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Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Biden Addresses the Crisis Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: Biden Addresses the Crisis
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Tensions between protesters and the police intensified on Monday, the seventh day of protests over the death of George Floyd and generations of systemic racism. Amid the chaos, police officers were attacked in several cities, and President Trump threatened to deploy active-duty troops to stop the violence.Tensions between protesters and the police intensified on Monday, the seventh day of protests over the death of George Floyd and generations of systemic racism. Amid the chaos, police officers were attacked in several cities, and President Trump threatened to deploy active-duty troops to stop the violence.
The arrest of hundreds of people and injuries of both officers and protesters came as thousands of protesters protested peacefully across the country, but as demonstrations also devolved into widespread looting overnight. Stores along some of Manhattan’s most prized shopping streets were ransacked, and broken glass littered Fifth Avenue. In Los Angeles, residents were warned overnight to avoid Hollywood because of looting “on foot and via caravans.”The arrest of hundreds of people and injuries of both officers and protesters came as thousands of protesters protested peacefully across the country, but as demonstrations also devolved into widespread looting overnight. Stores along some of Manhattan’s most prized shopping streets were ransacked, and broken glass littered Fifth Avenue. In Los Angeles, residents were warned overnight to avoid Hollywood because of looting “on foot and via caravans.”
A nation that was already reeling from a pandemic that has claimed more than 100,000 lives, sent the economy into a tailspin not seen since the Great Depression and forced millions to shelter at home for months is now confronting the most widespread civil unrest in half a century.A nation that was already reeling from a pandemic that has claimed more than 100,000 lives, sent the economy into a tailspin not seen since the Great Depression and forced millions to shelter at home for months is now confronting the most widespread civil unrest in half a century.
At least six police officers were reported shot in incidents around the country overnight, including four in St. Louis, and other officers were injured when drivers plowed into their ranks. There have also been widespread reports of protesters injured in recent days, as the police deploy tear gas, rubber bullets and other tactics.At least six police officers were reported shot in incidents around the country overnight, including four in St. Louis, and other officers were injured when drivers plowed into their ranks. There have also been widespread reports of protesters injured in recent days, as the police deploy tear gas, rubber bullets and other tactics.
Mr. Trump, in his first extended public remarks on the unrest, threatened to deploy the military if state and city officials did not quash the looting and other violence.Mr. Trump, in his first extended public remarks on the unrest, threatened to deploy the military if state and city officials did not quash the looting and other violence.
His declaration, an extraordinary exertion of federal powers, came as the police used tear gas and flash grenades to disperse peaceful protesters so that the president could visit a nearby church and pose for photographs with a Bible.His declaration, an extraordinary exertion of federal powers, came as the police used tear gas and flash grenades to disperse peaceful protesters so that the president could visit a nearby church and pose for photographs with a Bible.
Washington’s mayor called the use of force “shameful,” and Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington said she was “outraged” that the president had gone to the church “after he threatened to basically rain down military force.”Washington’s mayor called the use of force “shameful,” and Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington said she was “outraged” that the president had gone to the church “after he threatened to basically rain down military force.”
The latest from around the country:The latest from around the country:
New York City: An 11 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew imposed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo did little to deter protesters or looters, who made their way into the iconic Macy’s department store in Midtown Manhattan. On Tuesday, the curfew will start earlier, at 8 p.m. New York City: An 11 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew imposed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo did little to deter protesters or looters, who made their way into the iconic Macy’s department store in Midtown Manhattan. On Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said a curfew would be imposed from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. for the remainder of the week.
Philadelphia: An armored vehicle with state police markings fired tear gas into hundreds of protesters gathered near downtown on Monday. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, visited the city on Tuesday morning to address the unrest.Philadelphia: An armored vehicle with state police markings fired tear gas into hundreds of protesters gathered near downtown on Monday. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, visited the city on Tuesday morning to address the unrest.
Los Angeles: The police said they had arrested dozens of people “armed with large hammers” who were looting a drugstore in the Van Nuys neighborhood on Monday. Several other protests swelled in Hollywood, where there were also reports of looting and vandalism.Los Angeles: The police said they had arrested dozens of people “armed with large hammers” who were looting a drugstore in the Van Nuys neighborhood on Monday. Several other protests swelled in Hollywood, where there were also reports of looting and vandalism.
