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Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: A Push For Accountability Live Updates on George Floyd Protests: A Push For Accountability
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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, Washington 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, Washington 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 the 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 the 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 early Sunday morning 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 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.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.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged on Sunday to cut the budget for the New York Police Department and spend more on social services in the city, following 10 nights of mass protests against police violence and mounting demands that he overhaul a department whose tactics have drawn widespread criticism.Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged on Sunday to cut the budget for the New York Police Department and spend more on social services in the city, following 10 nights of mass protests against police violence and mounting demands that he overhaul a department whose tactics have drawn widespread criticism.
It was the first time Mr. de Blasio has promised to cut the force’s budget, and it came as calls have intensified across the country to “defund the police,” a broad term that has included similar proposals to trim police budgets and redistribute the money to social programs.It was the first time Mr. de Blasio has promised to cut the force’s budget, and it came as calls have intensified across the country to “defund the police,” a broad term that has included similar proposals to trim police budgets and redistribute the money to social programs.
The move was a reversal for Mr. de Blasio, who expressed skepticism about cutting police funding as recently as Friday. He did not specify which social services he wanted to spend more on.The move was a reversal for Mr. de Blasio, who expressed skepticism about cutting police funding as recently as Friday. He did not specify which social services he wanted to spend more on.
He also declined to say precisely how much money he planned to divert from the Police Department, which has an annual budget of $6 billion, representing more than 6 percent of Mr. de Blasio’s proposed $90 billion city budget.He also declined to say precisely how much money he planned to divert from the Police Department, which has an annual budget of $6 billion, representing more than 6 percent of Mr. de Blasio’s proposed $90 billion city budget.
“We’re committed to seeing a shift of funding to youth services, to social services, that will happen literally in the course of the next three weeks, but I’m not going to go into detail because it is subject to negotiation, and we want to figure out what makes sense,” Mr. de Blasio said.“We’re committed to seeing a shift of funding to youth services, to social services, that will happen literally in the course of the next three weeks, but I’m not going to go into detail because it is subject to negotiation, and we want to figure out what makes sense,” Mr. de Blasio said.
Many protesters and observers have accused the police of using unnecessarily violent tactics to enforce the city’s curfew, which began last Monday and was lifted Sunday.Many protesters and observers have accused the police of using unnecessarily violent tactics to enforce the city’s curfew, which began last Monday and was lifted Sunday.
The mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, said in a televised interview on Sunday that his city should consider a similar reallocation of money now budgeted for policing.The mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, said in a televised interview on Sunday that his city should consider a similar reallocation of money now budgeted for policing.
Democrats in Congress are preparing sweeping legislation that would make it easier to prosecute police misconduct and recover damages from officers found to have violated civil rights. But some architects of the bill are stopping short of explicitly embracing what many protesters across the country are demanding: to “defund the police.”Democrats in Congress are preparing sweeping legislation that would make it easier to prosecute police misconduct and recover damages from officers found to have violated civil rights. But some architects of the bill are stopping short of explicitly embracing what many protesters across the country are demanding: to “defund the police.”
“I don’t believe that you should disband police departments,” Karen Bass, Democrat of California and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said Sunday on the CNN program “State of the Union.” “But I do think that in cities and states, we need to look at how we are spending resources and invest more in our communities.”“I don’t believe that you should disband police departments,” Karen Bass, Democrat of California and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said Sunday on the CNN program “State of the Union.” “But I do think that in cities and states, we need to look at how we are spending resources and invest more in our communities.”
The legislation, which is scheduled for formal release on Monday, would significantly change federal law and require states and municipalities to make modifications of their own, such as instituting mandatory bias training to qualify for federal funds, according to a draft summary obtained by The New York Times.The legislation, which is scheduled for formal release on Monday, would significantly change federal law and require states and municipalities to make modifications of their own, such as instituting mandatory bias training to qualify for federal funds, according to a draft summary obtained by The New York Times.
The bill would also create a national registry to track police misconduct, and it would ban certain chokeholds and other tactics that police officers have used in confrontations that left black Americans dead.The bill would also create a national registry to track police misconduct, and it would ban certain chokeholds and other tactics that police officers have used in confrontations that left black Americans dead.
