The United States recently witnessed its worst protests in the recent history. Clubbed with the coronavirus pandemic, it put a lot of pressure on people to rethink their safety.

Owing to this, more Americans are buying firearms than ever before. The US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undertook 3.6 million background checks in just the month of July 2020. This marks the third highest month on record for arms sales since the agency began logging stats in 1998.

Over 2 million checks

In July 2019, the FBI had conducted 2 million background checks.&nbsp;June had broken all records in terms of background checks, with 3.9 million background checks. In March, the number stood at 3.7 million.

The states with the highest number of firearms sales include Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, Florida, and California, where most checks were performed related to selling, transferring, or licensing guns.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-sue-nevada-for-mail-in-ballots-317967" hreflang="en">Trump threatens to sue Nevada for mail-in ballots</a>

US law mandates background checks on every buyer, regardless if whether the gun was purchased at a store, or during a gun show.

Upon purchasing a gun, the buyer must present their identification to the seller, and fills out a form made by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This form includes the buyer’s address, age, race, criminal history.

Following this, the FBI conducts a database check on whether the buyer had any history of crime.

Factors contributing to this surge

The US has been volatile lately, be it due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has killed more people in the US than elsewhere. People were ordered to stay in during the pandemic. Additionally, the anti-racism protests fuelled by the murder of George Floyd in the hands of the police led to a lot of rioting across the country.

Most of the protests remained peaceful, but owing to sporadic rioting, the National Guard was sent in to many places to contain the violence. In the city of Portland, Oregon, people clashed with federal forces on multiple occasions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-sets-september-15-deadline-for-tiktok-sale-317963" hreflang="en">Donald Trump sets September 15 deadline for TikTok sale</a>

The US has a history of witnessing a spike in the number of firearms sales in the aftermath of a tragedy, IN 2012, a 39 per cent spike in sales was noted by the FBI. This came in the aftermath of a deadly shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

An additional 48 per cent checks were also performed by the FBI in 2015 after the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California.

A concern of safety may be driving such high sales of guns. National Rifle Association’s official told CNN that this happens when people worry about their safety, causing a spike in firearm sales.

The United States recently witnessed its worst protests in the recent history. Clubbed with the coronavirus pandemic, it put a lot of pressure on people to rethink their safety.

The United States recently witnessed its worst protests in the recent history. Clubbed with the coronavirus pandemic, it put a lot of pressure on people to rethink their safety. Owing to this, more Americans are buying firearms than ever before. The US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undertook 3.6 million background checks in just the month of July 2020. This marks the third highest month on record for arms sales since the agency began logging stats in 1998. Over 2 million checks In July 2019, the FBI had conducted 2 million background checks. June had broken all records in terms of background checks, with 3.9 million background checks. In March, the number stood at 3.7 million. The states with the highest number of firearms sales include Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, Florida, and California, where most checks were performed related to selling, transferring, or licensing guns. Also read: Trump threatens to sue Nevada for mail-in ballots US law mandates background checks on every buyer, regardless if whether the gun was purchased at a store, or during a gun show. Upon purchasing a gun, the buyer must present their identification to the seller, and fills out a form made by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This form includes the buyer’s address, age, race, criminal history. Following this, the FBI conducts a database check on whether the buyer had any history of crime. Factors contributing to this surge The US has been volatile lately, be it due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has killed more people in the US than elsewhere. People were ordered to stay in during the pandemic. Additionally, the anti-racism protests fuelled by the murder of George Floyd in the hands of the police led to a lot of rioting across the country. Most of the protests remained peaceful, but owing to sporadic rioting, the National Guard was sent in to many places to contain the violence. In the city of Portland, Oregon, people clashed with federal forces on multiple occasions. Also read: Donald Trump sets September 15 deadline for TikTok sale The US has a history of witnessing a spike in the number of firearms sales in the aftermath of a tragedy, IN 2012, a 39 per cent spike in sales was noted by the FBI. This came in the aftermath of a deadly shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. An additional 48 per cent checks were also performed by the FBI in 2015 after the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California. A concern of safety may be driving such high sales of guns. National Rifle Association’s official told CNN that this happens when people worry about their safety, causing a spike in firearm sales.

Protests and pandemic cause Americans to buy more firearms, FBI records reveal

Six-year-old Londoner Faith Boyd has launched a magazine aimed at representing young Black girls in the wake of global rallies for racial justice.

Meet the 6-year-old helping empower young Black girls with new magazine

A cafe&nbsp;on France's Cote d'Azur is now pulling its&nbsp;‘Chinese’ and ‘African’ desserts from its menu, responding to accusations of racism.

While the African&nbsp;ice cream dessert was topped by a chocolate-covered meringue ball decorated with thick red lips, the Chinese&nbsp;lemon sorbet had a yellow meringue head, with thinly drawn eyes.

A July 20 tweet calling for a boycott of Le Poussin Bleu (The Blue Chick) in Saint-Rapha&nbsp;for its racist ice creams had by Tuesday got tens of thousands of likes and retweets.

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Restaurant le Poussin Bleu à St Raphaël et leur sélection de glaces, c’est particulièrement raciste... non ? <a href="https://t.co/rdwp6rO4Wi">pic.twitter.com/rdwp6rO4Wi</a>
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In a response on Facebook titled ''the African and the Chinese struck down by social networks,''&nbsp;the cafe&nbsp;owners said they were expunging the ice creams from their menu ''after this storm of violence and insults.''

The ice creams were already on the menu when the current owners in 1986 took over the cafe&nbsp;opened in 1947.

''We are not 'racist.'' We respect everyone!''&nbsp;they wrote in their Facebook post.

<img alt="Facebook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="664397d8-3bce-47f6-8ef7-4ddd5cd1433f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%20454.PNG" />

Naively, we kept these ice creams as they were, without any bad thoughts. They surely date from the colonial era but past history has made the France of today."

''These ice creams have given pleasure to many generations of families of different origins. If they have bothered a few people recently we are sorry.''&nbsp;the owners added.

&nbsp;

A cafe on France's Cote d'Azur is now pulling its ‘Chinese’ and ‘African’ desserts from its menu, responding to accusations of racism. While the African ice cream dessert was topped by a chocolate-covered meringue ball decorated with thick red lips, the Chinese lemon sorbet had a yellow meringue head, with thinly drawn eyes.

A cafe on France's Cote d'Azur is now pulling its ‘Chinese’ and ‘African’ desserts from its menu, responding to accusations of racism. While the African ice cream dessert was topped by a chocolate-covered meringue ball decorated with thick red lips, the Chinese lemon sorbet had a yellow meringue head, with thinly drawn eyes. A July 20 tweet calling for a boycott of Le Poussin Bleu (The Blue Chick) in Saint-Rapha for its racist ice creams had by Tuesday got tens of thousands of likes and retweets. Restaurant le Poussin Bleu à St Raphaël et leur sélection de glaces, c’est particulièrement raciste... non ? pic.twitter.com/rdwp6rO4Wi — Stioucha (@stioucha) August 2, 2019 × In a response on Facebook titled ''the African and the Chinese struck down by social networks,'' the cafe owners said they were expunging the ice creams from their menu ''after this storm of violence and insults.'' The ice creams were already on the menu when the current owners in 1986 took over the cafe opened in 1947. ''We are not 'racist.'' We respect everyone!'' they wrote in their Facebook post. Naively, we kept these ice creams as they were, without any bad thoughts. They surely date from the colonial era but past history has made the France of today." ''These ice creams have given pleasure to many generations of families of different origins. If they have bothered a few people recently we are sorry.'' the owners added.

Racist ice cream? French cafe pulls ‘Chinese’ and ‘African’ desserts after outcry

The protests began after the killing of Floyd, a Black man, in the custody of the Minneapolis police. Floyd died after a white police officer ignored bystander shouts to take his knee off Floyd’s neck as Floyd repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe.

Black Lives Matter protests across US | Texas | Portland | Washington | Oakland

Black Lives Matter protests have reignited in parts of the United States, including Seattle, after recent demonstrations in Portland descended into violence.

Trump calls Portland protesters 'Anarchists' and 'Wall of Moms' a scam

America takes pride in its federalism It also takes pride in being 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'. They make the very foundation of the United States. A foundation that its own president has now put at risk. Trump's response to the killing of a black man-George Floyd has not gone down too well with Americans.

The president first called the protesters terrorists and then he sent federal troops to battle them.&nbsp;This is the United States four&nbsp;months before elections. Protests have taken centre stage, and&nbsp;many are comparing the situation to a Civil War. This weekend was a particularly violent one.

