This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/07/us/george-floyd-protests.html

The article has changed 33 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: A National Movement Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: A National Movement
(about 2 hours later)
Demonstrations that began as spontaneous eruptions of outrage after the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police two weeks ago coalesced this weekend into a nationwide movement calling for police reforms and racial justice.Demonstrations that began as spontaneous eruptions of outrage after the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police two weeks ago coalesced this weekend into a nationwide movement calling for police reforms and racial justice.
Tens of thousands gathered in big cities like New York and Seattle and small towns like Vidor, Texas, and Marion, Ohio — in swelling crowds that have been multiethnic, spanning generations and overwhelmingly peaceful. The movement has also spread around the world, with protests this weekend in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe.Tens of thousands gathered in big cities like New York and Seattle and small towns like Vidor, Texas, and Marion, Ohio — in swelling crowds that have been multiethnic, spanning generations and overwhelmingly peaceful. The movement has also spread around the world, with protests this weekend in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe.
The calls for change come as United States faces its starkest economic crisis since the Great Depression, largely the result of measures put in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which has claimed more than 110,000 lives in the country.The calls for change come as United States faces its starkest economic crisis since the Great Depression, largely the result of measures put in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which has claimed more than 110,000 lives in the country.
Both the economic and the health crises have disproportionately hurt blacks and other minorities and highlighted the nation’s persistent social inequalities.Both the economic and the health crises have disproportionately hurt blacks and other minorities and highlighted the nation’s persistent social inequalities.
Although policing is largely a local matter — and some cities and states have begun acting on calls for reform — one common theme has bound the demonstrations together: Black lives matter.Although policing is largely a local matter — and some cities and states have begun acting on calls for reform — one common theme has bound the demonstrations together: Black lives matter.
“Enough is enough,” said Ji’Mie Lane, who marched in a protest along Central Park in Manhattan with her 6-year-old son this weekend. “We want as fair rights as everyone. I’m a mom, and the way George Floyd cried, it just broke my heart.”“Enough is enough,” said Ji’Mie Lane, who marched in a protest along Central Park in Manhattan with her 6-year-old son this weekend. “We want as fair rights as everyone. I’m a mom, and the way George Floyd cried, it just broke my heart.”
Across New York City, peaceful demonstrators defied an 8 p.m. curfew. But after more than a week of images flooding social media of the police cornering, roughly arresting and sometimes beating protesters while trying to clear the streets, the police took a different posture on Saturday, allowing peaceful marches long into the night.Across New York City, peaceful demonstrators defied an 8 p.m. curfew. But after more than a week of images flooding social media of the police cornering, roughly arresting and sometimes beating protesters while trying to clear the streets, the police took a different posture on Saturday, allowing peaceful marches long into the night.
Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter overnight that the curfew was being lifted, “effective immediately.” Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter early Sunday morning that the curfew was being lifted, “effective immediately.”
Many of Saturday’s gatherings appeared larger than previous rallies, especially the one in Washington. At one point it felt as if the entire city had emptied into downtown as lines of protesters snaked their way through side streets while others converged in nearby parks before making their way to Lafayette Square outside the White House. Many of Saturday’s gatherings appeared larger than previous rallies, especially the one in Washington. At one point it seemed as if the entire city had emptied into downtown, as lines of protesters snaked their way through side streets while others converged in nearby parks before making their way to Lafayette Square outside the White House.
By early evening, the rally had the feel of a street fair. Ice cream trucks idled on the side of the road, parents rolled tired children in strollers, and people played guitars and harmonicas. Music was playing from the backs of cars. Some people danced.By early evening, the rally had the feel of a street fair. Ice cream trucks idled on the side of the road, parents rolled tired children in strollers, and people played guitars and harmonicas. Music was playing from the backs of cars. Some people danced.
Although Saturday’s demonstrations were overwhelmingly peaceful, President Trump continued to hammer home a familiar message.Although Saturday’s demonstrations were overwhelmingly peaceful, President Trump continued to hammer home a familiar message.
