Atlanta police on Sunday quickly released body-camera and other footage that captured the shooting death of a black man by a white officer

US: Atlanta Police Chief resigns after latest fatal shooting

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance.

Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to relax the two-metre physical distancing rule. Scientists warned that the study in question should not ideally be used to justify the relaxation.

After WHO earlier stipulated two metres as the ideal distance between two people, critics across the globe called it too cautionary a tale.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-spreading-like-wildfire-in-africa-test-kits-needed-who-305077" hreflang="en">Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO</a>

The WHO research now being questioned claimed that a reduction in social distancing from two to one metres would increase increase the infection risk from 1.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent.

However, scientists believe the aforementioned research is short-sighted and should not be used as the blueprint to enforce distancing measures.

“The analysis of infection risk at 1 metre versus 2 metre should be treated with great caution,” Professor&nbsp;David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University told the Guardian. “I’m very suspicious of it”, Spiegelhalter added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/after-saying-asymptomatic-carriers-spreading-covid-19-very-rare-who-clarifies-304664" hreflang="en">After saying asymptomatic carriers spreading COVID-19 very rare, WHO clarifies</a>

Another researcher from Open University referred to WHO’s analysis as “inappropriate”, while adding that the research “should not be used in arguments about how much greater the infection risk is at 1-metre minimum distance as opposed to 2 metres”.

This brings into question the veracity of research papers published on online portals like the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that some papers are being hurriedly written and published, making the conclusions hard to process and verify.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/confusion-in-the-times-of-coronavirus-who-is-a-poor-example-to-follow-304928" hreflang="en">Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow</a>

The two portals mentioned above were recently forced to retract a few studies after flaws surfaced.

Boris Johnson recently said that the two metre distancing rule will be put under review.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance.

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance. Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to relax the two-metre physical distancing rule. Scientists warned that the study in question should not ideally be used to justify the relaxation. After WHO earlier stipulated two metres as the ideal distance between two people, critics across the globe called it too cautionary a tale. Also read: Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO The WHO research now being questioned claimed that a reduction in social distancing from two to one metres would increase increase the infection risk from 1.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent. However, scientists believe the aforementioned research is short-sighted and should not be used as the blueprint to enforce distancing measures. “The analysis of infection risk at 1 metre versus 2 metre should be treated with great caution,” Professor David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University told the Guardian. “I’m very suspicious of it”, Spiegelhalter added. Also read: After saying asymptomatic carriers spreading COVID-19 very rare, WHO clarifies Another researcher from Open University referred to WHO’s analysis as “inappropriate”, while adding that the research “should not be used in arguments about how much greater the infection risk is at 1-metre minimum distance as opposed to 2 metres”. This brings into question the veracity of research papers published on online portals like the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that some papers are being hurriedly written and published, making the conclusions hard to process and verify. Also read: Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow The two portals mentioned above were recently forced to retract a few studies after flaws surfaced. Boris Johnson recently said that the two metre distancing rule will be put under review. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Scientists question WHO's study on relaxing social distancing norms

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism.

Brooks was shot at by an officer, who succumbed to gun shot wounds in the back.

The Fulton country medical examiner’s office has ruled it as homicide, while protests continue to rage for the fourth straight week in the country.

Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by the gunshot wounds, the autopsy revealed.

The statement from the medical examiner’s office referred to the manner of death as “homicide”.

<h6><img alt="A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ac1257b-f9fb-4f2a-9220-9d5f1fab23c3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_20.jpg" /> 
A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Allegedly, Brooks was asleep in the drive through lane of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, after which an employee called the police. In the process of this, he was shot in the back, leading to his death.

Protests soon circled a Wendy’s store and set it on fire, the visuals of which made rounds on social media.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/video-released-of-moment-man-was-shot-by-2-cops-in-atlanta-watch-it-306020/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier, George Floyd was knelt on by a police officer for almost 9 minutes which led to his death and spurred global outrage spreading as far as New Zealand and France.

Protesters in Atlanta were heard chanting “This is not a riot” while demanding justice for the murder.

The body camera footage of the police encounter with Brooks showed the conversation beginning in a friendly manner, but as officers proceeded to arrest him, there was restraint. As he fled with a taser gun, one of the officers shot him, after which he fell to the ground.

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism.

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism. Brooks was shot at by an officer, who succumbed to gun shot wounds in the back. The Fulton country medical examiner’s office has ruled it as homicide, while protests continue to rage for the fourth straight week in the country. Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by the gunshot wounds, the autopsy revealed. The statement from the medical examiner’s office referred to the manner of death as “homicide”. A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia | AFP Allegedly, Brooks was asleep in the drive through lane of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, after which an employee called the police. In the process of this, he was shot in the back, leading to his death. Protests soon circled a Wendy’s store and set it on fire, the visuals of which made rounds on social media. Earlier, George Floyd was knelt on by a police officer for almost 9 minutes which led to his death and spurred global outrage spreading as far as New Zealand and France. Protesters in Atlanta were heard chanting “This is not a riot” while demanding justice for the murder. The body camera footage of the police encounter with Brooks showed the conversation beginning in a friendly manner, but as officers proceeded to arrest him, there was restraint. As he fled with a taser gun, one of the officers shot him, after which he fell to the ground.

Brooks shooting in Atlanta was 'homicide', claims medical examiner

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs.

Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council,&nbsp;formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports.

The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime.

Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations.&nbsp;

Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State.

One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention.

"It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention."

Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document.

"They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said.

DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment.

The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination.

Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan.

"We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said.

Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups.

Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences."

"I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter. The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs. Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council, formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports. The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime. Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations. Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State. One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention. "It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention." Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document. "They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said. DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment. The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination. Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan. "We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said. Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups. Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences." "I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

US Democratic Party irked by council's 'insurgent' climate plan

27-year-old Rayshard Brooks of Atlanta was shot by an Atlanta Police officer as they attempted to arrest him and later died at a hospital after surgery.

Video released of moment man was shot by 2 cops in Atlanta; Watch it

A 46-year-old Indian-American software engineer turned socialist is at the forefront of "Black Lives Matter" protests in Seattle to permanently oust city police officials from the downtown area that has now been designated the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" (CHAZ), according to media reports.

Kshama Sawant, the Seattle City Councilwoman, is encouraging activists in the CHAZ "to hold out on giving back the precinct to cops or allowing officers inside the barricaded region", according to Fox News. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-adama-traore-whose-death-identical-to-george-floyd-is-triggering-protests-in-france-304278">Meet Adama Traore, whose death identical to George Floyd is triggering protests in France</a>

Widespread protests have been taking place for weeks across the US following the death of 46-year-old African American George Floyd in Minneapolis while he was in police custody. Protesters have sparred with police for weeks.

Pune-born Sawant urged protesters to hold strong to the six-block region they've designated a "no cop" zone, the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-police-to-ban-chokehold-arrest-as-protest-anger-mounts-304399">France police to ban chokehold arrest as protest anger mounts</a>

Kshama Sawant has said she will introduce legislation to convert the precinct into "a community centre for restorative justice."

"Our movement needs to urgently ensure East Precinct is not handed back to police but is turned over permanently into community control. My office is bringing legislation to convert East Precinct into a community centre for restorative justice," she tweeted on Friday.

On Tuesday, she also participated in demonstrations calling to defund the police and allowed over a thousand demonstrators into City Hall in a late-night protest calling for Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign.

She said she did it to show City Hall belongs to the people and she wanted the diverse group of demonstrators to be heard in the halls of power, Komonews.com reported.

More than 1,000 protesters spent an hour talking about defunding the Seattle Police Department, banning chemical weapon use by police, and railing on Mayor Jenny Durkan, demanding she step down immediately, the report said.

Even though social distancing was non-existent, everyone wore masks and the evening remained peaceful. Assistant Police Chief Deanna Nollette also says no laws were broken, so officers did not respond, it added.

Born to Vasundhara and H T Ramanujam in 1973, Ms Sawant grew up in Mumbai where she later studied computer science and graduated with a BS from the University of Mumbai in 1994.

Ms Sawant married and moved to the United States. After moving to the United States Ms Sawant decided to abandon the computer engineering field.

She began to pursue study in economics due to what she described as her own "questions of economic inequality." She entered the economics programme at North Carolina State University where she earned a PhD. She became a United States citizen in 2010.

Ms Sawant joined the Socialist Alternative in 2006 and became a councilwoman in 2013 after defeating a 16-year incumbent Democrat Richard Conlin to become the first socialist elected in a major US city in decades.

A 46-year-old Indian-American software engineer turned socialist is at the forefront of "Black Lives Matter" protests in Seattle to permanently oust city police officials from the downtown area that has now been designated the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" (CHAZ), according to media reports.

