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Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Democrats Slam Trump’s Response Live Protest Updates: Barr Ordered Clearing of Protesters, Official Says
(32 minutes later)
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.
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.
Mr. Barr was aware that those crowd control measure 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.
Mr. Barr issued a statement on Tuesday saying that “there will be even greater law enforcement resources” deployed in Washington in the 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.”
After President Trump threatened to deploy the military to crack down on protesters, his opponents and former military leaders condemned the response as incendiary, as a country ravaged by the coronavirus and unemployment plunged further into crisis on Tuesday.After President Trump threatened to deploy the military to crack down on protesters, his opponents and former military leaders condemned the response as incendiary, as a country ravaged by the coronavirus and unemployment plunged further into crisis on Tuesday.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the likely Democratic nominee for president, said during a speech in Philadelphia on Tuesday that the nation was “crying out for leadership” and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, criticized Mr. Trump for being a “fanner of the flame” of division. Retired senior military leaders also spoke out against the strategy of deploying active-duty units onto America’s streets.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the likely Democratic nominee for president, said during a speech in Philadelphia on Tuesday that the nation was “crying out for leadership” and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, criticized Mr. Trump for being a “fanner of the flame” of division. Retired senior military leaders also spoke out against the strategy of deploying active-duty units onto America’s streets.
The comments came a day after Mr. Trump vowed to bring “law and order” to the country and after officers used tear gas and flash grenades to clear a crowd outside the White House, to make way for the president to pose for photographs outside a nearby, boarded-up church, holding a Bible.The comments came a day after Mr. Trump vowed to bring “law and order” to the country and after officers used tear gas and flash grenades to clear a crowd outside the White House, to make way for the president to pose for photographs outside a nearby, boarded-up church, holding a Bible.
“If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” Mr. Trump said in remarks in the Rose Garden on Monday night.“If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” Mr. Trump said in remarks in the Rose Garden on Monday night.
Experts say the limits of the president’s powers is unclear. One federal law allows a president to use the military to quell insurrection, particularly if a state requests the intervention, while another law generally restricts use of the armed forces for domestic law enforcement. Both laws date to the 19th century and have been amended several times.Experts say the limits of the president’s powers is unclear. One federal law allows a president to use the military to quell insurrection, particularly if a state requests the intervention, while another law generally restricts use of the armed forces for domestic law enforcement. Both laws date to the 19th century and have been amended several times.
Mr. Trump’s comments represented an escalation in political rhetoric more than a week after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis ignited nationwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality. The daily protests, which have spread to at least 140 cities across the country, have been among the most widespread civil unrest the nation has seen in half a century.Mr. Trump’s comments represented an escalation in political rhetoric more than a week after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis ignited nationwide protests against systemic racism and police brutality. The daily protests, which have spread to at least 140 cities across the country, have been among the most widespread civil unrest the nation has seen in half a century.
After a seventh day of largely peaceful protests on Monday, the demonstrations once again devolved into clashes and chaos overnight, with widespread looting and at least six police officers reported shot in incidents around the country. The clashes have also resulted in the injury of protesters, and police officers in several cities have been fired or disciplined for harsh tactics. In Atlanta, arrest warrants were issued against six officers after video footage of officers firing Tasers and dragging two college students out of a car on Saturday ignited outrage.After a seventh day of largely peaceful protests on Monday, the demonstrations once again devolved into clashes and chaos overnight, with widespread looting and at least six police officers reported shot in incidents around the country. The clashes have also resulted in the injury of protesters, and police officers in several cities have been fired or disciplined for harsh tactics. In Atlanta, arrest warrants were issued against six officers after video footage of officers firing Tasers and dragging two college students out of a car on Saturday ignited outrage.
As the movement dominated the national conversation on Tuesday, millions of people went silent on social media in order to better amplify the voices of black people, under the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday.As the movement dominated the national conversation on Tuesday, millions of people went silent on social media in order to better amplify the voices of black people, under the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday.
Arrest warrants have been issued for six Atlanta police officers, after video footage from Saturday night showed officers stopping two college students in a car while enforcing a curfew, firing Tasers at them and dragging them out of their vehicle.Arrest warrants have been issued for six Atlanta police officers, after video footage from Saturday night showed officers stopping two college students in a car while enforcing a curfew, firing Tasers at them and dragging them out of their vehicle.
The six officers are accused of a series of crimes, including aggravated assault, illegally pointing a Taser and criminal damage to property. Video of the encounter sparked widespread outrage, and two of the officers have been fired. The Atlanta Police Department did not immediately respond to a question about the status of the other four officers.The six officers are accused of a series of crimes, including aggravated assault, illegally pointing a Taser and criminal damage to property. Video of the encounter sparked widespread outrage, and two of the officers have been fired. The Atlanta Police Department did not immediately respond to a question about the status of the other four officers.
“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 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 college students, Taniyah Pilgrim, 20, and Messiah Young, 22, appeared at the news conference alongside Mr. Howard.The college 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 O.K. 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.“I hope every police officer who thinks it’s O.K. 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.
