Pentagon moves 1,600 troops to D.C. area
By Don Jacobson & Danielle Haynes & Daniel Uria
NYPD Police officers in riot gear stop protesters from entering Manhattan at the Manhattan Bridge on another night of unrest in Manhattan Tuesday as protests, looting and rioting around the country continue over the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
June 2 (UPI) -- The Pentagon on Tuesday night moved about 1,600 active-duty Army troops to assist authorities in responding to protests sparked by the police-involved killing of George Floyd if needed.
Pentagon Chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman confirmed the soldiers were moved from Fort Bragg and Fort Drum to the Washington, D.C. area but active-duty forces have not yet been deployed.
"The Department of Defense moved multiple active-duty Army units into the National Capitol Region as a prudent planning measure in response to ongoing support to civil authorities and operations," said Hoffman in a statement.
The move came as many Washington, D.C., protesters remained in place beyond a 7 p.m. curfew Trump declared would be "strictly enforced" during a national address on Monday evening. He threatened tosend the U.S. military into cities that don't control violent demonstrations.
"If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them," he said.
Trump's address was followed by federal law enforcement forcefully clearing protesters as the president posed for a photo in front of St. John's Church, an action Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser called "shameful."
Tuesday, Trump said tensions were calming in and around Washington, D.C.
"D.C. had no problems last night," he tweeted. "Many arrests. Great job done by all. Overwhelming force. Domination. Likewise, Minneapolis was great."
Congressional Democrats spoke out against Trump's threat to deploy the military in response to protesters, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying "there is no reason" for the military to be involved.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran and Democrat from Illinois, described Trump's threat of military force against protesters as "tin-pot dictatorial."
"We cannot allow any Commander in Chief to put our Armed Forces' reputation as the last institution Americans can trust and respect at risk by using them unlawfully and putting them in a position of exacerbating the divisions driving our union apart," she said.
Bracing for an eighth night of protests, Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, Cleveland and multiple cities in California joined Washington, D.C., in issuing curfews on Tuesday.
Trump also called on his hometown of New York City to call up the National Guard for help.
"The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart," he tweeted. "Act fast! Don't make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!"
Trump also criticized New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for not activating the National Guard.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio extended a curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the rest of this week after a night of looting and violence on Monday during which police officers were targeted.
A group of protesters in New York City were boxed in by police on both ends of the Manhattan Bridge for several hours after the curfew took effect as they left a group protesting in Brooklyn. At around 11 p.m., protests were seen finally being allowed to exit the bridge.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday the state would reduce National Guard presence in Lousiville after a man named David McAtee was killed by gunfire from local police and the National Guard.
Police in Atlanta deployed tear gas on protesters in Atlanta as the city's 9 p.m. curfew went into effect Tuesday night, CNN reported.
Curfews failed to rein in violence during protests on Monday, which led to a number of injured -- including multiple law enforcement officers.
At least four police officers in St. Louis received gunshot wounds and a man in Las Vegas was killed during mass demonstrations. Officials said a Las Vegas officer is also on life support with critical injuries.
The New York City Police Department arrested more than 700 protesters overnight. Looters damaged the flagship Macy's department store in midtown Manhattan, emptied a Nike store and broke storefront windows near Rockefeller Center.
Violence, fires and looting spread into the Bronx, where police said an officer was targeted in a hit-and-run attack.
"That is wholly unacceptable and does not represent the people of this city," de Blasio said. "Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks all of us."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticized de Blasio on Tuesday morning for not deploying enough police officers to handle the outbreaks of violence.
"I believe the mayor underestimates the scope of the problem. I believe he underestimates the duration of the problem, and I don't think they've used enough police to address the situation," the governor said.
Giving my daily press briefing now. Watch Live: https://t.co/yYmCJKgLJ0— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 2, 2020
Cuomo said the mayor didn't accept his offer to send the National Guard to the state's largest city. The governor threatened to override the mayor.
"Can you displace a mayor? Yes. A mayor can be removed. It has not happened. I can't find a precedent. But theoretically it is legally possible," Cuomo said.
"It is a bizarre thing to try to do in this situation. I think it would make a bad situation worse. Also, I don't think it's necessary, because I believe the NYPD can do this, because the NYPD has done this.
Two autopsies issued Monday agreed that Floyd's death was a homicide, but they differed on the precise cause.
An independent autopsy said he died from mechanical asphyxiation, while the county coroner said Floyd died of "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint and neck compression."
The county's autopsy said Floyd also had "other significant conditions" including arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, fentanyl intoxication and "recent" methamphetamine use.
Tuesday, Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington. They observed a moment of remembrance near the statue of Saint John Paul II and visited the Luminous Mysteries Chapel, the John Paul II blood relic and the Madonna icon.
The Trumps also laid a wreath at the site before departing.
