12th consecutive day of protests across America over George Floyd's killing by a cop in Minneapolis. Watch this video to know more.

George Floyd protests: 12th consecutive day of protests across America

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo has lashed out at China for "callous exploitation" of George Floyd's death saying that "this laughable propaganda can't fool anyone".

Mike Pompeo accuses China of exploiting George Floyd's death

The United States on Saturday accused China of using the unrest triggered by the death of George Floyd in police custody to justify denying its own people basic human rights.

The United States on Saturday accused China of using the unrest triggered by the death of George Floyd in police custody to justify denying its own people basic human rights. "As with dictatorships throughout history, no lie is too obscene, so long as it serves the Party's lust for power," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. "This laughable propaganda should not fool anyone," Pompeo added. China has repeatedly criticized the US over the Floyd case but it was not immediately clear which of its comments Pompeo was referring to. Beijing has long been infuriated by criticism from Western capitals, especially Washington, over its handling of the pro-democracy protests that shook Hong Kong last year. And as unrest erupted across the United States over racial inequality and police brutality after the May 25 death of Floyd, an unarmed black man, Chinese government spokespeople and official media launched broadsides against American authorities. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on June 1 seized on the anti-racism protests in the US to accuse the US of hypocrisy, calling racism "a chronic disease of American society." Washington's response to the death of Floyd at the hands of police was a "textbook example of its world-famous double standards," Zhao said. "Why does the US lionize the so-called Hong Kong independence and black violence elements as heroes and activists, while calling people who protest against racism 'rioters'?" Zhao asked. In his statement Saturday, Pompeo said Beijing in recent days had shown "continuing contempt for the truth and scorn for law." "The CCP's propaganda efforts -- seeking to conflate the United States' actions in the wake of the death of George Floyd with the CCP's denial of basic human rights and freedom -- should be seen for the fraud that they are," Pompeo wrote. His remarks came at a low point in US-Chinese relations, with President Donald Trump harshly criticizing Beijing for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

US accuses China of using Floyd death for propaganda

Prominent Democratic politicians on Friday embraced the cause of US protesters angered by the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody, adopting their slogans and announcing reforms as tensions remained high in major cities.

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has sparred with US President Donald Trump over his sometimes heavy-handed response to the rallies and marches, had the slogan "Black Lives Matter" painted in massive yellow letters on a street leading to the White House.

In Minneapolis, where 46-year-old George Floyd died on May 25 after a police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee to the neck for nearly nine minutes, Democratic city leaders voted to end the use of knee restraints and choke holds, although the ordinance must be approved by a judge.

Separate autopsies conducted by the Hennepin County Medical examiner and a team hired by Floyd's family each found that he died from asphyxiation.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said he would bar a state police training agency from teaching a restraint technique, sometimes called a "sleeper hold," that involves restricting the carotid artery in the neck.

And in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo said his state should lead the way in passing so-called "Say Their Name" reforms including making police disciplinary records publicly available and banning chokeholds.

"Mr. Floyd's murder was the breaking point," Cuomo, also a Democrat, said in a written statement. "People are saying enough is enough, we must change."

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a videotaped message, said the NFL had made mistakes in not listening to players and it would now "encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest" against racism.

The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the national anthem before games, a practice popularised by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

OFFICERS SUSPENDED AFTER SHOVING 75-YEAR-OLD

Black Lives Matter activists have also called for cities to defund police departments. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a Democrat who in April proposed increasing law enforcement funding, this week reversed course and said he would seek some $150 million in cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department.

After video footage from upstate New York raised further questions about the handling of demonstrators by law enforcement, two Buffalo police officers seen on Thursday shoving a 75-year-old protester to the ground were suspended and placed under investigation.

All 57 members of a police tactical unit quit the unit to protest their treatment, local media said Friday.

Protests over the death of Floyd have rocked cities including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit as well as many smaller communities.

The demonstrations have erupted as Americans and businesses struggle to recover from sweeping lockdowns imposed by state and local officials due to the coronavirus. Infectious disease experts have said that the protests could spark a new outbreak of COVID-19.

On Friday marches and gatherings took place in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Miami, New York and Denver among other places. Protesters also massed again in the rain in front of the White House. The nighttime protests were largely peaceful.

In Washington, the city installed a street sign for "Black Lives Matter Plaza" at the intersection of H and 16th Streets near the White House.

"Breonna Taylor, on your birthday, let us stand with determination," Bowser, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter in reference to a 26-year-old black woman who was shot dead by Louisville, Kentucky police in March. "Determination to make America the land it ought to be."

The mayor and Trump, a Republican, have bickered publicly over the president's use of federal law enforcement agencies and military police to shut down protests.

US Park Police fired smoke grenades and chemical irritant "pepper balls" to break up a peaceful rally on Monday night so that Trump could walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity.

"The incompetent Mayor of Washington, D.C., @MayorBowser, who's budget is totally out of control and is constantly coming back to us for 'handouts', is now fighting with the National Guard, who saved her from great embarrassment," Trump responded on Twitter.

On Friday, a US official said the Pentagon would send back the remaining 900 active-duty troops who had been deployed to the Washington, D.C., area.

Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, was cheered on Friday by an unexpected jump in US employment in May, defying predictions of further job losses inflicted by the pandemic.

The president said Floyd might be pleased by the jobs report. "Hopefully, George is looking down right now, and saying, 'This is a great thing that's happening for our country,'" he said.

That drew a rebuke from former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, who noted that Floyd's last words were "I can't breathe" as a police officer kneeled on his neck.