Protesters have embraced “defund the police” as a rallying cry, with some activists painting the phrase alongside the new yellow “Black Lives Matter” message on a street near the White House in the center of downtown Washington.Protesters have embraced “defund the police” as a rallying cry, with some activists painting the phrase alongside the new yellow “Black Lives Matter” message on a street near the White House in the center of downtown Washington.
But what the cry means has not always been clear, with the term seeming to sweep in everything from trimming police budgets and redistributing the money to social programs, to completely abolishing police departments.But what the cry means has not always been clear, with the term seeming to sweep in everything from trimming police budgets and redistributing the money to social programs, to completely abolishing police departments.
Alicia Garza, one of the activists who helped found the Black Lives Matter movement, explained the slogan as a call to examine how “we reorganize our priorities, so people don’t have to be in the streets during a national pandemic, a global pandemic.”Alicia Garza, one of the activists who helped found the Black Lives Matter movement, explained the slogan as a call to examine how “we reorganize our priorities, so people don’t have to be in the streets during a national pandemic, a global pandemic.”
“I understand clearly the sentiment and substance behind the slogan,” said Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, though he added that “it’s not a slogan I will use.” Still, he warned against dismissing it outright.“I understand clearly the sentiment and substance behind the slogan,” said Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, though he added that “it’s not a slogan I will use.” Still, he warned against dismissing it outright.
Speaking on the NBC program “Meet the Press,” he reflected on his time as mayor of Newark, when police officers questioned why they were being used to deal with the “fragility and vulnerability of our society.”Speaking on the NBC program “Meet the Press,” he reflected on his time as mayor of Newark, when police officers questioned why they were being used to deal with the “fragility and vulnerability of our society.”
“We are overpoliced as a society,” Mr. Booker said. “We are investing in police, which is not solving problems, but making them worse. We should be a more compassionate country, a more loving country.”“We are overpoliced as a society,” Mr. Booker said. “We are investing in police, which is not solving problems, but making them worse. We should be a more compassionate country, a more loving country.”
National Guard units will withdraw from Washington, D.C., over the next three days, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said on Sunday.National Guard units will withdraw from Washington, D.C., over the next three days, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said on Sunday.
Mr. McCarthy said that protests in the capital had “become peaceful in nature” and that the guard units that had been sent from various states to the capital were now being sent home. President Trump posted on Twitter early Sunday that he had ordered the withdrawal, without giving specifics.Mr. McCarthy said that protests in the capital had “become peaceful in nature” and that the guard units that had been sent from various states to the capital were now being sent home. President Trump posted on Twitter early Sunday that he had ordered the withdrawal, without giving specifics.
On Saturday, The New York Times reported that Mr. McCarthy and other top Pentagon officials had ordered National Guard helicopters to use what they called “persistent presence” to disperse protests in the capital. The loosely worded order prompted a series of low-altitude maneuvers that human rights organizations quickly criticized as a show of force usually reserved for combat zones.On Saturday, The New York Times reported that Mr. McCarthy and other top Pentagon officials had ordered National Guard helicopters to use what they called “persistent presence” to disperse protests in the capital. The loosely worded order prompted a series of low-altitude maneuvers that human rights organizations quickly criticized as a show of force usually reserved for combat zones.
Officials said the Army had opened an investigation into the episode.Officials said the Army had opened an investigation into the episode.
Two Army National Guard helicopters flew low over the protesters, with the downward blast from their rotor blades ripping signs from the sides of buildings and sending protesters scurrying for cover. The pilots of one of the helicopters have been grounded pending the outcome of the inquiry.Two Army National Guard helicopters flew low over the protesters, with the downward blast from their rotor blades ripping signs from the sides of buildings and sending protesters scurrying for cover. The pilots of one of the helicopters have been grounded pending the outcome of the inquiry.
On Sunday, Mr. McCarthy defended the National Guard presence in Washington and said the troops “did everything not to cross” lines that would lead to further violence. Some 5,000 National Guard troops were in Washington last week.On Sunday, Mr. McCarthy defended the National Guard presence in Washington and said the troops “did everything not to cross” lines that would lead to further violence. Some 5,000 National Guard troops were in Washington last week.