A 46-year-old Indian-American software engineer turned socialist is at the forefront of "Black Lives Matter" protests in Seattle to permanently oust city police officials from the downtown area that has now been designated the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" (CHAZ), according to media reports. Kshama Sawant, the Seattle City Councilwoman, is encouraging activists in the CHAZ "to hold out on giving back the precinct to cops or allowing officers inside the barricaded region", according to Fox News. Also read | Meet Adama Traore, whose death identical to George Floyd is triggering protests in France Widespread protests have been taking place for weeks across the US following the death of 46-year-old African American George Floyd in Minneapolis while he was in police custody. Protesters have sparred with police for weeks. Pune-born Sawant urged protesters to hold strong to the six-block region they've designated a "no cop" zone, the report said. Also read | France police to ban chokehold arrest as protest anger mounts Kshama Sawant has said she will introduce legislation to convert the precinct into "a community centre for restorative justice." "Our movement needs to urgently ensure East Precinct is not handed back to police but is turned over permanently into community control. My office is bringing legislation to convert East Precinct into a community centre for restorative justice," she tweeted on Friday. On Tuesday, she also participated in demonstrations calling to defund the police and allowed over a thousand demonstrators into City Hall in a late-night protest calling for Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign. She said she did it to show City Hall belongs to the people and she wanted the diverse group of demonstrators to be heard in the halls of power, Komonews.com reported. More than 1,000 protesters spent an hour talking about defunding the Seattle Police Department, banning chemical weapon use by police, and railing on Mayor Jenny Durkan, demanding she step down immediately, the report said. Even though social distancing was non-existent, everyone wore masks and the evening remained peaceful. Assistant Police Chief Deanna Nollette also says no laws were broken, so officers did not respond, it added. Born to Vasundhara and H T Ramanujam in 1973, Ms Sawant grew up in Mumbai where she later studied computer science and graduated with a BS from the University of Mumbai in 1994. Ms Sawant married and moved to the United States. After moving to the United States Ms Sawant decided to abandon the computer engineering field. She began to pursue study in economics due to what she described as her own "questions of economic inequality." She entered the economics programme at North Carolina State University where she earned a PhD. She became a United States citizen in 2010. Ms Sawant joined the Socialist Alternative in 2006 and became a councilwoman in 2013 after defeating a 16-year incumbent Democrat Richard Conlin to become the first socialist elected in a major US city in decades.

Indian-American Kshama Sawant leads 'Black lives matter' protests in Seattle

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”.

According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States.

The issue was brought to the body’s notice by African countries, and on a request made by Burkina Faso.

The United States does not hold the membership of the 47-member UNHRC in Geneva. Two years ago the US had quit the forum for its alleged bias against Israel.

<h6><img alt="People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, U.S., June 14, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10e9d976-6fa6-4f92-811f-870b32e263cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_19.jpg" /> 
People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, US, June 14, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," said the letter which was marked to UNHRC.

The letter referred to the murder of George Floyd, who was knelt on by a police officer, following which he died on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis. This stirred nationwide protests that have now spawned into a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-has-exposed-deep-seated-internal-crises-in-us-putin-305979" hreflang="en">Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin</a>

"The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion," the letter said.&nbsp;“The international outrage provoked by the death underlined the importance of the Human Rights Council discussing these issue”, it further&nbsp;said.

The letter also claimed that 600 activist groups and relatives of victims have demanded a special session to address racism.

Amid calls to defund the police, the Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved a resolution which would disband contemporary policing methods in favour of a community driven safety mechanism for the citizens.

Just on Friday, another Black man Rayshard Brooks was shot by the police in Atlanta, which spurred protests across the country again.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”.

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”. According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States. The issue was brought to the body’s notice by African countries, and on a request made by Burkina Faso. The United States does not hold the membership of the 47-member UNHRC in Geneva. Two years ago the US had quit the forum for its alleged bias against Israel. People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, US, June 14, 2020 | Reuters "The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," said the letter which was marked to UNHRC. The letter referred to the murder of George Floyd, who was knelt on by a police officer, following which he died on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis. This stirred nationwide protests that have now spawned into a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality. Also read: Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin "The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion," the letter said. “The international outrage provoked by the death underlined the importance of the Human Rights Council discussing these issue”, it further said. The letter also claimed that 600 activist groups and relatives of victims have demanded a special session to address racism. Amid calls to defund the police, the Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved a resolution which would disband contemporary policing methods in favour of a community driven safety mechanism for the citizens. Just on Friday, another Black man Rayshard Brooks was shot by the police in Atlanta, which spurred protests across the country again. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

UN's human rights body to examine racism and police brutality in the United States

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics.

The restaurant was in flames for more than 45 minutes before fire crews arrived to extinguish the blaze, protected by a line of police officers, local television showed. By that time the building was reduced to charred rubble next to a gas station.

Other demonstrators marched onto Interstate-75, stopping traffic, before police used a line of squad cars to hold them back.

The city's police chief, Erika Shields, resigned earlier on Saturday over the shooting on Friday night of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, which was captured on video. 
The police department has fired the officer who allegedly shot and killed Brooks, police spokesman Carlos Campos said late on Saturday. Another officer involved in the incident was put on administrative leave. Both of the officers were white.

Brooks' death followed weeks of demonstrations in major cities across the United States sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African American who died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

The Atlanta officer fired after Friday's incident was identified by the police department as Garrett Rolfe, who joined the department in October 2013. The officer placed on administrative duty is Devin Bronsan, who was hired in September 2018.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she had accepted the prompt resignation of police chief Shields.

"I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer," Bottoms said at an afternoon news conference. 
Brooks was the father of a young daughter who was celebrating her birthday on Saturday, his lawyers said.

Near the scene of the shooting, street protests began on Saturday, with more than 100 people calling for the officers to be charged criminally in the case.

PARKING LOT

Friday's shooting came after police were called to the Wendy's over reports that Brooks had fallen asleep in the drive-thru line. Officers attempted to take him into custody after he failed a field sobriety test, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

A bystander's video showed Brooks struggling with two officers on the ground outside the Wendy's before breaking free and running across the parking lot with what appears to be a police TASER in his hand.

A second videotape from the restaurant's cameras shows Brooks turning as he runs and possibly aiming the TASER at the pursuing officers before one of them fires his gun and Brooks falls to the ground.

Brooks ran the length of about six cars when he turned back toward an officer and pointed what he had in his hand at the policeman, Vic Reynolds, director of the GBI, told a press conference.

"At that point, the Atlanta officer reaches down and retrieves his weapon from his holster, discharges it, strikes Mr. Brooks there on the parking lot and he goes down," Reynolds said. 
Lawyers representing the family of Brooks told reporters that Atlanta police had no right to use deadly force even if he had fired the TASER, a non-lethal weapon, in their direction.

"You can't shoot somebody unless they are pointing a gun at you," attorney Chris Stewart said.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr., said in an emailed statement that his office "has already launched an intense, independent investigation of the incident" while it awaits the findings of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Bottoms said Shields, a white woman appointed police chief in December 2016, would be replaced by deputy chief Rodney Bryant, a black man who will serve as interim chief.

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics.

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics. The restaurant was in flames for more than 45 minutes before fire crews arrived to extinguish the blaze, protected by a line of police officers, local television showed. By that time the building was reduced to charred rubble next to a gas station. Other demonstrators marched onto Interstate-75, stopping traffic, before police used a line of squad cars to hold them back. The city's police chief, Erika Shields, resigned earlier on Saturday over the shooting on Friday night of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, which was captured on video. The police department has fired the officer who allegedly shot and killed Brooks, police spokesman Carlos Campos said late on Saturday. Another officer involved in the incident was put on administrative leave. Both of the officers were white. Brooks' death followed weeks of demonstrations in major cities across the United States sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African American who died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him. The Atlanta officer fired after Friday's incident was identified by the police department as Garrett Rolfe, who joined the department in October 2013. The officer placed on administrative duty is Devin Bronsan, who was hired in September 2018. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she had accepted the prompt resignation of police chief Shields. "I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer," Bottoms said at an afternoon news conference. Brooks was the father of a young daughter who was celebrating her birthday on Saturday, his lawyers said. Near the scene of the shooting, street protests began on Saturday, with more than 100 people calling for the officers to be charged criminally in the case. PARKING LOT Friday's shooting came after police were called to the Wendy's over reports that Brooks had fallen asleep in the drive-thru line. Officers attempted to take him into custody after he failed a field sobriety test, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. A bystander's video showed Brooks struggling with two officers on the ground outside the Wendy's before breaking free and running across the parking lot with what appears to be a police TASER in his hand. A second videotape from the restaurant's cameras shows Brooks turning as he runs and possibly aiming the TASER at the pursuing officers before one of them fires his gun and Brooks falls to the ground. Brooks ran the length of about six cars when he turned back toward an officer and pointed what he had in his hand at the policeman, Vic Reynolds, director of the GBI, told a press conference. "At that point, the Atlanta officer reaches down and retrieves his weapon from his holster, discharges it, strikes Mr. Brooks there on the parking lot and he goes down," Reynolds said. Lawyers representing the family of Brooks told reporters that Atlanta police had no right to use deadly force even if he had fired the TASER, a non-lethal weapon, in their direction. "You can't shoot somebody unless they are pointing a gun at you," attorney Chris Stewart said. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr., said in an emailed statement that his office "has already launched an intense, independent investigation of the incident" while it awaits the findings of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Bottoms said Shields, a white woman appointed police chief in December 2016, would be replaced by deputy chief Rodney Bryant, a black man who will serve as interim chief.

Protesters burn down Wendy's in Atlanta after police shooting

Several people gathered at Palmdale city council chambers on Friday seeking answers to queries raised on the death of a 24-year-old black man who was found hanging from a tree in northern Los Angeles County last week.

A passerby had noticed Robert L Fuller hanging from a tree in Palmdale, California.

Palmdale city, about 60 miles from Los Angeles, described it as "an alleged death by suicide."

"Sadly, it is not the first such incident since the COVID-19 pandemic began," the city said in a statement that included information on resources for mental health.

When a spokesperson for the sheriff's department announced the preliminary findings of Fuller's death during the news conference, outraged crowds demanded an investigation.

Attendees asked for camera footage of the incident, but a city official said there's none.&nbsp;

The city issued a statement saying it understands the community's call for a full investigation into the death.

An investigation into the matter is underway.

This has happened amid demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month

Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

Several people gathered at Palmdale city council chambers on Friday seeking answers to queries raised on the death of a 24-year-old black man who was found hanging from a tree in northern Los Angeles County last week.