"For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd, I frankly, think is despicable," Biden said at an event in Delaware.

Prominent Democratic politicians on Friday embraced the cause of US protesters angered by the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody, adopting their slogans and announcing reforms as tensions remained high in major cities.

Prominent Democratic politicians on Friday embraced the cause of US protesters angered by the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody, adopting their slogans and announcing reforms as tensions remained high in major cities. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has sparred with US President Donald Trump over his sometimes heavy-handed response to the rallies and marches, had the slogan "Black Lives Matter" painted in massive yellow letters on a street leading to the White House. In Minneapolis, where 46-year-old George Floyd died on May 25 after a police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee to the neck for nearly nine minutes, Democratic city leaders voted to end the use of knee restraints and choke holds, although the ordinance must be approved by a judge. Separate autopsies conducted by the Hennepin County Medical examiner and a team hired by Floyd's family each found that he died from asphyxiation. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said he would bar a state police training agency from teaching a restraint technique, sometimes called a "sleeper hold," that involves restricting the carotid artery in the neck. And in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo said his state should lead the way in passing so-called "Say Their Name" reforms including making police disciplinary records publicly available and banning chokeholds. "Mr. Floyd's murder was the breaking point," Cuomo, also a Democrat, said in a written statement. "People are saying enough is enough, we must change." National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a videotaped message, said the NFL had made mistakes in not listening to players and it would now "encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest" against racism. The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the national anthem before games, a practice popularised by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. OFFICERS SUSPENDED AFTER SHOVING 75-YEAR-OLD Black Lives Matter activists have also called for cities to defund police departments. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a Democrat who in April proposed increasing law enforcement funding, this week reversed course and said he would seek some $150 million in cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department. After video footage from upstate New York raised further questions about the handling of demonstrators by law enforcement, two Buffalo police officers seen on Thursday shoving a 75-year-old protester to the ground were suspended and placed under investigation. All 57 members of a police tactical unit quit the unit to protest their treatment, local media said Friday. Protests over the death of Floyd have rocked cities including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit as well as many smaller communities. The demonstrations have erupted as Americans and businesses struggle to recover from sweeping lockdowns imposed by state and local officials due to the coronavirus. Infectious disease experts have said that the protests could spark a new outbreak of COVID-19. On Friday marches and gatherings took place in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Miami, New York and Denver among other places. Protesters also massed again in the rain in front of the White House. The nighttime protests were largely peaceful. In Washington, the city installed a street sign for "Black Lives Matter Plaza" at the intersection of H and 16th Streets near the White House. "Breonna Taylor, on your birthday, let us stand with determination," Bowser, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter in reference to a 26-year-old black woman who was shot dead by Louisville, Kentucky police in March. "Determination to make America the land it ought to be." The mayor and Trump, a Republican, have bickered publicly over the president's use of federal law enforcement agencies and military police to shut down protests. US Park Police fired smoke grenades and chemical irritant "pepper balls" to break up a peaceful rally on Monday night so that Trump could walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity. "The incompetent Mayor of Washington, D.C., @MayorBowser, who's budget is totally out of control and is constantly coming back to us for 'handouts', is now fighting with the National Guard, who saved her from great embarrassment," Trump responded on Twitter. On Friday, a US official said the Pentagon would send back the remaining 900 active-duty troops who had been deployed to the Washington, D.C., area. Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, was cheered on Friday by an unexpected jump in US employment in May, defying predictions of further job losses inflicted by the pandemic. The president said Floyd might be pleased by the jobs report. "Hopefully, George is looking down right now, and saying, 'This is a great thing that's happening for our country,'" he said. That drew a rebuke from former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, who noted that Floyd's last words were "I can't breathe" as a police officer kneeled on his neck. "For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd, I frankly, think is despicable," Biden said at an event in Delaware.

Democratic US politicians urge police reforms as protestors march for 11th day

Hundreds gathered in the affluent coastal community of Santa Monica in Los Angeles on Friday, to take a stand against police brutality after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

George Floyd protests: 11th day of protests across America

The state of Virginia has announced to remove one of the country’s most iconic monuments to the Confederacy, a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee along Richmond’s prominent Monument Avenue.

White supremacy vs civil rights activists: Confederacy statue to be removed

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined thousands on Friday in taking a knee in front of Canada's parliament in solidarity with US protesters marching against racism and police brutality.

Trudeau joins anti-racism protests

U.S. President Donald Trump has retweeted a letter that brands protesters as terrorists. He has also termed the conduct of protesters as 'acts of domestic terror'. Can such a view be endorsed?

Gravitas: Trump thinks protesters are terrorists!

Protests over the killing of George Floyd continue across the World. In Mexico, vandalism is denting the credibility of the cause, in South Korea, the anger is shifting towards the Government.

Gravitas: 'Black Lives Matter' protests: Vandalism denting credibility?

In the United States of America, top luxury brand stores were looted during the anti-racism riots after George Floyd's killing by the cops in Minneapolis. Protests took place at several places.