Military officials said privately that the tough tactics were ordered because Pentagon officials worried that they needed to show that the National Guard could handle the protests, so that active duty troops would not be used, as Mr. Trump had threatened.Military officials said privately that the tough tactics were ordered because Pentagon officials worried that they needed to show that the National Guard could handle the protests, so that active duty troops would not be used, as Mr. Trump had threatened.
While not commenting on that directly, Mr. McCarthy said during a telephone call with reporters on Sunday that “we came right up to the edge of bringing active troops here, and we didn’t.”While not commenting on that directly, Mr. McCarthy said during a telephone call with reporters on Sunday that “we came right up to the edge of bringing active troops here, and we didn’t.”
The question of using troops in the streets of Washington remained a bone of contention on Sunday, even as the troops’ presence receded.The question of using troops in the streets of Washington remained a bone of contention on Sunday, even as the troops’ presence receded.
Attorney General William P. Barr said on the CBS program “Face the Nation” that he would support the use of troops as a last resort to suppress protests and riots, even over the objection of state governors, as Mr. Trump had threatened.Attorney General William P. Barr said on the CBS program “Face the Nation” that he would support the use of troops as a last resort to suppress protests and riots, even over the objection of state governors, as Mr. Trump had threatened.
But Mayor Muriel E. Bowser of Washington called the Trump administration’s deployment of active-duty military forces and National Guard troops to the capital area “an invasion” and said it pitted the federal government against her constituents.But Mayor Muriel E. Bowser of Washington called the Trump administration’s deployment of active-duty military forces and National Guard troops to the capital area “an invasion” and said it pitted the federal government against her constituents.
Mr. Trump had ordered Army troops to locations near Washington to be ready to use against protests, but agreed to begin sending them back to their home bases last week after pushback from Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, among others.Mr. Trump had ordered Army troops to locations near Washington to be ready to use against protests, but agreed to begin sending them back to their home bases last week after pushback from Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, among others.
“What we saw last week was basically an invasion of our city,” Ms. Bowser said on “Fox News Sunday.” “Active-duty Army troops moved from all points around the country to threaten our autonomy. What you saw — and I won’t have it reduced to a spat — was how I have to defend our taxpayers, and it’s sad to say, we would have to defend ourselves against federal forces.”“What we saw last week was basically an invasion of our city,” Ms. Bowser said on “Fox News Sunday.” “Active-duty Army troops moved from all points around the country to threaten our autonomy. What you saw — and I won’t have it reduced to a spat — was how I have to defend our taxpayers, and it’s sad to say, we would have to defend ourselves against federal forces.”
Three former chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff harshly condemned President Trump on Sunday for threatening to send troops to respond to domestic protests, and warned that the military risked losing credibility with the American people.Three former chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff harshly condemned President Trump on Sunday for threatening to send troops to respond to domestic protests, and warned that the military risked losing credibility with the American people.
In a televised interview, Colin L. Powell, a retired Army general, called Mr. Trump’s actions “dangerous for our democracy” and “dangerous for our country.” Mr. Powell, who worked for the Republican presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush, announced that he would vote for the Democratic candidate, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., for president in November. Mr. Powell also voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016.In a televised interview, Colin L. Powell, a retired Army general, called Mr. Trump’s actions “dangerous for our democracy” and “dangerous for our country.” Mr. Powell, who worked for the Republican presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush, announced that he would vote for the Democratic candidate, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., for president in November. Mr. Powell also voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Less than 90 minutes later, Mr. Trump mocked Mr. Powell on Twitter as “a real stiff who was responsible for getting us into the disastrous Middle East Wars.” As secretary of state in 2003, Mr. Powell made the case for invading Iraq to the United Nations, in part by accusing Saddam Hussein’s government of stockpiling chemical weapons agents and developing nuclear and biological weapons, intelligence that turned out to be wrong.Less than 90 minutes later, Mr. Trump mocked Mr. Powell on Twitter as “a real stiff who was responsible for getting us into the disastrous Middle East Wars.” As secretary of state in 2003, Mr. Powell made the case for invading Iraq to the United Nations, in part by accusing Saddam Hussein’s government of stockpiling chemical weapons agents and developing nuclear and biological weapons, intelligence that turned out to be wrong.
