26 votes

Daily thread for news/updates/discussion of George Floyd protests - June 1

This thread is posted daily - please try to post relevant news and updates in here, unless it's especially significant.

59 comments

  1. [3]
    Deimos
    Link
    In a video conference with governors, law enforcement, and national security issues today, Trump slams governors as 'weak,' urges crackdown on protests He also endorsed Sen. Tom Cotton's (R-Ark.)...

    In a video conference with governors, law enforcement, and national security issues today, Trump slams governors as 'weak,' urges crackdown on protests

    “You’ve got to arrest people, you have to track people, you have to put them in jail for 10 years and you’ll never see this stuff again,” said Trump. “We’re doing it in Washington, D.C. We’re going to do something that people haven’t seen before.”

    On Monday, Trump also spoke of trying to criminalize flag-burning. The Supreme Court has conservative new members since it last ruled on that issue, and Trump said that “I think it’s time to review that again.”

    He also endorsed Sen. Tom Cotton's (R-Ark.) call on Monday to deploy active-duty military forces "if local law enforcement is overwhelmed", potentially using the Insurrection Act.

    15 votes
    1. [2]
      Gaywallet
      Link Parent
      The leader of the united states has just advocated that protesters be sent to jail for 10 years. Stop and let that sink in.

      The leader of the united states has just advocated that protesters be sent to jail for 10 years.

      Stop and let that sink in.

      21 votes
      1. Deimos
        Link Parent
        Just days after he advocated using deadly force against looters, which is blatantly unconstitutional (and just plain disgusting). That tweet alone should have been a presidency-ender in any sane...

        Just days after he advocated using deadly force against looters, which is blatantly unconstitutional (and just plain disgusting). That tweet alone should have been a presidency-ender in any sane world, but now it's just another one on the pile.

        19 votes
  2. patience_limited
    Link
    Nick Waters of Bellingcat is compiling a running Twitter archive of incidents of police violence against journalists here: https://mobile.twitter.com/N_Waters89

    Nick Waters of Bellingcat is compiling a running Twitter archive of incidents of police violence against journalists here: https://mobile.twitter.com/N_Waters89

    13 votes
  3. [3]
    Deimos
    Link
    Family-commissioned autopsy says George Floyd's death was "homicide caused by asphyxia due to neck and back compression that led to a lack of blood flow to the brain," contradicting the...
    13 votes
    1. [2]
      Deimos
      Link Parent
      The Hennepin County medical examiner has now released an updated autopsy report (PDF) that also classifies it as a homicide. Quoting the relevant section: It looks like they've declined to comment...

      The Hennepin County medical examiner has now released an updated autopsy report (PDF) that also classifies it as a homicide. Quoting the relevant section:

      Cause of death: Cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression

      Manner of death: Homicide

      How injury occurred: Decedent experienced a cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained by law enforcement officer(s)

      Other significant conditions: Arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease; fentanyl intoxication; recent methamphetamine use

      It looks like they've declined to comment so far on why the preliminary findings were different.

      7 votes
      1. NaraVara
        Link Parent
        My guess is deeply entrenched and institutionalized processes to soften and obscure police abuse and brutality.

        It looks like they've declined to comment so far on why the preliminary findings were different.

        My guess is deeply entrenched and institutionalized processes to soften and obscure police abuse and brutality.

        2 votes
  4. [9]
    Gaywallet
    Link
    Trump is now dispersing peaceful protesters via the police prior to his speech scheduled today. 1 2 3

    Trump is now dispersing peaceful protesters via the police prior to his speech scheduled today.

    1 2 3

    13 votes
    1. [7]
      NaraVara
      Link Parent
      This is going to make things worse. More people are going to come out to protest as a result of this and it’s going to escalate tension.

      This is going to make things worse. More people are going to come out to protest as a result of this and it’s going to escalate tension.