US: Top luxury brand stores looted during the anti-racism riots after George Floyd's killing

On Thursday, a <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444">memorial service</a> was held in honour of former footballer <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/autopsy-report-says-george-floyd-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-303176">George Floyd</a> whose murder has sparked off protest across America. The memorial service was attended by many A-listers from Hollywood.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/hollywood-stars-who-witnessed-police-brutality-during-blacklivesmatter-protests-303205" hreflang="en">Hollywood stars who witnessed police brutality during #BlackLivesMatter protests</a> 
 
George Floyd died on May 25 after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over eight minutes despite the 46-year-old pleading him to let him go. The video of the arrest went viral which sparked protests and riots in Minneapolis and other cities across the United States.&nbsp;

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Service ends with everyone standing silently for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. That’s actress Tiffany Haddish and the mother of Eric Garner on either side of the Rev. Al Sharpton: <a href="https://t.co/gOJMRnHdik">pic.twitter.com/gOJMRnHdik</a>
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkEmmert/status/1268632970635681798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Celebrities including Kevin Hart, Kevin Hart, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Tiffany Haddish, Master P and film producer Will Packer attended the service in &nbsp;Minneapolis. Memorial service will continue for few days in Raeford, North Carolina and in Houston, Texas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/kanye-west-joins-blacklivesmatter-protest-in-addition-to-2-million-fund-for-relief-303625" hreflang="en">Kanye West joins #BlackLivesMatter protest in addition to $2 million fund for relief</a>

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Kevin Hart And Ludacris Are At The Funeral <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeFloydsFuneral?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeFloydsFuneral</a> <a href="https://t.co/dEyU0Qs8ZX">pic.twitter.com/dEyU0Qs8ZX</a>
— EricJSample (@EricJSample) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricJSample/status/1268609207810445312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Everyone paid their condolence and stood up eight minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time George was on the ground before his death.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/k-pop-fans-avoid-trending-blackpink-and-lady-gagas-sour-pink-out-of-respect-for-blacklivesmatter-301809" hreflang="en">K-pop fans avoid trending Blackpink and Lady Gaga's 'Sour Pink' out of respect for #BlackLivesMatter</a>

<img alt="kk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0140405a-070e-405d-adb3-5f45731b6b1d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2869%29.jpg" />

People across the world are protesting against police violence and racism. Several celebrities including Halsey, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes and others have been raising their voice against the mishappening.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/from-justin-bieber-to-taylor-swift-celebrities-seek-justice-for-george-floyd-301554" hreflang="en">From Justin Bieber to Taylor Swift: Celebrities seek justice for George Floyd</a> 
 
Some celebrities have also participated in the protest and have been injured or arrested during the protest.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a memorial service was held in honour of former footballer George Floyd whose murder has sparked off protest across America. The memorial service was attended by many A-listers from Hollywood.

On Thursday, a memorial service was held in honour of former footballer George Floyd whose murder has sparked off protest across America. The memorial service was attended by many A-listers from Hollywood. In pics: Hollywood stars who witnessed police brutality during #BlackLivesMatter protests George Floyd died on May 25 after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over eight minutes despite the 46-year-old pleading him to let him go. The video of the arrest went viral which sparked protests and riots in Minneapolis and other cities across the United States. Service ends with everyone standing silently for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. That’s actress Tiffany Haddish and the mother of Eric Garner on either side of the Rev. Al Sharpton: pic.twitter.com/gOJMRnHdik — MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) June 4, 2020 × Celebrities including Kevin Hart, Kevin Hart, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Tiffany Haddish, Master P and film producer Will Packer attended the service in Minneapolis. Memorial service will continue for few days in Raeford, North Carolina and in Houston, Texas. Also read: Kanye West joins #BlackLivesMatter protest in addition to $2 million fund for relief Kevin Hart And Ludacris Are At The Funeral #GeorgeFloydsFuneral pic.twitter.com/dEyU0Qs8ZX — EricJSample (@EricJSample) June 4, 2020 × Everyone paid their condolence and stood up eight minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time George was on the ground before his death. Also read: K-pop fans avoid trending Blackpink and Lady Gaga's 'Sour Pink' out of respect for #BlackLivesMatter People across the world are protesting against police violence and racism. Several celebrities including Halsey, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes and others have been raising their voice against the mishappening. Also read: From Justin Bieber to Taylor Swift: Celebrities seek justice for George Floyd Some celebrities have also participated in the protest and have been injured or arrested during the protest.

George Floyd's funeral: Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and other celebrities attend the service

Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on Thursday remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice.

Floyd's death 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.

Services for Floyd are expected to stretch across six days and three states, including memorials in North Carolina and Houston. A funeral is planned for Tuesday.

At the memorial service inside a university chapel in Minneapolis, prominent civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton told mourners that George Floyd's fatal encounter with police and the nationwide protests his death ignited marked a reckoning for America over race and justice, demanding, "Get your knee off our necks."

Sharpton said Floyd's fate symbolised a universal experience of African Americans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-floyd-a-gentle-giant-remembered-in-hometown-houston-march-302794">Also read |&nbsp;George Floyd, a 'gentle giant', remembered in hometown Houston march</a>

"George Floyd should not be among the deceased. He did not die of common health conditions. He died of a common American criminal justice malfunction," Sharpton said. "It's time for us to stand up in George's name and say, 'Get your knee off our necks.'"

Sharpton led mourners in eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence, the amount of time Floyd lay on a Minneapolis street with a knee pressed into his neck.

Philonise Floyd, one of Floyd's brothers, told the memorial service that their family was poor, and that he and George would wash their socks and clothes with soap in the sink and dry them in the oven because they did not have a dryer.

“It’s crazy man, all these people came to see my brother, it’s amazing he touched so many hearts,” said the brother, wearing a dark suit and a badge with a photo of his brother and the words "I can't breathe" on his lapel.

A second brother, Terrence Floyd, joined an outdoor memorial in a Brooklyn park, where many in the crowd knelt in the grass in the afternoon sunshine in a symbol of protest and chanted, "No justice, no peace."

He urged the crowd to continue to seek justice but to avoid violence, saying, "My brother wasn't about that."