Videos posted on social media have captured scene after scene of police aggression and even violence since the protests began. The arrest warrants in Atlanta reflected how, in some cases, the authorities have moved swiftly to crack down on misbehavior. In Richmond, Va., the police department apologized and said it would discipline officers who used tear gas on protesters on Monday.Videos posted on social media have captured scene after scene of police aggression and even violence since the protests began. The arrest warrants in Atlanta reflected how, in some cases, the authorities have moved swiftly to crack down on misbehavior. In Richmond, Va., the police department apologized and said it would discipline officers who used tear gas on protesters on Monday.
Some law enforcement agencies have taken a more conciliatory approach. In Michigan, Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson of Genesee County marched with demonstrators.Some law enforcement agencies have taken a more conciliatory approach. In Michigan, Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson of Genesee County marched with demonstrators.
The encounter in Atlanta happened around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, about 30 minutes after a curfew went into effect to quell demonstrations in the city. Video captured by a local television station showed officers stopping the car. Prosecutors said they were still investigating why the car was stopped.The encounter in Atlanta happened around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, about 30 minutes after a curfew went into effect to quell demonstrations in the city. Video captured by a local television station showed officers stopping the car. Prosecutors said they were still investigating why the car was stopped.
The video footage shows officers aiming stun guns at the car from both sides, and one officer reaching into the passenger side of the car and pulling Ms. Pilgrim out. She is hit by a Taser, thrown to the ground, and her hands are zip tied; then she is put in a police vehicle, Mr. Howard said. Mr. Young was also hit with a Taser and pulled out of the vehicle and he fractured his wrist, Mr. Howard said.The video footage shows officers aiming stun guns at the car from both sides, and one officer reaching into the passenger side of the car and pulling Ms. Pilgrim out. She is hit by a Taser, thrown to the ground, and her hands are zip tied; then she is put in a police vehicle, Mr. Howard said. Mr. Young was also hit with a Taser and pulled out of the vehicle and he fractured his wrist, Mr. Howard said.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, went to Philadelphia on Tuesday to address the national unrest over the death of George Floyd, in his first public event outside Delaware, his home state, since the coronavirus pandemic shuttered the campaign trail in March.
The visit is a test for Mr. Biden, 77, who is cautiously re-emerging onto the public landscape at one of the most volatile, high-stakes moments in a generation.
Mr. Biden excoriated President Trump’s stewardship of a nation convulsed in crisis over issues of racism and police brutality, and promised action to confront those matters and work to foster national unity if he is elected president. The nation, he said, is “crying out for leadership.”
“We won’t let any president quiet our voice,” he said. “We wont let those who see this as an opportunity to sow chaos throw up a smoke screen and distract us from the real legitimate grievances at the heart of the protests.”
Philadelphia, a solidly Democratic city of 1.5 million, is convulsed with public frustration and unrest amid what the mayor called “one of the biggest crises in the city’s history.”
The city, which is 42 percent black, was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Black residents making up a disproportionate number of coronavirus cases across Pennsylvania.
On top of grief over coronavirus deaths and surging unemployment from the shutdowns meant to slow the virus, the city has also been gripped by chaotic protests in the last week, with reports of hundreds of protesters hit with tear gas on Monday and videos of groups of white men patrolling neighborhoods holding baseball bats making the rounds on social media.
Pennsylvania is also holding a primary election on Tuesday, largely by mail. The primary was pushed back from April because of the coronavirus.
“If you look at all we are tied up with — a pandemic, a depression, a civil unrest, an election — there is only so much energy and resources that we have,” Mayor Jim Kenney, a Democrat, said, adding that 911 calls had increased sixfold in recent days.
“I’m worried about everything. I’m worried about people’s safety,” he said. “I haven’t slept much, to tell you the truth.”
Law enforcement officers were targeted in attacks in cities across the country overnight, with some officers wounded in gun battles in St. Louis and Las Vegas and others injured as they were run over by cars in New York City and Buffalo.Law enforcement officers were targeted in attacks in cities across the country overnight, with some officers wounded in gun battles in St. Louis and Las Vegas and others injured as they were run over by cars in New York City and Buffalo.
An officer was in critical condition on Tuesday after being shot down near the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as the police tried to disperse crowds that were pelting them with bottles and rocks, officials said.An officer was in critical condition on Tuesday after being shot down near the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as the police tried to disperse crowds that were pelting them with bottles and rocks, officials said.
In an unrelated episode, a person carrying several firearms was killed after he opened fire on police forces guarding a federal building on Las Vegas Boulevard, according to the authorities.In an unrelated episode, a person carrying several firearms was killed after he opened fire on police forces guarding a federal building on Las Vegas Boulevard, according to the authorities.