Several people gathered at Palmdale city council chambers on Friday seeking answers to queries raised on the death of a 24-year-old black man who was found hanging from a tree in northern Los Angeles County last week. A passerby had noticed Robert L Fuller hanging from a tree in Palmdale, California. Palmdale city, about 60 miles from Los Angeles, described it as "an alleged death by suicide." "Sadly, it is not the first such incident since the COVID-19 pandemic began," the city said in a statement that included information on resources for mental health. When a spokesperson for the sheriff's department announced the preliminary findings of Fuller's death during the news conference, outraged crowds demanded an investigation. Attendees asked for camera footage of the incident, but a city official said there's none. The city issued a statement saying it understands the community's call for a full investigation into the death. An investigation into the matter is underway. This has happened amid demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

Black man found hanging from a tree in Los Angeles county; community seeks answers

Police in London have arrested a 28-year-old man after an individual was photographed on Saturday apparently urinating on a memorial to a police officer killed while defending Parliament from a terrorist attack in 2017.

The man was arrested north of London "on suspicion of outraging public decency" -- even as over 100 others were arrested after violence broke out as far-right groups targetted anti-racism Black Lives Matter protests.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Parliament Square -- some of them chanted "England" during clashes, and said the counter-protest was intended to "protect" statues around Parliament Square, including that of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel described the behaviour as "thoroughly unacceptable thuggery."

There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities, tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/churchills-picture-mysteriously-vanishes-from-list-of-british-pms-google-to-explore-why-305777">Also read |&nbsp;Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why</a>

In London, the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests.

Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

In Trafalgar Square, officers formed barriers between BLM and far-right groups, as authorities in the UK capital urged people to stay away from the protests, given the high likelihood of violence.

The Mayor of London's office said: "The statues of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are being temporarily covered for their protection. All other statues in Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square remain under review and we will put protection in place should the need arise."

Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered in central Paris to protest against police brutality -- an issue symbolised in France by the 2016 death in custody of Adama Traoré, a young black man.

Saturday's protests were organised by 17 groups, including the family's "Truth for Adama" campaign.

A large crowd of protesters also gathered in Perth in Western Australia for a rally in support of the Black Lives Matters movement Saturday.

The rally, organised by First Nations Elders, aims to draw attention to and end violence against Aboriginal people in police custody and to end state sponsored racism.

Saturday's rally to support the Black Lives Matter movement in Sydney was made illegal by a court injunction over pandemic public health concerns.

Police in London have arrested a 28-year-old man after an individual was photographed on Saturday apparently urinating on a memorial to a police officer killed while defending Parliament from a terrorist attack in 2017.

Police in London have arrested a 28-year-old man after an individual was photographed on Saturday apparently urinating on a memorial to a police officer killed while defending Parliament from a terrorist attack in 2017. The man was arrested north of London "on suspicion of outraging public decency" -- even as over 100 others were arrested after violence broke out as far-right groups targetted anti-racism Black Lives Matter protests. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Parliament Square -- some of them chanted "England" during clashes, and said the counter-protest was intended to "protect" statues around Parliament Square, including that of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel described the behaviour as "thoroughly unacceptable thuggery." There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities, tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest. Also read | Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why In London, the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests. Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists. In Trafalgar Square, officers formed barriers between BLM and far-right groups, as authorities in the UK capital urged people to stay away from the protests, given the high likelihood of violence. The Mayor of London's office said: "The statues of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are being temporarily covered for their protection. All other statues in Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square remain under review and we will put protection in place should the need arise." Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered in central Paris to protest against police brutality -- an issue symbolised in France by the 2016 death in custody of Adama Traoré, a young black man. Saturday's protests were organised by 17 groups, including the family's "Truth for Adama" campaign. A large crowd of protesters also gathered in Perth in Western Australia for a rally in support of the Black Lives Matters movement Saturday. The rally, organised by First Nations Elders, aims to draw attention to and end violence against Aboriginal people in police custody and to end state sponsored racism. Saturday's rally to support the Black Lives Matter movement in Sydney was made illegal by a court injunction over pandemic public health concerns.

Man arrested on suspicion of urinating on London memorial

Anti-racism protests took place around the world on Sunday (June 14), prompted by the killing of George Floyd last month in America.

Black Lives Matter protests spread across the world

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital's Shibuya and Harajuku districts chanting and holding up signs spelling out slogans such as "Racism Is A Pandemic" and "No Justice No Peace".

"It is not enough to just send our prayers," Shu Fukui, a 22-year-old university graduate, told Reuters. "We need to change society, not only for George Floyd, but also for those who died in the past."

Organisers said about 3,500 people took part in the protest. Police did not disclose an estimate.

Protests have gripped major U.S. cities and spread around the world since footage from May 25 showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck to pin him to the ground for a whole nine minutes went viral.

In Atlanta on Saturday more protests erupted after a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest. Demonstrators shut down a major highway and burned down the Wendy`s restaurant where he was killed. 
Some protesters at the Tokyo march said Japan needed to own up to its own problems with race.

"In Japan, there are far-right people who discriminate against other races. And Koreans and Chinese in Japan are exposed to a lot of hate speech," said Naho Ida, 44. "These things must not be allowed and we need to oppose this."

Public broadcaster NHK last week apologised and deleted from its Twitter feed an animated video about the U.S. protests that sparked online outrage for its depiction of African Americans.

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. Demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital's Shibuya and Harajuku districts chanting and holding up signs spelling out slogans such as "Racism Is A Pandemic" and "No Justice No Peace". "It is not enough to just send our prayers," Shu Fukui, a 22-year-old university graduate, told Reuters. "We need to change society, not only for George Floyd, but also for those who died in the past." Organisers said about 3,500 people took part in the protest. Police did not disclose an estimate. Protests have gripped major U.S. cities and spread around the world since footage from May 25 showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck to pin him to the ground for a whole nine minutes went viral. In Atlanta on Saturday more protests erupted after a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest. Demonstrators shut down a major highway and burned down the Wendy`s restaurant where he was killed. Some protesters at the Tokyo march said Japan needed to own up to its own problems with race. "In Japan, there are far-right people who discriminate against other races. And Koreans and Chinese in Japan are exposed to a lot of hate speech," said Naho Ida, 44. "These things must not be allowed and we need to oppose this." Public broadcaster NHK last week apologised and deleted from its Twitter feed an animated video about the U.S. protests that sparked online outrage for its depiction of African Americans.

Black Lives Matter protesters march through Tokyo

Milan residents on Sunday woke up to find a statue of Italian journalist Indro Montanelli vandalised -- covered in red paint with the words 'racist, rapist' -- written on its base.&nbsp;

The statue of Indro Montanelli, located at the central Milan park named after the prominent right-wing Italian journalist and writer who died in 2001, was constructed in the year 2006.

Paint was thrown over the bronze monument, with the words "racist, rapist" sprayed on the base, in reference to the fact that Montanelli bought a 12-year-old Eritrean girl as his wife while serving in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1936.

The incident occurred on the night of June 13, three days after anti-fascist activists wrote a public letter calling on Milan mayor Beppe Sala to remove the statue, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests that have broken out across the world following the killing of George Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis, US.

The letter called on the city to remove the statue and rename the public gardens after "someone who is more worthy to represent the history and memory of our city."

To this end, Italian politicians and intellectuals had leapt to the defence of Montanelli.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/churchills-picture-mysteriously-vanishes-from-list-of-british-pms-google-to-explore-why-305777">Also read |&nbsp;Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why</a>

A police investigation is now underway into the incident.

There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA last month.

Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

Milan residents on Sunday woke up to find a statue of Italian journalist Indro Montanelli vandalised -- covered in red paint with the words 'racist, rapist' -- written on its base.

Milan residents on Sunday woke up to find a statue of Italian journalist Indro Montanelli vandalised -- covered in red paint with the words 'racist, rapist' -- written on its base. The statue of Indro Montanelli, located at the central Milan park named after the prominent right-wing Italian journalist and writer who died in 2001, was constructed in the year 2006. Paint was thrown over the bronze monument, with the words "racist, rapist" sprayed on the base, in reference to the fact that Montanelli bought a 12-year-old Eritrean girl as his wife while serving in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1936. The incident occurred on the night of June 13, three days after anti-fascist activists wrote a public letter calling on Milan mayor Beppe Sala to remove the statue, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests that have broken out across the world following the killing of George Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis, US. The letter called on the city to remove the statue and rename the public gardens after "someone who is more worthy to represent the history and memory of our city." To this end, Italian politicians and intellectuals had leapt to the defence of Montanelli. Also read | Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why A police investigation is now underway into the incident. There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA last month. Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

'Racist, rapist' written on Montanelli statue in Milan

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down.

The wartime leader is the only prime minister to be left without a photo.&nbsp;

Clement Attlee, Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, who all served before Churchill, are still displayed with their images. Adolf Hitler's picture is also still displaying on the search engine.

<img alt="Google image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39d108b3-6abc-4ff3-94d2-94620d51c075" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gooogle%20image.jpg" />

To this end, the search giant said the photo’s removal from its horizontal list atop search results for former British premiers was due to an automatic update and “not purposeful”, but apologised “for any concern”.&nbsp;The search engine has claimed the image disappeared due to an update, and said it would be resolved 'as rapidly as possible'.

“We’re aware an image for Sir Winston Churchill is missing from his knowledge graph entry on Google,” the firm’s search liaison arm said on Twitter.

“We apologise for any concern. This was not purposeful &amp; will be resolved. Images in such panels are automatically created &amp; updated. During an update, they can briefly disappear.”

“We’ll want to explore exactly why an automatic update caused it to disappear &amp; see if there are any improvements in those systems to address.”

"We don't have an exact time for when Churchill's Knowledge Graph image will be restored, but it will be as rapidly done as possible."