      11 votes
      1. [6]
        Gaywallet
        Link Parent
        CNN is now stating that this was all done in order to get a photo opportunity at the church

        CNN is now stating that this was all done in order to get a photo opportunity at the church

        9 votes
        1. [5]
          NaraVara
          Link Parent
          He only gets to do this to DC because we don’t have statehood. The states are going to tell him where he can stick it. But I worry about the cities in red states, especially states with real bad...

          He only gets to do this to DC because we don’t have statehood. The states are going to tell him where he can stick it. But I worry about the cities in red states, especially states with real bad rural/urban splits like in Raleigh or Cleveland. In many of these places the state governments are itching to tear the cities down.

          8 votes
          1. Tygrak
            Link Parent
            I am watching this from Europe, and this is actually just crazy. Can't believe this is happening in a supposedly democratic country which prides itself on free speech.

            I am watching this from Europe, and this is actually just crazy. Can't believe this is happening in a supposedly democratic country which prides itself on free speech.

            10 votes
          2. [3]
            moocow1452
            Link Parent
            With the new military order, can he subvert that?

            With the new military order, can he subvert that?

            3 votes
            1. NaraVara
              Link Parent
              He’s restricting the military order to DC because we’re not a state, just a federal district. He can invoke the military here because we don’t have full representation as citizens. The proper...

              He’s restricting the military order to DC because we’re not a state, just a federal district. He can invoke the military here because we don’t have full representation as citizens.

              The proper states are run by the governors and Trump can’t do this to them without them requesting it.

              8 votes
            2. skybrian
              (edited )
              Link Parent
              I assume the generals will explain to him that it's illegal: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act He can federalize the National Guard, though:...

              I assume the generals will explain to him that it's illegal:

              https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act

              He can federalize the National Guard, though:
              https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurrection_Act

              Apparently this has never been done without the consent of the state government.

              7 votes
    2. Amarok
      Link Parent
      Oh yeah, that's going to cause an escalation.

      Oh yeah, that's going to cause an escalation.

      4 votes
  5. cfabbro
    Link
    Episcopal bishop on President Trump: ‘Everything he has said and done is to inflame violence’ Episcopal Bishop ‘Outraged’ Trump Tear-Gassed Protesters to Use ‘Our Church as a Prop’ D.C. bishop...
    10 votes
  6. [4]
    skybrian
    Link
    From samswey on Twitter

    From samswey on Twitter

    For those who are interested in research-based solutions to stop police violence, here’s what you need to know - based on the facts and data. A thread. (1/x)

    9 votes
    1. [2]
      Deimos
      Link Parent
      Link to the whole thing on Thread Reader, which I think is usually easier to read long threads through: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1180655701271732224.html

      Link to the whole thing on Thread Reader, which I think is usually easier to read long threads through: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1180655701271732224.html

      13 votes
      1. Amarok
        Link Parent
        That was a good read, finally some facts in this cesspool of knee-jerk reactions and armchair politicking.

        That was a good read, finally some facts in this cesspool of knee-jerk reactions and armchair politicking.

        6 votes
    2. Gaywallet
      Link Parent
      Greatly appreciate the link! Thanks

      Greatly appreciate the link! Thanks

      5 votes
  7. NaraVara
    Link
    Killer Mike had a really good speech on this delivered to the City of Atlanta.

    Killer Mike had a really good speech on this delivered to the City of Atlanta.

    8 votes
  8. Amarok
    Link
    Hmm. Tonight so far is the first night I'm seeing a lot less protest activity on snapchat. Crowds seem smaller. There's still some shit going down in NY, LA, DC, etc, but the nationwide crazy...

    Hmm. Tonight so far is the first night I'm seeing a lot less protest activity on snapchat. Crowds seem smaller. There's still some shit going down in NY, LA, DC, etc, but the nationwide crazy seems to be abating a bit. Of course, it's not dark yet.

    I did notice that snapchats went dark around the white house. Someone's jamming the shit out of that area so nothing gets uploaded. Every clip is over an hour old and that's a glaring difference in time compared to any other protest hotspot I click on.