“This is a sad night for the L.V.M.P.D. family and a tragic night for our community,” Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at a news conference in the early hours of Tuesday. The officer was transported to the University Medical Center and put on life support, he added, and a suspect was taken into custody.“This is a sad night for the L.V.M.P.D. family and a tragic night for our community,” Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at a news conference in the early hours of Tuesday. The officer was transported to the University Medical Center and put on life support, he added, and a suspect was taken into custody.
“With these protests which are leading to riot,” he said, “one tragedy is only leading to another.”“With these protests which are leading to riot,” he said, “one tragedy is only leading to another.”
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.
Chief Hayden said that after a peaceful protest of a few thousand people, a smaller group had broken off, intent on causing mayhem. Some in the crowd were armed and “flourishing pistols,” the chief said. Two officers were shot in the leg, one in the foot and one in the arm, he said.Chief Hayden said that after a peaceful protest of a few thousand people, a smaller group had broken off, intent on causing mayhem. Some in the crowd were armed and “flourishing pistols,” the chief said. Two officers were shot in the leg, one in the foot and one in the arm, he said.
Elsewhere, police officers were intentionally struck by vehicles.Elsewhere, police officers were intentionally struck by vehicles.
A New York officer was run over by a black sedan at 12:45 a.m. on Tuesday in the Bronx, according to a police spokesman. The officer was in stable condition on Tuesday, the police said.A New York officer was run over by a black sedan at 12:45 a.m. on Tuesday in the Bronx, according to a police spokesman. The officer was in stable condition on Tuesday, the police said.
That episode followed an attack on Monday in Buffalo, N.Y., when the driver of an S.U.V. sped through a line of law enforcement officers in riot gear, injuring two of them in an episode that was caught on video. The authorities said that the officers’ condition was stable and that those in the car had been taken into custody.That episode followed an attack on Monday in Buffalo, N.Y., when the driver of an S.U.V. sped through a line of law enforcement officers in riot gear, injuring two of them in an episode that was caught on video. The authorities said that the officers’ condition was stable and that those in the car had been taken into custody.
Democratic leaders and a pair of Republicans in Congress condemned President Trump on Tuesday for his response to protests around the country and in the capital.
The rare bipartisan rebukes, reflecting a broad sense of alarm at the president’s behavior, followed a remarkable spectacle that unfolded Monday evening, when the police fired flash-bang explosions and tear gas and used officers on horseback to drive away peaceful demonstrators from a park near the White House.
Mr. Trump appeared in the Rose Garden, threatened to deploy the United States military to bring protests under control, and then walked across the park to have his picture taken holding the Bible outside a historic church that was vandalized in the unrest.
“After the president’s reality show ended last night, while the nation nervously watched the chaos that engulfs us, President Trump probably laid in bed pleased with himself for descending another rung on the dictatorial ladder,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, said on the Senate floor on Tuesday morning. “He probably wore out his remote control watching the clips of General Barr’s victory over the unarmed in the battle of Lafayette Square.”
Wielding her own Bible and quoting from the Book of Ecclesiastes, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged the president to “follow the lead of so many other presidents and be a healer in chief, and not a fanner of the flame.”
Many Republicans in Congress refrained from directly addressing Mr. Trump’s behavior, but at least 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.
Even moderate Democrats in conservative-leaning districts emphatically denounced Mr. Trump’s actions, in a sign that the president may find little sympathy among their constituents. 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.”
Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the majority leader, said on Tuesday that the House may vote to censure Mr. Trump, calling the events on Monday “certainly an action worthy and appropriate to censure and to criticize.”
Widespread looting erupted in Manhattan’s central business district, long a symbol of New York City’s prominence, with assaults on some of the city’s best-known retailers.Widespread looting erupted in Manhattan’s central business district, long a symbol of New York City’s prominence, with assaults on some of the city’s best-known retailers.
In episodes that began Monday afternoon and grew wilder as night fell, small bands of young people dressed mostly in black pillaged chain stores, upscale boutiques and kitschy trinket stores in Midtown Manhattan, as the police at first struggled in vain to impose order.In episodes that began Monday afternoon and grew wilder as night fell, small bands of young people dressed mostly in black pillaged chain stores, upscale boutiques and kitschy trinket stores in Midtown Manhattan, as the police at first struggled in vain to impose order.
Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square, which had been shuttered like all other nonessential businesses in the city because of the coronavirus, was ransacked, and several luxury stores along Fifth Avenue were looted.Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square, which had been shuttered like all other nonessential businesses in the city because of the coronavirus, was ransacked, and several luxury stores along Fifth Avenue were looted.
President Trump assailed Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York over the unrest in a tweet on Tuesday, claiming the city had been “lost to the looters.” Mr. Cuomo, in turn, blasted Mayor Bill de Blasio, continuing a bitter feud that has gone on for years.President Trump assailed Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York over the unrest in a tweet on Tuesday, claiming the city had been “lost to the looters.” Mr. Cuomo, in turn, blasted Mayor Bill de Blasio, continuing a bitter feud that has gone on for years.