His image is not showing up in the UK, US, Australia, South Africa, and other countries, according to social media users.

All this has come amid an escalating row over whether Churchill should be commemorated in parliament square.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-icon-of-the-free-world-winston-churchill-a-racist-304370">Also read |&nbsp;Was 'icon of the free world' Winston Churchill a racist?</a>

While Churchill is admired by many for his role in defeating Nazi Germany, some in the anti-racism movement have called for more scrutiny of his overall legacy, noting he expressed racist and anti-Semitic views.

On Friday, Johnson called it "absurd and shameful" that the Churchill statue was at risk of attack. "Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statues-of-churchill-gandhi-at-risk-of-attack-by-anti-racism-protestors-uk-pm-terms-it-shameful-305413">Also read |&nbsp;Statues of Churchill, Gandhi at risk of attack by anti-racism protestors; UK PM terms it shameful</a>

There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest.

In London the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests.

Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down.

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down. The wartime leader is the only prime minister to be left without a photo. Clement Attlee, Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, who all served before Churchill, are still displayed with their images. Adolf Hitler's picture is also still displaying on the search engine. To this end, the search giant said the photo’s removal from its horizontal list atop search results for former British premiers was due to an automatic update and “not purposeful”, but apologised “for any concern”. The search engine has claimed the image disappeared due to an update, and said it would be resolved 'as rapidly as possible'. “We’re aware an image for Sir Winston Churchill is missing from his knowledge graph entry on Google,” the firm’s search liaison arm said on Twitter. “We apologise for any concern. This was not purposeful & will be resolved. Images in such panels are automatically created & updated. During an update, they can briefly disappear.” “We’ll want to explore exactly why an automatic update caused it to disappear & see if there are any improvements in those systems to address.” "We don't have an exact time for when Churchill's Knowledge Graph image will be restored, but it will be as rapidly done as possible." His image is not showing up in the UK, US, Australia, South Africa, and other countries, according to social media users. All this has come amid an escalating row over whether Churchill should be commemorated in parliament square. Also read | Was 'icon of the free world' Winston Churchill a racist? While Churchill is admired by many for his role in defeating Nazi Germany, some in the anti-racism movement have called for more scrutiny of his overall legacy, noting he expressed racist and anti-Semitic views. On Friday, Johnson called it "absurd and shameful" that the Churchill statue was at risk of attack. "Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero," he said. Also read | Statues of Churchill, Gandhi at risk of attack by anti-racism protestors; UK PM terms it shameful There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest. In London the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests. Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world.&nbsp;

"The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive &amp; just society," the embassy tweeted on Saturday, along with the picture of the banner in black and white.

The American Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris retweeted the message and wrote: "The USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength."

Last year, the embassy was seen displaying a rainbow banner in support of the LGBTQ community.

A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world.

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world. "The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive & just society," the embassy tweeted on Saturday, along with the picture of the banner in black and white. The American Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris retweeted the message and wrote: "The USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength." Last year, the embassy was seen displaying a rainbow banner in support of the LGBTQ community. A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

US embassy in Seoul displays 'Black Lives Matter' banner in support of anti-racism protests

Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the&nbsp;worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery.

The gathering, which had also caused alarm among health officials tackling the coronavirus pandemic – was to be held on 19 June, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when a general read out Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation in Texas, freeing slaves in the last un-emancipated state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-holding-first-rally-in-months-on-juneteenth-in-tulsa-305494">Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa</a>

On Friday night, the US president reversed his decision to hold a rally then as a “celebration” of that day, pushing it back one day to “honour requests” from the African American community.

The change came as Trump further stoked controversy over race issues and policing by saying that chokeholds sounded “so innocent and so perfect”, and once again claimed he has been the best president for black Americans, only partially conceding that Abraham Lincoln may have surpassed him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-police-generally-should-not-use-choke-holds-305497">US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds</a>

As Black Lives Matter protests reverberate around the US and the world, the choice of date had been criticised as incendiary given the historic symbolism of the Tulsa race massacre in which up to 300 black Americans were killed by white mobs.

Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery.

Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery. The gathering, which had also caused alarm among health officials tackling the coronavirus pandemic – was to be held on 19 June, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when a general read out Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation in Texas, freeing slaves in the last un-emancipated state. Also read: Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa On Friday night, the US president reversed his decision to hold a rally then as a “celebration” of that day, pushing it back one day to “honour requests” from the African American community. The change came as Trump further stoked controversy over race issues and policing by saying that chokeholds sounded “so innocent and so perfect”, and once again claimed he has been the best president for black Americans, only partially conceding that Abraham Lincoln may have surpassed him. Also read: US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds As Black Lives Matter protests reverberate around the US and the world, the choice of date had been criticised as incendiary given the historic symbolism of the Tulsa race massacre in which up to 300 black Americans were killed by white mobs.

Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate.

Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women&nbsp;he may pick to be on the ticket.

The letter is the latest sign of the public pressure Biden and his campaign are facing to select a woman of color to be on the Democratic ticket in November.

The letter reads, "We urge you to seize this historic opportunity to choose a Black woman running mate who will fight for the issues that matter most to the American people and help deliver a decisive victory and a successful Biden presidency."

It adds the women listed "have the experience, qualifications and principled core values of a true leader that would make for the right partner to help catapult the Democrats to victory in November."

The letter, signed by black women working in both the public and private sectors, lists several potential candidates: former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, California Rep. Karen Bass, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former national security adviser Susan Rice.

Signers include actors Vanessa Williams, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Pauletta Washington, the former chairman and president of the US Tennis Association, Katrina Adams, the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan Taylor, and the first female African American president of Spelman College, Johnnetta Cole.

Abrams has said she would be honoured to accept the position and that she would make an "excellent running mate".

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan have also all been mentioned in conversations by the former vice president as potential candidates.

Biden said earlier this month that he expects the group that will vet the potential candidates for vice president will be formed by May 1 and that the list of contenders will be narrowed down sometime in July.

Only two women have been vice presidential nominees for a major party in the US: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008 and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate. Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women he may pick to be on the ticket.

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate. Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women he may pick to be on the ticket. The letter is the latest sign of the public pressure Biden and his campaign are facing to select a woman of color to be on the Democratic ticket in November. The letter reads, "We urge you to seize this historic opportunity to choose a Black woman running mate who will fight for the issues that matter most to the American people and help deliver a decisive victory and a successful Biden presidency." It adds the women listed "have the experience, qualifications and principled core values of a true leader that would make for the right partner to help catapult the Democrats to victory in November." The letter, signed by black women working in both the public and private sectors, lists several potential candidates: former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, California Rep. Karen Bass, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former national security adviser Susan Rice. Signers include actors Vanessa Williams, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Pauletta Washington, the former chairman and president of the US Tennis Association, Katrina Adams, the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan Taylor, and the first female African American president of Spelman College, Johnnetta Cole. Abrams has said she would be honoured to accept the position and that she would make an "excellent running mate". Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan have also all been mentioned in conversations by the former vice president as potential candidates. Biden said earlier this month that he expects the group that will vet the potential candidates for vice president will be formed by May 1 and that the list of contenders will be narrowed down sometime in July. Only two women have been vice presidential nominees for a major party in the US: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008 and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Joe Biden urged to pick a black woman as running mate

Anti-racism protests held across Africa following the black man George Floyd's death in United States of America. Watch this video to know more.

Anti-racism protests held across Africa following the black man's death in US

Riot police fired tear gas to prevent thousands of anti-racism protesters marching through central Paris on Saturday, as a wave of anger continued to sweep the world following the death of African American George Floyd.

The protesters gathered in Place de la Republique, where the crowd chanted "No justice, no peace" and some climbed the statue of Marianne, who personifies the French Republic. Police refused organisers permission to proceed to the Opera House.

The protest was generally peaceful but after three hours skirmishes broke out. Organisers urged protesters with children to leave as riot police charged pockets of protesters and projectiles were thrown at police lines.

The outrage generated by Floyd's death in Minneapolis last month has resonated in France, in particular in deprived city suburbs where rights groups say that accusations of brutal treatment by French police of residents of often immigrant background remain largely unaddressed.

Assa Traore, sister of 24-year-old Adama Traore, who died near Paris in 2016 after police detained him, addressed Saturday's protest.

"The death of George Floyd has a strong echo in the death in France of my little brother," she said. "What's happening in the United States is happening in France. Our brothers are dying."

Traore's family say he was asphyxiated when three officers held him down with the weight of their bodies. Authorities say the cause of his death is unclear.

One banner carried by the crowd in the Place de la Republique read: "I hope I don’t get killed for being black today". Another carried a message for the government: "If you sow injustice, you reap a revolt."

Earlier this week, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner acknowledged there were "proven suspicions of racism" within French law enforcement agencies.

His remarks drew condemnation from police unions, which said officers were being scapegoated for deep-rooted social ills. Police have held their own protests in cities across France this week.

Ahead of the protest, in the ethnically diverse Paris suburb of Belleville, one man of Algerian descent said he had been the victim of police violence but he doubted institutional racism ran through the force.

"I've been insulted, hit even. But the police aren't all the same," he told Reuters TV, identifying himself as Karim. "Unfortunately, this minority is hurting the police."

Far-right activists unfurled a banner with the words "anti-white racism" from the rooftop of a building overlooking the protest. Residents emerged onto their balconies and ripped it up using with knives and scissors, to cheers from below.

Protests took place in other countries on Saturday, including in several Australian cities, Taipei, Zurich and London.

Riot police fired tear gas to prevent thousands of anti-racism protesters marching through central Paris on Saturday, as a wave of anger continued to sweep the world following the death of African American George Floyd.