Dallas: Protesters were arrested and charged with obstructing a highway by marching on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Clay Jenkins, the Dallas County Judge, allowed peaceful protests to continue past the 7 p.m. curfew near the county courthouse, saying, “I support peaceful protest and radical transformation.”Dallas: Protesters were arrested and charged with obstructing a highway by marching on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Clay Jenkins, the Dallas County Judge, allowed peaceful protests to continue past the 7 p.m. curfew near the county courthouse, saying, “I support peaceful protest and radical transformation.”
Minneapolis: Terrence Floyd became the first member of George Floyd’s family to visit the place where his brother died, and told a crowd that the violence of recent days troubled him. “If I’m not over here wilding out, if I’m not over here blowing up stuff, if I’m not over here messing up my community, then what are y’all doing? What are y’all doing?” he said. About 15 minutes after curfew, a crowd gathered at the spot and clashed with the police.Minneapolis: Terrence Floyd became the first member of George Floyd’s family to visit the place where his brother died, and told a crowd that the violence of recent days troubled him. “If I’m not over here wilding out, if I’m not over here blowing up stuff, if I’m not over here messing up my community, then what are y’all doing? What are y’all doing?” he said. About 15 minutes after curfew, a crowd gathered at the spot and clashed with the police.
Louisville, Ky.: The mayor fired the police chief after the owner of a local restaurant was killed when police officers and National Guard troops shot toward protesters.Louisville, Ky.: The mayor fired the police chief after the owner of a local restaurant was killed when police officers and National Guard troops shot toward protesters.
Chicago: The Justice Department arrested a man and accused him of traveling across state lines to start riots, engage in looting and attack law enforcement officers.Chicago: The Justice Department arrested a man and accused him of traveling across state lines to start riots, engage in looting and attack law enforcement officers.
Austin, Texas: The police chief said that a black protester who had been shot in the head by officers was in critical condition at a hospital, one of several protesters injured by nonlethal rounds.Austin, Texas: The police chief said that a black protester who had been shot in the head by officers was in critical condition at a hospital, one of several protesters injured by nonlethal rounds.
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.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.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.”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.”“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.”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.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.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.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.“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.”“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.
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.
Despite doubling the number of officers deployed to 8,000, the police struggled to respond 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.Despite doubling the number of officers deployed to 8,000, the police struggled to respond 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.
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.”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.”
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. As a result, he said, a curfew would be imposed again on Tuesday, this time starting three hours earlier, at 8 p.m. 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, this time starting three hours earlier, at 8 p.m.
“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.
As President Trump delivered a speech in the Rose Garden on Monday in which he called himself “an ally of all peaceful protesters” yet vowed to send the military to states where governors could not bring rioting under control, the sound of explosions and screams could be heard in the distance.As President Trump delivered a speech in the Rose Garden on Monday in which he called himself “an ally of all peaceful protesters” yet vowed to send the military to states where governors could not bring rioting under control, the sound of explosions and screams could be heard in the distance.
After demonstrators in Washington ignored warnings to disperse before the city’s curfew, the police moved in with tear gas. And without directly addressing protesters’ frustrations, Mr. Trump said he would respond with an “overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled.”After demonstrators in Washington ignored warnings to disperse before the city’s curfew, the police moved in with tear gas. And without directly addressing protesters’ frustrations, Mr. Trump said he would respond with an “overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled.”
In his first remarks from the White House since huge protests have swept the country, he called the looting and violent demonstrations “acts of domestic terror.”In his first remarks from the White House since huge protests have swept the country, he called the looting and violent demonstrations “acts of domestic terror.”
Mr. Trump said he was among those “rightly sickened and revolted” by the death of George Floyd. But the president said that “if a city or state refuses to take the actions 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 he was among those “rightly sickened and revolted” by the death of George Floyd. But the president said that “if a city or state refuses to take the actions 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.”