“The N.Y.P.D. and the mayor did not do their job last night,” the governor said on Tuesday at a news briefing, adding, “Look at the videos — it was a disgrace.”“The N.Y.P.D. and the mayor did not do their job last night,” the governor said on Tuesday at a news briefing, adding, “Look at the videos — it was a disgrace.”
“I believe the mayor underestimates the scope of the problem, I believe he underestimates the duration of the problem, and I don’t think they’ve used enough police to address the situation,” Governor Cuomo said. “Because it’s inarguable but that it was not addressed last night.”“I believe the mayor underestimates the scope of the problem, I believe he underestimates the duration of the problem, and I don’t think they’ve used enough police to address the situation,” Governor Cuomo said. “Because it’s inarguable but that it was not addressed last night.”
Though the number of officers deployed was doubled to 8,000, the police struggled to respond on Monday to reports of stores under assault across the city. Nike, Anthropologie, Aldo, a New York Yankees store and two Rolex watch shops were among those targeted.Though the number of officers deployed was doubled to 8,000, the police struggled to respond on Monday to reports of stores under assault across the city. Nike, Anthropologie, Aldo, a New York Yankees store and two Rolex watch shops were among those targeted.
Mayor Bill de Blasio 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. He said on Tuesday that a curfew would be imposed again each day for the remainder of the week, starting at 8 p.m., three hours earlier than on Monday.Mayor Bill de Blasio 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. He said on Tuesday that a curfew would be imposed again each day for the remainder of the week, starting at 8 p.m., three hours earlier than on Monday.
“We’re seeing too much of this activity tonight,” he said in an interview on NY1, a local television station.“We’re seeing too much of this activity tonight,” he said in an interview on NY1, a local television station.
With curfews imposed in dozens of U.S. cities over the weekend, the measure is particularly striking for New York City’s eight million residents, who have been under strict lockdown orders because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed thousands of city residents.With curfews imposed in dozens of U.S. cities over the weekend, the measure is particularly striking for New York City’s eight million residents, who have been under strict lockdown orders because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed thousands of city residents.
With the city preparing to gradually reopen on June 8, the protests have injected a new level of unease, coming with not only police confrontations and widespread looting, but also fears that the coronavirus is spreading in the crowds.With the city preparing to gradually reopen on June 8, the protests have injected a new level of unease, coming with not only police confrontations and widespread looting, but also fears that the coronavirus is spreading in the crowds.
President Trump paid a visit on Tuesday to the St. John Paul II National Shrine, a Catholic religious site in northeast Washington. But just before he arrived, the archbishop of Washington made it starkly clear that the visit was not a welcome one.President Trump paid a visit on Tuesday to the St. John Paul II National Shrine, a Catholic religious site in northeast Washington. But just before he arrived, the archbishop of Washington made it starkly clear that the visit was not a welcome one.
“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, the first African-American to hold the post, wrote in a statement.“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, the first African-American to hold the post, wrote in a statement.
Referring to an episode on Monday when Mr. Trump walked to a historic Episcopal church near the White House after peaceful protesters were forcibly cleared away, the archbishop wrote that John Paul II, who was pope from 1978 to 2005, “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.”Referring to an episode on Monday when Mr. Trump walked to a historic Episcopal church near the White House after peaceful protesters were forcibly cleared away, the archbishop wrote that John Paul II, who was pope from 1978 to 2005, “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.”
The condemnatory statement did not seem to deter Mr. Trump, who arrived with Melania Trump, the first lady, and several other aides in tow. They spent about ten minutes inside the shrine.The condemnatory statement did not seem to deter Mr. Trump, who arrived with Melania Trump, the first lady, and several other aides in tow. They spent about ten minutes inside the shrine.
Since the incident on Monday, clergy members across Washington have condemned the president’s use of houses of worship as backdrops.Since the incident on Monday, clergy members across Washington have condemned the president’s use of houses of worship as backdrops.
Rev. Gini Gerbasi, rector of St. John’s Church in Georgetown, was standing on the patio of the church near the White House on Monday when officers in black uniforms and shields sprayed protesters with tear gas in preparation for Mr. Trump’s walk.Rev. Gini Gerbasi, rector of St. John’s Church in Georgetown, was standing on the patio of the church near the White House on Monday when officers in black uniforms and shields sprayed protesters with tear gas in preparation for Mr. Trump’s walk.
As she coughed and dabbed her eyes, she tried to pass out water to people who were frightened by the police’s flash-bang grenades or were unable to see because of the gas.As she coughed and dabbed her eyes, she tried to pass out water to people who were frightened by the police’s flash-bang grenades or were unable to see because of the gas.
“There were young people in that crowd, and they were driven out by police in full riot gear and police on horses,” Ms. Gerbasi said in an interview, her voice breaking. “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.”“There were young people in that crowd, and they were driven out by police in full riot gear and police on horses,” Ms. Gerbasi said in an interview, her voice breaking. “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.”
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, went to Philadelphia on Tuesday to address the national unrest over the death of George Floyd, in his first public event outside Delaware, his home state, since the coronavirus pandemic shuttered the campaign trail in March.