Protests flared up across the United States. From Portland to Austin, thousands of people came out on the streets protesting racial injustice, police brutality and over policing. In portland, federal troops deployed tear gas and flash bags to disperse the demonstrators. At least a dozen protesters were arrested in Seattle.

Police claim that the demonstrators had attacked them with rocks, fireworks and bottles. Protests also spread to Luivil in Kentucky. At least 80 people were arrested for assault and disorderly conduct. Similar scenes played out at Austin, Aurora and Oakland.

Meanwhile, Trump said the city mayors had failed to rein in the protest and sent federal troops to fight the protesters. Trump deployed officers from the customs and border protection agency.

They are supposed to safeguard America's border, and fight terrorists but here they were fighting Americans at home. The Federal troops clashed with the protesters. Unidentified officers began arresting people and bundling them into unmarked cars. While all of this is may be okay in authoritarian regimes, democratic America would have none of it.

Trump's response to the protests only strengthened the cry against police brutality and it ended up sparking a fresh chain of protests. Trump reacted to this by sending troops to more cities.

Several US&nbsp;presidents have tried to secure their re-election by waging a war, by&nbsp;sending troops to other countries but&nbsp;Trump has waged a war against his own voters. He has triggered a stand-off between Americans and the Federal troops.

He has also put federalism and democracy at stake. But none of this seem to be earning his brownie points. There are just four&nbsp;months to go for this elections and both the scenes on the streets and the opinion polls are pointing against him.

America takes pride in its federalism It also takes pride in being 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'. They make the very foundation of the United States.

America takes pride in its federalism It also takes pride in being 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'. They make the very foundation of the United States. A foundation that its own president has now put at risk. Trump's response to the killing of a black man-George Floyd has not gone down too well with Americans. The president first called the protesters terrorists and then he sent federal troops to battle them. This is the United States four months before elections. Protests have taken centre stage, and many are comparing the situation to a Civil War. This weekend was a particularly violent one. Protests flared up across the United States. From Portland to Austin, thousands of people came out on the streets protesting racial injustice, police brutality and over policing. In portland, federal troops deployed tear gas and flash bags to disperse the demonstrators. At least a dozen protesters were arrested in Seattle. Police claim that the demonstrators had attacked them with rocks, fireworks and bottles. Protests also spread to Luivil in Kentucky. At least 80 people were arrested for assault and disorderly conduct. Similar scenes played out at Austin, Aurora and Oakland. Meanwhile, Trump said the city mayors had failed to rein in the protest and sent federal troops to fight the protesters. Trump deployed officers from the customs and border protection agency. They are supposed to safeguard America's border, and fight terrorists but here they were fighting Americans at home. The Federal troops clashed with the protesters. Unidentified officers began arresting people and bundling them into unmarked cars. While all of this is may be okay in authoritarian regimes, democratic America would have none of it. Trump's response to the protests only strengthened the cry against police brutality and it ended up sparking a fresh chain of protests. Trump reacted to this by sending troops to more cities. Several US presidents have tried to secure their re-election by waging a war, by sending troops to other countries but Trump has waged a war against his own voters. He has triggered a stand-off between Americans and the Federal troops. He has also put federalism and democracy at stake. But none of this seem to be earning his brownie points. There are just four months to go for this elections and both the scenes on the streets and the opinion polls are pointing against him.

Trump's war against American voters could cost him reelection

Seattle BLM violent protests: Over 45 people arrested, 21 police officers injured

Portland is now the scene of a highly controversial crackdown by federal agents ordered by US President Donald Trump -- one that is not supported by local officials, and which many said smacked of authoritarianism.

Civil unrest, however, was not only confined to Portland -- as thousands of people marched in Seattle on Saturday in the largest Black Lives Matter demonstration in weeks, with a renewed energy.

Police said officers used non-lethal weapons in attempts to disperse the crowd in the late afternoon after some protesters set fire to the construction site for a King County juvenile detention facility and courthouse.

Seattle Police said on Twitter they were working to secure access for the city's fire department to the blaze, which it said was started by about a dozen people who were part of a large group of demonstrators.

By late afternoon, the police said 11 people had been arrested and one officer was hospitalised with a leg injury caused by an explosive.

Police in Seattle used flashbang grenades and pepper spray Saturday against protesters who set fire to construction trailers outside a youth jail.&nbsp;The Seattle Police Department declared the protest a riot&nbsp;and said that protesters threw rocks at officers and caused multiple fires and damage to businesses.

Also on Saturday, three members of a black militia were shot in Louisville, Kentucky after a gun discharged at a Black Lives Matter protest.

The group of heavily armed Black protesters were marching through Louisville demanding justice for Breonna Taylor, a Black woman killed in March by police officers who burst into her apartment.

Scores of the demonstrators, carrying semi-automatic rifles and shotguns and clad in black paramilitary gear, walked in formation to a fenced off intersection where they were separated by police from a smaller group of armed counter-protesters.

One police officer involved in the raid was fired by the city's police department in June. Two other officers have been placed on administrative reassignment. No criminal charges have been filed against any of the three.

The leader of the NFAC group called on officials to speed up the investigation into her death and to be more transparent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/following-multiple-arrests-seattle-police-department-declares-capitol-hill-protest-a-riot-316002">Also read |&nbsp;Following multiple arrests, Seattle Police department declares Capitol Hill protest a 'riot'</a>

Taylor's death, which returned to prominence following the May 25 suffocation in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, has become a rallying cry in nationwide protests against police brutality and racial bias in the US criminal justice system.

The NFAC first drew attention on July 4 when they rallied in Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta to demand the removal of the giant Confederate rock carving at the site that civil rights activists consider a monument to racism.

Meanwhile, police and federal agents fired tear gas and forcefully dispersed protesters in the US city of Portland on Saturday.

Trump, who is campaigning for re-election in November on "law and order," announced on Wednesday a "surge" of federal agents to crime hotspots including Chicago, following an increase in violence in the nation's third-largest city.

Federal agents deployed there will partner with local law enforcement, not riot control forces as seen in Portland.

Local officials have warned they would draw the line at any Portland-style deployment.

(with inputs from agencies)

Portland is now the scene of a highly controversial crackdown by federal agents ordered by US President Donald Trump -- one that is not supported by local officials, and which many said smacked of authoritarianism.

Portland is now the scene of a highly controversial crackdown by federal agents ordered by US President Donald Trump -- one that is not supported by local officials, and which many said smacked of authoritarianism. Civil unrest, however, was not only confined to Portland -- as thousands of people marched in Seattle on Saturday in the largest Black Lives Matter demonstration in weeks, with a renewed energy. Police said officers used non-lethal weapons in attempts to disperse the crowd in the late afternoon after some protesters set fire to the construction site for a King County juvenile detention facility and courthouse. Seattle Police said on Twitter they were working to secure access for the city's fire department to the blaze, which it said was started by about a dozen people who were part of a large group of demonstrators. By late afternoon, the police said 11 people had been arrested and one officer was hospitalised with a leg injury caused by an explosive. Police in Seattle used flashbang grenades and pepper spray Saturday against protesters who set fire to construction trailers outside a youth jail. The Seattle Police Department declared the protest a riot and said that protesters threw rocks at officers and caused multiple fires and damage to businesses. Also on Saturday, three members of a black militia were shot in Louisville, Kentucky after a gun discharged at a Black Lives Matter protest. The group of heavily armed Black protesters were marching through Louisville demanding justice for Breonna Taylor, a Black woman killed in March by police officers who burst into her apartment. Scores of the demonstrators, carrying semi-automatic rifles and shotguns and clad in black paramilitary gear, walked in formation to a fenced off intersection where they were separated by police from a smaller group of armed counter-protesters. One police officer involved in the raid was fired by the city's police department in June. Two other officers have been placed on administrative reassignment. No criminal charges have been filed against any of the three. The leader of the NFAC group called on officials to speed up the investigation into her death and to be more transparent. Also read | Following multiple arrests, Seattle Police department declares Capitol Hill protest a 'riot' Taylor's death, which returned to prominence following the May 25 suffocation in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, has become a rallying cry in nationwide protests against police brutality and racial bias in the US criminal justice system. The NFAC first drew attention on July 4 when they rallied in Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta to demand the removal of the giant Confederate rock carving at the site that civil rights activists consider a monument to racism. Meanwhile, police and federal agents fired tear gas and forcefully dispersed protesters in the US city of Portland on Saturday. Trump, who is campaigning for re-election in November on "law and order," announced on Wednesday a "surge" of federal agents to crime hotspots including Chicago, following an increase in violence in the nation's third-largest city. Federal agents deployed there will partner with local law enforcement, not riot control forces as seen in Portland. Local officials have warned they would draw the line at any Portland-style deployment. (with inputs from agencies)

Fresh violence in US as protesters clash with police in Seattle, Kentucky

A huge crowd gathered in Portland, Oregon on Wednesday night, as demonstrations continue against police brutality and the deployment of federal officers there. People screamed and sharply questioned Mayor Ted Wheeler, as he tried to address the crowd.