Derek Chauvin, 44, was fired from the Minneapolis police force and charged with second-degree murder after being filmed in a widely circulated video kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd gasped for air and repeatedly groaned, "Please, I can't breathe."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blackouttuesday-sweeps-social-media-as-george-floyd-protests-in-us-escalate-302790">Also read |&nbsp;#BlackOutTuesday sweeps social media as George Floyd protests in US escalate</a>

Police say they suspected Floyd, 46, of using a counterfeit bill to pay for cigarettes.

Huge crowds have since defied curfews and taken to the streets of cities across the country for nine nights in sometimes violent protests that prompted President Donald Trump to threaten to send in the military.

Ben Crump, a lawyer for Floyd's family, told the memorial service that the police action that day was evil.

"What we saw in that video was evil. So America, as we proclaim as we memorialize George Floyd, do not accept evil. Protest against evil. We cannot cooperate with evil. We cannot cooperate with torture,” Crump said.

Many knelt in the grass in the afternoon sunshine in a symbol of protest against police behavior and chanted, "No Justice. No Peace."

US Representative Hakeem Jeffries urged people to continue their protests, saying the tragedy has awakened a cross-section of people who would bring lasting change.

In addition to hundreds who gathered inside the North Central University chapel, a crowd of hundreds more clustered outside under trees and in window sills, listening to the service broadcast over loudspeakers.

The prayer service, which drew comic actors Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish as well as US Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, coincided with a separate memorial tribute to Floyd in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, a major flashpoint of protests in recent days.

EX-COPS IN COURT

Prosecutors levelled new charges against four former Minneapolis police officers implicated in the killing on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-autopsy-report-reveals-george-floyd-had-coronavirus-303428">Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Autopsy report reveals George Floyd had Coronavirus</a>

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On Thursday, the three newly arrested officers - Thomas Lane, J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao - made their first appearance in court and were ordered to remain held on $750,000 bond each.

Their principal co-defendant, Derek Chauvin, is slated to appear for his bond hearing on Monday.

The four former officers, all dismissed from the Minneapolis police department the day after their deadly confrontation with Floyd, each faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges against them.

Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for various nightclubs, was unarmed when taken into custody outside a corner market where an employee had reported to police that a man matching his description tried to pay for cigarettes with a counterfeit bill.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on Thursday remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice.

Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on Thursday remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice. Floyd's death 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. Services for Floyd are expected to stretch across six days and three states, including memorials in North Carolina and Houston. A funeral is planned for Tuesday. At the memorial service inside a university chapel in Minneapolis, prominent civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton told mourners that George Floyd's fatal encounter with police and the nationwide protests his death ignited marked a reckoning for America over race and justice, demanding, "Get your knee off our necks." Sharpton said Floyd's fate symbolised a universal experience of African Americans. Also read | George Floyd, a 'gentle giant', remembered in hometown Houston march "George Floyd should not be among the deceased. He did not die of common health conditions. He died of a common American criminal justice malfunction," Sharpton said. "It's time for us to stand up in George's name and say, 'Get your knee off our necks.'" Sharpton led mourners in eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence, the amount of time Floyd lay on a Minneapolis street with a knee pressed into his neck. Philonise Floyd, one of Floyd's brothers, told the memorial service that their family was poor, and that he and George would wash their socks and clothes with soap in the sink and dry them in the oven because they did not have a dryer. “It’s crazy man, all these people came to see my brother, it’s amazing he touched so many hearts,” said the brother, wearing a dark suit and a badge with a photo of his brother and the words "I can't breathe" on his lapel. A second brother, Terrence Floyd, joined an outdoor memorial in a Brooklyn park, where many in the crowd knelt in the grass in the afternoon sunshine in a symbol of protest and chanted, "No justice, no peace." He urged the crowd to continue to seek justice but to avoid violence, saying, "My brother wasn't about that." Derek Chauvin, 44, was fired from the Minneapolis police force and charged with second-degree murder after being filmed in a widely circulated video kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd gasped for air and repeatedly groaned, "Please, I can't breathe." Also read | #BlackOutTuesday sweeps social media as George Floyd protests in US escalate Police say they suspected Floyd, 46, of using a counterfeit bill to pay for cigarettes. Huge crowds have since defied curfews and taken to the streets of cities across the country for nine nights in sometimes violent protests that prompted President Donald Trump to threaten to send in the military. Ben Crump, a lawyer for Floyd's family, told the memorial service that the police action that day was evil. "What we saw in that video was evil. So America, as we proclaim as we memorialize George Floyd, do not accept evil. Protest against evil. We cannot cooperate with evil. We cannot cooperate with torture,” Crump said. Many knelt in the grass in the afternoon sunshine in a symbol of protest against police behavior and chanted, "No Justice. No Peace." US Representative Hakeem Jeffries urged people to continue their protests, saying the tragedy has awakened a cross-section of people who would bring lasting change. In addition to hundreds who gathered inside the North Central University chapel, a crowd of hundreds more clustered outside under trees and in window sills, listening to the service broadcast over loudspeakers. The prayer service, which drew comic actors Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish as well as US Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, coincided with a separate memorial tribute to Floyd in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, a major flashpoint of protests in recent days. EX-COPS IN COURT Prosecutors levelled new charges against four former Minneapolis police officers implicated in the killing on Wednesday. Also watch | Gravitas: Autopsy report reveals George Floyd had Coronavirus × On Thursday, the three newly arrested officers - Thomas Lane, J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao - made their first appearance in court and were ordered to remain held on $750,000 bond each. Their principal co-defendant, Derek Chauvin, is slated to appear for his bond hearing on Monday. The four former officers, all dismissed from the Minneapolis police department the day after their deadly confrontation with Floyd, each faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges against them. Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for various nightclubs, was unarmed when taken into custody outside a corner market where an employee had reported to police that a man matching his description tried to pay for cigarettes with a counterfeit bill. (with inputs from Reuters)

Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service

American microblogging and social networking service Twitter has disabled a video by Donald Trump’s campaign team that pays tribute to George Floyd, saying it is the subject of a copyright complaint. The video was retweeted nearly 7,000 times by people including the US president and his son Donald Jr.