Just after he concluded his speech, military police from the National Guard clad in camouflage and riot shields surged in front of a line of law enforcement officers pushing protesters back from the mouth of Lafayette Square outside the White House.Just after he concluded his speech, military police from the National Guard clad in camouflage and riot shields surged in front of a line of law enforcement officers pushing protesters back from the mouth of Lafayette Square outside the White House.
Officers used tear gas and flash grenades to clear out the crowd so that Mr. Trump could visit the nearby St. John’s Church, the site of a parish house basement fire on Sunday night. He stood in front of the boarded-up church to pose for photographs with a Bible.Officers used tear gas and flash grenades to clear out the crowd so that Mr. Trump could visit the nearby St. John’s Church, the site of a parish house basement fire on Sunday night. He stood in front of the boarded-up church to pose for photographs with a Bible.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington said she was “outraged” that Mr. Trump had gone to the church “after he threatened to basically rain down military force.”Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington said she was “outraged” that Mr. Trump had gone to the church “after he threatened to basically rain down military force.”
Later in the evening, an Army Black Hawk helicopter descended to rooftop level in the city’s Chinatown district, kicking up dirt and debris and snapping trees that narrowly missed several people.Later in the evening, an Army Black Hawk helicopter descended to rooftop level in the city’s Chinatown district, kicking up dirt and debris and snapping trees that narrowly missed several people.
Military helicopters also performed a “show of force” maneuver that is often used in combat zones to scare away insurgents. The crowd quickly dispersed into surrounding blocks. Minutes later, the Black Hawk returned for another pass.Military helicopters also performed a “show of force” maneuver that is often used in combat zones to scare away insurgents. The crowd quickly dispersed into surrounding blocks. Minutes later, the Black Hawk returned for another pass.
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.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.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.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.“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 tensionsHolding 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.”“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.”
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.
“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.
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.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department said she did not have any information about the encounter.
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.
Rebekah Castilaw stood on an island of grass along one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares — a protest of one. 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.
She had brought a few signs with her, and the one she was holding at the moment had “Black Lives Matter” handwritten in black marker. As cars whipped past her, many drivers honked. Plenty of people rolled down their windows. Most cheered her on, and some hurled vulgarities. But Defense Department officials have yet to say how large the force will be, giving varying numbers from 500 to “thousands.”
“I’ll be out here every day,” Ms. Castilaw, who is white, said from her spot outside the University of Southern Mississippi. “It’s pitiful you don’t see more.” 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.
About 200 people turned out in the suburban Minneapolis community of Maple Grove for a candlelight vigil. Their plan was to stand in silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time that the Minneapolis police officer had his knee on George Floyd’s neck. 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.
But even after the time elapsed, people remained frozen in place for several minutes, with only the sounds of chirping birds and the hum of cars on the freeway behind them. Members of the mostly white crowd included children on scooters and bicycles, and they held fists in the air and carried “Black Lives Matter” posters as they stood along the freshly cut lawn of the town library’s driveway. 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.
Mary Kriz, leaning against her bicycle, said she was outraged by President Trump’s message on Monday about using military force to break up protests. “It couldn’t be a more wrong solution,” she said. “What we’re hearing from George’s family is they want us to protest peacefully. It’s the worst possible solution.”
John Morrisette, who was clutching a candle and standing beside her, nodded and said, “Everybody is looking for peace right now, and war is not the answer.”
As a curfew approached, members of the National Guard appeared to be rolling into position in the part of town where Mr. Floyd died. More than half a dozen troops stood outside Chumps Chicken and the Cedar Bar & Grill, flanked by an array of armored vehicles. A few blocks away, a convoy of military vehicles and police vehicles with sirens flashing passed down the street.
Just as the sun set and a citywide curfew took effect, a huge gathering marched down the iconic Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards.
Police officers gave the group a wide berth, and things initially seemed peaceful. But soon groups peeled off, targeting the Gower Gulch shopping complex, smashing the windows of a kebab restaurant, and tearing the plywood barriers from a drugstore and a mobile phone shop.
Then the frenzy began. People wearing masks stormed the stores, their arms heavy with looted goods.
Officers quickly descended on the scene, but just as quickly, many demonstrators jumped into awaiting vehicles and fled.