Huge crowd protests in Portland, Oregon

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration&nbsp;of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country.

In his first public comments on the Portland unrest,&nbsp;Biden said in a statement that Homeland Security agents in Portland, some without any identifying markings, had been "brutally attacking peaceful protesters" and ranging far from federal property to detain people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-virus-crisis-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better-warns-donald-trump-315005">US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump</a>

"We have a president who is determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better,"&nbsp;he added.

Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have defended the efforts of officers in Portland as the city has faced prolonged demonstrations against racial injustice, saying they were trying to protect federal property.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-portland-trump-will-send-unknown-forces-to-liberal-democrat-cities-to-muzzle-protests-314802">After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests</a>

Portland's mayor has protested the federal presence and Oregon's attorney general has filed a lawsuit, saying federal agents had seized and detained people without probable cause.

Congressional Democrats have demanded an internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

On Monday, Trump suggested he would send federal law enforcement agents into other cities, saying without presenting evidence that Democratic mayors in those places had failed to control crime.

Biden said officers had the right to protect federal property but could do it without "resorting to these egregious tactics, and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country."

Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh&nbsp;said Biden's statement showed the former vice president was "siding with the criminals."

"That Biden would accuse law enforcement of 'stoking the fires of division' while the mob is literally setting fires to police buildings is unconscionable. Biden has clearly lost his moral bearings and failed the leadership test."

Biden&nbsp;served as Democratic President Barack Obama's vice president and leads Republican President Donald Trump in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country. In his first public comments on the Portland unrest, Biden said in a statement that Homeland Security agents in Portland, some without any identifying markings, had been "brutally attacking peaceful protesters" and ranging far from federal property to detain people. Also read: US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump "We have a president who is determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better," he added. Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have defended the efforts of officers in Portland as the city has faced prolonged demonstrations against racial injustice, saying they were trying to protect federal property. Also read: After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests Portland's mayor has protested the federal presence and Oregon's attorney general has filed a lawsuit, saying federal agents had seized and detained people without probable cause. Congressional Democrats have demanded an internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. On Monday, Trump suggested he would send federal law enforcement agents into other cities, saying without presenting evidence that Democratic mayors in those places had failed to control crime. Biden said officers had the right to protect federal property but could do it without "resorting to these egregious tactics, and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country." Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said Biden's statement showed the former vice president was "siding with the criminals." "That Biden would accuse law enforcement of 'stoking the fires of division' while the mob is literally setting fires to police buildings is unconscionable. Biden has clearly lost his moral bearings and failed the leadership test." Biden served as Democratic President Barack Obama's vice president and leads Republican President Donald Trump in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election.

Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics'

US President Donald Trump has now warned that he will now send Federal troops to some major US cities amid the 'Black Lives Matter' protests. Watch report.

Donald Trump: Federal troops charge at Portland protests

The family of George Floyd whose murder by a Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests across the United States has sued the city for his death.

The family filed the wrongful death lawsuit in the Federal District Court in Minneapolis, even as the four officers involved in the Floyd's death have yet to go on trial on murder and related charges.

Floyd died on May 25 when now-fired officer Derek Chauvin held his knee to his neck for more than eight minutes after the 46-year-old black man was detained for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a grocery. A bystander video then showed Floyd pleading for his life, saying "I can't breathe," before he went limp and died.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-sets-george-floyd-murder-trial-for-next-year-309526">Also read |&nbsp;US judge sets George Floyd murder trial for next year|</a>

It's not specified how much in damages the family is asking. Chauvin, 44, remained at a maximum-security prison in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Three other fired officers who either helped hold Floyd down or stood guard are charged with abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. All three have posted $750,000 bail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-floyd-said-officers-would-kill-him-in-new-recording-transcript-311822">Also read |&nbsp;George Floyd said officers would 'kill' him in new recording transcript</a>

The family of George Floyd whose murder by a Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests across the United States has sued the city for his death. The family filed the wrongful death lawsuit in the Federal District Court in Minneapolis, even as the four officers involved in the Floyd's death have yet to go on trial on murder and related charges.

The family of George Floyd whose murder by a Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests across the United States has sued the city for his death. The family filed the wrongful death lawsuit in the Federal District Court in Minneapolis, even as the four officers involved in the Floyd's death have yet to go on trial on murder and related charges. Floyd died on May 25 when now-fired officer Derek Chauvin held his knee to his neck for more than eight minutes after the 46-year-old black man was detained for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a grocery. A bystander video then showed Floyd pleading for his life, saying "I can't breathe," before he went limp and died. Also read | US judge sets George Floyd murder trial for next year| It's not specified how much in damages the family is asking. Chauvin, 44, remained at a maximum-security prison in Stillwater, Minnesota. Three other fired officers who either helped hold Floyd down or stood guard are charged with abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. All three have posted $750,000 bail. Also read | George Floyd said officers would 'kill' him in new recording transcript

Family sues Minneapolis for George Floyd's death in police hands

Police worldwide have taken to technology to fight crime and undetake surveillance operations with the help of drones but a unique startup in Chicago named Benchmark Analytics has come up with a software to pointout police behaviour which the Minneapolis&nbsp;Police Department is looking at very seriously in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder by a police officer.

The announcement was made earlier by police chief Medaria Arradondo. The software has been jointly developed by University of Chicago. The model with the help of algorithms is reportedly able to predict which cop is likely to engage in improper behaviour.

The system takes into account complaints filed by residents, profile of policemen and then ranks them on their "risk" factor.

According to the company's CEO Ron Huberman it combines the University of Chicago's analytical technology with the police department's data to arrive at a conclusion by generating a daily score. It helps the department to work with the cop and help the person to be coached before an official complaint is raised.

The technology helps to negate the possibility of a one-off behaviour by a cop which could lead to mishandling of an incident rather it analysies a pattern of behaviour so that corrective steps can be taken beforehand.

The company has said the &nbsp;predictive data is being used by several law enforcement agencies with Nashville set to flag off the techonlogy shortly.

However, the technology is also dependent on the quality of data and lack of accuracy could hamper its pin-point usage, also the technology is expensive which not every agency or departement can afford.

Nashville's department has reportedly paid $455,000 for a three-year contract, although some agencies have reported it is a three-year deal. The licensed product which is now being widely put on display for commercial purposes has been a point of contention among officials.

Police worldwide have taken to technology to fight crime and undetake surveillance operations with the help of drones but a unique startup in Chicago named Benchmark Analytics has come up with a software to pointout police behaviour which the Minneapolis Police Department is looking at very seriously in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder by a police officer.

Police worldwide have taken to technology to fight crime and undetake surveillance operations with the help of drones but a unique startup in Chicago named Benchmark Analytics has come up with a software to pointout police behaviour which the Minneapolis Police Department is looking at very seriously in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder by a police officer. The announcement was made earlier by police chief Medaria Arradondo. The software has been jointly developed by University of Chicago. The model with the help of algorithms is reportedly able to predict which cop is likely to engage in improper behaviour. The system takes into account complaints filed by residents, profile of policemen and then ranks them on their "risk" factor. According to the company's CEO Ron Huberman it combines the University of Chicago's analytical technology with the police department's data to arrive at a conclusion by generating a daily score. It helps the department to work with the cop and help the person to be coached before an official complaint is raised. The technology helps to negate the possibility of a one-off behaviour by a cop which could lead to mishandling of an incident rather it analysies a pattern of behaviour so that corrective steps can be taken beforehand. The company has said the predictive data is being used by several law enforcement agencies with Nashville set to flag off the techonlogy shortly. However, the technology is also dependent on the quality of data and lack of accuracy could hamper its pin-point usage, also the technology is expensive which not every agency or departement can afford. Nashville's department has reportedly paid $455,000 for a three-year contract, although some agencies have reported it is a three-year deal. The licensed product which is now being widely put on display for commercial purposes has been a point of contention among officials.

George Floyd death: Technology can now predict police officer's behaviour

A statue of an anti-racism protester in Britain which had replaced one of a slave trader was removed Thursday, local authorities said, in an ongoing battle over the symbolic empty plinth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-surge-of-power-blm-protesters-sculpture-replaces-slave-trader-edward-colston-313497" hreflang="en">'A surge of power': BLM protester's sculpture replaces slave trader Edward Colston</a>

The authorities in the southwestern city of Bristol said they had taken down the sculpture -- entitled "A Surge of Power" showing Black Lives Matter demonstrator Jen Reid with her fist raised -- almost exactly 24 hours after it was placed on the plinth without permission.