    8 votes
  9. [10]
    Comment deleted by author
    Link
    1. [9]
      vektor
      Link Parent
      Can anyone tell me how that is deserving of third degree murder? Sounds a lot like intentional killing to me, hence second degree? Also, is there not an option for the AG to say "I think this is...

      Can anyone tell me how that is deserving of third degree murder? Sounds a lot like intentional killing to me, hence second degree?

      Also, is there not an option for the AG to say "I think this is 2nd degree, but definitely third degree. I'mma charge both and go with whatever I can prove."? Seems shitty to force the AG to play that kind of a game a priori. Whether intention can be found seems like a reasonably simple question to ask of a jury.

      6 votes
      1. [6]
        Litmus2336
        Link Parent
        Second degree is rather hard to prove. You'd have to argue that at some point he decided consciously "I'm going to kill this man". A simple "I'm an idiot" or "I didn't think I'd kill him" plea...

        Second degree is rather hard to prove. You'd have to argue that at some point he decided consciously "I'm going to kill this man". A simple "I'm an idiot" or "I didn't think I'd kill him" plea would Bea legitimate defense. To get a jury to unanimously agree is very, very difficult. Negligence leading to murder, is 3rd degree, is a walk in the park.

        Ultimately I think this shows the need for more officer training, to ensure officers are aware about the lethality of their actions so they can't plead ignorance. But given the state of police training I think that defence would, unfortunately, fly.

        4 votes
        1. [2]
          bloup
          Link Parent
          I think people should never forget that this man died because someone thought he might have ripped off a small business for a measly $20 using a counterfeit bill. This has nothing to do with how...

          I think people should never forget that this man died because someone thought he might have ripped off a small business for a measly $20 using a counterfeit bill. This has nothing to do with how officers are trained. It has everything to do with how, as an institution, police departments prioritize private property over human life. That officer should have done nothing more than ask George Floyd “did you use a counterfeit bill?” and if Floyd answered “No”, then all that officer should have done at that point was make a note of the physical appearance of the person of interest just in case a future complaint is made. Literally no reason a physical altercation should have ever occurred in the first place.

          9 votes
          1. Litmus2336
            Link Parent
            Yeah, but that doesn't make it second degree.

            Yeah, but that doesn't make it second degree.

            4 votes
        2. [3]
          vektor
          Link Parent
          I think "I didn't think I'd kill him" goes out the window when he initiated that intervention without any need to do so (guy was in the cop car and restrained already.) and when his colleague...

          I think "I didn't think I'd kill him" goes out the window when he initiated that intervention without any need to do so (guy was in the cop car and restrained already.) and when his colleague advised him to check vitals and roll the guy over. A fellow cop told him that he should check vitals and he kept going. If you still think you wouldn't kill him, you need to be put away for everyone's safety.

          2 votes
          1. Litmus2336
            Link Parent
            I still don't think this can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Especially with a 12 person jury. Like, I get it, I'd personally say it's second degree. But I doubt it'd stick.

            I still don't think this can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Especially with a 12 person jury. Like, I get it, I'd personally say it's second degree. But I doubt it'd stick.

            4 votes
          2. Litmus2336
            Link Parent
            It got upgraded to second degree today, which is interesting. I think it's a more fitting charge but I'm worried it won't stick.

            It got upgraded to second degree today, which is interesting. I think it's a more fitting charge but I'm worried it won't stick.

            3 votes
      2. [2]
        knocklessmonster
        Link Parent
        Third degree is when an intentionally malicious act leads to an accidental death, with no other felony committed, apparently. If I may offer my unqualified opinion: Chauvin's goal was simply to...

        Third degree is when an intentionally malicious act leads to an accidental death, with no other felony committed, apparently. If I may offer my unqualified opinion: Chauvin's goal was simply to restrain Floyd, but he chose to do so in a manner he should have known was dangerous. Floyd died as a result, giving Chauvin this charge. Chauvin was also given a manslaughter charge, probably to throw more at him and improve the odds of something sticking (commonly done in cases).