Riot police fired tear gas to prevent thousands of anti-racism protesters marching through central Paris on Saturday, as a wave of anger continued to sweep the world following the death of African American George Floyd. The protesters gathered in Place de la Republique, where the crowd chanted "No justice, no peace" and some climbed the statue of Marianne, who personifies the French Republic. Police refused organisers permission to proceed to the Opera House. The protest was generally peaceful but after three hours skirmishes broke out. Organisers urged protesters with children to leave as riot police charged pockets of protesters and projectiles were thrown at police lines. The outrage generated by Floyd's death in Minneapolis last month has resonated in France, in particular in deprived city suburbs where rights groups say that accusations of brutal treatment by French police of residents of often immigrant background remain largely unaddressed. Assa Traore, sister of 24-year-old Adama Traore, who died near Paris in 2016 after police detained him, addressed Saturday's protest. "The death of George Floyd has a strong echo in the death in France of my little brother," she said. "What's happening in the United States is happening in France. Our brothers are dying." Traore's family say he was asphyxiated when three officers held him down with the weight of their bodies. Authorities say the cause of his death is unclear. One banner carried by the crowd in the Place de la Republique read: "I hope I don’t get killed for being black today". Another carried a message for the government: "If you sow injustice, you reap a revolt." Earlier this week, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner acknowledged there were "proven suspicions of racism" within French law enforcement agencies. His remarks drew condemnation from police unions, which said officers were being scapegoated for deep-rooted social ills. Police have held their own protests in cities across France this week. Ahead of the protest, in the ethnically diverse Paris suburb of Belleville, one man of Algerian descent said he had been the victim of police violence but he doubted institutional racism ran through the force. "I've been insulted, hit even. But the police aren't all the same," he told Reuters TV, identifying himself as Karim. "Unfortunately, this minority is hurting the police." Far-right activists unfurled a banner with the words "anti-white racism" from the rooftop of a building overlooking the protest. Residents emerged onto their balconies and ripped it up using with knives and scissors, to cheers from below. Protests took place in other countries on Saturday, including in several Australian cities, Taipei, Zurich and London.

Anti-racism protesters clash with police in Paris

Clean up symbols of hate during the 'black lives matter' movement sweeps across the countries. Watch this video to know more on this.

'Clean up' symbols of hate beside the 'black lives matter' movement sweeps across the countries

A flip side has been seen of protest against police brutality. The police officials also protested against the new rules in Paris. Watch this video to know more.

Flip side of protest against police brutality, police officials protest against new rules in Paris

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media.

The footage was recorded on Wednesday by a young woman in the coastal city of Torrance and has been&nbsp;viewed thousands of times online.

"Get the f*** out of this world, get the f*** out of this state and go back to whatever f****** Asian country you belong in," the woman says in the video.

The clip captures part of the encounter with an unidentified older woman, who is seen yelling at the younger Filipino American woman for allegedly blocking stairs to exercise.

"You're going to get your a** kicked by my family," the older woman says in the video.&nbsp;

"This is not your place! This is not your home! We do not want you here."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-know-if-her-life-needed-to-be-torn-apart-what-mr-cooper-thinks-of-his-now-famous-racist-encounter-with-a-white-lady-301647">Also read |&nbsp;'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady</a> 
​ 
The encounter comes in the wake of anti-racism protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a black man.

"I was minding my own business," the Filipino American woman said.&nbsp;

"I thought this would never happen to me. I thought if you just mind your business, nothing could happen."

"I don't feel safe here now," she said. "It was somewhere I called home because it reminds me of Hawaii, where I was born and raised, and now I just don't even want to go out."

"So, I was working out -- I like to jump on the stairs and just go side to side, so I was just doing that -- and all of a sudden I see her and she goes around another Asian lady doing Tai Chi and then walks down those stairs and then goes up my stairs and then comes back down and kind of like nudges me on my left shoulder, and that's when I said, 'Oh Jesus,'" she said.

"And then she went back up on to the stairs and started yelling at me," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-residents-in-north-carolina-wash-black-preists-feet-during-prayers-for-george-floyd-304362">Also read |&nbsp;White residents in North Carolina wash black preists' feet during prayers for George Floyd</a>

The woman filed a criminal threat report on Thursday and an investigation is underway.

According to census data, 36.6% of Torrance's population identifies as Asian. It is the second largest racial group in the city, which is home to one of the largest Japanese American populations in the United States.

(with inputs from CNN)

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media.

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media. The footage was recorded on Wednesday by a young woman in the coastal city of Torrance and has been viewed thousands of times online. "Get the f*** out of this world, get the f*** out of this state and go back to whatever f****** Asian country you belong in," the woman says in the video. The clip captures part of the encounter with an unidentified older woman, who is seen yelling at the younger Filipino American woman for allegedly blocking stairs to exercise. "You're going to get your a** kicked by my family," the older woman says in the video. "This is not your place! This is not your home! We do not want you here." Also read | 'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady The encounter comes in the wake of anti-racism protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a black man. "I was minding my own business," the Filipino American woman said. "I thought this would never happen to me. I thought if you just mind your business, nothing could happen." "I don't feel safe here now," she said. "It was somewhere I called home because it reminds me of Hawaii, where I was born and raised, and now I just don't even want to go out." "So, I was working out -- I like to jump on the stairs and just go side to side, so I was just doing that -- and all of a sudden I see her and she goes around another Asian lady doing Tai Chi and then walks down those stairs and then goes up my stairs and then comes back down and kind of like nudges me on my left shoulder, and that's when I said, 'Oh Jesus,'" she said. "And then she went back up on to the stairs and started yelling at me," she said. Also read | White residents in North Carolina wash black preists' feet during prayers for George Floyd The woman filed a criminal threat report on Thursday and an investigation is underway. According to census data, 36.6% of Torrance's population identifies as Asian. It is the second largest racial group in the city, which is home to one of the largest Japanese American populations in the United States. (with inputs from CNN)

Another American captured on video harassing a non-white woman exercising in a park

As people flocked to the streets in Taiwan to show support to the 'Black lives matter' campaign that recently came to spotlight in the US, hundreds of&nbsp;indigenous Taiwanese joined the protest to demand justice.

The 'Black lives matter' protests are to demand justice against the racism that minority groups in the US face. The presence of the&nbsp;indigenous Taiwanese in the protest marked the injustice faced by the island's&nbsp;original inhabitants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-fighter-jets-enter-taiwans-airspace-given-verbal-warnings-304465">Also read|&nbsp;Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan's airspace, given 'verbal warnings'</a>

The protest was a peaceful march attended by more than 500 people, with light police presence.

The protest was organised to show solidarity with the millions of people fighting in the US and other parts of the world against the injustice and discrimination faced by the African-American community all over the world, especially in the US.

Taiwan locals took this opportunity to highlight the problems faced by the locals in the country too.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-populist-mayor-of-kaohsiung-removed-after-heavy-defeat-in-recall-election-303894">Also read|&nbsp;Taiwan: Populist mayor of Kaohsiung removed after heavy defeat in recall election</a>

Savungaz Valincinan, an ethnic Bunun from central Taiwan, detailed the difficulty the&nbsp;indigenous Taiwanese faced, in the past and present,&nbsp;who make up less than 3 per cent of the island's population, and call for broad opposition to any form of discrimination.

She made it clear that the discrimination faced is not as bad as the African American community in the US, however, it still hurts and is unjust.

She alleged that the indigenous Taiwanese have to face discrimination when it comes to renting a house, or the usage of their language.

"We don't want any special treatment. What we want are the most basic rights that we deserve as human beings. We are coming out today to support this movement not because of sympathy - it is because we have also gone through the hurt of being discriminated against," she said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

As people flocked to the streets in Taiwan to show support to the 'Black lives matter' campaign that recently came to spotlight in the US, hundreds of indigenous Taiwanese joined the protest to demand justice.

As people flocked to the streets in Taiwan to show support to the 'Black lives matter' campaign that recently came to spotlight in the US, hundreds of indigenous Taiwanese joined the protest to demand justice. The 'Black lives matter' protests are to demand justice against the racism that minority groups in the US face. The presence of the indigenous Taiwanese in the protest marked the injustice faced by the island's original inhabitants. Also read| Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan's airspace, given 'verbal warnings' The protest was a peaceful march attended by more than 500 people, with light police presence. The protest was organised to show solidarity with the millions of people fighting in the US and other parts of the world against the injustice and discrimination faced by the African-American community all over the world, especially in the US. Taiwan locals took this opportunity to highlight the problems faced by the locals in the country too. Also read| Taiwan: Populist mayor of Kaohsiung removed after heavy defeat in recall election Savungaz Valincinan, an ethnic Bunun from central Taiwan, detailed the difficulty the indigenous Taiwanese faced, in the past and present, who make up less than 3 per cent of the island's population, and call for broad opposition to any form of discrimination. She made it clear that the discrimination faced is not as bad as the African American community in the US, however, it still hurts and is unjust. She alleged that the indigenous Taiwanese have to face discrimination when it comes to renting a house, or the usage of their language. "We don't want any special treatment. What we want are the most basic rights that we deserve as human beings. We are coming out today to support this movement not because of sympathy - it is because we have also gone through the hurt of being discriminated against," she said. (With inputs from Reuters)

Indigenous Taiwanese demand justice in local Black Lives Matter protest

From Cecil Rhodes in England and Captain James Cook in Australia to Christopher Columbus in the United States and King Leopold II in Belgium, the imperialists are under attack, sometimes from the descendants of those they once colonised.

Anti-racism protestors are demanding their legacies be revisited and their often imposing statues be torn down and consigned to the trash heap of history.