"This morning we removed the sculpture," Bristol city council said in a statement. "It will be held at our museum for the artist to collect or donate to our collection."

The sculpture was secretly put in place on Wednesday, and was inspired by events in Bristol last month which saw anti-racism protesters remove the statue of slave trader Edward Colston and dump it in the local harbour.

Reid had attended the unveiling and said: "I can't see it coming down in a hurry".

But local authority officials insisted it was for the whole city to decide what should replace the Colston statue, which had stood on the plinth since 1895.

"The sculpture that has been installed today was the work and decision of a London-based artist," Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It was not requested and permission was not given for it to be installed.

"The future of the plinth and what is installed on it must be decided by the people of Bristol."

Protests in Bristol took place following the killing of African American George Floyd by police in the US state of Minnesota.

His death helped fuel global protests, including in the UK, where much of the focus of demonstrations has been on Britain's colonial past.

Colston was a 17th century slave trader and Conservative MP whose company forcibly moved large numbers of West Africans.

A native of Bristol, his name is commemorated in many landmarks across the city.

The impact of the march in Bristol has seen calls for other statues in the UK to be taken down, including that of colonialist Cecil Rhodes at Oxford University's Oriel College.

There have also been counter-demonstrations to protect some statues, including one of wartime leader Winston Churchill in London and the founder of the Scout movement, Robert Baden-Powell, in Poole on England's south coast.

A statue of an anti-racism protester in Britain which had replaced one of a slave trader was removed Thursday, local authorities said, in an ongoing battle over the symbolic empty plinth.

A statue of an anti-racism protester in Britain which had replaced one of a slave trader was removed Thursday, local authorities said, in an ongoing battle over the symbolic empty plinth. Also read: 'A surge of power': BLM protester's sculpture replaces slave trader Edward Colston The authorities in the southwestern city of Bristol said they had taken down the sculpture -- entitled "A Surge of Power" showing Black Lives Matter demonstrator Jen Reid with her fist raised -- almost exactly 24 hours after it was placed on the plinth without permission. "This morning we removed the sculpture," Bristol city council said in a statement. "It will be held at our museum for the artist to collect or donate to our collection." The sculpture was secretly put in place on Wednesday, and was inspired by events in Bristol last month which saw anti-racism protesters remove the statue of slave trader Edward Colston and dump it in the local harbour. Reid had attended the unveiling and said: "I can't see it coming down in a hurry". But local authority officials insisted it was for the whole city to decide what should replace the Colston statue, which had stood on the plinth since 1895. "The sculpture that has been installed today was the work and decision of a London-based artist," Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said on Wednesday. "It was not requested and permission was not given for it to be installed. "The future of the plinth and what is installed on it must be decided by the people of Bristol." Protests in Bristol took place following the killing of African American George Floyd by police in the US state of Minnesota. His death helped fuel global protests, including in the UK, where much of the focus of demonstrations has been on Britain's colonial past. Colston was a 17th century slave trader and Conservative MP whose company forcibly moved large numbers of West Africans. A native of Bristol, his name is commemorated in many landmarks across the city. The impact of the march in Bristol has seen calls for other statues in the UK to be taken down, including that of colonialist Cecil Rhodes at Oxford University's Oriel College. There have also been counter-demonstrations to protect some statues, including one of wartime leader Winston Churchill in London and the founder of the Scout movement, Robert Baden-Powell, in Poole on England's south coast.

UK Black Lives Matter sculpture removed

Body-camera footage made public on Wednesday shows a scared George Floyd pleading with the officers in the minutes before his death, saying "I'm not a bad guy!" as they tried to wrestle him into a squad car.

The footage has been released by two Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd's arrest.

"I'm not that kind of a guy," Floyd says as he struggles against the officers. "I just had Covid, man, I don't want to go back to that."&nbsp;

An onlooker pleads with Floyd to stop struggling, saying, "You can't win!" Floyd replies, "I don't want to win!"

A few minutes later, with Floyd now facedown on the street, the cameras record his fading voice, still occasionally saying, "I can't breathe" before he goes still.

Transcripts of the footage were also released earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-floyd-said-officers-would-kill-him-in-new-recording-transcript-311822">Also read | George Floyd said officers would 'kill' him in new recording transcript</a>

The recordings from Officers Thomas Lane and J. Kueng are part of the criminal case against them and two other officers in Floyd's May 25 death.&nbsp;

Derek Chauvin, who held his knee against Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes, is charged with second-degree murder. Lane, Kueng and another officer, Tou Thao, are charged with aiding and abetting.

All four officers were fired the day after Floyd died.

Floyd was detained for the minor charge of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill, and while in handcuffs, two of the officers held him down on the street while Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck and the fourth officer stood watch.

Floyd's death set off tumultuous protests in Minneapolis that quickly spread around the world and sparked a national reckoning on race -- by the name of Black Lives Matter movement.

In the video, it's shown Floyd's hands are soon handcuffed behind his back as soon as he steps out of his car.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-sues-minneapolis-for-george-floyds-death-in-police-hands-313555">Also read | Family sues Minneapolis for George Floyd's death in police hands</a>

"I think he's passing out," one officer says as they overpower Floyd.&nbsp;

"You guys all right, though?" someone asks. "Yeah - good so far," says one. Another - apparently Lane - says: "My knee might be a little scratched, but I'll survive."

The officers are then seen pondering over Floyd's lifeless state.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Body-camera footage made public on Wednesday shows a scared George Floyd pleading with the officers in the minutes before his death, saying "I'm not a bad guy!" as they tried to wrestle him into a squad car.

Body-camera footage made public on Wednesday shows a scared George Floyd pleading with the officers in the minutes before his death, saying "I'm not a bad guy!" as they tried to wrestle him into a squad car. The footage has been released by two Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd's arrest. "I'm not that kind of a guy," Floyd says as he struggles against the officers. "I just had Covid, man, I don't want to go back to that." An onlooker pleads with Floyd to stop struggling, saying, "You can't win!" Floyd replies, "I don't want to win!" A few minutes later, with Floyd now facedown on the street, the cameras record his fading voice, still occasionally saying, "I can't breathe" before he goes still. Transcripts of the footage were also released earlier. Also read | George Floyd said officers would 'kill' him in new recording transcript The recordings from Officers Thomas Lane and J. Kueng are part of the criminal case against them and two other officers in Floyd's May 25 death. Derek Chauvin, who held his knee against Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes, is charged with second-degree murder. Lane, Kueng and another officer, Tou Thao, are charged with aiding and abetting. All four officers were fired the day after Floyd died. Floyd was detained for the minor charge of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill, and while in handcuffs, two of the officers held him down on the street while Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck and the fourth officer stood watch. Floyd's death set off tumultuous protests in Minneapolis that quickly spread around the world and sparked a national reckoning on race -- by the name of Black Lives Matter movement. In the video, it's shown Floyd's hands are soon handcuffed behind his back as soon as he steps out of his car. Also read | Family sues Minneapolis for George Floyd's death in police hands "I think he's passing out," one officer says as they overpower Floyd. "You guys all right, though?" someone asks. "Yeah - good so far," says one. Another - apparently Lane - says: "My knee might be a little scratched, but I'll survive." The officers are then seen pondering over Floyd's lifeless state. (with inputs from agencies)

'I'm not a bad guy': A distraught George Floyd says in newly released footage

United States President Donald Trump on July 14 claimed that “more white people” die while interacting with police officers than black people. This comes in the aftermath of the large-scale global protests against institutional racism and police brutality.

After George Floyd was knelt on and killed by an Officer Chauvin in Minneapolis, the US has roared “Black Lives Matter” across all cities, even amid rising cases of COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-calls-covid-school-closures-a-terrible-decision-even-as-death-toll-rises-313341" hreflang="en">Trump calls COVID school closures a 'terrible decision' even as death toll rises</a>

"So are white people", statistics don't agree

While sitting down for an interview with CBS, Trump was asked why people of colour have a higher rate of dying at the hands of police officers. He responded with “so are white people”. He then repeated himself, and said again “so are white people. What a terrible question to ask. So are white people. More white people, by the way. More white people”.

Statistics don’t support the US president. Black people are more likely to be killed in police custody across the US.&nbsp; Based on “Fatal Encounters” - an independent organisation that looks into killings across the US, two researchers Gabriel Schwartz and Jaquelyn Jahn from Harvard University carved out a comparison in data falling in the bracket of 2013-2017. They found that racial inequalities persist in many parts of the country.&nbsp; In south-western US states, black people were killed almost thrice as much as white people. In Chicago, the rate was much higher, with black people six times more likely to be killed by police.

