George Floyd death in Minneapolis: 30 May 2020
George Floyd death sparks protests in US: latest updates, 30/31 May
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Our rolling live coverage of events related to the aftermath of the death of George Floyd continues on our new feed.
George Floyd death: protesters beat man reportedly armed with sword
Sword wielder stopped
This video has emerged of protesters in Dallas attacking a man who was reportedly armed with a sword and seeking to defend his shop from looters.
A man wearing a face mask holds up a sign during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in front of the U.S Embassy at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, 31 May 2020. (Photo REUTERS/Christian Mang)
Beyonce calls for more justice
"There have been too many times that we’ve seen these violent killings, and no consequences. Yes, someone’s been charged, but justice is far from being achieved."
George Floyd and Derek Chauvin worked in the same nightclub
Floyd and Chauvin's shared lives
The death of George Floyd has sparked protests and riots across America, and news now has emerged that the officer charged with his murder worked in the same club.
George Floyd death: what are the charges for third-degree murder and manslaughter?
Chauvin charge details
Following the death of George Floyd, police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with third degree murder, a charge that only exists in Minnesota and two other states.
Jacksonville officer "slashed in neck"
Lenny Curry, Jacksonville Mayor, and Sheriff Mike Williams have reported that protesters had injured several officers on Saturday night, one of whom was stabbed in the neck.
They said that a peaceful protest with around 1,200 demonstrators had started but then about 200 trouble makers got involved.
"They attacked several police officers. They vandalised several police cars, attempting to light them on fire, breaking windows,” Williams reported. “We have one officer who was stabbed, was slashed in the neck and is currently at the hospital.”
California calls LA state of emergency
Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County, according to statement from the governor's office, with the National Guard called upon to help disperse protests.
Three shot, one dead in Indianapolis
At least three people were reported shot and one dead amid protests in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday night, Indianapolis Police Chief Randal Taylor said in a press conference.
Police are still investigating and have advised citizens to avoid the area, the chief said. A police officer also sustained minor injuries tonight, he added.
Biden: "Violence is not an American response"
"Protesting such brutality is right and necessary. It’s an utterly American response," Presumptive Democratic Party presidential candidate Joe Biden has said in a statement. "But burning down communities and needless destruction is not. Violence that endangers lives is not. Violence that guts and shutters businesses that serve the community is not."
"These last few days have laid bare that we are a nation furious at injustice. Every person of conscience can understand the rawness of the trauma people of color experience in this country, from the daily indignities to the extreme violence, like the horrific killing of George Floyd."
Police drive into crowds
A compilation video of some of the confrontations through the night. Viewer caution advised.
Rubber bullets hit TV crew
Two member of a Reuters TV crew were hit by rubber bullets and injured in Minneapolis on Saturday night when police moved into an area occupied by about 500 protesters in the southwest of the city shortly after the 20:00 curfew.
Footage taken by cameraman Julio-Cesar Chavez showed a police officer aiming directly at him as police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
'A police officer that I'm filming turns around points his rubber-bullet rifle straight at me,' said Chavez.
Minutes later, Chavez and Reuters security advisor Rodney Seward were struck by rubber bullets as they took cover at a nearby gas station. On footage captured as they ran for safety, several shots are heard ringing out and Seward yells, 'I've been hit in the face by a rubber bullet.'
Mainly peaceful in Philly
Jim Kenney, the Philadelphia Mayor, has said that the majority of protesters in the city were peaceful.
“The people that were doing the actual protests were not the problem," he said. "The people who were actually marching for a purpose were not the problem.
"It was this ragtag group of people who were destructive folks, who were doing the things to our officers, to the buildings, setting cars on fire, those type of things. So, we will get through this, we will get cleaned up, we’ll get secured, and we’ll move on."
Spilling over
The purpose of the protests are facing a backlash as they spill over into the lives of innocent families.
Trump dominated call to Floyd's family
We told you earlier that George Floyd's family had spoken to President Trump this week. George’s brother, Philonise, has since spoken to MSNBC’s Al Sharpton about that call.
“He didn't give me an opportunity to even speak,” he said. “It was hard. I was trying to talk to him, but he just kept like pushing me off, like ‘I don't want to hear what you're talking about’.
And I just told him, I want justice. I said that I couldn’t believe that they committed a modern day lynching in broad daylight."
National Guard involvement
At least eight states and the District of Columbia have either activated or requested the National Guard to support against the protests.