The cause -- a sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

Such is the anger that the movement has broadened to target colonialists, monarchs and explorers, who in some cases destroyed or enslaved local populations across the world in the European scramble for empire and treasure.

It has also reignited debate in the United States over symbols associated with the South's pro-slavery Confederacy.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-anti-racism-protests-statues-continue-to-fall-305490/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Opponents of the symbols, including monuments, memorials and the Confederate flag, consider them emblems of slavery, racism and US xenophobia. Supporters say they represent the South’s heritage and culture, and serve as a memorial to Confederate casualties during the 1861-65 Civil War.

In Britain, protestors pulled down a statue of Edward Colston, a 17th Century slave trader, in the English city of Bristol on Sunday and dumped it in the harbour. It has been retrieved and will be placed in a museum.

A statue of wartime leader Winston Churchill was scrawled with the words "was a racist" and obscene language during an anti-racist protest in central London on Sunday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was "absurd and shameful" that a Churchill statue should be at risk of attack, and that we should not "try to edit or censor our past." 
Italian explorer and colonialist Christopher Columbus was pulled down in Virginia on Tuesday.

In the northeastern French town of Lille, outrage over Floyd’s death has brought new energy to a campaign to remove a statue of General Louis Faidherbe, who played a role in the colonialisation of Algeria in the 1840s and was governor of Senegal under Napoleon III.

In France, along with George Floyd, protestors are chanting another name -- Adama Traore. He died on his 24th birthday in the year 2016.

The sister of the deceased black frenchman, Assa Traore, says, "George Floyd and my brother died in exactly the same way. Adama carried the weight of three gendarmes on his body. He suffered force to his abdomen -- that's what the police said on the evening of the death of my little brother."

In Australia, the movement is focussed on the mistreatment of indigenous natives.

This is, perhaps, the biggest anti-racist movement of the world in recent years. And there are bound to be chaos... But has anything been achieved without it?

From Cecil Rhodes in England and Captain James Cook in Australia to Christopher Columbus in the United States and King Leopold II in Belgium, the imperialists are under attack, sometimes from the descendants of those they once colonised.

From Cecil Rhodes in England and Captain James Cook in Australia to Christopher Columbus in the United States and King Leopold II in Belgium, the imperialists are under attack, sometimes from the descendants of those they once colonised. Anti-racism protestors are demanding their legacies be revisited and their often imposing statues be torn down and consigned to the trash heap of history. The cause -- a sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him. Such is the anger that the movement has broadened to target colonialists, monarchs and explorers, who in some cases destroyed or enslaved local populations across the world in the European scramble for empire and treasure. It has also reignited debate in the United States over symbols associated with the South's pro-slavery Confederacy. Opponents of the symbols, including monuments, memorials and the Confederate flag, consider them emblems of slavery, racism and US xenophobia. Supporters say they represent the South’s heritage and culture, and serve as a memorial to Confederate casualties during the 1861-65 Civil War. In Britain, protestors pulled down a statue of Edward Colston, a 17th Century slave trader, in the English city of Bristol on Sunday and dumped it in the harbour. It has been retrieved and will be placed in a museum. A statue of wartime leader Winston Churchill was scrawled with the words "was a racist" and obscene language during an anti-racist protest in central London on Sunday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was "absurd and shameful" that a Churchill statue should be at risk of attack, and that we should not "try to edit or censor our past." Italian explorer and colonialist Christopher Columbus was pulled down in Virginia on Tuesday. In the northeastern French town of Lille, outrage over Floyd’s death has brought new energy to a campaign to remove a statue of General Louis Faidherbe, who played a role in the colonialisation of Algeria in the 1840s and was governor of Senegal under Napoleon III. In France, along with George Floyd, protestors are chanting another name -- Adama Traore. He died on his 24th birthday in the year 2016. The sister of the deceased black frenchman, Assa Traore, says, "George Floyd and my brother died in exactly the same way. Adama carried the weight of three gendarmes on his body. He suffered force to his abdomen -- that's what the police said on the evening of the death of my little brother." In Australia, the movement is focussed on the mistreatment of indigenous natives. This is, perhaps, the biggest anti-racist movement of the world in recent years. And there are bound to be chaos... But has anything been achieved without it?

Protestors target empire builders, Confederate symbols in biggest anti-racism movement since 1960s

Pockets of anti-racism protestors rallied again in various parts of Britain on Saturday as about 1,000 counter-demonstrators also took to London's streets vowing to protect historic monuments that have been targeted in recent days.

Police warned some people may bring weapons, while statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill - Britain's World War Two leader whom demonstrators call a racist - were boarded up to avoid becoming flashpoints.

Demonstrations have been taking place around the world over the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

In Britain, debate is raging over monuments to those involved in the nation's imperialist past, especially after the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was torn down and thrown into the harbour of Bristol port last weekend.

Police said on Saturday that some people were planning to come to London to cause harm. They imposed route restrictions on both groups and said rallies must end by 5 pm (1600 GMT).

"Anyone who thinks they can commit a crime or vandalise property will be arrested," Commander Bas Javid said in a statement.

"MY CULTURE UNDER ATTACK"

In and around Parliament Square in central London, hundreds of people wearing football shirts, chanting "England, England", and describing themselves as patriots, gathered alongside military veterans to guard the Cenotaph war memorial.

The group sang songs in support of right-wing activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who goes by the name of Tommy Robinson.

"Winston Churchill, he's one of our own," they also chanted, near his statue which last weekend was sprayed with graffiti reading: "Churchill was a racist".

"My culture is under attack. This is my culture and my English history: why should Churchill be boarded up? Why is the Cenotaph attacked? It is not right," said David Allen, one of the protestors.

About two miles away, around 20 anti-racism protestors gathered at Hyde Park, holding Black Lives Matter placards, even though organisers had told them not to attend fearing clashes.

There were also rallies in major northern English cities like Liverpool and Newcastle, with many protestors donning masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pockets of anti-racism protestors rallied again in various parts of Britain on Saturday as about 1,000 counter-demonstrators also took to London's streets vowing to protect historic monuments that have been targeted in recent days.

Pockets of anti-racism protestors rallied again in various parts of Britain on Saturday as about 1,000 counter-demonstrators also took to London's streets vowing to protect historic monuments that have been targeted in recent days. Police warned some people may bring weapons, while statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill - Britain's World War Two leader whom demonstrators call a racist - were boarded up to avoid becoming flashpoints. Demonstrations have been taking place around the world over the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. In Britain, debate is raging over monuments to those involved in the nation's imperialist past, especially after the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was torn down and thrown into the harbour of Bristol port last weekend. Police said on Saturday that some people were planning to come to London to cause harm. They imposed route restrictions on both groups and said rallies must end by 5 pm (1600 GMT). "Anyone who thinks they can commit a crime or vandalise property will be arrested," Commander Bas Javid said in a statement. "MY CULTURE UNDER ATTACK" In and around Parliament Square in central London, hundreds of people wearing football shirts, chanting "England, England", and describing themselves as patriots, gathered alongside military veterans to guard the Cenotaph war memorial. The group sang songs in support of right-wing activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who goes by the name of Tommy Robinson. "Winston Churchill, he's one of our own," they also chanted, near his statue which last weekend was sprayed with graffiti reading: "Churchill was a racist". "My culture is under attack. This is my culture and my English history: why should Churchill be boarded up? Why is the Cenotaph attacked? It is not right," said David Allen, one of the protestors. About two miles away, around 20 anti-racism protestors gathered at Hyde Park, holding Black Lives Matter placards, even though organisers had told them not to attend fearing clashes. There were also rallies in major northern English cities like Liverpool and Newcastle, with many protestors donning masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Anti-racism and right-wing protestors rally in Britain

The Minneapolis City Council on Friday unanimously passed a resolution to pursue a community-led public safety system to replace the police department in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd at the hands of the city's police.

The move comes days after a veto-proof majority of the council voted to disband the police department after the country erupted in protest over the killing of Floyd, a black man who died when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

According to the resolution, the city council will begin a year-long process of engaging "with every willing community member in Minneapolis" to come up with a new public safety model.

"The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, by Minneapolis police officers is a tragedy that shows that no amount of reforms will prevent lethal violence and abuse by some members of the Police Department against members of our community, especially Black people and people of color," five council members wrote in the resolution.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-council-votes-to-dismantle-police-over-george-floyds-death-304094">Also read |&nbsp;Minneapolis council votes to dismantle police over George Floyd's death</a>

The movement to “defund the police” has won new support since a video of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee to the neck of Floyd horrified viewers around the world.

More than a dozen Minneapolis police officers published an open letter on Thursday to condemn the actions of Chauvin and express support for police reforms, the Star Tribune reported.

The city's mayor, Jacob Frey, said this week he supported "massive structural reform to revise a structurally racist system."

(with inputs from Reuters)

The Minneapolis City Council on Friday unanimously passed a resolution to pursue a community-led public safety system to replace the police department in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd at the hands of the city's police.

The Minneapolis City Council on Friday unanimously passed a resolution to pursue a community-led public safety system to replace the police department in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd at the hands of the city's police. The move comes days after a veto-proof majority of the council voted to disband the police department after the country erupted in protest over the killing of Floyd, a black man who died when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. According to the resolution, the city council will begin a year-long process of engaging "with every willing community member in Minneapolis" to come up with a new public safety model. "The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, by Minneapolis police officers is a tragedy that shows that no amount of reforms will prevent lethal violence and abuse by some members of the Police Department against members of our community, especially Black people and people of color," five council members wrote in the resolution. Also read | Minneapolis council votes to dismantle police over George Floyd's death The movement to “defund the police” has won new support since a video of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee to the neck of Floyd horrified viewers around the world. More than a dozen Minneapolis police officers published an open letter on Thursday to condemn the actions of Chauvin and express support for police reforms, the Star Tribune reported. The city's mayor, Jacob Frey, said this week he supported "massive structural reform to revise a structurally racist system." (with inputs from Reuters)

Minneapolis police department to be replaced with community-led model

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could receive more than $1 million in pension benefits during his retirement years even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd.