Another 2019 study found that young black men are at the highest risk of being killed by the police in the US.

The Washington Post did a similar follow up which found that even though white people are as killed as much as black Americans, the latter are shot more than the former. The found that even though the black population makes up 13 per cent of the US, they are twice as likely to be killed by the police.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/protesters-seek-to-defame-our-heroes-says-us-president-trump-at-mount-rushmore-310663/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump supports police

In the midst of the growing calls for defunding the police and setting up a social watch programme across the country, people have responded to Floyd’s murder quite intensely.

Trump, while referring to the US police forces said that they “do an incredible job in this country”.

"You can have a rogue, terrible cop, on occasion like you do in any industry, any business, in any profession," the president added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-convinced-many-countries-not-to-use-huawei-its-a-big-security-risk-trump-313340" hreflang="en">US convinced many countries not to use Huawei, it's a big security risk: Trump</a>

The American Civil Liberties Union's Jeffery Robinson called Trump's comments racist in a statement.&nbsp; "Trump's racism is so absolute that he continues to refuse to give even a tacit acknowledgment to the epidemic of police violence against Black people in America," he said. Many others also feel that Trump is still yet to formally acknowledge police brutality against African Americans in the country.

In the aftermath of the protests, many Confederate symbols across the country have been forcibly removed by protesters. It is largely seen as the last remaining symbol of slavery in the country, especially in the southern states.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trailing-in-the-polls-trump-targets-biden-at-white-house-press-event-313338" hreflang="en">Trailing in the polls, Trump targets Biden at White House press event</a>

During the same interview, Trump implied that not every Confederate symbol is about slavery. “I know people that like the Confederate flag and they’re not thinking about slavery. It’s freedom of speech.”

Yesterday, on July 13, an analysis by the Washington Post claimed that Trump has made over 20,000 false since taking over as the president. On an average, this amounts to 23 lies in one day. And this claim that white people die more at the hands of the police could be another one.

(With inputs from Reuters)

United States President Donald Trump on July 14 claimed that “more white people” die while interacting with police officers than black people. This comes in the aftermath of the large-scale global protests against institutional racism and police brutality.

United States President Donald Trump on July 14 claimed that “more white people” die while interacting with police officers than black people. This comes in the aftermath of the large-scale global protests against institutional racism and police brutality. After George Floyd was knelt on and killed by an Officer Chauvin in Minneapolis, the US has roared “Black Lives Matter” across all cities, even amid rising cases of COVID-19. Also read: Trump calls COVID school closures a 'terrible decision' even as death toll rises "So are white people", statistics don't agree While sitting down for an interview with CBS, Trump was asked why people of colour have a higher rate of dying at the hands of police officers. He responded with “so are white people”. He then repeated himself, and said again “so are white people. What a terrible question to ask. So are white people. More white people, by the way. More white people”. Statistics don’t support the US president. Black people are more likely to be killed in police custody across the US. Based on “Fatal Encounters” - an independent organisation that looks into killings across the US, two researchers Gabriel Schwartz and Jaquelyn Jahn from Harvard University carved out a comparison in data falling in the bracket of 2013-2017. They found that racial inequalities persist in many parts of the country. In south-western US states, black people were killed almost thrice as much as white people. In Chicago, the rate was much higher, with black people six times more likely to be killed by police. Another 2019 study found that young black men are at the highest risk of being killed by the police in the US. The Washington Post did a similar follow up which found that even though white people are as killed as much as black Americans, the latter are shot more than the former. The found that even though the black population makes up 13 per cent of the US, they are twice as likely to be killed by the police. Trump supports police In the midst of the growing calls for defunding the police and setting up a social watch programme across the country, people have responded to Floyd’s murder quite intensely. Trump, while referring to the US police forces said that they “do an incredible job in this country”. "You can have a rogue, terrible cop, on occasion like you do in any industry, any business, in any profession," the president added. Also read: US convinced many countries not to use Huawei, it's a big security risk: Trump The American Civil Liberties Union's Jeffery Robinson called Trump's comments racist in a statement. "Trump's racism is so absolute that he continues to refuse to give even a tacit acknowledgment to the epidemic of police violence against Black people in America," he said. Many others also feel that Trump is still yet to formally acknowledge police brutality against African Americans in the country. In the aftermath of the protests, many Confederate symbols across the country have been forcibly removed by protesters. It is largely seen as the last remaining symbol of slavery in the country, especially in the southern states. Also read: Trailing in the polls, Trump targets Biden at White House press event During the same interview, Trump implied that not every Confederate symbol is about slavery. “I know people that like the Confederate flag and they’re not thinking about slavery. It’s freedom of speech.” Yesterday, on July 13, an analysis by the Washington Post claimed that Trump has made over 20,000 false since taking over as the president. On an average, this amounts to 23 lies in one day. And this claim that white people die more at the hands of the police could be another one. (With inputs from Reuters)

In a series of bizarre claims, Trump says 'more white people are killed' by the police in the US

A large Black Lives Matter mural was unveiled in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem on Wednesday. Local artists began painting the mural located in the center of Harlem on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd at 125th Street on Friday, July 3. The two-block long mural was painted with colorful symbols of the African American experience.

Black Lives Matter mural unveiled in Harlem

George Floyd said he couldn't breathe more than 20 times, called out for his children and late mother and said officers would "kill" him before he died in Minneapolis police custody, new evidence showed.

Video of his death went viral and showed Floyd shouting "I can't breathe" and calling for his mother as he suffocated.

But transcripts of the police officers' body camera footage, filed Tuesday in Minnesota state court by Thomas Lane, one of the officers involved in Floyd's death, has revealed new details about his final moments.

When the officers first arrested him, Floyd begged them not to put him in the police car, telling them he was claustrophobic and in physical distress.

As they tried to force him into the car, Floyd cried out that he couldn't breathe and was "going to die in here."

Later, according to the transcript, he said, "Momma, I love you. Tell my kids I love them. I'm dead." He called for his mother and children several more times.

Throughout his arrest, Floyd said "I can't breathe" more than 20 times. The officers can be heard telling him to "relax," and that he was doing "fine" and "talking fine."

At one point, as Floyd insisted they were going to kill him, officer Derek Chauvin shouted, "Then stop talking, stop yelling, it takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk."

I CAN'T BREATHE

According to the transcript, Floyd's last words were, "They're going to kill me. They're going to kill me. I can't breathe."

The transcript was submitted Tuesday by Lane to have the charges that he aided and abetted in Floyd's murder thrown out by a judge.

He and the other three officers involved -- Chauvin, Tou Thao and Alexander Kueng -- were all fired from the Minneapolis police force one day after Floyd's death and charged in his murder. They each face up to 40 years behind bars.

Chauvin, who knelt on the handcuffed 46-year-old's neck, faces second and third-degree murder charges.

Thao and Kueng, like Lane, have been charged with aiding and abetting a murder. 
The bystander video of Floyd's death stunned and horrified Americans, igniting protests and riots in cities across the country and sparking a national debate on racism and police violence.

Floyd was detained for the minor charge of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill, and while in handcuffs, two of the officers held him down on the street while Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck and the fourth officer stood watch.

George Floyd said he couldn't breathe more than 20 times, called out for his children and late mother and said officers would "kill" him before he died in Minneapolis police custody, new evidence showed.

George Floyd said he couldn't breathe more than 20 times, called out for his children and late mother and said officers would "kill" him before he died in Minneapolis police custody, new evidence showed. Video of his death went viral and showed Floyd shouting "I can't breathe" and calling for his mother as he suffocated. But transcripts of the police officers' body camera footage, filed Tuesday in Minnesota state court by Thomas Lane, one of the officers involved in Floyd's death, has revealed new details about his final moments. When the officers first arrested him, Floyd begged them not to put him in the police car, telling them he was claustrophobic and in physical distress. As they tried to force him into the car, Floyd cried out that he couldn't breathe and was "going to die in here." Later, according to the transcript, he said, "Momma, I love you. Tell my kids I love them. I'm dead." He called for his mother and children several more times. Throughout his arrest, Floyd said "I can't breathe" more than 20 times. The officers can be heard telling him to "relax," and that he was doing "fine" and "talking fine." At one point, as Floyd insisted they were going to kill him, officer Derek Chauvin shouted, "Then stop talking, stop yelling, it takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk." I CAN'T BREATHE According to the transcript, Floyd's last words were, "They're going to kill me. They're going to kill me. I can't breathe." The transcript was submitted Tuesday by Lane to have the charges that he aided and abetted in Floyd's murder thrown out by a judge. He and the other three officers involved -- Chauvin, Tou Thao and Alexander Kueng -- were all fired from the Minneapolis police force one day after Floyd's death and charged in his murder. They each face up to 40 years behind bars. Chauvin, who knelt on the handcuffed 46-year-old's neck, faces second and third-degree murder charges. Thao and Kueng, like Lane, have been charged with aiding and abetting a murder. The bystander video of Floyd's death stunned and horrified Americans, igniting protests and riots in cities across the country and sparking a national debate on racism and police violence. Floyd was detained for the minor charge of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill, and while in handcuffs, two of the officers held him down on the street while Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck and the fourth officer stood watch.