Iran has its say on the situation
Iran has taken Washington to task over racial injustice. 'Some don't think #BlackLivesMatter,' Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter. 'To those of us who do: it is long overdue for the entire world to wage war against racism. Time for a #WorldAgainstRacism.'
'The U.S. government is squandering its citizens' resources,' Zarif said in a tweet echoing a 2018 statement from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The tweet featured an image of Pompeo's statement addressing protests in Iran, but with elements crossed out and replaced. Iran's foreign ministry earlier denounced the killing in Minneapolis. A ministry statement condemned what it called 'the tragic murder of black people and deadly racial discrimination in the United States'. 'The voices of the protesters must be heard,' it said.
A driver tries to get through the streets as protesters rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Denver, Colorado, U.S., May 30, 2020. (REUTERS/Alyson McClaran)
Goodell says NFL is saddened by 'tragic events' across United States
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said on Saturday the league is 'greatly saddened' by the recent high-profile killings of black people in the United States, including George Floyd, whose death after being pinned down by a white police officer in Minneapolis has led to widespread protests.
Floyd, 46, died on Monday after police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to his throat despite Floyd's repeated pleas for him to stop. Chauvin was fired on Tuesday and arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday. Outrage over the incident has led to protests, some of them violent, in major U.S. cities the past four nights.
'The NFL family is greatly saddened by the tragic events across our country,' Goodell said in a statement. 'The protesters' reactions to these incidents reflect the pain, anger and frustration that so many of us feel.' Goodell offered his deepest condolences to Floyd's family as well as the families of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police in Kentucky, and Ahmaud Arbery, who died after being shot by a white man while out for a run in Georgia. Goodell noted that Arbery's cousin Tracy Walker plays for the Detroit Lions.
'As current events dramatically underscore, there remains much more to do as a country and as a league,' Goodell said. 'These tragedies inform the NFL's commitment and our ongoing efforts. Goodell said there remains an urgent need for action and said the league recognizes the power of its platform in communities and as part of the 'fabric of American society.' 'We embrace that responsibility and are committed to continuing the important work to address these systemic issues together with our players, clubs and partners.'
Berlin US Embassy protests
These were the scenes outside the US Embassy in the German capital earlier on Saturday.
'I Can't Breathe' protest in Colorado
Thousands of protesters are lying face down with their hands behind their backs chanting “I can’t breathe.”
Star Tribune front cover
The George Floyd case is the key story on Minnesota local paper the Star Tribune on Saturday.
People gather during a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. earlier today.
REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Istanbul soccer giants Besiktas speak-out about Floyd killing
The Turkish Super Lig side were one of Europe's major sporting institutions to show their revulsion to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis with a Twitter post on 27/05.
Biden staff donate to group that pays bail in riot-torn Minneapolis
Campaign staff for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden are advertising their donations to a group that pays bail fees in Minneapolis after the city's police jailed people protesting the killing of a black man by a white police officer.
At least 13 Biden campaign staff members posted on Twitter on Friday and Saturday that they made donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which opposes the practice of cash bail, or making people pay to avoid pre-trial imprisonment. The group uses donations to pay bail fees in Minneapolis.
Athletes react to the death of George Floyd
Athletes react to the death of George Floyd
The killing of George Floyd has caused anger and pain for many people around the world with athletes using their social media platforms to express their feelings.
Singer Billie Eilish adds her voice to Floyd case
The popular 18-year-old singer/songwriter posted her outlook on the George Floyd situation with a clearly defined message on her Instagram account.
Spanish far-right Vox leader offers support to Trump
Santiago Abascal, head of Spain's far right Vox party took to Twitter to support Donald Trump with pressure growing on the president. Abascal blamed the 'progressive European and American mafia' and claimed that these were 'the same progressive millionaires who with their means encouraged the Arab springs causing wars and migrations'. Our support for President Trump and the American institutions.
Trump says military could respond quickly to Minneapolis unrest
U.S. President Donald Trump said the military could deploy troops to Minneapolis "very quickly" to respond to violent protests in the aftermath of a police killing of an unarmed black man.
The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests in several cities, some which have turned violent. Minnesota's governor activated the state's national guard after four nights of confrontations in Minneapolis, its first full activation since World War Two.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the military had ordered some active-duty Army military police officers to be prepared to deploy if local authorities requested their help.
"We could have our military there very quickly," if their help was requested, Trump said on Saturday afternoon.
Portland mayor declares 'state of emergency' in city
The mayor of Portland (Oregon) imposed a curfew on Saturday morning and declared a state of emergency after what he described as a ‘riot’ in the city overnight.