The visit is a test for Mr. Biden, 77, who is cautiously re-emerging onto the public landscape at one of the most volatile, high-stakes moments in a generation.
Mr. Biden excoriated President Trump’s stewardship of a nation convulsed in crisis over issues of racism and police brutality, and promised action to confront those matters and work to foster national unity if he is elected president. The nation, he said, is “crying out for leadership.”
“We won’t let any president quiet our voice,” he said. “We wont let those who see this as an opportunity to sow chaos throw up a smoke screen and distract us from the real legitimate grievances at the heart of the protests.”
Philadelphia, a solidly Democratic city of 1.5 million, is convulsed with public frustration and unrest amid what the mayor called “one of the biggest crises in the city’s history.”
The city, which is 42 percent black, was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Black residents making up a disproportionate number of coronavirus cases across Pennsylvania.
On top of grief over coronavirus deaths and surging unemployment from the shutdowns meant to slow the virus, the city has also been gripped by chaotic protests in the last week, with reports of hundreds of protesters hit with tear gas on Monday and videos of groups of white men patrolling neighborhoods holding baseball bats making the rounds on social media.
Pennsylvania is also holding a primary election on Tuesday, largely by mail. The primary was pushed back from April because of the coronavirus.
“If you look at all we are tied up with — a pandemic, a depression, a civil unrest, an election — there is only so much energy and resources that we have,” Mayor Jim Kenney, a Democrat, said, adding that 911 calls had increased sixfold in recent days.
“I’m worried about everything. I’m worried about people’s safety,” he said. “I haven’t slept much, to tell you the truth.”
The wrenching scene captured by a local television station in Los Angeles showed police officers, on the job to grapple with the chaos of the past week, interacting with black people in the same way that gave rise to the protests in the first place.The wrenching scene captured by a local television station in Los Angeles showed police officers, on the job to grapple with the chaos of the past week, interacting with black people in the same way that gave rise to the protests in the first place.
It starts with a black woman identified only as Monet, her husband and her brother-in-law standing guard over a cluster of local businesses while other shops in Los Angeles were being ransacked. One of the stores had been there for 30 years, Monet said.It starts with a black woman identified only as Monet, her husband and her brother-in-law standing guard over a cluster of local businesses while other shops in Los Angeles were being ransacked. One of the stores had been there for 30 years, Monet said.
“As long as we’re around this neighborhood, you’re not tearing nothing else up either,” she told the TV reporter, Christina Gonzalez of Fox 11 Los Angeles.“As long as we’re around this neighborhood, you’re not tearing nothing else up either,” she told the TV reporter, Christina Gonzalez of Fox 11 Los Angeles.
Then several cars approach, and people gather near a gold store. Monet and her relatives confront them, in an apparent attempt to ward off looting. Police sirens sound, squad cars drive by, and Monet waves her arms as she and Ms. Gonzalez try to get the officers’ attention.Then several cars approach, and people gather near a gold store. Monet and her relatives confront them, in an apparent attempt to ward off looting. Police sirens sound, squad cars drive by, and Monet waves her arms as she and Ms. Gonzalez try to get the officers’ attention.
It appears they are successful: Uniformed officers, some in riot gear, march toward the store. But when they arrive, it is Monet and her relatives who are ordered to face the wall as the police tie their hands, and Ms. Gonzalez pleads with the officers that Monet and her family have done nothing wrong.It appears they are successful: Uniformed officers, some in riot gear, march toward the store. But when they arrive, it is Monet and her relatives who are ordered to face the wall as the police tie their hands, and Ms. Gonzalez pleads with the officers that Monet and her family have done nothing wrong.
“I was handcuffed, thrown up against a wall with my husband and brother-in-law, and I’m like, ‘What the hell?’” Monet told the station.“I was handcuffed, thrown up against a wall with my husband and brother-in-law, and I’m like, ‘What the hell?’” Monet told the station.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department said she did not have any information about the encounter.A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department said she did not have any information about the encounter.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet with survivors of China’s 1989 assault against protesters at Tiananmen Square on Tuesday — a day after federal police forcibly cleared away demonstrators outside the White House with batons, tear gas and flash grenades.
The State Department did not comment on the uncomfortable timing of the meeting, nor the fact that three decades ago, President Trump expressed a kind of admiration for China’s massacre of Tiananmen protesters in Beijing.
On June 4, 1989, the Chinese government ended seven weeks of student-led pro-democracy protests in front of its legislative hall by declaring martial law and sending troops and tanks to clear the square. The soldiers opened fire, and hundreds of people — if not thousands — were killed.
Mr. Pompeo has been among the Trump administration’s most strident advocates of aggressive diplomacy with China’s Communist government, and his meeting with pro-democracy supporters, two days before the anniversary of the massacre, is in line with his posture toward Beijing.
The meeting is closed to journalists, and a State Department spokeswoman would not say whether a description of it would be publicly released afterward.