        4 votes
        1. vektor
          Link Parent
          He was warned multiple times by his colleague that maybe they should roll him over or check his vitals. There is no way this was unintentional if he kept at it. I could see a defense of "he was...

          He was warned multiple times by his colleague that maybe they should roll him over or check his vitals. There is no way this was unintentional if he kept at it. I could see a defense of "he was still struggling, so I couldn't let go", but that went out the window once he kept the knee in his neck after Floyd passed out. Chauvin pulling Floyd out of the cop car also seems to me like an excuse to abuse powers. Guy was properly restrained and in the car already. My reading of 2nd degree murder is that we either need intention or the attempt to commit a felony. If abuse of police powers is a felony, we even have both.

          I dunno about you, but if someone says "I can't breathe" and then passes out, and bystanders and your colleagues tell you to check vitals and do something, and you fail to do so for several minutes after loss of consciousness, that's not an accident. If I tell you "this button makes the bomb explode", and then you push that button and then the bomb explodes, you'd have to argue that you are severely mentally disabled to not understand the consequences here, or you'd have to argue that I, your colleague, am very untrustworthy. If neither of these is the case, then you meant for the bomb to explode.

          4 votes
  10. cfabbro
    (edited )
    Link
    I'm finally about to head to bed so will add more stuff when I wake up, but at least one especially notable piece of news from last night is probably worth mentioning more than any others: St....

    I'm finally about to head to bed so will add more stuff when I wake up, but at least one especially notable piece of news from last night is probably worth mentioning more than any others:

    St. John’s church across from the White House was set on fire, as was a small building just south of it inside Lafayette Square park (satellite pic and 360 pic showing both buildings with White House to the right of them for reference).

    4 votes
  11. [2]
    skybrian
    Link
    Cities Across Bay Area Establish Curfews, But Oakland Holds Off For Now San Leandro Hit Hard By Looters As Unrest Spreads Across East Bay Hayward Imposes 8 pm to 5 am Curfew to Quell Looting,...

    Cities Across Bay Area Establish Curfews, But Oakland Holds Off For Now

    As of Sunday night, curfews were in effect for the cities of Danville, Pleasant Hill, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Clara, and Walnut Creek. In addition, Alameda County urged all its residents Sunday evening to stay home because of the civil unrest throughout the county and the East Bay.

    San Leandro Hit Hard By Looters As Unrest Spreads Across East Bay

    Earlier, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that multiple people were seen going in and out of businesses and looting at the Bay Fair Mall. The sheriff is deploying multiple resources to that part of county. Social media reports said that gunfire has been exchanged involving police and at least one suspect. There was no confirmation of any injuries from the reported shots fired.

    Hayward Imposes 8 pm to 5 am Curfew to Quell Looting, Preserve Rights To Civil Demonstrations and Protests

    City Manager Kelly McAdoo, in consultation with Police Chief Toney Chaplin, will implement a citywide curfew beginning today at 8 p.m. The curfew requires people within the City of Hayward to stay indoors from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until June 8.

    4 votes
    1. skybrian
      Link Parent
      The 8 pm curfew is now for all of Alameda County.

      The 8 pm curfew is now for all of Alameda County.

      3 votes
  12. Icarus
    Link
    Protest is about to start across the street from me in the East Bay. My leasing office is boarding up right now.

    Protest is about to start across the street from me in the East Bay. My leasing office is boarding up right now.

    4 votes
  13. Omnicrola
    (edited )
    Link
    The president is now threatening to send in the US military to quell protests https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/politics/donald-trump-national-address-race/index.html...
    4 votes
  14. [2]
    Comment deleted by author
    Link
    1. cfabbro
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      The doublespeak is reaching farcical levels.

      "mourning bands"

      "I am your president of law and order, and an ally of all peaceful protesters." (said by Trump while totally peaceful protestors are being tear gassed a few hundred feet away so after his speech he can go have a photo op in front of the church they were standing in front of)

      The doublespeak is reaching farcical levels.