Floyd's funeral is scheduled for June 9 in his hometown of Houston. Monday, Terrence Floyd visited the site of his brother's death in Minneapolis and urged for calm amid growing national unrest.
"I know he would not want you all to be doing this," he said, asking angry demonstrators to get out and vote for change and demand justice peacefully.
"If I'm not over here blowing up stuff, if I'm not over here messing up my community -- then what are y'all doing?" he added. "That's not going to bring my brother back."
In Denver, authorities charged a 37-year-old man with striking three police officers and a civilian during a hit-and-run late incident over the weekend.
Demonstrations in Denver were mostly peaceful Monday night as thousands gathered at the State Capitol and knelt to honor Floyd.
Tuesday, the European Union's top diplomat called Floyd's death an "abuse of power."
EU High Representative Josep Borrell told reporters that such abuses must be denounced and condemned.
"We here in Europe, like the people of the United States, are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd, and I think that all societies must remain vigilant against excessive use of force and ensure that all such incidents are addressed swiftly effectively and in full respect of the rule of law and human rights," Borrell said.
The EU, he added, supports "the right to peaceful protest and we condemn violence and racism of any kind, and we call for a de-escalation of tensions."
U.S. protests death of George Floyd
An American flag with a portrait of George Floyd is seen during a protest outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles on June 1. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
AFP / ROBERTO SCHMIDTMilitary police officers restrain a protestor near the White House on June 1, 2020
AFP / Brendan SmialowskiUS President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside of St John's Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, DC on June 1, 2020
AFP / ROBERTO SCHMIDTA protester is arrested near the White House on June 1, 2020
AFP / ROBERTO SCHMIDTProtestors are tear gassed as the police disperse them near the White House on June 1, 2020
AFP / Frederic J. BROWNA man in wheelchair with his dog confronts a National Guard officer during a march in Los Angeles on June 1, 2020
AFP / ROBERTO SCHMIDTA protestor grabs his bike as the police use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd gathered near the White House on June 1, 2020
AFP / Daniel SLIMThe windows of the Apple store in Washington DC on June 1, 2020 are boarded up after being looted in the night following protests
AFP / Bryan R. SmithLooters targeted shops across New York, including luxury stores and electronics outlets
Trump's address was followed by federal law enforcement forcefully clearing protesters as the president posed for a photo in front of St. John's Church, an action Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser called "shameful."
Tuesday, Trump said tensions were calming in and around Washington, D.C.
"D.C. had no problems last night," he tweeted. "Many arrests. Great job done by all. Overwhelming force. Domination. Likewise, Minneapolis was great."
Congressional Democrats spoke out against Trump's threat to deploy the military in response to protesters, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying "there is no reason" for the military to be involved.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran and Democrat from Illinois, described Trump's threat of military force against protesters as "tin-pot dictatorial."
"We cannot allow any Commander in Chief to put our Armed Forces' reputation as the last institution Americans can trust and respect at risk by using them unlawfully and putting them in a position of exacerbating the divisions driving our union apart," she said.
Bracing for an eighth night of protests, Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, Cleveland and multiple cities in California joined Washington, D.C., in issuing curfews on Tuesday.
Trump also called on his hometown of New York City to call up the National Guard for help.
"The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart," he tweeted. "Act fast! Don't make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!"
Trump also criticized New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for not activating the National Guard.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio extended a curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the rest of this week after a night of looting and violence on Monday during which police officers were targeted.
A group of protesters in New York City were boxed in by police on both ends of the Manhattan Bridge for several hours after the curfew took effect as they left a group protesting in Brooklyn. At around 11 p.m., protests were seen finally being allowed to exit the bridge.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday the state would reduce National Guard presence in Lousiville after a man named David McAtee was killed by gunfire from local police and the National Guard.
Police in Atlanta deployed tear gas on protesters in Atlanta as the city's 9 p.m. curfew went into effect Tuesday night, CNN reported.
Curfews failed to rein in violence during protests on Monday, which led to a number of injured -- including multiple law enforcement officers.
At least four police officers in St. Louis received gunshot wounds and a man in Las Vegas was killed during mass demonstrations. Officials said a Las Vegas officer is also on life support with critical injuries.
The New York City Police Department arrested more than 700 protesters overnight. Looters damaged the flagship Macy's department store in midtown Manhattan, emptied a Nike store and broke storefront windows near Rockefeller Center.
Violence, fires and looting spread into the Bronx, where police said an officer was targeted in a hit-and-run attack.
"That is wholly unacceptable and does not represent the people of this city," de Blasio said. "Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks all of us."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticized de Blasio on Tuesday morning for not deploying enough police officers to handle the outbreaks of violence.
"I believe the mayor underestimates the scope of the problem. I believe he underestimates the duration of the problem, and I don't think they've used enough police to address the situation," the governor said.