“LAW & ORDER!” he wrote on Twitter on Saturday evening.“LAW & ORDER!” he wrote on Twitter on Saturday evening.
The capital’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, has given her own response to the protests: She renamed an area outside the White House “Black Lives Matter Plaza.”The capital’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, has given her own response to the protests: She renamed an area outside the White House “Black Lives Matter Plaza.”
President Trump’s threat to deploy federal troops in U.S. cities has continued to roil Washington as tensions between the White House and the Pentagon escalated and the Army launched an investigation into the use of military helicopters in the nation’s capital on Monday.President Trump’s threat to deploy federal troops in U.S. cities has continued to roil Washington as tensions between the White House and the Pentagon escalated and the Army launched an investigation into the use of military helicopters in the nation’s capital on Monday.
Top Pentagon officials ordered National Guard helicopters to use what they called “persistent presence” to disperse protests in the capital this past week, according to military officials. The loosely worded order prompted a series of low-altitude maneuvers that mimicked a kind of display of force usually reserved for combat zones.Top Pentagon officials ordered National Guard helicopters to use what they called “persistent presence” to disperse protests in the capital this past week, according to military officials. The loosely worded order prompted a series of low-altitude maneuvers that mimicked a kind of display of force usually reserved for combat zones.
As two Army National Guard helicopters flew low over demonstrators, the downward blast from their rotor blades sent protesters scurrying for cover and ripped signs from the sides of buildings. The pilots of one of the helicopters have been grounded pending the outcome of the inquiry.As two Army National Guard helicopters flew low over demonstrators, the downward blast from their rotor blades sent protesters scurrying for cover and ripped signs from the sides of buildings. The pilots of one of the helicopters have been grounded pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The high-profile episode was a turning point in the military’s response to unrest in Washington after days of protests, some of which turned violent.The high-profile episode was a turning point in the military’s response to unrest in Washington after days of protests, some of which turned violent.
Military officials said the National Guard’s aggressive approach to crowd control had been prompted by a pointed message from the Pentagon: If the Guard was unable to handle the situation, then active-duty military units would be sent in.Military officials said the National Guard’s aggressive approach to crowd control had been prompted by a pointed message from the Pentagon: If the Guard was unable to handle the situation, then active-duty military units would be sent in.
Senior Pentagon officials, including Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tried to persuade President Trump that active-duty troops should not be sent into the streets to impose order, and that law enforcement and National Guard personnel could contain the unrest.Senior Pentagon officials, including Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tried to persuade President Trump that active-duty troops should not be sent into the streets to impose order, and that law enforcement and National Guard personnel could contain the unrest.
Mr. Trump’s threat to use the 1807 Insurrection Act to send active-duty troops on U.S. soil against protesters has laid bare a chasm in the national security community that was surfacing even when he ran for office in 2016.Mr. Trump’s threat to use the 1807 Insurrection Act to send active-duty troops on U.S. soil against protesters has laid bare a chasm in the national security community that was surfacing even when he ran for office in 2016.
This week, his former defense secretary, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other retired senior officers expressed publicly what they had previously cited only in private: the risk of having a president use the military, which has historically prized its apolitical role in U.S. society, as a political force.This week, his former defense secretary, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other retired senior officers expressed publicly what they had previously cited only in private: the risk of having a president use the military, which has historically prized its apolitical role in U.S. society, as a political force.
In an effort to build on the momentum of two weeks of street protests and growing calls for sweeping reform, activists in Washington State are calling for a statewide general strike on Friday and day of action to demand sustainable change for black people in the state.In an effort to build on the momentum of two weeks of street protests and growing calls for sweeping reform, activists in Washington State are calling for a statewide general strike on Friday and day of action to demand sustainable change for black people in the state.