“It’s been the last straw,” Janasia Crumpler, 20, said at a rally. “It’s a pandemic. I’m in good health. I came out for those who can’t and people who’ve been marching for 50 years.”
Ms. Crumpler said that like many people her age, she had first expressed her outrage on social media. But she was then compelled to take to the streets by the contrast in the government’s response to armed white demonstrators storming state capitals to protest coronavirus restrictions.
“It was out of control before when white people were rioting and you called them very good people — and they were rioting about the virus,” Ms. Crumpler said as she walked.
An American flag burned in the street nearby.
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.”
For most of her life, Beth Muffett, a stay-at-home mother and massage therapist, had positive interactions with law enforcement.For most of her life, Beth Muffett, a stay-at-home mother and massage therapist, had positive interactions with law enforcement.
But by the time she and her friends had left a protest outside City Hall on Sunday, she had bruises on her stomach and knee from where one officer had struck her with his bicycle, and another bruise on her arm after she had fallen back onto another protester.But by the time she and her friends had left a protest outside City Hall on Sunday, she had bruises on her stomach and knee from where one officer had struck her with his bicycle, and another bruise on her arm after she had fallen back onto another protester.
“There’s a lot of privileged white women, and I’m one of them,” Ms. Muffett said. “I’ve never had a cop treat me like that.”“There’s a lot of privileged white women, and I’m one of them,” Ms. Muffett said. “I’ve never had a cop treat me like that.”
Millions of people worldwide are heeding a call for a day of silence on social media to amplify black people’s voices under the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday.Millions of people worldwide are heeding a call for a day of silence on social media to amplify black people’s voices under the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday.
The idea, which came in response to the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others, began as a movement within the music industry as a campaign organized by Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, called “The Show Must Be Paused,” was amplified by several major record labels.The idea, which came in response to the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others, began as a movement within the music industry as a campaign organized by Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, called “The Show Must Be Paused,” was amplified by several major record labels.
And when stars like Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Drake, Quincy Jones and Billie Eilish shared the idea to their millions of followers, the idea took off. By early Tuesday, more than two million Instagram featured the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday, and hundreds of thousands tagged #TheShowMustBePaused.And when stars like Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Drake, Quincy Jones and Billie Eilish shared the idea to their millions of followers, the idea took off. By early Tuesday, more than two million Instagram featured the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday, and hundreds of thousands tagged #TheShowMustBePaused.
Radio shows and music channels pledged to “black out” for the day, and the streaming platform Spotify said it would add eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence to some playlists and podcasts to echo the length of time that a Minneapolis police officer knelt on George Floyd’s neck.Radio shows and music channels pledged to “black out” for the day, and the streaming platform Spotify said it would add eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence to some playlists and podcasts to echo the length of time that a Minneapolis police officer knelt on George Floyd’s neck.
Theaters and actors have joined in, pledging to mute themselves and instead listen. And bloggers and influencers likewise grasped hold of the initiative, with many replacing their profile photos with a black circle or adding a photo of a plain black square within their feed.Theaters and actors have joined in, pledging to mute themselves and instead listen. And bloggers and influencers likewise grasped hold of the initiative, with many replacing their profile photos with a black circle or adding a photo of a plain black square within their feed.
People with smaller followings are also letting their social media accounts go dark for the day, sharing posts from black people and donating to organizations that work to fight racism.People with smaller followings are also letting their social media accounts go dark for the day, sharing posts from black people and donating to organizations that work to fight racism.
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, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Caitlin Dickerson, Catie Edmonson, John Eligon, Tess Felder, Manny Fernandez, Thomas Fuller, Russell Goldman, Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, David Montgomery, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Adam Popescu, Austin Ramzy, Frances Robles, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Dionne Searcey, Megan Specia, Daniel Victor and Neil Vigdor.Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Kim Barker, Julie Bosman, John Branch, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Caitlin Dickerson, Catie Edmonson, John Eligon, Tess Felder, Manny Fernandez, Thomas Fuller, Russell Goldman, Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, David Montgomery, Jack Nicas, Elian Peltier, Adam Popescu, Austin Ramzy, Frances Robles, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Dionne Searcey, Megan Specia, Daniel Victor and Neil Vigdor.