush on Tuesday praised peaceful protesters and called for empathy for people seeking justice after George Floyd’s death, saying “achieving justice for all is the duty of all.”
Mr. Bush rarely comments on developing events, and has generally avoided anything that could be construed as criticism of President Trump.
“Laura and I are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd and disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country,” Mr. Bush said in a statement, referring to his wife.
“It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African-American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country,” Mr. Bush said.
Mr. Bush, who condemned the looting that has taken place in several cities, is a flawed messenger on the subject of race. His administration’s failures during and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 primarily affected black residents in New Orleans and Louisiana.
But by recognizing that the “doctrine and habits of racial superiority, which once nearly split our country, still threaten our Union,” Mr. Bush offered a stark contrast to Mr. Trump, who has emphasized law and order but said nothing about systemic abuses against black people by law enforcement.
“We can only see the reality of America’s need by seeing it through the eyes of the threatened, oppressed and disenfranchised,” Mr. Bush said.
“Many doubt the justice of our country, and with good reason,” he said. “Black people see the repeated violation of their rights without an urgent and adequate response from American institutions.”
The state of Minnesota has started a human rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department, citing evidence of systematic discrimination against people of color, particularly black people, state officials announced on Tuesday.The state of Minnesota has started a human rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department, citing evidence of systematic discrimination against people of color, particularly black people, state officials announced on Tuesday.
The state Department of Human Rights made a formal charge of discrimination against the police force based in part on the May 25 death of George Floyd, which has sparked demonstrations across the country.The state Department of Human Rights made a formal charge of discrimination against the police force based in part on the May 25 death of George Floyd, which has sparked demonstrations across the country.
The charge referred to a pattern of incidents in Minneapolis dating back at least 10 years that demanded investigations into the police department’s training and policies, and its “use-of-force protocols.”The charge referred to a pattern of incidents in Minneapolis dating back at least 10 years that demanded investigations into the police department’s training and policies, and its “use-of-force protocols.”
“There is sufficient information to investigate whether the respondent utilizes systemic discriminatory patterns or practices towards people of color, specifically Black community members, on the basis of race,” the charge stated.“There is sufficient information to investigate whether the respondent utilizes systemic discriminatory patterns or practices towards people of color, specifically Black community members, on the basis of race,” the charge stated.
Investigations by the Department of Human Rights do not lead to criminal charges, but if investigators find wrongdoing, state officials can attempt to force changes in the police department’s practices, which could include the state’s suing the police force.Investigations by the Department of Human Rights do not lead to criminal charges, but if investigators find wrongdoing, state officials can attempt to force changes in the police department’s practices, which could include the state’s suing the police force.
Also Tuesday, the Minneapolis school board unanimously voted to end its contract with the police department — which had provided them with school resource officers — in the wake of the killing of Mr. Floyd. That follows the University of Minnesota saying it would no longer contract with the department for large events, as it previously had.Also Tuesday, the Minneapolis school board unanimously voted to end its contract with the police department — which had provided them with school resource officers — in the wake of the killing of Mr. Floyd. That follows the University of Minnesota saying it would no longer contract with the department for large events, as it previously had.
Anger at George Floyd’s killing has rippled far beyond the United States to many world capitals, where crowds have gathered to denounce police violence and racism.Anger at George Floyd’s killing has rippled far beyond the United States to many world capitals, where crowds have gathered to denounce police violence and racism.
An estimated 15,000 people in Paris defied police orders to gather at the city’s main law court on Tuesday. Demonstrators, most of them young, waved signs reading “No justice, no peace” or “I can’t breathe,” in direct reference to Mr. Floyd’s death.An estimated 15,000 people in Paris defied police orders to gather at the city’s main law court on Tuesday. Demonstrators, most of them young, waved signs reading “No justice, no peace” or “I can’t breathe,” in direct reference to Mr. Floyd’s death.
The protests were led by the family of Adama Traoré, a 24-year-old black man who died near Paris in 2016 after having been tackled by the police. Shouts of “Justice for Adama” regularly punctuated the clapping and chanting of the crowd.The protests were led by the family of Adama Traoré, a 24-year-old black man who died near Paris in 2016 after having been tackled by the police. Shouts of “Justice for Adama” regularly punctuated the clapping and chanting of the crowd.
“We protest for George Floyd, for Adama, for all the others and for the next ones,” said Anne-Sophie Kiminou, a 28-year-old office manager.“We protest for George Floyd, for Adama, for all the others and for the next ones,” said Anne-Sophie Kiminou, a 28-year-old office manager.
The Paris police said in the afternoon that the demonstration was forbidden during the country’s public health emergency, which bans any public gathering of more than ten people. Paris is one of the last areas of France where the coronavirus is still considered active, and many protesters wore masks.The Paris police said in the afternoon that the demonstration was forbidden during the country’s public health emergency, which bans any public gathering of more than ten people. Paris is one of the last areas of France where the coronavirus is still considered active, and many protesters wore masks.
Lolly Nzamba, 18, said France had a two-tier justice system that ignored the daily suffering of black people. “Personally, I’m afraid when I go out in the street and come across the police,” she said. But she added that Mr. Floyd’s death had changed people’s understanding and would help raise awareness.Lolly Nzamba, 18, said France had a two-tier justice system that ignored the daily suffering of black people. “Personally, I’m afraid when I go out in the street and come across the police,” she said. But she added that Mr. Floyd’s death had changed people’s understanding and would help raise awareness.
“There will be a before and an after,” Ms. Nzamba said.“There will be a before and an after,” Ms. Nzamba said.
Also Tuesday, thousands gathered for a march in Sydney, Australia and chanted “Enough is enough” while kneeling outside the American consulate, the latest in a series of peaceful global rallies as the U.S. protests have resonated around the world.Also Tuesday, thousands gathered for a march in Sydney, Australia and chanted “Enough is enough” while kneeling outside the American consulate, the latest in a series of peaceful global rallies as the U.S. protests have resonated around the world.
In London and Rio de Janeiro, demonstrations of solidarity have also prompted soul searching over local racial divisions.In London and Rio de Janeiro, demonstrations of solidarity have also prompted soul searching over local racial divisions.
Reporting was contributed by Emily Badger, Mike Baker, Kim Barker, Katie Benner, Julie Bosman, John Branch, Helene Cooper, Joe Coscarelli, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Caitlin Dickerson, Catie Edmonson, John Eligon, Tess Felder, Manny Fernandez, Thomas Fuller, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Russell Goldman, Maggie Haberman, Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Constant Meheut, Sarah Mervosh, David Montgomery, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Richard Perez-Pena, Adam Popescu, Austin Ramzy, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Alejandra Rosa, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Megan Specia, Jennifer Steinhauer, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor and Mihir Zaveri. Reporting was contributed by Emily Badger, Mike Baker, Kim Barker, Katie Benner, Julie Bosman, John Branch, Helene Cooper, Joe Coscarelli, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Caitlin Dickerson, Catie Edmonson, John Eligon, Tess Felder, Manny Fernandez, Thomas Fuller, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Russell Goldman, Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Constant Meheut, Sarah Mervosh, David Montgomery, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Richard Perez-Pena, Adam Popescu, Austin Ramzy, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Alejandra Rosa, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Megan Specia, Jennifer Steinhauer, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor and Mihir Zaveri.