General strikes, which involve a large proportion of the work force from a number of industries, have been used by activists in social movements to push for political and economic change. It was a general strike in Poland — started in a shipyard in Gdansk and spreading across the nation — that helped set the stage for the end of communist rule in the nation.General strikes, which involve a large proportion of the work force from a number of industries, have been used by activists in social movements to push for political and economic change. It was a general strike in Poland — started in a shipyard in Gdansk and spreading across the nation — that helped set the stage for the end of communist rule in the nation.
As recently as February, a general strike in France brought much of the country to a halt as workers pushed to stop the government from overhauling the nation’s pension system.As recently as February, a general strike in France brought much of the country to a halt as workers pushed to stop the government from overhauling the nation’s pension system.
The call for a general strike in Washington State has particular historical resonance, since Seattle was home to one of the first major labor actions in the United States in the 20th century.The call for a general strike in Washington State has particular historical resonance, since Seattle was home to one of the first major labor actions in the United States in the 20th century.
“Streetcar gongs ceased their clamor; newsboys cast their unsold papers into the street; from the doors of mill and factory, store and workshop, streamed sixty-five thousand working men,” Mayor Ole Hanson wrote after the first day of work stoppage in February 1919. “School children with fear in their hearts hurried homeward. The life stream of a great city stopped.”“Streetcar gongs ceased their clamor; newsboys cast their unsold papers into the street; from the doors of mill and factory, store and workshop, streamed sixty-five thousand working men,” Mayor Ole Hanson wrote after the first day of work stoppage in February 1919. “School children with fear in their hearts hurried homeward. The life stream of a great city stopped.”
Across the country, the life stream in cities has been slowed to a trickle by the coronavirus.Across the country, the life stream in cities has been slowed to a trickle by the coronavirus.
It is not clear what a general strike would look like set against a pandemic that has forced about 40 million people off the payrolls, but organizers from Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County said the strike on Friday would include a silent march in Seattle.It is not clear what a general strike would look like set against a pandemic that has forced about 40 million people off the payrolls, but organizers from Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County said the strike on Friday would include a silent march in Seattle.
Organizers said they understood that some people might be uncomfortable joining a mass demonstration during the pandemic, and said they would work on ways to include those who cannot attend in person.Organizers said they understood that some people might be uncomfortable joining a mass demonstration during the pandemic, and said they would work on ways to include those who cannot attend in person.
On the ground, the passion and determination driving thousands to take to the streets day after day are palpable. When viewed from above, the individual fades as the crowd comes into focus. These images from the 12th day of national protests offer a bird’s-eye view of the expressions of solidarity.On the ground, the passion and determination driving thousands to take to the streets day after day are palpable. When viewed from above, the individual fades as the crowd comes into focus. These images from the 12th day of national protests offer a bird’s-eye view of the expressions of solidarity.
In the second weekend of nationwide protests after the death of George Floyd, some of those who turned out to demonstrate were acquainted with police brutality in painfully personal terms: as friends and relatives of victims.In the second weekend of nationwide protests after the death of George Floyd, some of those who turned out to demonstrate were acquainted with police brutality in painfully personal terms: as friends and relatives of victims.
In Manhattan, as thousands gathered at Central Park, Constance Malcolm fought back tears on Saturday before speaking into a megaphone.In Manhattan, as thousands gathered at Central Park, Constance Malcolm fought back tears on Saturday before speaking into a megaphone.
“I’m tired of crying,” said Ms. Malcolm, whose son Ramarley Graham was killed by a police officer in his home in 2012. “We need our voices to be heard. That’s happening now, and we need to take advantage of it.”“I’m tired of crying,” said Ms. Malcolm, whose son Ramarley Graham was killed by a police officer in his home in 2012. “We need our voices to be heard. That’s happening now, and we need to take advantage of it.”
In St. Paul, Minn., the relatives of a dozen men who died in police custody addressed protesters. Among them was Amity Dimock, 46, who broke down in tears as she spoke about her son, Kobe Heisler, who died last year. She said it was only because of the current protests that the police had released footage of his last moments.In St. Paul, Minn., the relatives of a dozen men who died in police custody addressed protesters. Among them was Amity Dimock, 46, who broke down in tears as she spoke about her son, Kobe Heisler, who died last year. She said it was only because of the current protests that the police had released footage of his last moments.