What's the origin of Donald Trump's 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' tweet?
What's the origin of Donald Trump's 'when the looting starts, the shooting starts' tweet?
The U.S. President took to Twitter to voice his opinion on disturbances following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.
Schalke's McKennie after Bundesliga game
The American Schalke 04 player wore a armband calling for justice in relation to Floyd's killing.
Berlin George Floyd mural
A tribute mural dedicated to the memory of George Floyd has been created in the German capital bearing Floyd's 'I Can't Breathe' comment.
EFE/EPA/MICHELE TANTUSSI
Trump says protesters would have met 'vicious dogs' if White House fence breached
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said demonstrators protesting the death of a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck would have been "greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen" had they breached the White House fence.
In a series of Twitter posts, Trump also appeared to call his supporters to rally outside the executive mansion on Saturday evening, saying, "TONIGHT, I UNDERSTAND IS MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???" MAGA stands for Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again."
The death on Monday in Minneapolis of George Floyd has sparked demonstrations, some of them violent, in many cities across the nation, including one in Washington on Friday.
The White House was temporarily locked down as hundreds of people gathered in the afternoon across the street in Lafayette Square.
The game is currently taking place and the Schalke player, Weston Mckennie, who was born and raised in Texas, is clearly seen wearing a 'Justice for George' armband.
MAGA Night at White House
This tweet in which Trump said "Tonight, I believe, "Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???" has been interpreted as inciting violence by urging his followers to show up at the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States.
Even more criticism of the official autopsy
The official autopsy says that "potential toxicants" might have been a factor in Floyd's death. Many say it is very unusual to speculate on what the deceased man might have taken as these autopsies are supposed to be based on pure fact and not conjecture.
A powerful message here from an Atlanta police officer as he tries to keep the peace but says that the people have a right to be there.
Who is George Floyd and why was he arrested by Minneapolis police?
If you happened to miss the news that is taking over from the coronavirus in America, find out who George Floyd was and why he was arrested by Minnesota officers before being killed in police custody.
If you would like to read back on how things unfolded on Friday, please refer back to our live updates from yesterday.
Biden scolds Trump for incendiary tweets
The stark difference between Joe Biden and Donald Trump's responses to this are obvious. "We’re a country with an open wound. None of us any longer can hear the words ‘I can’t breathe’ and do nothing,” said Joe Biden after he had spoken to Floyd's grieving family. On the other hand, Donald Trump said "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" and continues to stoke the fire.
“This is no time for incendiary tweets. This is no time to encourage violence. This is a national crisis, and we need real leadership right now," said Biden.
Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, is not taking any of Mike Pence's doublespeak on this issue. Colin Kaepernick was criticised when he protested peacefully with Trump referring to people who copied Kaepernick as "sons of bitches".
Protests continue to escalate
Protests flared late into the night in many cities in the United States over the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died this week after being pinned down by the neck by a white police officer in Minneapolis.
The sometimes violent demonstrations hit cities from New York to Atlanta in a tide of anger over the treatment of minorities by law enforcement.
In Detroit, a 19-year-old man protesting in the city was shot dead on Friday night by a suspect who pulled up to demonstrators in a sport utility vehicle and fired gunshots into the crowd, then fled, the Detroit Free Press and other local media reported. Police could not immediately be reached for comment.
The wife of arrested police officer, Derek Chauvin, is filing for divorce
Kellie Chauvin wants to end her marriage to husband and former police officer Derek Chauvin. He was arrested recently over the murder of Goerge Floyd, which has set off a string of protests in America against police brutality against men of colour.
“She is devastated by Mr. Floyd’s death,” a statement on behalf of Kellie Chauvin and her family read. “Her utmost sympathy lies with his family, his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving.”
Chaucin arrested over the killing of George Floyd
Derek Chauvin has been arrested and charged with murder in what is an unusual move from the police. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said this is "by far the fastest we have ever charged a police officer." The unrest continues to grow in American and some journalists have commented that it feels like something really radical is happening.
George Floyd killing: latest updates
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the reactions and protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on Monday, 25 May after pleading for help as police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck to pin him down. Floyd was unarmed and already handcuffed. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Footage shot by a bystander shows Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck, as he pleads that he cannot breath, until he slowly stops talking and moving.
The death has provoked widespread protests, initially in the city where Floyd was killed, Minneapolis, but which have now spread across the US.
The four officers involved in the death of Floyd have been fired by the Minneapolis police, and have invoked their fifth-amendment right against self-incrimination. The family of Floyd want the officers charged with murder.