Giving my daily press briefing now. Watch Live: https://t.co/yYmCJKgLJ0— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 2, 2020
Cuomo said the mayor didn't accept his offer to send the National Guard to the state's largest city. The governor threatened to override the mayor.
"Can you displace a mayor? Yes. A mayor can be removed. It has not happened. I can't find a precedent. But theoretically it is legally possible," Cuomo said.
"It is a bizarre thing to try to do in this situation. I think it would make a bad situation worse. Also, I don't think it's necessary, because I believe the NYPD can do this, because the NYPD has done this.
Two autopsies issued Monday agreed that Floyd's death was a homicide, but they differed on the precise cause.
An independent autopsy said he died from mechanical asphyxiation, while the county coroner said Floyd died of "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint and neck compression."
The county's autopsy said Floyd also had "other significant conditions" including arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, fentanyl intoxication and "recent" methamphetamine use.
Tuesday, Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington. They observed a moment of remembrance near the statue of Saint John Paul II and visited the Luminous Mysteries Chapel, the John Paul II blood relic and the Madonna icon.
The Trumps also laid a wreath at the site before departing.
Floyd's funeral is scheduled for June 9 in his hometown of Houston. Monday, Terrence Floyd visited the site of his brother's death in Minneapolis and urged for calm amid growing national unrest.
"I know he would not want you all to be doing this," he said, asking angry demonstrators to get out and vote for change and demand justice peacefully.
"If I'm not over here blowing up stuff, if I'm not over here messing up my community -- then what are y'all doing?" he added. "That's not going to bring my brother back."
In Denver, authorities charged a 37-year-old man with striking three police officers and a civilian during a hit-and-run late incident over the weekend.
Demonstrations in Denver were mostly peaceful Monday night as thousands gathered at the State Capitol and knelt to honor Floyd.
Tuesday, the European Union's top diplomat called Floyd's death an "abuse of power."
EU High Representative Josep Borrell told reporters that such abuses must be denounced and condemned.
"We here in Europe, like the people of the United States, are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd, and I think that all societies must remain vigilant against excessive use of force and ensure that all such incidents are addressed swiftly effectively and in full respect of the rule of law and human rights," Borrell said.
The EU, he added, supports "the right to peaceful protest and we condemn violence and racism of any kind, and we call for a de-escalation of tensions."
U.S. protests death of George Floyd
An American flag with a portrait of George Floyd is seen during a protest outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles on June 1. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Trump says to send 'thousands' of troops, police to US capital's streets
AFP / Brendan SmialowskiUS President Donald Trump holds up a bible in front of St John's Episcopal church after walking across Lafayette Park from the White House in Washington, DC on June 1, 2020
US President Donald Trump on Monday said he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House.
"What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace," he said during a nationwide address as tear gas went off and crowds protested in the streets nearby.
"I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property."
He denounced "acts of domestic terror" after nationwide protests against the death of an unarmed African American George Floyd in police custody devolved into days of violent race riots across the country.
"I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and a lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said as police could be heard using tear gas and stun grenades to clear protestors just outside the White House.
He also called on state governors to "deploy the National Guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets" before heading on foot for a photo op at the riot-damaged St. John's, the two-century-old "church of the presidents" across from the White House.
One week after Floyd died in Minneapolis, an autopsy blamed his videotaped death squarely on a white police officer who pinned him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe!"
"The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," Aleccia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request, told a news conference.
The unrest has been the most widespread in the United States since 1968, when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., and rekindled memories of 1992 riots in Los Angeles after police were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist Rodney King.
AFP / Brendan SmialowskiUS President Donald Trump holds up a bible in front of St John's Episcopal church after walking across Lafayette Park from the White House in Washington, DC on June 1, 2020
US President Donald Trump on Monday said he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House.
"What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace," he said during a nationwide address as tear gas went off and crowds protested in the streets nearby.
"I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property."
He denounced "acts of domestic terror" after nationwide protests against the death of an unarmed African American George Floyd in police custody devolved into days of violent race riots across the country.
"I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and a lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said as police could be heard using tear gas and stun grenades to clear protestors just outside the White House.
He also called on state governors to "deploy the National Guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets" before heading on foot for a photo op at the riot-damaged St. John's, the two-century-old "church of the presidents" across from the White House.
One week after Floyd died in Minneapolis, an autopsy blamed his videotaped death squarely on a white police officer who pinned him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe!"
"The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," Aleccia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request, told a news conference.
The unrest has been the most widespread in the United States since 1968, when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., and rekindled memories of 1992 riots in Los Angeles after police were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist Rodney King.