Ms. Dimock was not the only protester mourning a child. Del Shea Perry, 53, cried and yelled while talking about her son, who died in September 2018 in a Minnesota county jail.Ms. Dimock was not the only protester mourning a child. Del Shea Perry, 53, cried and yelled while talking about her son, who died in September 2018 in a Minnesota county jail.
“I am a grieving mother,” she said. “We should not be out here fighting. I’m tired. I’m so tired.”“I am a grieving mother,” she said. “We should not be out here fighting. I’m tired. I’m so tired.”
Gabriel Black Elk, a Lakota man who lives in Minneapolis, said the Denver police had killed his brother in 2015. “I’m showing solidarity with the families here and coming together where Native people and African-Americans were killed by police,” he said on Saturday.Gabriel Black Elk, a Lakota man who lives in Minneapolis, said the Denver police had killed his brother in 2015. “I’m showing solidarity with the families here and coming together where Native people and African-Americans were killed by police,” he said on Saturday.
In Lafayette Square in Washington, Dominique Barnes said she was motivated to protest for her 3-year-old son and to honor a childhood friend whom the police in Virginia Beach fatally shot.In Lafayette Square in Washington, Dominique Barnes said she was motivated to protest for her 3-year-old son and to honor a childhood friend whom the police in Virginia Beach fatally shot.
“I’m tired of sitting at home and seeing people on the news,” she said, “tired of explaining on social media why there’s a reason to be outraged.”“I’m tired of sitting at home and seeing people on the news,” she said, “tired of explaining on social media why there’s a reason to be outraged.”
The global protests denouncing racism and police brutality showed no sign of slowing down this weekend, with crowds gathering in central Rome on Sunday morning and more demonstrations planned in London and other cities. The global protests denouncing racism and police brutality showed no sign of slowing down this weekend, with crowds gathering on Sunday in Rome, London and other cities.
Chanting “Black lives matter” and “No justice, no peace,” thousands of people swelled Rome’s Piazza del Popolo to protest racism in the United States and in Italy.Chanting “Black lives matter” and “No justice, no peace,” thousands of people swelled Rome’s Piazza del Popolo to protest racism in the United States and in Italy.
“As many of you know, there is a very serious problem with state-condoned violence” in the United States, said Fatimah Provillon, a New Jersey native who has lived in Rome for 13 years, told the crowd of mostly young Italians. “But it’s not just a U.S. problem — it’s happening all over the world.”“As many of you know, there is a very serious problem with state-condoned violence” in the United States, said Fatimah Provillon, a New Jersey native who has lived in Rome for 13 years, told the crowd of mostly young Italians. “But it’s not just a U.S. problem — it’s happening all over the world.”
Thousands of people filled the streets outside the U.S. Embassy in London on Sunday, chanting George Floyd’s name and “Black lives matter,” “Let us live” and “No justice, no peace.” And when the protesters took to their knees, a protest gesture often seen in anti-racism campaigns, cries were heard of “The U.K is not innocent.”
“We came to protest the injustice of the justice system and the deaths and killings of black people everywhere,” said Iyanah Gordon, one of a group of 18-year-old friends from South London who were at the protest. “Injustices like George Floyd’s death happen here.”
Jamal Marcano, 23, from West London, said he had been stopped by the police recently because of racial profiling. “In the U.S. the racism is more blatant, in the U.K. it is more subtle,” he said.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, also offered support to the weekend’s demonstrations, writing on Twitter on Sunday: “Londoners of all ages, races and backgrounds joined millions of people around the world yesterday to come together peacefully. I stand with you.”London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, also offered support to the weekend’s demonstrations, writing on Twitter on Sunday: “Londoners of all ages, races and backgrounds joined millions of people around the world yesterday to come together peacefully. I stand with you.”