The death of Floyd, a black man, on May 25 has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.

Chauvin has been the subject of national fury since last month, when footage emerged of him kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes even as he begged him to stop. He was subsequently fired from the department where he had worked since 2001 amid national protests, and was eventually charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers involved with the incident were also fired and face felony charges.

But Chauvin still stands to benefit from a pension partially funded by taxpayers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-going-to-change-the-world-george-floyd-hailed-at-funeral-304921">Also read |&nbsp;'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral</a>

The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association confirmed to CNN that 44-year-old Chauvin would remain eligible to file for his pension as early as age 50.

Chauvin would likely be eligible for annual payments in the ballpark of $50,000 a year or more if he chose to start receiving them at age 55, according to a CNN analysis based on Chauvin's tenure, 2019 payroll data, contract details, pension plan guidance and Minneapolis Police Department salary schedules. The benefits could stretch to $1.5 million or more over a 30-year period, not including any cost of living increases.&nbsp;

Chauvin's annual payments could be even higher if he received significant amounts of overtime in prior years.

While a number of state laws allow for the forfeiture of pensions for those employees convicted of felony crimes related to their work, this is not the case in Minnesota.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-its-a-great-day-for-george-floyd-in-an-unprepared-address-303748">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address</a>

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could receive more than $1 million in pension benefits during his retirement years even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could receive more than $1 million in pension benefits during his retirement years even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd. The death of Floyd, a black man, on May 25 has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3. Chauvin has been the subject of national fury since last month, when footage emerged of him kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes even as he begged him to stop. He was subsequently fired from the department where he had worked since 2001 amid national protests, and was eventually charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers involved with the incident were also fired and face felony charges. But Chauvin still stands to benefit from a pension partially funded by taxpayers. Also read | 'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association confirmed to CNN that 44-year-old Chauvin would remain eligible to file for his pension as early as age 50. Chauvin would likely be eligible for annual payments in the ballpark of $50,000 a year or more if he chose to start receiving them at age 55, according to a CNN analysis based on Chauvin's tenure, 2019 payroll data, contract details, pension plan guidance and Minneapolis Police Department salary schedules. The benefits could stretch to $1.5 million or more over a 30-year period, not including any cost of living increases. Chauvin's annual payments could be even higher if he received significant amounts of overtime in prior years. While a number of state laws allow for the forfeiture of pensions for those employees convicted of felony crimes related to their work, this is not the case in Minnesota. Also read | Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address

Officer charged with killing George Floyd eligible for pension worth more than $1 million

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, who had recently shared her experience about facing racial abuse while growing up in Britan, has said that she will not be "silenced" by the Labour Party MPs.&nbsp;

The opposition has accused Ms Patel of using her Indian heritage to "gaslight" the "very real racism" faced by communities in Britain.

In a statement in the House of Commons earlier this week, the Indian-origin cabinet minister had spoken about her personal experience of racial abuse while growing up as an ethnic minority in the UK.

A group of 12 ethnic minority Labour Party parliamentarians, including Indian-origin Virendra Sharma, Tan Dhesi, Preet Kaur Gill, Valerie Vaz, Seema Malhotra and Nadia Whittome, wrote to Priti Patel on Thursday saying, "Being a person of colour does not automatically make you an authority on all forms of racism".

"We write to you as Black Asian and Ethnic Minority Labour MPs to highlight our dismay at the way you used your heritage and experiences of racism to gaslight the very real racism faced by Black people and communities across the UK," the MPs wrote.

Gaslighting refers to a form of psychological manipulation where seeds of doubt are planted against a particular idea.

In response to the letter, Priti Patel on Twitter said, "I will not be silenced by @UKLabour MPs who continue to dismiss the contributions of those who don't conform to their view of how ethnic minorities should behave."

A day after clashes broke out between Black Lives Matter protesters and police officers, Ms Patel had condemned the violence perpetrated by a minority of protesters in an address in the House of Commons.

Ms Patel retaliated with references to her own experiences when an Opposition Labour Party MP questioned whether she fully understood the "anger and frustration" felt by anti-racism demonstrators protesting against the brutal killing of African-American George Floyd in police custody in US.

The minister, born to Gujarati-origin parents who fled Uganda for the UK when dictator Idi Amin expelled Asians from the African country in the early 1970s, said: "On that basis, it must have been a very different Home Secretary who as a child was frequently called a Paki in the playground; a very different Home Secretary who was racially abused in the streets or even advised to drop her surname and use her husband's in order to advance her career... so when it comes to racism, sexism, tolerance or social justice, I will not take lectures from the those other sides of the House."

In their complaint letter, the group of 12 Labour MPs demand that Patel "reflect" on her words and the impact it had on black communities in the UK.

"Structures of racism, hatred and equality have many layers and therefore, whilst it is true, there are some experiences of racism that we all face, there are also some experiences of racism that we all do not face," reads the letter.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, who had recently shared her experience about facing racial abuse while growing up in Britan, has said that she will not be "silenced" by the Labour Party MPs.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, who had recently shared her experience about facing racial abuse while growing up in Britan, has said that she will not be "silenced" by the Labour Party MPs. The opposition has accused Ms Patel of using her Indian heritage to "gaslight" the "very real racism" faced by communities in Britain. In a statement in the House of Commons earlier this week, the Indian-origin cabinet minister had spoken about her personal experience of racial abuse while growing up as an ethnic minority in the UK. A group of 12 ethnic minority Labour Party parliamentarians, including Indian-origin Virendra Sharma, Tan Dhesi, Preet Kaur Gill, Valerie Vaz, Seema Malhotra and Nadia Whittome, wrote to Priti Patel on Thursday saying, "Being a person of colour does not automatically make you an authority on all forms of racism". "We write to you as Black Asian and Ethnic Minority Labour MPs to highlight our dismay at the way you used your heritage and experiences of racism to gaslight the very real racism faced by Black people and communities across the UK," the MPs wrote. Gaslighting refers to a form of psychological manipulation where seeds of doubt are planted against a particular idea. In response to the letter, Priti Patel on Twitter said, "I will not be silenced by @UKLabour MPs who continue to dismiss the contributions of those who don't conform to their view of how ethnic minorities should behave." A day after clashes broke out between Black Lives Matter protesters and police officers, Ms Patel had condemned the violence perpetrated by a minority of protesters in an address in the House of Commons. Ms Patel retaliated with references to her own experiences when an Opposition Labour Party MP questioned whether she fully understood the "anger and frustration" felt by anti-racism demonstrators protesting against the brutal killing of African-American George Floyd in police custody in US. The minister, born to Gujarati-origin parents who fled Uganda for the UK when dictator Idi Amin expelled Asians from the African country in the early 1970s, said: "On that basis, it must have been a very different Home Secretary who as a child was frequently called a Paki in the playground; a very different Home Secretary who was racially abused in the streets or even advised to drop her surname and use her husband's in order to advance her career... so when it comes to racism, sexism, tolerance or social justice, I will not take lectures from the those other sides of the House." In their complaint letter, the group of 12 Labour MPs demand that Patel "reflect" on her words and the impact it had on black communities in the UK. "Structures of racism, hatred and equality have many layers and therefore, whilst it is true, there are some experiences of racism that we all face, there are also some experiences of racism that we all do not face," reads the letter.

Won't be silenced: Priti Patel as UK opposition MPs accuse her of 'Gaslighting' racism

As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate.

The widescale uprisings have reshaped the national dialogue around Biden’s&nbsp;search&nbsp;for a running mate and made the issue of an African American vice presidential nominee a top consideration for the campaign.

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Biden’s list of contenders includes Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Florida Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

All three have seen their public profiles rise in recent weeks. Harris, the lone VP contender to have run against Biden in the primary, also saw her favorability among Democrats rise in the poll. Meantime, public attention on Bottoms has grown since her well-reviewed speech after massive protests and looting descended on her city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298">Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey</a>

With the focus turning to police reform, Demings, a former metropolitan police chief, and Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney general, have leaned on their personal experiences despite the potential for backlash.

Both argue that their careers, which became a burden for Harris in the primary, are an asset in their efforts to overhaul law enforcement.

Other African American women under consideration include former national security adviser Susan Rice and Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic state House leader in Georgia who narrowly lost a race for governor in 2018.

Amid nationwide protests sweeping the nation calling for systemic change following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, former vice president and presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden is aware of the increased calls for him to choose a woman of color as his running mate, according to Biden’s senior adviser, Symone Sanders.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-appoint-a-woman-as-vice-president-if-elected-president-biden-286568">&nbsp;I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden</a>

"He absolutely is. He hears the concerns of folks across this country who have asked for an African American woman vice president running mate, but also folks from the Latino community have said he should pick a Latina. There are folks that believe he should pick someone that represents the LGBTQ+ community," Sanders said in an appearance on ABC’s "The View" on Wednesday.

“Your points are well taken, and I will have to tell you that if you were to ask Joe Biden today, he would say he doesn't know who he's going to pick, but he can promise you that the person he will pick will be ready to govern on day one, will mirror the relationship he and President Obama had, and it could be a black woman but we just don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see,” Sanders added.

The campaign is also seeking to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump as calls for tangible police reform grow, and Sanders argued Wednesday that the president had “abdicated” leadership on the issue and is instead “hiding in a bunker,” a reference to reports that Trump was taken to a secure location in the White House due to growing protests in the vicinity of the complex earlier this month.

