George Floyd protests news: 12 June 2020
George Floyd protests latest news: 13 June
This live George Floyd/Black Lives Matter protests live feed is currently closed. Please follow the new blog for the latest developments and breaking news for Saturday 13 June here.
Mayor urges people to avoid central London ahead of protests
London's mayor called on people to stay away from central London on Saturday as the capital prepared for potential confrontation between anti-racism protesters and far right groups.
Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill, which have been at the forefront of demonstrations by anti-racism groups, were boarded up on Friday ahead of the expected protests in London.
"We have intelligence that extreme far right groups are coming to London ostensibly, they say, to protect the statues, but we think the statues may be a flashpoint for violence," London's mayor Sadiq Khan said on BBC Radio. Khan also said that people should not join demonstrations during the coronavirus pandemic as there was evidence from the United States that those attending them had caught it.
More George Floyd tribute murals emerge
Pakistani truck-art painter Haider Ali, 40, poses for a photograph next to a mural, depicting George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis police custody in U.S. on 25 May.
Akhtar Soomro/File Photo
"We do have some bad apples in the police department"
Director of the United States National Economic Council Larry Kudlow on law and order in the US.
Taylor Swift adds voice to 'racist monuments' debate
The singer posted a series of tweets adding her voice to the demand that statues of Edward Carmack and Nathan Bedford Forrest currently in place in her native Tenesee be removed.
Irving asks NBA players to sit out as protest of racism
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving reportedly opposes the NBA restart plan, and he lobbied fellow players on Friday to sit out the scheduled resumption of play as a protest against racism, multiple media outlets reported.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Irving told more than 80 NBA players on a conference call, "I don't support going into Orlando. I'm not with the systematic racism and the (expletive). Something smells a little fishy. ... I'm willing to give up everything I have (for social reform)."
Turner Sports' Taylor Rooks tweeted, "Sources tell me majority of the NBA call was on social justice reform. It lasted for about 2 hours, but over an hour was dedicated to that. While they are absolutely all concerned about COVID and that was a vital part of conversation. Racial injustice is the 1 talking point."
Thousands attend Black Lives Matter protests across Australia
Thousands of people across Australia attended Black Lives Matter protests on Saturday wearing masks and practising social distancing amid warnings from state leaders to call off the events on fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections.
The rallies, dominated by a heavy police presence, were mostly peaceful. Protesters marched on the streets or gathered at public parks carrying posters that said "No Justice, No Peace" and "Sorry For The Inconvenience, We Are Trying To Change The World."
Remembering those lost
A candlelight vigil is set tonight at MLK Plaza on the campus of the University of South Florida, where there’s a reflecting pool and a bust of Rev. King that says he “served so that this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.”
Demonstrators walk during a Black Lives Matter of Seattle-King County silent march on 12 June 2020 in Seattle, Washington.
The statewide march and general strike was held to honor and mourn the lives lost to police brutality and institutional racism. (Photo: Karen Ducey/Getty Images/AFP)
'Narration of his own death'
Floyd family attorney Benjamin Crump reflects back on the actions of the Minneapolis police officers.
An internal memo sent to Starbucks employees last week specifically warned staffers against wearing accessories or clothes bearing messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
It's unclear if the current feeling will carry on into November but it looks like the current protests will have a massive role to play in who the next president of the United States is going to be.
Premier League stars will carry the message 'Black Lives Matter' in place of names on the back of their shirts when football in England resumes next week.
George Floyd and Derek Chauvin did not 'butt heads' at work
A man who said he worked under George Floyd now says he was mistaking him for someone else.
Where is CHAZ in Seattle and what are protesters demands?
The Capital Hill Autonomous Zone has been grabbing headling and the protesters in the area have released a charter making a number of demands.
There seems to be a divide starting in the police too with many accepting changes have to be made and others saying the police are the victims.
Protests persist in America and the police continue to use excessive force as America stands divided.
Trump blasts Seattle mayor over CHAZ
The US president, Donald Trump, has continued his criticism of Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan in the wake of protesters' takeover of several blocks of the city by the police deparment's East Precinct, an area which they have turned into the 'Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone' (CHAZ).
Taking to Twitter on Friday, Trump said: "Seattle Mayor says, about the anarchists takeover of her city, “it is a Summer of Love”. These Liberal Dems don’t have a clue. The terrorists burn and pillage our cities, and they think it is just wonderful, even the death. Must end this Seattle takeover now!"
On Thursday, Trump had told Durkan: "Take back your city NOW. If you don't, I will." This prompted Seattle's mayor to respond with a tweet telling the president: "Make us all safe. Go back to your bunker."
Protesters spatter 'blood' on NY streets
Protestors have left a trail of red paint on New York streets, symbolising the blood that has been shed, as they demonstrate against police brutality and racism in the law-enforcement establishment in the United States:
Majority of Americans oppose ‘defund the police’ movement, poll says
64% of Americans are against the ‘defund the police’ movement, a poll conducted by ABC News and Ipsos has found, with only 36% in favour. However, 57% of black Americans support the movement, compared to just 26% of whites, the survey also revealed.
Chauvin could get over $1m in retirement benefits even if convicted
Former Minneapolis police office Derek Chauvin, who has been charged with second-degree murder for his involvement in the death of George Floyd, could get seven figures in retirement benefits even if he is convicted, CNN has revealed.
The report notes that Minnesota is not among the states in the US that see employees forfeit their pension rights if convicted of a felony crime relating to their work.
What is the Seattle Autonomous Zone and why was it created?
What is the Seattle Autonomous Zone and why was it created?
US President Donald Trump has warned he may send the National Guard in to break up a makeshift camp in Seattle set up after police evacuated a precinct.
Full story:
Seattle protesters' 'autonomous zone'
Artists fill in the letters of a 'Black Lives Matter' mural on E. Pine Street in Seattle. As they protest against racial inequality and call for the defunding of Seattle police, demonstrators in the city have taken over what they call an 'autonomous zone' near the SPD's East Precinct.
Speaking on Thursday, Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan said the city would not agree to bringing in federal troops to move the protesters out of the area, telling reporters: "The threat to invade Seattle, to divide and incite violence in our city, is not only unwelcome, it would be illegal." Earlier, US president Donald Trump had told Durkan: "Take back your city NOW. If you don't, I will."
(Photo: REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson)
Black Lives Matter protests, live coverage: welcome
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the ongoing fall-out from the killing of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. The Black Lives Matter protests sparked by Floyd's death, which spread first across the US and then throughout the world, are now well into their third week, and we'll endeavour to bring you the latest news on the situation as it emerges.