In Rome, Karima 2G, an Italian singer of Liberian descent who hosted the protest, spoke of “solidarity with African-Americans” even as migrants from Africa struggle to get a footing in Italy and across Europe.In Rome, Karima 2G, an Italian singer of Liberian descent who hosted the protest, spoke of “solidarity with African-Americans” even as migrants from Africa struggle to get a footing in Italy and across Europe.
She said in interview later that she was pleased to see a big turnout in Italy, where children of residents of African descent are often not considered Italian.She said in interview later that she was pleased to see a big turnout in Italy, where children of residents of African descent are often not considered Italian.
“That’s a form of racism, too,” she said.“That’s a form of racism, too,” she said.
Shortly after noon, organizers called on the protesters to kneel, raise their fists, and honor George Floyd with a moment of silence of 8 minutes and 46 second, the length of time that a Minneapolis police officer pinned Mr. Floyd to the ground with his knee.
The silence was broken by the chant “George Floyd is here — no to racism.”
A California man who has worked to help improve relations between the San Jose Police Department and people of color learned that he may not be able to have children after an officer shot him with a rubber bullet during a protest.A California man who has worked to help improve relations between the San Jose Police Department and people of color learned that he may not be able to have children after an officer shot him with a rubber bullet during a protest.
While attending a protest in San Jose on May 29, the man, Derrick Sanderlin, worked to prevent rising tensions and calm demonstrators and the police alike, he said in an interview this weekend.While attending a protest in San Jose on May 29, the man, Derrick Sanderlin, worked to prevent rising tensions and calm demonstrators and the police alike, he said in an interview this weekend.
After seeing officers shoot people with rubber bullets, he moved to stand between the officers and said he had asked them to stop. One video shows him with his hands up as officers appear to shoot at others behind him. Another video shows Mr. Sanderlin then being hit by one of the shots. He said that it had struck him in the groin and that he had to have emergency surgery.After seeing officers shoot people with rubber bullets, he moved to stand between the officers and said he had asked them to stop. One video shows him with his hands up as officers appear to shoot at others behind him. Another video shows Mr. Sanderlin then being hit by one of the shots. He said that it had struck him in the groin and that he had to have emergency surgery.
Chief Eddie Garcia said in a statement that the San Jose Police Department would investigate.Chief Eddie Garcia said in a statement that the San Jose Police Department would investigate.
Mr. Sanderlin, whom Chief Garcia called a “leader in our communities’ efforts to reduce bias and discrimination through dialogue,” has worked in recent years on training programs for the Police Department.Mr. Sanderlin, whom Chief Garcia called a “leader in our communities’ efforts to reduce bias and discrimination through dialogue,” has worked in recent years on training programs for the Police Department.
He said it did not appear that officers had embraced that training during the demonstrations.He said it did not appear that officers had embraced that training during the demonstrations.
“It’s like it all just sort of flew out the window,” Mr. Sanderlin said. “I’m frustrated.”“It’s like it all just sort of flew out the window,” Mr. Sanderlin said. “I’m frustrated.”
Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Katie Benner, Audra D.S. Burch, Kimiko de Freytas-Kamura, Tess Felder, Thomas M. Gibbons-Neff, Russell Goldman, Isabella Grullon Paz, Jon Hurdle, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Eric Killelea, Michael Levenson, Patricia Mazzei, Terence McGinley, Richard Pérez-Peña, Adam Popescu, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Neil Reisner, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Sabrina Tavernise, Marc Tracy, David Zucchino, Terence McGinley, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Eric Killelea and Michael Levenson.Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Katie Benner, Audra D.S. Burch, Kimiko de Freytas-Kamura, Tess Felder, Thomas M. Gibbons-Neff, Russell Goldman, Isabella Grullon Paz, Jon Hurdle, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Eric Killelea, Michael Levenson, Patricia Mazzei, Terence McGinley, Richard Pérez-Peña, Adam Popescu, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Neil Reisner, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Sabrina Tavernise, Marc Tracy, David Zucchino, Terence McGinley, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Eric Killelea and Michael Levenson.