Twitter takes down Trump's video: Trump's tribute to George Floyd

Hundreds of mourners in Minneapolis on June 4 remembered George Floyd, the black man whose death in police custody set off a wave of nationwide protests and ignited a debate about racial justice. Watch report.

Hundreds of mourners join memorial service of George Floyd in Minnesota

After several videos of police brutality have emerged during protests over the death of African American George Floyd. A video of a heartwarming moment between cop and a little protester emerged&nbsp;on social media after Tuesday's George Floyd march in Houston.

The viral video shows a 5-year-old Afro-American girl in Texas being comforted by a white police officer during a George Floyd protest after she started crying and asked, “Are you gonna shoot us?”

The officer's response was beautiful.

He said, "We're here to protect you, OK? We're not here to hurt you at all, OK. You can protest. You can party. You can do whatever you want. Just don't break anything."

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
During the protest in Houston yesterday one of the police officers noticed my daughter crying. She asked him “Are you gonna shoot us” he got down on one knee wrapped his arm around her and responded: <a href="https://t.co/gQWF7HMf3l">pic.twitter.com/gQWF7HMf3l</a>
— SimeonB 🦉 (@iamsimeonb) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsimeonb/status/1268214300096765954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The video has gone viral on Twitter with more than 1.5 million views as of Friday afternoon. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

After several videos of police brutality have emerged during protests over the death of African American George Floyd. A video of a heartwarming moment between cop and a little protester emerged on social media after Tuesday's George Floyd march in Houston.

After several videos of police brutality have emerged during protests over the death of African American George Floyd. A video of a heartwarming moment between cop and a little protester emerged on social media after Tuesday's George Floyd march in Houston. The viral video shows a 5-year-old Afro-American girl in Texas being comforted by a white police officer during a George Floyd protest after she started crying and asked, “Are you gonna shoot us?” The officer's response was beautiful. He said, "We're here to protect you, OK? We're not here to hurt you at all, OK. You can protest. You can party. You can do whatever you want. Just don't break anything." During the protest in Houston yesterday one of the police officers noticed my daughter crying. She asked him “Are you gonna shoot us” he got down on one knee wrapped his arm around her and responded: pic.twitter.com/gQWF7HMf3l — SimeonB 🦉 (@iamsimeonb) June 3, 2020 × The video has gone viral on Twitter with more than 1.5 million views as of Friday afternoon. (With inputs from agencies)

George Floyd protests: Police officer hugs crying 5-year-old girl, after she asks if she's going to be shot

The 'Black Lives Matter' movement has reached every corner of the world. WION's Palki Sharma gets you five videos that tell the story.

Gravitas: 'Black Lives Matter' now a global movement | George Floyd death

4 policemen have been charged with the murder of George Floyd. All 4 of them could be sentenced for 40 years in jail. Meanwhile, an autopsy report has revealed that George Floyd was infected with the Coronavirus.

Gravitas: Autopsy report reveals George Floyd had Coronavirus

Rioters in U.S. have smashed stores of renowned luxury brands, looting merchandise worth millions of dollars. Can this secure justice for the killing of George Floyd?

Gravitas: U.S. Riots | Top Luxury Brands Looted

George Floyd, whose death in police custody has sparked more than a week of nationwide protest and civil strife, tested positive for the novel coronavirus in a new autopsy report.

The post-mortem nasal swab was found to be “positive for 2019-nCoV RNA,” said the report, using another term for the type of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

George Floyd, a black man, was pinned by his neck to the street during an arrest for at least nine minutes, leading to his death.

According to CNN, the type of test performed for the autopsy, called PCR, can show a positive result “for weeks after the onset and resolution of clinical disease.”&nbsp;

The autopsy result most likely reflects asymptomatic but persistent PCR positivity from previous infection -- implying the virus played no known role in Floyd’s death and he was unlikely to have been contagious.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-of-george-floyds-daughter-demands-justice-minneapolis-police-faces-probe-302863">Also read |&nbsp;Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe</a>

Floyd, whom police suspected of trying to pass a counterfeit bill to pay for cigarettes, was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the May 25 encounter.

Derek Chauvin was the white officer seen in widely circulated video footage kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd gasped for air and repeatedly groaned, "Please, I can't breathe."

Chauvin was jailed last week on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter, and was newly charged with second-degree murder.

Three fellow officers fired from the Minneapolis police department along with Chauvin the next day were charged on Wednesday - each with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-cops-charged-in-floyd-death-one-faces-2nd-degree-murder-count-homicide-303080">Also read |&nbsp;Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide</a>

The three men - Thomas Lane, J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao - have also been taken into custody. Aiding and abetting second-degree murder carries the same maximum punishment as the underlying offense - 40 years in prison.

Floyd's death has become the latest flashpoint for long-simmering rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of racial justice to the top of the political agenda five months before the US presidential election on November 3.

The spectacle of city streets flooded with angry though mostly peaceful protesters - punctuated by scenes of arson, looting and clashes with police - have fuelled a sense of crisis.