Following a week of demonstrations across the United States against police brutality toward black people, President Trump urged state governors on Monday to “dominate” the unrest, and said he would send thousands of “heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers” into cities.
The president’s advocacy of a heavy-handed response evoked his 1990 comments to Playboy magazine, when he said that Beijing had shown “the power of strength” when it used deadly force to crush the Tiananmen demonstration.
“When the students poured into Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government almost blew it,” Mr. Trump said in that interview. “Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength. That shows you the power of strength. Our country is right now perceived as weak.”
In 2016, Mr. Trump said the comments were not an endorsement, before calling the Chinese students “rioters” and reiterating that a “strong, powerful government” stopped the protests.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, condemned President Trump on Tuesday for his response to protests around the country and in the capital, calling him “a fanner of the flame” of division.
Ms. Pelosi criticized the way peaceful demonstrators outside the White House were violently pushed back on Monday to clear the way for Mr. Trump to pose for a photograph. She called it a “most unfortunate situation,” and said it was antithetical to presidential conduct.
The scene unfolded Monday evening, when the police fired flash-bang explosions and tear gas and used officers on horseback to drive away protesters, just before Mr. Trump strode out of the White House. Mr. Trump crossed a park to have his picture taken holding a Bible outside a historic church that had been vandalized and was boarded up.
“What is that? That has no place,” Ms. Pelosi asked on Tuesday at the Capitol, following a ceremony to mark final passage of legislation to force the president to punish China for human rights abuses.
Holding her own Bible, Ms. Pelosi read from the Book of Ecclesiastes and urged Mr. Trump to focus on “a time to heal,” and then recited calls by past presidents of both parties for harmony in the face of racial tensions
“We would hope that the president of the United States would follow the lead of so many other presidents,” Ms. Pelosi said, “ and be a healer in chief and not a fanner of the flame.”
A sea of black boxes flooded Instagram and other platforms on Tuesday, as a plan to disrupt business as usual in the music industry morphed into a #BlackoutTuesday phenomenon on social media.A sea of black boxes flooded Instagram and other platforms on Tuesday, as a plan to disrupt business as usual in the music industry morphed into a #BlackoutTuesday phenomenon on social media.
Millions of people posted black boxes under the hashtag, with many announcing silence on social media in an attempt to amplify black people’s voices online.Millions of people posted black boxes under the hashtag, with many announcing silence on social media in an attempt to amplify black people’s voices online.
But the phenomenon was a diversion from its original intent as a campaign within the music industry to disrupt business as usual for a day, in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others.But the phenomenon was a diversion from its original intent as a campaign within the music industry to disrupt business as usual for a day, in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others.
The initiative, “The Show Must Be Paused,” was the brainchild of two black women in music marketing, Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, who called for a day of reflection, conversation and plans for action within the industry. Brands including Spotify, Live Nation, Apple, TikTok and many of the largest record companies said that they would cease most operations for the day.The initiative, “The Show Must Be Paused,” was the brainchild of two black women in music marketing, Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, who called for a day of reflection, conversation and plans for action within the industry. Brands including Spotify, Live Nation, Apple, TikTok and many of the largest record companies said that they would cease most operations for the day.
But after stars like Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Drake and Quincy Jones shared the idea to their millions of followers, the idea morphed and took off online. By Tuesday, more than two million Instagram featured the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday, and hundreds of thousands tagged #TheShowMustBePaused.But after stars like Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Drake and Quincy Jones shared the idea to their millions of followers, the idea morphed and took off online. By Tuesday, more than two million Instagram featured the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday, and hundreds of thousands tagged #TheShowMustBePaused.
Some vowed to “mute” themselves online for the rest of the day as part of the blackout, while skeptics worried that silence was not the answer. And when many on social media began appending the general #blacklivesmatter message to their posts, others pointed out that doing so could drown out the very black voices they said they wanted to amplify.Some vowed to “mute” themselves online for the rest of the day as part of the blackout, while skeptics worried that silence was not the answer. And when many on social media began appending the general #blacklivesmatter message to their posts, others pointed out that doing so could drown out the very black voices they said they wanted to amplify.
On Tuesday, The Show Must Be Paused released an additional statement clarifying its intent. “The purpose was never to mute ourselves,” the group said. “The purpose is to disrupt.”On Tuesday, The Show Must Be Paused released an additional statement clarifying its intent. “The purpose was never to mute ourselves,” the group said. “The purpose is to disrupt.”
Rewind, before the trash fires, lootings and arrests, to the scene outside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sunday evening.Rewind, before the trash fires, lootings and arrests, to the scene outside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sunday evening.
A woman who works as a Kennedy Airport gate agent stood in the crowd with the setting sun at her back, thinking about the time the police had hassled her little brother. Several feet away, a young media consultant handed out free pizza and water with friends at a table that one of them had brought along. A 40-year-old man held his phone aloft, sharing the scene with a longtime friend — the two were once beaten by the police as teenagers, he said.A woman who works as a Kennedy Airport gate agent stood in the crowd with the setting sun at her back, thinking about the time the police had hassled her little brother. Several feet away, a young media consultant handed out free pizza and water with friends at a table that one of them had brought along. A 40-year-old man held his phone aloft, sharing the scene with a longtime friend — the two were once beaten by the police as teenagers, he said.