Trump threatens military mobilization against violent US protests
AFP / ROBERTO SCHMIDTMilitary police officers restrain a protestor near the White House on June 1, 2020
President Donald Trump vowed to order a military crackdown on once-in-a-generation violent protests gripping the United States, saying he was sending thousands of troops onto the streets of the capital and threatening to deploy soldiers to states unable to regain control.
The dramatic escalation came a week after the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was killed when a white police officer knelt on his neck, leading to the worst civil unrest in decades in New York, Los Angeles and dozens of other American cities.
In the Midwest, police were early Tuesday trying to bring the city of St Louis under control after a night of looting and violence in which four officers were shot, police chief Colonel John Hayden said, adding their injuries were not life-threatening.
"Mr Floyd was killed somewhere else and they're tearing up cities all across the country," a visibly emotional Hayden said.
AFP / Brendan SmialowskiUS President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside of St John's Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, DC on June 1, 2020
After being criticized for his silence on the worsening crisis, Trump struck a martial tone in a nationwide address Monday from the White House garden, as police fired tear gas on peaceful protesters outside the fence.
"I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property," Trump said.
He slammed the previous night's unrest in Washington as a "total disgrace" and called on governors to "dominate the streets."
AFP / ROBERTO SCHMIDTA protester is arrested near the White House on June 1, 2020
"If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them," he said, denouncing "acts of domestic terror."
Despite the president's rhetoric, Monday's protests appeared largely peaceful in major cities, though some looting was reported in New York and Los Angeles.
During his address, however, law enforcement including military police used tear gas to clear protesters outside the White House so the president could walk across the street to the two-centuries-old St John's church, hit with graffiti and partially damaged by fire during unrest on Sunday.
AFP / ROBERTO SCHMIDTProtestors are tear gassed as the police disperse them near the White House on June 1, 2020
"We have a great country," Trump declared as he stood before the church's boarded-up windows, held up a Bible and posed for photographs.
The backlash was swift.
"He's using the American military against the American people," tweeted Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden.
"He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo. For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him," he said.
Washington's Episcopalian bishop, Mariann Budde, said she was "outraged" at the church visit, which she said Trump did not have permission for.
AFP / Frederic J. BROWNA man in wheelchair with his dog confronts a National Guard officer during a march in Los Angeles on June 1, 2020
Thousands of people have participated in the nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and racism since Floyd's killing.
It has been the most widespread unrest in the United States since 1968, when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Many of the demonstrations have been peaceful and marked by moments of catharsis, such as officers hugging tearful protesters and marching or kneeling alongside them.
- 'Homicide' -
Others have seen rage-filled clashes between protesters and police, and widespread property damage. One person was shot dead in Louisville, Kentucky.
AFP / ROBERTO SCHMIDTA protestor grabs his bike as the police use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd gathered near the White House on June 1, 2020
Floyd's agonizing death was caught on bystander cell phone video that shows policeman Derek Chauvin pinning him down with his knee for nearly nine minutes, as the 46-year-old pleaded for his life with the haunting words: "I can't breathe!"
"The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," said Allecia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request.
Hennepin County's medical examiner released its own official autopsy calling the death a homicide caused by "neck compression," although it had also said he was intoxicated and pointed to heart disease.
AFP / Daniel SLIMThe windows of the Apple store in Washington DC on June 1, 2020 are boarded up after being looted in the night following protests
A memorial for Floyd will take place on Thursday in Minneapolis before his funeral in Houston, where he grew up, on June 9.
Floyd, 46, had been accused of trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit bill.
The autopsy revived demands for the arrest of three other police officers who stood guard for Chauvin as Floyd lay dying.
Chauvin has been charged with third degree murder and is due to appear in court June 8.
- 'We've had enough' -
More than 40 cities have imposed curfews after consecutive nights of tension.
AFP / Bryan R. SmithLooters targeted shops across New York, including luxury stores and electronics outlets
More looting took place in New York on Monday night, an AFP reporter saw, with stores including Best Buy and Nike damaged. Police said they had arrested "hundreds" across the city.
After widespread looting in Manhattan, New York mayor Bill de Blasio said a curfew would be imposed from 8:00 pm Tuesday, three hours earlier than Monday's.
"We support peaceful protest in this city. But right now it's time to go home," de Blasio tweeted.
In Los Angeles, where the National Guard were deployed at Hollywood landmarks such as the Dolby Theatre, some looting was also reported, though protests were largely peaceful.
"Deep down inside us, we've had enough," said 30-year-old Jessica Hubbert, a protester.
Trump spent most of the weekend inside the White House tweeting attacks on political rivals and the media.
In a leaked conference call Monday, he told state governors they were "going to look like a bunch of jerks" if they were too soft.
The governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, is heard saying he was "extraordinarily concerned" by the president's "inflammatory" rhetoric.
Biden met Monday with black leaders at a church in his home of Wilmington, Delaware and promised to form a police oversight commission in his first 100 days as president.
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