The upheavals have flared following weeks of social lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced millions of Americans out of work and disproportionately affected minorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/george-floyds-final-words-seen-across-skies-in-the-us-cities-302975">See photos |&nbsp;George Floyd's final words seen across skies in the US cities</a>

(with inputs from Reuters)

George Floyd, whose death in police custody has sparked more than a week of nationwide protest and civil strife, tested positive for the novel coronavirus in a new autopsy report.

George Floyd, whose death in police custody has sparked more than a week of nationwide protest and civil strife, tested positive for the novel coronavirus in a new autopsy report. The post-mortem nasal swab was found to be “positive for 2019-nCoV RNA,” said the report, using another term for the type of coronavirus that causes COVID-19. George Floyd, a black man, was pinned by his neck to the street during an arrest for at least nine minutes, leading to his death. According to CNN, the type of test performed for the autopsy, called PCR, can show a positive result “for weeks after the onset and resolution of clinical disease.” The autopsy result most likely reflects asymptomatic but persistent PCR positivity from previous infection -- implying the virus played no known role in Floyd’s death and he was unlikely to have been contagious. Also read | Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe Floyd, whom police suspected of trying to pass a counterfeit bill to pay for cigarettes, was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the May 25 encounter. Derek Chauvin was the white officer seen in widely circulated video footage kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd gasped for air and repeatedly groaned, "Please, I can't breathe." Chauvin was jailed last week on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter, and was newly charged with second-degree murder. Three fellow officers fired from the Minneapolis police department along with Chauvin the next day were charged on Wednesday - each with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter. Also read | Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide The three men - Thomas Lane, J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao - have also been taken into custody. Aiding and abetting second-degree murder carries the same maximum punishment as the underlying offense - 40 years in prison. Floyd's death has become the latest flashpoint for long-simmering rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of racial justice to the top of the political agenda five months before the US presidential election on November 3. The spectacle of city streets flooded with angry though mostly peaceful protesters - punctuated by scenes of arson, looting and clashes with police - have fuelled a sense of crisis. The upheavals have flared following weeks of social lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced millions of Americans out of work and disproportionately affected minorities. See photos | George Floyd's final words seen across skies in the US cities (with inputs from Reuters)

Autopsy report says George Floyd tested positive for coronavirus

The Red Cross&nbsp;on Thursday called on US authorities and those leading the demonstrations raging across the country to help ensure protesters can gather without fear of sparking fresh coronavirus outbreaks.

"It is about common sense," Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said&nbsp;in an interview.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-over-george-floyds-death-expose-raw-race-relations-worldwide-302869">Protests over George Floyd's death expose raw race relations worldwide</a>

He lamented that television images of the protests showed many marching without wearing masks or other protective gear such as gloves, and pressed together is small spaces.

"This is a bad signal, of course. And of even more concern in a country that is having this bad impact with COVID-19," he said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-london-to-new-zealand-people-join-in-on-black-lives-matter-protests-302343">From London to New Zealand, people join in on 'Black Lives Matter' protests</a>

Protesters have been thronging cities across the United States demanding an end to racism and police brutality ever since George Floyd, an African American man, died after being pinned down by police officers more than a week ago.

But in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Red Cross leaders are calling on officials and protest leaders to do more to ensure that the demonstrations can go ahead safely with regard to the COVID-19 virus.

The United States remains the country worst affected by the pandemic, counting more than 107,000 deaths, more than a quarter of the global total. More than 1.8 million people in the country have been infected.

The Red Cross on Thursday called on US authorities and those leading the demonstrations raging across the country to help ensure protesters can gather without fear of sparking fresh coronavirus outbreaks.

The Red Cross on Thursday called on US authorities and those leading the demonstrations raging across the country to help ensure protesters can gather without fear of sparking fresh coronavirus outbreaks. "It is about common sense," Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said in an interview. Also see: Protests over George Floyd's death expose raw race relations worldwide He lamented that television images of the protests showed many marching without wearing masks or other protective gear such as gloves, and pressed together is small spaces. "This is a bad signal, of course. And of even more concern in a country that is having this bad impact with COVID-19," he said. Also see: From London to New Zealand, people join in on 'Black Lives Matter' protests Protesters have been thronging cities across the United States demanding an end to racism and police brutality ever since George Floyd, an African American man, died after being pinned down by police officers more than a week ago. But in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Red Cross leaders are calling on officials and protest leaders to do more to ensure that the demonstrations can go ahead safely with regard to the COVID-19 virus. The United States remains the country worst affected by the pandemic, counting more than 107,000 deaths, more than a quarter of the global total. More than 1.8 million people in the country have been infected.

'Boost virus safety', says Red Cross to authorities and protest leaders in US

The most serious charge was filed against Derek Chauvin, whose caught-on-video treatment of the handcuffed Floyd spurred worldwide protests.

US riots over Floyd's killing intensifies; More than 4,000 protesters arrested

Thousands of surfers gathered in Encinitas, California on Wednesday (June 3) for a "paddle out" honoring George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Surfs up in California to support Black Lives Matter

A group of violent #BlackLivesMatter protesters in Washington DC vandalised a statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Indian Embassy. An investigation into the matter has been launched by the United States Park Police. Watch report.

Mahatma Gandhi statue vandalised at Indian embassy in Washington

Officer in George Floyd death faces 2nd-degree murder charge

Former US President Barack Obama backed the US protestors and said that this is an opportunity to bring about real change. The United States is dealing with violent riots claiming justice for George Floyd who was killed by a white officer.