Soon the group would march through the area’s broad avenues and narrow side streets, greeted with applause, honking horns and raised-fist salutes. Bryce Stewart, 35, of Bushwick, stopped his motorcycle and climbed atop it for a better look.Soon the group would march through the area’s broad avenues and narrow side streets, greeted with applause, honking horns and raised-fist salutes. Bryce Stewart, 35, of Bushwick, stopped his motorcycle and climbed atop it for a better look.
“This is beautiful,” he said.“This is beautiful,” he said.
That mood — of spirited, sometimes vulgar, but essentially peaceful indignation — lasted until dark. Then, as it had on each previous night of protest, the glass started to shatter.That mood — of spirited, sometimes vulgar, but essentially peaceful indignation — lasted until dark. Then, as it had on each previous night of protest, the glass started to shatter.
It began Sunday around 10 p.m. in SoHo, when a knot of young men on the periphery of a large march from Brooklyn smashed a clothing store window and stole a jacket, dragging a mannequin out onto the sidewalk.It began Sunday around 10 p.m. in SoHo, when a knot of young men on the periphery of a large march from Brooklyn smashed a clothing store window and stole a jacket, dragging a mannequin out onto the sidewalk.
It was a pattern that repeated itself across the nation again on Monday.It was a pattern that repeated itself across the nation again on Monday.
The nation’s capital, roiled by protest, is not part of any state, and that makes it the one place where the Army can be used to keep civil order without approval from a governor. So President Trump, declaring that “the destruction of peaceful life and the spilling of blood is against humanity and God,” has ordered the Army to deploy an active-duty military police battalion for Washington.The nation’s capital, roiled by protest, is not part of any state, and that makes it the one place where the Army can be used to keep civil order without approval from a governor. So President Trump, declaring that “the destruction of peaceful life and the spilling of blood is against humanity and God,” has ordered the Army to deploy an active-duty military police battalion for Washington.
But Defense Department officials have yet to say how large the force will be, giving varying numbers from 500 to “thousands.”But Defense Department officials have yet to say how large the force will be, giving varying numbers from 500 to “thousands.”
One Pentagon official said that the force might not be limited to military police. The official, who said that decisions were still being made, added that troops were coming from Ft. Bragg in North Carolina and Ft. Drum in New York, and might also, surprisingly, include the ceremonial “Old Guard” unit, the 3rd Infantry. The regiment provides security in Washington and escort to the president, and stands guard at Arlington National Cemetery.One Pentagon official said that the force might not be limited to military police. The official, who said that decisions were still being made, added that troops were coming from Ft. Bragg in North Carolina and Ft. Drum in New York, and might also, surprisingly, include the ceremonial “Old Guard” unit, the 3rd Infantry. The regiment provides security in Washington and escort to the president, and stands guard at Arlington National Cemetery.
Mr. Trump said this week, without elaborating, that Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was in charge of the effort to confront the protesters and looters. Mr. Trump also said he might send active-duty troops to states where there was unrest.Mr. Trump said this week, without elaborating, that Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was in charge of the effort to confront the protesters and looters. Mr. Trump also said he might send active-duty troops to states where there was unrest.
At the Pentagon, officials expressed surprise at the president’s comments, and referred questions to the White House. They noted that all National Guard troops now deployed in the United States are under the authority of state governors. Federal law prohibits troops under federal command from being used domestically except under very limited circumstances.At the Pentagon, officials expressed surprise at the president’s comments, and referred questions to the White House. They noted that all National Guard troops now deployed in the United States are under the authority of state governors. Federal law prohibits troops under federal command from being used domestically except under very limited circumstances.
For a week, cities across America have been theaters of dissent.For a week, cities across America have been theaters of dissent.
The people expressing their anger and frustration are individual pieces of a movement, like drops of water to a wave. Their strength is in cohesiveness. Yet they are strangers, divided by geography, age, color and experience.The people expressing their anger and frustration are individual pieces of a movement, like drops of water to a wave. Their strength is in cohesiveness. Yet they are strangers, divided by geography, age, color and experience.
Here are some of those making their voices heard.Here are some of those making their voices heard.
Kennetta Hollivay stood outside her store, the Dollar & Up market, a block and a half from the spot where George Floyd died. She and her husband had bought the store in September, and although the store remained open through the pandemic, business was slow.Kennetta Hollivay stood outside her store, the Dollar & Up market, a block and a half from the spot where George Floyd died. She and her husband had bought the store in September, and although the store remained open through the pandemic, business was slow.
Ms. Hollivay, who has lived in the neighborhood her whole life, said she had felt compelled to join the protests, at least initially.Ms. Hollivay, who has lived in the neighborhood her whole life, said she had felt compelled to join the protests, at least initially.