George Floyd said officers would 'kill' him in new recording transcript

Justin Timberlake is the latest celebrity to demand the removal of confederate statues from various parts of the US. The singer-actor took to Instagram on Monday to demand the removal of the status amid protests across the country.

"A lot of you know I’m from Tennessee...a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments. I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this. When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted from racism. Plain and simple," Timberlake wrote in his caption.

He wrote a long caption as he posted a video featuring the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) deputy legal director Jeffrey Robinson. In the video, Robinson can be seen saying the top 10 states with confederate monuments "account for over 4,000 lynchings in 73 years from 1977 to 1950."

"This is when you hear 'But that’s all in the past'. So let’s be clear... those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country," the post further read.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCUKBZeh0Ij/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">...a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments. I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this. ⠀ ⠀ When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted from racism. Plain and simple. ⠀ ⠀ This is when you hear “But that’s all in the past”. So let’s be clear... those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country. ⠀ ⠀ There are roughly 1,848 confederate statues of in the US. More than half are in The South, and it’s not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners. ⠀ If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down. But let’s remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country’s vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it’s a step towards progress and actual equality for all. ⠀ ⠀ This video is by @aclu_nationwide, which has been fighting hard to remove these statues across the country. Their Legal Director #JeffreyRobinson has been speaking on this issue for years (you can find more in the link in my bio). Please follow them and learn more about the history of the monuments in your own states and counties.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justintimberlake/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Justin Timberlake</a> (@justintimberlake) on <time datetime="2020-07-06T21:05:02+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 6, 2020 at 2:05pm PDT</time>
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The singer added that there are about " 1,848 confederate statues" still standing in the United States. 
 
"More than half are in The South, and it's not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners," Timberlake wrote. "If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down." 
But let's remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country's vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it's a step towards progress and actual equality for all," Timberlake concluded. 
 
Timberlake joins Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon and several other celebrities who have recently been vocal of the racial injustice in America clear. Earlier, singer Faith Hill urged her native state of Mississippi's state legislature to replace its flag featuring the Confederate emblem.

Justin Timberlake is the latest celebrity to demand the removal of confederate statues from various parts of the US. The singer-actor took to Instagram on Monday to demand the removal of the status amid protests across the country.

Justin Timberlake is the latest celebrity to demand the removal of confederate statues from various parts of the US. The singer-actor took to Instagram on Monday to demand the removal of the status amid protests across the country. "A lot of you know I’m from Tennessee...a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments. I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this. When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted from racism. Plain and simple," Timberlake wrote in his caption. He wrote a long caption as he posted a video featuring the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) deputy legal director Jeffrey Robinson. In the video, Robinson can be seen saying the top 10 states with confederate monuments "account for over 4,000 lynchings in 73 years from 1977 to 1950." "This is when you hear 'But that’s all in the past'. So let’s be clear... those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country," the post further read. View this post on Instagram ...a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments. I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this. ⠀ ⠀ When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted from racism. Plain and simple. ⠀ ⠀ This is when you hear “But that’s all in the past”. So let’s be clear... those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country. ⠀ ⠀ There are roughly 1,848 confederate statues of in the US. More than half are in The South, and it’s not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners. ⠀ If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down. But let’s remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country’s vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it’s a step towards progress and actual equality for all. ⠀ ⠀ This video is by @aclu_nationwide, which has been fighting hard to remove these statues across the country. Their Legal Director #JeffreyRobinson has been speaking on this issue for years (you can find more in the link in my bio). Please follow them and learn more about the history of the monuments in your own states and counties. A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake) on Jul 6, 2020 at 2:05pm PDT × The singer added that there are about " 1,848 confederate statues" still standing in the United States. "More than half are in The South, and it's not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners," Timberlake wrote. "If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down." But let's remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country's vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it's a step towards progress and actual equality for all," Timberlake concluded. Timberlake joins Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon and several other celebrities who have recently been vocal of the racial injustice in America clear. Earlier, singer Faith Hill urged her native state of Mississippi's state legislature to replace its flag featuring the Confederate emblem.

Justin Timberlake calls for the removal of confederate statues across US

The white woman who called police against an African American birdwatcher by falsely accusing him of threatening her&nbsp;life after he asked her to leash her dog, has been criminally charged for the incident in New York.

Amy Cooper has been accused of filing a false report, punishable up to one year in jail.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-eight-wounded-after-us-nightclub-shooting-310946" hreflang="en">Two killed, eight wounded after US nightclub shooting</a>

The actions of the 41-year-old were&nbsp;recorded on video&nbsp;that went viral and were widely criticized as an example of everyday racism.&nbsp;

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Oh, when Karens take a walk with their dogs off leash in the famous Bramble in NY’s Central Park, where it is clearly posted on signs that dogs MUST be leashed at all times, and someone like my brother (an avid birder) politely asks her to put her dog on the leash. <a href="https://t.co/3YnzuATsDm">pic.twitter.com/3YnzuATsDm</a>
— Melody Cooper (@melodyMcooper) <a href="https://twitter.com/melodyMcooper/status/1264965252866641920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The incident occured on May 25 the same day on which George Floyd died in police custody triggering global anti-racism protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbus-statue-toppled-by-race-protesters-in-us-city-of-baltimore-310847" hreflang="en">Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore</a>

She was heavily criticised and was fired from her job even after she publicly apologised.

Cy Vance, Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement, ''Today our office initiated a prosecution of Amy Cooper for falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.''

''We are strongly committed to holding perpetrators of this conduct accountable,'' he added.

Cooper's lawyer did not respond to the statment. She is expected to be arrained on October 14.

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The white woman who called police against an African American birdwatcher by falsely accusing him of threatening her life after he asked her to leash her dog, has been criminally charged for the incident in New York.

The white woman who called police against an African American birdwatcher by falsely accusing him of threatening her life after he asked her to leash her dog, has been criminally charged for the incident in New York. Amy Cooper has been accused of filing a false report, punishable up to one year in jail. Also read: Two killed, eight wounded after US nightclub shooting The actions of the 41-year-old were recorded on video that went viral and were widely criticized as an example of everyday racism. Oh, when Karens take a walk with their dogs off leash in the famous Bramble in NY’s Central Park, where it is clearly posted on signs that dogs MUST be leashed at all times, and someone like my brother (an avid birder) politely asks her to put her dog on the leash. pic.twitter.com/3YnzuATsDm — Melody Cooper (@melodyMcooper) May 25, 2020 × The incident occured on May 25 the same day on which George Floyd died in police custody triggering global anti-racism protests. Also read: Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore She was heavily criticised and was fired from her job even after she publicly apologised. Cy Vance, Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement, ''Today our office initiated a prosecution of Amy Cooper for falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.'' ''We are strongly committed to holding perpetrators of this conduct accountable,'' he added. Cooper's lawyer did not respond to the statment. She is expected to be arrained on October 14.

Charge filed against white woman who called 911 against African American birdwatcher

Three Colorado police officers were fired and a fourth resigned after they shared photographs they took of themselves re-enacting a chokehold officers used to subdue a Black man who later died, authorities said on Friday.

Vanessa Wilson, interim chief of police in the Denver suburb of Aurora, called the officers' actions surrounding the death of Elijah McClain, who was unarmed, "reprehensible."

"I am disgusted to my core," Wilson said at a news conference announcing the firings.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-atlanta-policeman-charged-with-felony-murder-of-rayshard-brooks-306662">Ex-Atlanta policeman charged with felony murder of Rayshard Brooks</a>

The officers who were terminated were named as Jason Rosenblatt, Erica Marrero and Kyle Dittrich. The fourth officer, Jaron Jones, resigned on Tuesday.

<img alt="Colorado" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1da98a0-c6bc-48fa-8764-26c72e6d1235" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2894%29_1.jpg" />

Aurora Police Department officers Erica Marrero, Jaron Jones and Kyle Dittrich pose near a memorial to Elijah McClain, in Aurora, Colorado, US&nbsp;October 2019. Aurora Police Department/Handout via REUTERS

One photo depicts Dittrich and Jones recreating a carotid neck hold, while a grinning Marrero stands nearby. The pictures, which were released on Friday by authorities, were taken near the site where the fatal struggle took place.