US former President condemn George Floyd's killing

Celebrities are joining protests as they crowd the streets and demand justice for George Floyd. Watch report to know how some of the celebrities are doing their part.

WION Showbiz: Boyega addresses protestors at London rally

Former US defence secretary James Mattis joined White House protesters in spirit on June 3 with a stinging criticism of Donald Trump’s handling of the protests calling him the only President in his lifetime “who does not try to unite the American people - does not even pretend to try”.

James Mattis: Trump is trying to divide America | US riots

For the 8th consecutive day, protests over the death of George Floyd have raged unabated in America. WION's Palki Sharma gets you 5 videos of upheaval from the United States.

Gravitas: 5 videos of upheaval in America

Hackers and activists have once again taken to protests but this time after the brutal death of George Floyd due to police brutality. An online collective group by the name of 'Anonymous' has surged once again as protests are spreading across US.

Who are the 'Anonymous' and what have they done so far?

Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd.

According to Archbishop Wilton D Gregory,&nbsp;Trump's visit&nbsp;"misused" and "manipulated" the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and he found action "baffling and reprehensible".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-poses-for-cameras-with-bible-in-hand-amid-riots-302684" hreflang="en">US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots</a>

On Tuesday, the&nbsp;Las Vegas sheriff had said an officer died&nbsp;in a shooting after police attempted to disperse a crowd, and four officers were injured on Monday in St Louis, Missouri.

Trump threatened to send in the military to quell disturbances, vowing to "dominate the streets", as protests sparked by the killing of Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis continued.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosi-promises-legislation-on-the-issues-raised-by-murder-of-george-floyd-302739" hreflang="en">Nancy Pelosi promises legislation on the issues raised by murder of George Floyd</a>

The president said he would deploy the army if cities and states failed to control the protests. But on Tuesday at least one mayor rejected the use of National Guard and military forces.

Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden criticised Trump for using the crisis to appeal to his supporters, saying he was "serving the passions of his base".

&nbsp;

Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd.

Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd. According to Archbishop Wilton D Gregory, Trump's visit "misused" and "manipulated" the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and he found action "baffling and reprehensible". Also read: US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots On Tuesday, the Las Vegas sheriff had said an officer died in a shooting after police attempted to disperse a crowd, and four officers were injured on Monday in St Louis, Missouri. Trump threatened to send in the military to quell disturbances, vowing to "dominate the streets", as protests sparked by the killing of Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis continued. Also read: Nancy Pelosi promises legislation on the issues raised by murder of George Floyd The president said he would deploy the army if cities and states failed to control the protests. But on Tuesday at least one mayor rejected the use of National Guard and military forces. Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden criticised Trump for using the crisis to appeal to his supporters, saying he was "serving the passions of his base".

Archbishop attacks Trump's visit to a shrine amid civil unrest in US

By Jennifer Selin

After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”

Is Trump’s warning just bluster? Does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?

The answer to this question involves a web of legal provisions that help define the president’s constitutional roles as commander in chief and chief executive of the country and that simultaneously try to balance presidential power with the power of state leaders.

‘Protect states in times of violence’ 
 
Tracing back to the Magna Carta, the British charter of liberty signed in 1215, there is a longstanding tradition against military involvement in civilian affairs.

However, the US&nbsp;Constitution guarantees that the national government will protect the states in times of violence and permits Congress to enact laws that enable the military to aid in carrying out the law.

Almost immediately after the Constitution’s enactment in 1787, Congress passed a law that allowed the president to use the military to respond to a series of citizen rebellions.

Troops serving as what’s called “posse comitatus,” which translates roughly to “attendants with the capacity to act,” could be called to suppress insurrections and help carry out federal laws.

Following the Civil War, the national government used troops in this capacity to aid in Reconstruction efforts, particularly in states that had been part of the Confederacy.

The use of troops in this manner may even have influenced the outcome of the 1876 presidential election of Republican Rutherford B. Hayes. That happened when, in return for agreeing to withdraw federal troops from the South, Democrats informally agreed to the election of Hayes when the disputed election was thrown to a congressional commission.

Two years later, Hayes signed into law the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibited the use of the military in civilian matters.

The Posse Comitatus Act has not changed much since that time. The law prohibits the use of the military in civilian matters but, over time, Congress has passed at least 26 exemptions to the act that allow the president to send troops into states.

The exemptions range from providing military personnel to protect national parks to helping states in carrying out state quarantine and health laws.

Insurrection Act 
 
What exemption would President Trump use if he wants to send the military to one or more states?

He would likely rely on the Insurrection Act, which governs certain circumstances when the president can use the military. Signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Congress originally passed the law in order to help fight citizen rebellions against federal taxes.

Over time, the law has evolved to allow the use of troops in other circumstances. For example, Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson used the Insurrection Act in the 1950s and 1960s to send the military to enforce court desegregation orders and to protect civil rights marchers.

It was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when he ordered 4,500 troops to Los Angeles after rioting erupted in response to the acquittal of police officers charged with beating Rodney King.

The Insurrection Act says that the president may use the armed forces to subdue an insurrection or rebellion and take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress violence.

But before doing so, he must issue a proclamation ordering insurgents to disperse and return to their homes.

While state governors and legislatures also have the legal authority to ask the president to use troops in this manner, none have done that during this period of unrest. The states have preferred to rely on a combination of local law enforcement and the National Guard, which is under state command, not federal.

Not only does this strategy enable governors to maintain authority over their states’ responses to the clashes in the wake of George Floyd’s death, but it also keeps things more straightforward legally and politically.