Mr. Powell and two of his successors each said the troops should not have been involved in policing demonstrations in Washington last week.Mr. Powell and two of his successors each said the troops should not have been involved in policing demonstrations in Washington last week.
“We have a military to fight our enemies, not our own people,” Mike Mullen, a retired Navy admiral who was the top military adviser to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, told “Fox News Sunday.”“We have a military to fight our enemies, not our own people,” Mike Mullen, a retired Navy admiral who was the top military adviser to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, told “Fox News Sunday.”
Martin E. Dempsey, a retired Army general who was the Joint Chiefs’ chairman during the Obama administration, said the Trump administration’s comparisons of the demonstrations to battlegrounds as “inflammatory language” that could impede the military’s relationship with the public.Martin E. Dempsey, a retired Army general who was the Joint Chiefs’ chairman during the Obama administration, said the Trump administration’s comparisons of the demonstrations to battlegrounds as “inflammatory language” that could impede the military’s relationship with the public.
Mr. Dempsey said he entered the military at the end of the Vietnam War. “It took us a while to actually regain the trust of the American people,” he said on the ABC program “This Week.”Mr. Dempsey said he entered the military at the end of the Vietnam War. “It took us a while to actually regain the trust of the American people,” he said on the ABC program “This Week.”
Attorney General William P. Barr said on Sunday that he believed racism is not a systemic problem in policing, though there is racism more generally in the United States.Attorney General William P. Barr said on Sunday that he believed racism is not a systemic problem in policing, though there is racism more generally in the United States.
“I don’t think that the law enforcement system is systemically racist,” Mr. Barr said on the CBS program “Face the Nation.” “I think we have to recognize that for most of our history, our institutions were explicitly racist.”“I don’t think that the law enforcement system is systemically racist,” Mr. Barr said on the CBS program “Face the Nation.” “I think we have to recognize that for most of our history, our institutions were explicitly racist.”
Mr. Barr said that he understood why black people in the United States distrust law enforcement, given “the history in this country,” but said that he believed that work done since the 1960s to reform institutions more broadly to make sure they are in sync with laws that ban inequities “is working, and progress has been made.”Mr. Barr said that he understood why black people in the United States distrust law enforcement, given “the history in this country,” but said that he believed that work done since the 1960s to reform institutions more broadly to make sure they are in sync with laws that ban inequities “is working, and progress has been made.”
While Mr. Barr flatly denied there was systemic racism in policing, he later compared law enforcement to the military, which he said “used to be an explicitly racist institution.”While Mr. Barr flatly denied there was systemic racism in policing, he later compared law enforcement to the military, which he said “used to be an explicitly racist institution.”
“Now I think it’s in the vanguard of bringing the races together and providing equal opportunity,” Mr. Barr said. “I think law enforcement has been going through the same process.“Now I think it’s in the vanguard of bringing the races together and providing equal opportunity,” Mr. Barr said. “I think law enforcement has been going through the same process.
Mr. Barr’s comments mirrored those made on Sunday by Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Wolf said on the ABC program “This Week” that he did not believe “systemic racism” was an issue in American law enforcement, and that tragedies like the death of George Floyd were caused by individual officers abusing their power.Mr. Barr’s comments mirrored those made on Sunday by Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Wolf said on the ABC program “This Week” that he did not believe “systemic racism” was an issue in American law enforcement, and that tragedies like the death of George Floyd were caused by individual officers abusing their power.
“I think painting law enforcement with the broad brush of systematic racism is really a disservice to the men and women who put on a badge, the uniform, every day — risk their lives every day to protect the American people,” Mr. Wolf said.“I think painting law enforcement with the broad brush of systematic racism is really a disservice to the men and women who put on a badge, the uniform, every day — risk their lives every day to protect the American people,” Mr. Wolf said.
Mr. Barr said that he did not support any measures that would reduce the legal immunity police officers are given when someone dies in their custody, because that would “result certainly in police pulling back.”Mr. Barr said that he did not support any measures that would reduce the legal immunity police officers are given when someone dies in their custody, because that would “result certainly in police pulling back.”
“All loud voices come to the front!”
That call from a woman leading the demonstration set thousands of protesters in motion on Sunday, marching through Manhattan from their assembly point in Union Square to protest police violence.