      9 votes
  15. [2]
    ibis
    (edited )
    Link
    Watch this video of an Australian cameraman being punched by police live on air: https://twitter.com/brett_mcgurk/status/1267662905383596032?s=21 And the female presenter being hit with a baton as...

    Watch this video of an Australian cameraman being punched by police live on air: https://twitter.com/brett_mcgurk/status/1267662905383596032?s=21

    And the female presenter being hit with a baton as she runs from police:
    https://twitter.com/ashleemullany/status/1267596369562394627?s=21

    4 votes
    1. Kremor
      Link Parent
      The links are switched

      The links are switched

      3 votes
  16. [3]
    moonbathers
    Link
    It's going to get bad in Omaha tonight, and while I don't think it's a good idea I completely understand. As if things weren't bad enough, the police and DA have exacerbated the situation by...

    It's going to get bad in Omaha tonight, and while I don't think it's a good idea I completely understand. As if things weren't bad enough, the police and DA have exacerbated the situation by letting Gardner walk.

    2 votes
    1. [2]
      cfabbro
      Link Parent
      For those curious what you're referring to: No charges will be filed against Omaha bar owner who fatally shot protester, Don Kleine says No charges in Scurlock death; family responds after Douglas...
      7 votes
      1. moonbathers
        Link Parent
        Thank you for adding those. I'm just really pissed off about this whole thing right now. Apparently Gardner's bar is getting evicted, so we've got that at least.

        Thank you for adding those. I'm just really pissed off about this whole thing right now. Apparently Gardner's bar is getting evicted, so we've got that at least.

        2 votes
  17. [6]
    skybrian
    Link
    I Am An Oakland Police Officer. AMA About The Protests and Looting in Oakland
    2 votes
    1. [5]
      thundergolfer
      Link Parent
      What's the vibe of that subreddit typically? Some of the comments seem...off. eg.

      What's the vibe of that subreddit typically? Some of the comments seem...off. eg.

      Are you scared for our City? Right now it feels like we’re never going to be the same. I mean change is what should happen of course, but I’m talking about businesses leaving and criminals being so brazen.

      1 vote
      1. [4]
        skybrian
        Link Parent
        I'm not really sure, but it seems like there are a variety of opinions. From previous topics, some are quite concerned about crime and disorder.

        I'm not really sure, but it seems like there are a variety of opinions. From previous topics, some are quite concerned about crime and disorder.

        2 votes
        1. [3]
          thundergolfer
          Link Parent
          Yeh there seems to be a lot of pearl-clutchers, more concerned about "order" than fights for justice.

          From previous topics, some are quite concerned about crime and disorder.

          Yeh there seems to be a lot of pearl-clutchers, more concerned about "order" than fights for justice.

          2 votes
          1. [2]
            skybrian
            Link Parent
            I think that's an unjustified insult. If you aren't concerned about what's going on, you're not paying attention. It's a dangerous time and it's perfectly understandable that a lot of people are...

            I think that's an unjustified insult. If you aren't concerned about what's going on, you're not paying attention. It's a dangerous time and it's perfectly understandable that a lot of people are stressed out over it.

            4 votes
            1. thundergolfer
              Link Parent
              Fair enough. I'm not suggesting that's actually true of the people, just that it seems like there's more concern about the disorder of the protests than the injustice in American law enforcement....

              Fair enough. I'm not suggesting that's actually true of the people, just that it seems like there's more concern about the disorder of the protests than the injustice in American law enforcement.

              I'm very concerned about what's going on. I'm furious that America has created an institution of law enforcement that so easily produces widespread police brutality against protestors, and I'm furious that America has a Republican party so committed to white supremacy and aPresident that actively whips up violent responses to protest by invoking white supremacist talking points ("looting and shooting" tweet).

              6 votes
  18. MonkeyPants
    Link
    My local Rite Aid was looted last night. We are under curfew now. I am taking my website offline in a manner similar to this.

    My local Rite Aid was looted last night. We are under curfew now.

    I am taking my website offline in a manner similar to this.

    1 vote