Rosenblatt, who was among the officers who subdued McClain, was fired for responding "HaHa" after receiving the photo, Wilson said.

The McClain family attorney, Mari Newman, said police not only killed an innocent man but felt empowered to make a "mockery" of the incident by re-enacting it.

McClain, 23, was walking along a street in Aurora in August 2019 when he was approached by three officers on reports of a man acting suspiciously, although he had not committed any crimes.

During the confrontation, McClain said he could not breathe, according to audio recordings released by police.

The officers subdued McClain with the carotid chokehold, and paramedics later injected him with the sedative ketamine. He then went into cardiac arrest and was taken off life support days later.

A local prosecutor declined to file charges against the officers or paramedics, citing an autopsy that listed the cause of death as undetermined.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has appointed a special prosecutor to review the case, and this week the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice said they are investigating whether McClain's civil rights were violated.

Three Colorado police officers were fired and a fourth resigned after they shared photographs they took of themselves re-enacting a chokehold officers used to subdue a Black man who later died, authorities said on Friday.

Three Colorado police officers were fired and a fourth resigned after they shared photographs they took of themselves re-enacting a chokehold officers used to subdue a Black man who later died, authorities said on Friday. Vanessa Wilson, interim chief of police in the Denver suburb of Aurora, called the officers' actions surrounding the death of Elijah McClain, who was unarmed, "reprehensible." "I am disgusted to my core," Wilson said at a news conference announcing the firings. Also read: Ex-Atlanta policeman charged with felony murder of Rayshard Brooks The officers who were terminated were named as Jason Rosenblatt, Erica Marrero and Kyle Dittrich. The fourth officer, Jaron Jones, resigned on Tuesday. Aurora Police Department officers Erica Marrero, Jaron Jones and Kyle Dittrich pose near a memorial to Elijah McClain, in Aurora, Colorado, US October 2019. Aurora Police Department/Handout via REUTERS One photo depicts Dittrich and Jones recreating a carotid neck hold, while a grinning Marrero stands nearby. The pictures, which were released on Friday by authorities, were taken near the site where the fatal struggle took place. Rosenblatt, who was among the officers who subdued McClain, was fired for responding "HaHa" after receiving the photo, Wilson said. The McClain family attorney, Mari Newman, said police not only killed an innocent man but felt empowered to make a "mockery" of the incident by re-enacting it. McClain, 23, was walking along a street in Aurora in August 2019 when he was approached by three officers on reports of a man acting suspiciously, although he had not committed any crimes. During the confrontation, McClain said he could not breathe, according to audio recordings released by police. The officers subdued McClain with the carotid chokehold, and paramedics later injected him with the sedative ketamine. He then went into cardiac arrest and was taken off life support days later. A local prosecutor declined to file charges against the officers or paramedics, citing an autopsy that listed the cause of death as undetermined. Colorado Governor Jared Polis has appointed a special prosecutor to review the case, and this week the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice said they are investigating whether McClain's civil rights were violated.

Colorado police officers fired after photos mocking death of Black man surface

Ever since George Floyd died in police custody in America in May 2020, there has been a lot of conversation around racism and the lack of representation in different various fields. 
 
On Wednesday, Prince Harry apologised for institutional racism during a speech he recorded for the Diana Awards. It was Princess Diana's birth anniversary - and the charity that has been set up in her honour awards individuals for their humanitarian work. 
 
This year, owing to the pandemic, the ceremony was virtual and Duke of Sussex's address was a pre-recorded video clip. In his speech, Harry said that "institutional racism' has no place in our societies, yet it is still endemic." 
 
"My wife said recently that our generation and the ones before us haven't done enough to right the wrongs of the past," he said. 
 
"I, too, am sorry. Sorry that we haven't got the world to the place that you deserve it to be." 
 
The speech came on what would have been the 59th birthday of Princess Diana, the prince's mother. She died in a Paris car crash in 1997 when Harry was 12. 
 
Harry paid tribute to young people being recognized at the ceremony for their work on race and injustice, saying he saw 'greatest hope' in them amid the division and anger in the world. 
 
In 2016. Harry accused the media of harassing Meghan, his then-girlfriend, and criticized 'racial undertones' in some coverage of her. Meghan's mother is Black and her father is white. 
 
She gave a speech last month to students at her old high school in Los Angeles following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. 
 
The couple now lives in Los Angeles with their son, Archie, following their exit from roles as senior working royals earlier this year.

The Diana Awards 2020 honoured several young humanitarians- from India, UK, and Pakistan- for their exemplanary work for the underprivileged.

&nbsp;

Ever since George Floyd died in police custody in America in May 2020, there has been a lot of conversation around racism and the lack of representation in different various fields.

Ever since George Floyd died in police custody in America in May 2020, there has been a lot of conversation around racism and the lack of representation in different various fields. On Wednesday, Prince Harry apologised for institutional racism during a speech he recorded for the Diana Awards. It was Princess Diana's birth anniversary - and the charity that has been set up in her honour awards individuals for their humanitarian work. This year, owing to the pandemic, the ceremony was virtual and Duke of Sussex's address was a pre-recorded video clip. In his speech, Harry said that "institutional racism' has no place in our societies, yet it is still endemic." "My wife said recently that our generation and the ones before us haven't done enough to right the wrongs of the past," he said. "I, too, am sorry. Sorry that we haven't got the world to the place that you deserve it to be." The speech came on what would have been the 59th birthday of Princess Diana, the prince's mother. She died in a Paris car crash in 1997 when Harry was 12. Harry paid tribute to young people being recognized at the ceremony for their work on race and injustice, saying he saw 'greatest hope' in them amid the division and anger in the world. In 2016. Harry accused the media of harassing Meghan, his then-girlfriend, and criticized 'racial undertones' in some coverage of her. Meghan's mother is Black and her father is white. She gave a speech last month to students at her old high school in Los Angeles following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The couple now lives in Los Angeles with their son, Archie, following their exit from roles as senior working royals earlier this year. The Diana Awards 2020 honoured several young humanitarians- from India, UK, and Pakistan- for their exemplanary work for the underprivileged.

Prince Harry apologises for 'institutional racism' while addressing at the Diana Awards

The police officer charged with the murder of Rayshard Brooks, who was killed on June 12, has been released from jail, a local television network WSBTV reported.

Garrett Rolfe, the officer in question, has been released on the condition of wearing an ankle monitor and obeying a curfew. The 27-year-old’s bond has been set at $500,000. He was charged with murder.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/ex-atlanta-policeman-charged-with-felony-murder-of-rayshard-brooks-306662" hreflang="en">Ex-Atlanta policeman charged with felony murder of Rayshard Brooks</a>

Brooks, a black man was killed amid protests over the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police. Protests escalated after news broke that Brooks was shot in the back twice by Atlanta police on June 12, outside of a fast-food restaurant.

Over the last month, protests across the United States soared again racist behaviour by police, with many analysts backing the view that black folks are more susceptible to police brutality in the country, and have a higher rate of dying in an altercation with the police.

<h6><img alt="A Wendy’s burns following a rally against racial inequality and the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fda07367-db75-47e9-959d-fc89c295f261" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_5.jpg" /> 
A Wendy’s burns following a rally against racial inequality and the police shooting death of&nbsp;Rayshard&nbsp;Brooks, in Atlanta, Georgia, US | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

A second officer involved in the murder, Devin Brosnan, 26, was put on administrative duty and charged with aggravated assault. Following the uproar, the city's police chief had resigned.

Protesters had torched the Wendy’s restaurant where Brooks was killed. The employees of the restaurant had called the police saying that a man had fallen asleep in the parking lot.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/gravitas-anti-racism-movement-another-black-man-killed-in-us-306137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Brooks was killed amid a national wave of protests in the US sparked by the murder of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes. He was charged with second-degree murder and other three Minneapolis officers were charged with aiding and abetting.

Brooks was sleeping in his car when the police officer encountered him in the restaurant’s drive-through lane. Rolfe and Brosnan proceeded to administer a sobriety test, which led the situation to escalate.

In a video, Brooks was seen grabbing one of the officer’s Taser stun guns, and pointing it towards Rolfe before he was shot. However, investigators found that Rolfe had full knowledge of the fact that Taser had already been used twice, rendering it useless.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The police officer charged with the murder of Rayshard Brooks, who was killed on June 12, has been released from jail, a local television network WSBTV reported.