As they headed west on 14th Street, the protesters invoked the names of black people killed by police officers in Louisville and Minneapolis: “Breonna Taylor, say her name!” “Say his name, George Floyd!”
It was one of several marches and protests scheduled to take place across New York City on Sunday. Earlier, Mayor Bill de Blasio had announced that he was canceling the curfew that he imposed on Monday.
For Divya Gunasekaran, 31, who works in the technology division at a New York City hospital, the Union Square march was her sixth protest since Mr. Floyd was killed.
“The curfew never should have been put in place,” Ms. Gunasekaran said. “He’s patting himself on the back, but never acknowledged that the police have contributed to the violence we’ve seen during the protests.”
Ms. Gunasekaran said she had been calling and emailing members of the City Council, asking them to redirect money from policing to youth, health and homeless services.
“A lot of those programs have been completely slashed while the N.Y.P.D. has been untouched,” she said. “We need social services more than ever.”
Natasha Campbell, a medical assistant from East Flatbush, Brooklyn, emerged from an urgent care clinic on 14th Street wearing a white hazmat suit and an N95 mask. When she raised her fist in solidarity with the protesters, they erupted in cheers and applause.
Ms. Campbell, who is black, recalled being in the streets of her neighborhood in 2013 to protest the killing by police officers of a black teenager, Kimani Gray. Back then, the protesters were overwhelmingly black, she said. On Sunday, she marveled at the diversity of the marching crowd.
“Before, I was was so angry, seeing the video” of Mr. Floyd’s killing, she said. “But seeing everyone taking a stand — it’s not just black people. I feel warmth. I feel love. I feel unity.”
As the march moved up Sixth Avenue, Juliana Lopez and Mettalise Mateo, both 21, chanted, “Hands up, don’t shoot!”
“I’m Hispanic, I live in the projects, and I don’t like what the police are doing to my people,” Ms. Lopez said.
The protest reached Columbus Circle just before 4 p.m. As the demonstrators approached the Trump International Hotel and Tower there, they turned their anger to the president, yelling, “Vote him out!” The protesters collectively took a knee and raised their fists, observing a minute of silence before rising and marching up Central Park West.
Joseph R. Biden Jr. plans to travel on Monday to Houston to meet with the family of George Floyd and offer his condolences.Joseph R. Biden Jr. plans to travel on Monday to Houston to meet with the family of George Floyd and offer his condolences.
Mr. Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, will also record a video message for Mr. Floyd’s funeral service on Tuesday, according to an aide. Mr. Biden is not expected to attend the service; given his Secret Service protection, there were concerns about the disruption his presence might create, according to people familiar with the matter.Mr. Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, will also record a video message for Mr. Floyd’s funeral service on Tuesday, according to an aide. Mr. Biden is not expected to attend the service; given his Secret Service protection, there were concerns about the disruption his presence might create, according to people familiar with the matter.
Mr. Biden’s trip to Texas is his first beyond his home state of Delaware and nearby Philadelphia in almost three months. It comes as Mr. Biden seeks to draw a sharp contrast with President Trump over race, leadership and character at a moment of extraordinary national unrest.Mr. Biden’s trip to Texas is his first beyond his home state of Delaware and nearby Philadelphia in almost three months. It comes as Mr. Biden seeks to draw a sharp contrast with President Trump over race, leadership and character at a moment of extraordinary national unrest.
Mr. Biden, the former vice president, has spoken out passionately about the need to heal racial divisions in the country, and he has pushed for several measures to overhaul policing.Mr. Biden, the former vice president, has spoken out passionately about the need to heal racial divisions in the country, and he has pushed for several measures to overhaul policing.
He has also been sharply critical of Mr. Trump, who has tried to paint himself as a “law and order” president. Mr. Trump has called demonstrators “thugs” and “terrorists,” and threatened last week to deploy the military to overpower them.He has also been sharply critical of Mr. Trump, who has tried to paint himself as a “law and order” president. Mr. Trump has called demonstrators “thugs” and “terrorists,” and threatened last week to deploy the military to overpower them.
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 a 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.
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.
“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.
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.
