George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man, died in Minneapolis on Monday after a violent arrest by police officers, one of whom pressed Floyd’s neck with his knee.
US President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to end the violent protests “now” in major cities across the United States following the death of an African-American man last week when arrested by Minneapolis police , in Minnesota.
A few hours after the presidential address, violence broke out for the seventh consecutive night in various cities across the country, including Los Angeles – where a fire was started in a shopping center – and New York, the scene of looting. “Mayors and governors must establish massive law enforcement presence until violence is contained“Donald Trump said in his remarks, the first since the protests began.”If a city or state refuses to take the action that is necessary to defend the lives and property of its residents, then I will send the US military and quickly resolve the issue for them.“, he added.
Even as Donald Trump spoke from the gardens of the White House, small explosions could be heard by reporters. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse peace protesters near the presidential residence.
At the end of his speech, Donald Trump left the White House on foot to go to St John’s Episcopal Church, damaged in incidents Sunday evening, located nearby, in the area where the demonstrators were previously.
The US President, accompanied by his daughter Ivanka and Attorney General (Federal Minister of Justice) William Barr, held up a Bible in front of the church and posed for photos.
The principal archbishop of the diocese of the Episcopal Church of Washington, Michael Curry, criticized Donald Trump via Twitter for using the place of worship for political purposes.
Several thousand people demonstrated in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, chanting “Justice now!” Televisions showed footage of smashed windows and looting of luxury brands on Fifth Avenue. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the curfew would be advanced Tuesday from 11 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Two police officers were hit by a vehicle during a demonstration in Buffalo, New York, but it is not yet known whether it was a willful act.
In Los Angeles, dozens of protesters were filmed looting a Hollywood drugstore after breaking the front door. Several nearby cafes and restaurants have been vandalized.
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