Authority uncertain 
 
Reliance on the Insurrection Act raises a host of political and practical questions about who is in charge when the military sends troops into a state.

For example, despite the fact that the act was invoked in response to the Rodney King riots, the military actually was not used as directed. The Joint Task Force Commander in control of the mission appears to have been confused regarding how the Insurrection Act worked alongside the provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act. He issued an order prohibiting troops from directly supporting law enforcement and that led to numerous denials of requests for assistance.

Questions about the federal government’s authority in the wake of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana raised similar concerns.

The administration of President George W. Bush determined that it had authority under the Insurrection Act to send federal troops to the area, despite the fact that Louisiana’s governor was opposed to military assistance.

For political reasons, President Bush did not end up deploying troops but, in 2006, Congress amended the law to address concerns that the military was unable to provide effective assistance to states in emergency situations.

The amendment was later repealed when all 50 state governors raised objections to what they perceived as a grant of unilateral power to the president.

These examples suggest a real difficulty balancing governmental responses to domestic crises. States need the flexibility and authority to respond as they see fit to the needs of their citizens.

But the federal government can and often does serve as a supplemental resource. As the events of the past week illustrate, striking an effective balance is rarely a straightforward thing.

(Jennifer Selin is Kinder Institute Assistant Professor of Constitutional Democracy, University of Missouri-Columbia)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-president-really-order-the-military-to-occupy-us-cities-and-states-139844"> original article</a>) &nbsp;

By Jennifer Selin After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.

By Jennifer Selin After a week of both peaceful protests and violent chaos in the wake of George Floyd’s death, President Donald Trump announced, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.” Is Trump’s warning just bluster? Does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities? The answer to this question involves a web of legal provisions that help define the president’s constitutional roles as commander in chief and chief executive of the country and that simultaneously try to balance presidential power with the power of state leaders. ‘Protect states in times of violence’ Tracing back to the Magna Carta, the British charter of liberty signed in 1215, there is a longstanding tradition against military involvement in civilian affairs. However, the US Constitution guarantees that the national government will protect the states in times of violence and permits Congress to enact laws that enable the military to aid in carrying out the law. Almost immediately after the Constitution’s enactment in 1787, Congress passed a law that allowed the president to use the military to respond to a series of citizen rebellions. Troops serving as what’s called “posse comitatus,” which translates roughly to “attendants with the capacity to act,” could be called to suppress insurrections and help carry out federal laws. Following the Civil War, the national government used troops in this capacity to aid in Reconstruction efforts, particularly in states that had been part of the Confederacy. The use of troops in this manner may even have influenced the outcome of the 1876 presidential election of Republican Rutherford B. Hayes. That happened when, in return for agreeing to withdraw federal troops from the South, Democrats informally agreed to the election of Hayes when the disputed election was thrown to a congressional commission. Two years later, Hayes signed into law the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibited the use of the military in civilian matters. The Posse Comitatus Act has not changed much since that time. The law prohibits the use of the military in civilian matters but, over time, Congress has passed at least 26 exemptions to the act that allow the president to send troops into states. The exemptions range from providing military personnel to protect national parks to helping states in carrying out state quarantine and health laws. Insurrection Act What exemption would President Trump use if he wants to send the military to one or more states? He would likely rely on the Insurrection Act, which governs certain circumstances when the president can use the military. Signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Congress originally passed the law in order to help fight citizen rebellions against federal taxes. Over time, the law has evolved to allow the use of troops in other circumstances. For example, Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson used the Insurrection Act in the 1950s and 1960s to send the military to enforce court desegregation orders and to protect civil rights marchers. It was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when he ordered 4,500 troops to Los Angeles after rioting erupted in response to the acquittal of police officers charged with beating Rodney King. The Insurrection Act says that the president may use the armed forces to subdue an insurrection or rebellion and take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress violence. But before doing so, he must issue a proclamation ordering insurgents to disperse and return to their homes. While state governors and legislatures also have the legal authority to ask the president to use troops in this manner, none have done that during this period of unrest. The states have preferred to rely on a combination of local law enforcement and the National Guard, which is under state command, not federal. Not only does this strategy enable governors to maintain authority over their states’ responses to the clashes in the wake of George Floyd’s death, but it also keeps things more straightforward legally and politically. Authority uncertain Reliance on the Insurrection Act raises a host of political and practical questions about who is in charge when the military sends troops into a state. For example, despite the fact that the act was invoked in response to the Rodney King riots, the military actually was not used as directed. The Joint Task Force Commander in control of the mission appears to have been confused regarding how the Insurrection Act worked alongside the provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act. He issued an order prohibiting troops from directly supporting law enforcement and that led to numerous denials of requests for assistance. Questions about the federal government’s authority in the wake of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana raised similar concerns. The administration of President George W. Bush determined that it had authority under the Insurrection Act to send federal troops to the area, despite the fact that Louisiana’s governor was opposed to military assistance. For political reasons, President Bush did not end up deploying troops but, in 2006, Congress amended the law to address concerns that the military was unable to provide effective assistance to states in emergency situations. The amendment was later repealed when all 50 state governors raised objections to what they perceived as a grant of unilateral power to the president. These examples suggest a real difficulty balancing governmental responses to domestic crises. States need the flexibility and authority to respond as they see fit to the needs of their citizens. But the federal government can and often does serve as a supplemental resource. As the events of the past week illustrate, striking an effective balance is rarely a straightforward thing. (Jennifer Selin is Kinder Institute Assistant Professor of Constitutional Democracy, University of Missouri-Columbia) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

Can the president really order the military to occupy US cities and states?