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. 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. Images from the 12th day of national protests offer a bird’s-eye view of the expressions of solidarity.
A statue of a Confederate general was pulled down from its pedestal Saturday night during demonstrations in Richmond, Va., as monuments to the Confederacy continue to draw the ire of protesters who see them as enduring symbols of white supremacy.A statue of a Confederate general was pulled down from its pedestal Saturday night during demonstrations in Richmond, Va., as monuments to the Confederacy continue to draw the ire of protesters who see them as enduring symbols of white supremacy.
The statue of William Carter Wickham, a cavalry commander, was erected in Monroe Park in 1891. Videos taken on Saturday night showed the statue, with ropes attached, lying on the ground near its pedestal, which was marked with graffiti.The statue of William Carter Wickham, a cavalry commander, was erected in Monroe Park in 1891. Videos taken on Saturday night showed the statue, with ropes attached, lying on the ground near its pedestal, which was marked with graffiti.
It was not immediately clear whether the people who toppled the statue were protesters. Demonstrations at the park and throughout the city were otherwise peaceful, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.It was not immediately clear whether the people who toppled the statue were protesters. Demonstrations at the park and throughout the city were otherwise peaceful, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
Confederate statues and monuments in Norfolk, Va., Raleigh, N.C., and Birmingham, Ala., among other places, have also been targeted. Some have been defaced, and protesters have tried to topple others.Confederate statues and monuments in Norfolk, Va., Raleigh, N.C., and Birmingham, Ala., among other places, have also been targeted. Some have been defaced, and protesters have tried to topple others.
Tensions over the monuments have run been particularly high in Richmond, which was the capital of the Confederacy. Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia said last week that the city’s Robert E. Lee statue would be removed, and Mayor Levar Stoney said he would propose an ordinance to remove several other monuments.Tensions over the monuments have run been particularly high in Richmond, which was the capital of the Confederacy. Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia said last week that the city’s Robert E. Lee statue would be removed, and Mayor Levar Stoney said he would propose an ordinance to remove several other monuments.
A Confederate statue in Alexandria, Va., that had been scheduled for removal next month was taken down last week.A Confederate statue in Alexandria, Va., that had been scheduled for removal next month was taken down last week.
Monuments to white supremacists have also attracted ire overseas. A statue of Edward Colson, a 17th century slave trader and politician, was toppled on Sunday by protesters in Bristol, England.Monuments to white supremacists have also attracted ire overseas. A statue of Edward Colson, a 17th century slave trader and politician, was toppled on Sunday by protesters in Bristol, England.
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. The global protests denouncing racism and police brutality showed no sign of slowing down this weekend, with crowds gathering on Sunday in Rome, London, Madrid, Barcelona 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 the Piazza del Popolo in Rome 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, 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, 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.”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.”“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.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.”
A few thousand protesters gathered on Sunday in Spain’s two largest cities — Madrid and Barcelona — chanting “I can’t breathe” and calling for an end to police racism. Those who gathered in Madrid did so in defiance of an order from the authorities, who have permitted gatherings only if they are limited to 200 participants because of the coronavirus.
The Madrid protest started near the U.S. embassy but soon spread, and turned instead into a march that ended at the Puerta del Sol, a main square in the heart of the Spanish capital. In Barcelona, about 3,000 demonstrators took over Sant Jaume square, home to the regional government and the city administration. Many held up photos of Mr. Floyd, as well as signs reading “Black Lives Matter” and “Black is Beautiful.”
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.
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, Helene Cooper, Kimiko de Freytas-Kamura, Tess Felder, Thomas M. Gibbons-Neff, Russell Goldman, Isabella Grullon Paz, Lara Jakes, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Michael Levenson, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Neil Reisner, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Sabrina Tavernise, Marc Tracy. Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Katie Benner, Audra D.S. Burch, Helene Cooper, Kimiko de Freytas-Kamura, Tess Felder, Thomas M. Gibbons-Neff, Russell Goldman, Isabella Grullon Paz, Lara Jakes, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Michael Levenson, Raphael Minder, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Neil Reisner, Marc Santora, Anna Schaverien, Eric Schmitt, Dionne Searcey, Sabrina Tavernise, Marc Tracy, Anjali Tsui and Mihir Zaveri.