“When I first heard about it, I was like, ‘Oh, wow, the police have killed somebody else,’” she said. “And I was hurt. But once I saw video, it was like — that man died right before our eyes. I’ve never seen nothing like that before. Ever. Ever. I told my husband yesterday I’ve been having these dreams every night of this. Nightmares.”“When I first heard about it, I was like, ‘Oh, wow, the police have killed somebody else,’” she said. “And I was hurt. But once I saw video, it was like — that man died right before our eyes. I’ve never seen nothing like that before. Ever. Ever. I told my husband yesterday I’ve been having these dreams every night of this. Nightmares.”
Chad Bennett and his father, wearing matching face masks, stood back in a parking lot as they watched protesters march past the Police Department in Ferguson, Mo., the site of numerous protests since Michael Brown, a black teenager, was killed by a white police officer there in 2014.Chad Bennett and his father, wearing matching face masks, stood back in a parking lot as they watched protesters march past the Police Department in Ferguson, Mo., the site of numerous protests since Michael Brown, a black teenager, was killed by a white police officer there in 2014.
“When Ferguson happened, the whole world descended on us,” said Mr. Bennett, a graduate of Columbia College Chicago who works as an animator. “This time, it was like bam, bam, bam, city after city. I knew I had to be a part of it.”“When Ferguson happened, the whole world descended on us,” said Mr. Bennett, a graduate of Columbia College Chicago who works as an animator. “This time, it was like bam, bam, bam, city after city. I knew I had to be a part of it.”
Seeing the video of what happened to Mr. Floyd left him “numb,” he said. “It’s a silent rage, I guess,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m sad anymore. I’m just angry.”Seeing the video of what happened to Mr. Floyd left him “numb,” he said. “It’s a silent rage, I guess,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m sad anymore. I’m just angry.”
Thousands gathered for a march in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday, and chanted “Enough is enough” while kneeling outside the U.S. Consulate building — the latest in a series of peaceful global rallies as the U.S. protests have resonated around the world.Thousands gathered for a march in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday, and chanted “Enough is enough” while kneeling outside the U.S. Consulate building — the latest in a series of peaceful global rallies as the U.S. protests have resonated around the world.
In places like London and Rio de Janeiro, demonstrations of solidarity with those taking to the streets in America have also prompted soul searching over racial divisions in their own nations.In places like London and Rio de Janeiro, demonstrations of solidarity with those taking to the streets in America have also prompted soul searching over racial divisions in their own nations.
The issue of police brutality has particular resonance in Rio de Janeiro, where more than 1,400 people were killed by the police from January to September of last year, and where law enforcement officers have been accused of widespread abuse, according to Human Rights Watch. On Sunday, thousands there gathered and echoed George Floyd’s dying words, “I can’t breathe,” before the crowd was dispersed with tear gas.The issue of police brutality has particular resonance in Rio de Janeiro, where more than 1,400 people were killed by the police from January to September of last year, and where law enforcement officers have been accused of widespread abuse, according to Human Rights Watch. On Sunday, thousands there gathered and echoed George Floyd’s dying words, “I can’t breathe,” before the crowd was dispersed with tear gas.
In Paris, dozens knelt outside the U.S. Embassy, most of them dressed in black and some holding signs that read, “Racism is choking us.” In a statement before the event, organizers pointed to recent police violence against people of color in their own community and demanded that those acts be met with “the greatest firmness in France.”In Paris, dozens knelt outside the U.S. Embassy, most of them dressed in black and some holding signs that read, “Racism is choking us.” In a statement before the event, organizers pointed to recent police violence against people of color in their own community and demanded that those acts be met with “the greatest firmness in France.”
On Monday evening, demonstrators in Berlin rallied at the Brandenburg Gate and thousands gathered in Dublin to march to the U.S. Embassy.On Monday evening, demonstrators in Berlin rallied at the Brandenburg Gate and thousands gathered in Dublin to march to the U.S. Embassy.
“Black lives in America seem to be taken for granted,” one protester told Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTE.“Black lives in America seem to be taken for granted,” one protester told Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTE.
In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that while she was “horrified” by Mr. Floyd’s death, protests held in Wellington on Monday were a “clear breach” of a ban on public gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that while she was “horrified” by Mr. Floyd’s death, protests held in Wellington on Monday were a “clear breach” of a ban on public gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We need to show that and express that solidarity in a way that makes sure that we are looking after one another as well,” she said.“We need to show that and express that solidarity in a way that makes sure that we are looking after one another as well,” she said.
Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Kim Barker, 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, Sarah Mervosh, David Montgomery, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Adam Popescu, Austin Ramzy, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Megan Specia, Jennifer Steinhauer, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor and Mihir Zaveri. Reporting was contributed by 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, Sarah Mervosh, David Montgomery, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Adam Popescu, Austin Ramzy, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Megan Specia, Jennifer Steinhauer, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor and Mihir Zaveri.