"We believe that Donald Trump has abdicated his position of leadership. When Vice President Biden was out touring the unrest that happened in his own city just a couple miles from where he lived in Wilmington, Delaware last week, where was Donald Trump? He was in a bunker...hiding in a bunker," Sanders said.

Sanders also pointed to criticism of Trump from former top defense officials like former Defense Secretary James Mattis as evidence that there is a growing attitude even among Republicans that the president must be defeated in November.
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As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate.

As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate. The widescale uprisings have reshaped the national dialogue around Biden’s search for a running mate and made the issue of an African American vice presidential nominee a top consideration for the campaign. Biden’s list of contenders includes Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Florida Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. All three have seen their public profiles rise in recent weeks. Harris, the lone VP contender to have run against Biden in the primary, also saw her favorability among Democrats rise in the poll. Meantime, public attention on Bottoms has grown since her well-reviewed speech after massive protests and looting descended on her city. Also read: Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey With the focus turning to police reform, Demings, a former metropolitan police chief, and Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney general, have leaned on their personal experiences despite the potential for backlash. Both argue that their careers, which became a burden for Harris in the primary, are an asset in their efforts to overhaul law enforcement. Other African American women under consideration include former national security adviser Susan Rice and Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic state House leader in Georgia who narrowly lost a race for governor in 2018. Amid nationwide protests sweeping the nation calling for systemic change following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, former vice president and presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden is aware of the increased calls for him to choose a woman of color as his running mate, according to Biden’s senior adviser, Symone Sanders. Also read: I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden "He absolutely is. He hears the concerns of folks across this country who have asked for an African American woman vice president running mate, but also folks from the Latino community have said he should pick a Latina. There are folks that believe he should pick someone that represents the LGBTQ+ community," Sanders said in an appearance on ABC’s "The View" on Wednesday. “Your points are well taken, and I will have to tell you that if you were to ask Joe Biden today, he would say he doesn't know who he's going to pick, but he can promise you that the person he will pick will be ready to govern on day one, will mirror the relationship he and President Obama had, and it could be a black woman but we just don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see,” Sanders added. The campaign is also seeking to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump as calls for tangible police reform grow, and Sanders argued Wednesday that the president had “abdicated” leadership on the issue and is instead “hiding in a bunker,” a reference to reports that Trump was taken to a secure location in the White House due to growing protests in the vicinity of the complex earlier this month. "We believe that Donald Trump has abdicated his position of leadership. When Vice President Biden was out touring the unrest that happened in his own city just a couple miles from where he lived in Wilmington, Delaware last week, where was Donald Trump? He was in a bunker...hiding in a bunker," Sanders said. Sanders also pointed to criticism of Trump from former top defense officials like former Defense Secretary James Mattis as evidence that there is a growing attitude even among Republicans that the president must be defeated in November.

Biden may select black woman candidate for post of vice president

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it was "absurd and shameful" that a statue of Winston Churchill was at risk of attack by protestors, some of whom daubed the words "was a racist" at an earlier anti-racism demonstration.

Monuments have become major focus&nbsp;of contention in demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.

"It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack by violent protestors," the British leader wrote on Twitter.

"Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero, and he fully deserves his memorial. We cannot now try to edit or censor our past. We cannot pretend to have a different history," he said, calling on people to avoid protests planned this weekend.

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The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country – and the whole of Europe – from a fascist and racist tyranny. 1/8
— Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1271388180193914880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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But it is clear that the protests have been sadly hijacked by extremists intent on violence. The attacks on the police and indiscriminate acts of violence which we have witnessed over the last week are intolerable and they are abhorrent. 7/8
— Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1271388186976059396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, authorities in London have boarded up the statue ahead of expected rival demonstrations by anti-racism and far-right protestors.

A protective plywood screen has been erected around Churchill's statue outside Parliament. Authorities also fenced off the nearby Cenotaph, a memorial to Britain's war dead.

Several other statues have been defaced around the country.

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London's Parliament Square has also been covered and boarded up ahead of another set of planned protests.

The Mayor's office confirmed that Gandhi's statue is also among the monuments being protected. Graffiti with the word "racist" near the statue at Parliament Square, which wasn't on the actual plinth as in the case of Churchill's sculpture, had evoked some anguish on social media among Indian diaspora groups.

Since then, a new petition calling for the removal of another Gandhi statue in the UK city of Leicester has attracted thousands of signatures, also triggering countering reactions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-remove-statue-of-belgian-colonial-king-leopold-ii-in-brussels-305403">Also read |&nbsp;Activists remove statue of Belgian colonial King Leopold II in Brussels</a>

Earlier, a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was hauled from its plinth by protestors in the English port city of Bristol on Sunday and dumped in the harbour.

A Black Lives Matter group in London said it was calling off a planned protest on Saturday because the presence of far-right activists would make it unsafe. Another anti-racism protest Friday is set to go ahead.

&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it was "absurd and shameful" that a statue of Winston Churchill was at risk of attack by protestors, some of whom daubed the words "was a racist" at an earlier anti-racism demonstration.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it was "absurd and shameful" that a statue of Winston Churchill was at risk of attack by protestors, some of whom daubed the words "was a racist" at an earlier anti-racism demonstration. Monuments have become major focus of contention in demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. "It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack by violent protestors," the British leader wrote on Twitter. "Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero, and he fully deserves his memorial. We cannot now try to edit or censor our past. We cannot pretend to have a different history," he said, calling on people to avoid protests planned this weekend. The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country – and the whole of Europe – from a fascist and racist tyranny. 1/8 — Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) June 12, 2020 × But it is clear that the protests have been sadly hijacked by extremists intent on violence. The attacks on the police and indiscriminate acts of violence which we have witnessed over the last week are intolerable and they are abhorrent. 7/8 — Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) June 12, 2020 × Meanwhile, authorities in London have boarded up the statue ahead of expected rival demonstrations by anti-racism and far-right protestors. A protective plywood screen has been erected around Churchill's statue outside Parliament. Authorities also fenced off the nearby Cenotaph, a memorial to Britain's war dead. Several other statues have been defaced around the country. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London's Parliament Square has also been covered and boarded up ahead of another set of planned protests. The Mayor's office confirmed that Gandhi's statue is also among the monuments being protected. Graffiti with the word "racist" near the statue at Parliament Square, which wasn't on the actual plinth as in the case of Churchill's sculpture, had evoked some anguish on social media among Indian diaspora groups. Since then, a new petition calling for the removal of another Gandhi statue in the UK city of Leicester has attracted thousands of signatures, also triggering countering reactions. Also read | Activists remove statue of Belgian colonial King Leopold II in Brussels Earlier, a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was hauled from its plinth by protestors in the English port city of Bristol on Sunday and dumped in the harbour. A Black Lives Matter group in London said it was calling off a planned protest on Saturday because the presence of far-right activists would make it unsafe. Another anti-racism protest Friday is set to go ahead.

Statues of Churchill, Gandhi at risk of attack by anti-racism protestors; UK PM terms it shameful

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US&nbsp;slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration.

The Republican president drew criticism for scheduling the rally on June 19, known as Juneteenth, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where white mobs attacked black citizens and businesses in one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence.

The rally will take place amid a backdrop of widespread protests against racism in the country after the death of a 46-year-old black man at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, who is accused of murdering him. Trump has been criticized for trying to militarize the US&nbsp;response to the protests.

"Think about it as a celebration," Trump told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Friday, in which he then boasted about the size of his campaign rallies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-says-supporters-should-attend-his-rally-at-their-own-risk-305266">Also read |&nbsp;Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk'</a>

In the interview, Trump denied the Juneteenth date for the rally was on purpose.

The Fox interviewer, an African American, later said she was not sure if he was aware of the painful history of Tulsa to black Americans because her questions in the interview, which took place on Thursday, focused on the Juneteenth aspect of the visit.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States in 1865 and is celebrated as African Americans’ Independence Day.

"This isn`t just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party,” Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Joe Biden`s vice presidential pick, said on Twitter on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-to-sidestep-another-arms-pact-to-sell-more-us-drones-305386">Also read |&nbsp;Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones</a>

On Thursday, the Republican Party scheduled Trump`s speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination in Jacksonville on August&nbsp;27. That day will mark the 60th anniversary of what is called "Ax Handle Saturday," when a white mob wielding ax handles began a riot over black youth attempting to order food from a whites-only lunch counter in the Florida city.

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration.

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration. The Republican president drew criticism for scheduling the rally on June 19, known as Juneteenth, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where white mobs attacked black citizens and businesses in one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence. The rally will take place amid a backdrop of widespread protests against racism in the country after the death of a 46-year-old black man at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, who is accused of murdering him. Trump has been criticized for trying to militarize the US response to the protests. "Think about it as a celebration," Trump told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Friday, in which he then boasted about the size of his campaign rallies. Also read | Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk' In the interview, Trump denied the Juneteenth date for the rally was on purpose. The Fox interviewer, an African American, later said she was not sure if he was aware of the painful history of Tulsa to black Americans because her questions in the interview, which took place on Thursday, focused on the Juneteenth aspect of the visit. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States in 1865 and is celebrated as African Americans’ Independence Day. "This isn`t just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party,” Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Joe Biden`s vice presidential pick, said on Twitter on Thursday. Also read | Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones On Thursday, the Republican Party scheduled Trump`s speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination in Jacksonville on August 27. That day will mark the 60th anniversary of what is called "Ax Handle Saturday," when a white mob wielding ax handles began a riot over black youth attempting to order food from a whites-only lunch counter in the Florida city.

'Think about it as a celebration': Trump on Juneteenth rally

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