The police officer charged with the murder of Rayshard Brooks, who was killed on June 12, has been released from jail, a local television network WSBTV reported. Garrett Rolfe, the officer in question, has been released on the condition of wearing an ankle monitor and obeying a curfew. The 27-year-old’s bond has been set at $500,000. He was charged with murder. Also read: Ex-Atlanta policeman charged with felony murder of Rayshard Brooks Brooks, a black man was killed amid protests over the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police. Protests escalated after news broke that Brooks was shot in the back twice by Atlanta police on June 12, outside of a fast-food restaurant. Over the last month, protests across the United States soared again racist behaviour by police, with many analysts backing the view that black folks are more susceptible to police brutality in the country, and have a higher rate of dying in an altercation with the police. A Wendy’s burns following a rally against racial inequality and the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta, Georgia, US | Reuters A second officer involved in the murder, Devin Brosnan, 26, was put on administrative duty and charged with aggravated assault. Following the uproar, the city's police chief had resigned. Protesters had torched the Wendy’s restaurant where Brooks was killed. The employees of the restaurant had called the police saying that a man had fallen asleep in the parking lot. Brooks was killed amid a national wave of protests in the US sparked by the murder of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes. He was charged with second-degree murder and other three Minneapolis officers were charged with aiding and abetting. Brooks was sleeping in his car when the police officer encountered him in the restaurant’s drive-through lane. Rolfe and Brosnan proceeded to administer a sobriety test, which led the situation to escalate. In a video, Brooks was seen grabbing one of the officer’s Taser stun guns, and pointing it towards Rolfe before he was shot. However, investigators found that Rolfe had full knowledge of the fact that Taser had already been used twice, rendering it useless. (With inputs from Reuters)

Former officer charged with murdering Rayshard Brooks released from jail

The US Department of Homeland Security announce a special new task force Wednesday to protect historic monuments across the country, some of which have come under attack for glorifying the country's racist past. 
 
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement that he was positioning "rapid deployment teams" around the country to protect monuments and statues during the July 4th Independence Day holiday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/four-men-charged-for-trying-to-pull-down-statue-outside-white-house-309230" hreflang="en">Four men charged for trying to pull down statue outside White House</a> 
 
Many monuments have come under attack, and some pulled down, in the past month as protestors against police abuse of African Americans target figures of the pro-slavery south in the 1860s Civil War and other symbols of the country's legacy of slavery. 
 
But the monument protests have extended to revered early presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, both slave owners. 
 
In some cases, local governments under popular pressure have decided to remove the monuments themselves. 
 
President Donald Trump expressed outrage when on June 22 demonstrators attempted to pull down a statue directly in front of the White House of president Andrew Jackson, another slave owner who presided over the mass expulsion of Native Americans from their homelands in the 1830s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-issues-wanted-poster-for-people-who-vandalized-statues-308903" hreflang="en">Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues</a> 
 
Trump demanded US law enforcement arrest and prosecute anyone who damages a monument and imprison them for the maximum 10 years. 
 
"DHS is answering the president's call to use our law enforcement personnel across the country to protect our historic landmarks," Wolf said in the statement.&nbsp; 
 
"We won't stand idly by while violent anarchists and rioters seek not only to vandalize and destroy the symbols of our nation, but to disrupt law and order and sow chaos in our communities." 
 
The new "Protecting American Communities Task Force" will coordinate law enforcement and provide intelligence to protect monuments, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-signs-executive-order-to-protect-statues-makes-it-twitter-official-308907" hreflang="en">Trump signs executive order to protect statues; makes it Twitter-official</a> 
 
Trump tweeted early Wednesday that his recent executive order to protect monuments and statues is now in effect, reminding that damaging federal property could bring more than 10 years in prison. 
 
"Please do not put yourself in jeopardy. Many people now under arrest!" he wrote.

The US Department of Homeland Security announce a special new task force Wednesday to protect historic monuments across the country, some of which have come under attack for glorifying the country's racist past.

The US Department of Homeland Security announce a special new task force Wednesday to protect historic monuments across the country, some of which have come under attack for glorifying the country's racist past. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement that he was positioning "rapid deployment teams" around the country to protect monuments and statues during the July 4th Independence Day holiday. Also read: Four men charged for trying to pull down statue outside White House Many monuments have come under attack, and some pulled down, in the past month as protestors against police abuse of African Americans target figures of the pro-slavery south in the 1860s Civil War and other symbols of the country's legacy of slavery. But the monument protests have extended to revered early presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, both slave owners. In some cases, local governments under popular pressure have decided to remove the monuments themselves. President Donald Trump expressed outrage when on June 22 demonstrators attempted to pull down a statue directly in front of the White House of president Andrew Jackson, another slave owner who presided over the mass expulsion of Native Americans from their homelands in the 1830s. Also read: Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues Trump demanded US law enforcement arrest and prosecute anyone who damages a monument and imprison them for the maximum 10 years. "DHS is answering the president's call to use our law enforcement personnel across the country to protect our historic landmarks," Wolf said in the statement. "We won't stand idly by while violent anarchists and rioters seek not only to vandalize and destroy the symbols of our nation, but to disrupt law and order and sow chaos in our communities." The new "Protecting American Communities Task Force" will coordinate law enforcement and provide intelligence to protect monuments, he said. Also read: Trump signs executive order to protect statues; makes it Twitter-official Trump tweeted early Wednesday that his recent executive order to protect monuments and statues is now in effect, reminding that damaging federal property could bring more than 10 years in prison. "Please do not put yourself in jeopardy. Many people now under arrest!" he wrote.

US creates force to protect monuments amid anti-racism protests

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden.

Bush was the country’s 43rd president.

According to Reuters, the officials, including Cabinet secretaries and other senior people in the Bush administration, have formed a political action committee - 43 Alumni for Biden - to support the former vice president in his November 3 race -- the latest Republican-led group coming out to oppose the re-election of Donald Trump.

It is often said Trump has alienated some in his own party, most recently with his response to the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans.

The Super PAC will launch on Wednesday with a website and Facebook page. It plans to release “testimonial videos” praising Biden from high-profile Republicans and will hold get-out-the-vote efforts in the most competitive states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-slams-trumps-cognitive-capability-over-russian-bounty-intelligence-309774">Also read |&nbsp;Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence</a>

Bush’s office has been informed about the group, but the former president is not involved and has not indicated if he approves of its aims.

Freddy Ford, a spokesman for Bush, said Bush had retired “and won’t be wading into this election.”

Bush, who is still admired by many moderate Republicans, won praise for saying the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, in police custody reflected a “shocking failure”, and urged that protesters be heard.

Earlier, he released a video calling for Americans to unite in the face of the pandemic.

Despite policy differences with Biden, “hundreds” of former Bush officials believe the Democrat has the integrity to meet America’s challenges, the 43 Alumni members said.

As a Super PAC, the group’s members are forbidden by law from working with or communicating with the Biden campaign, but can raise unlimited amounts of money and run ads or hold events to support the candidate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-press-secretary-mocked-after-saying-trump-is-most-informed-person-309771">Also read |&nbsp;White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person'</a>

Dozens of Republican former national security officials are set to back Biden, claiming that Trump is a threat to US security, people involved in the effort told Reuters.

Other Republican groups opposing his re-election include the Lincoln Project, co-founded by George Conway, husband of Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway.

Trump has also drawn sharp criticism from retired military leaders over his apparent attempts to involve the armed forces in efforts to quell the anti-racism protests.

Trump has expressed contempt for Republican and conservative figures who oppose him, saying on Twitter that “Never Trumper” Republicans are “human scum.”

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden. Bush was the country’s 43rd president.

Hundreds of officials who worked for former Republican President George W Bush are set to endorse Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden. Bush was the country’s 43rd president. According to Reuters, the officials, including Cabinet secretaries and other senior people in the Bush administration, have formed a political action committee - 43 Alumni for Biden - to support the former vice president in his November 3 race -- the latest Republican-led group coming out to oppose the re-election of Donald Trump. It is often said Trump has alienated some in his own party, most recently with his response to the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans. The Super PAC will launch on Wednesday with a website and Facebook page. It plans to release “testimonial videos” praising Biden from high-profile Republicans and will hold get-out-the-vote efforts in the most competitive states. Also read | Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence Bush’s office has been informed about the group, but the former president is not involved and has not indicated if he approves of its aims. Freddy Ford, a spokesman for Bush, said Bush had retired “and won’t be wading into this election.” Bush, who is still admired by many moderate Republicans, won praise for saying the May 25 death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, in police custody reflected a “shocking failure”, and urged that protesters be heard. Earlier, he released a video calling for Americans to unite in the face of the pandemic. Despite policy differences with Biden, “hundreds” of former Bush officials believe the Democrat has the integrity to meet America’s challenges, the 43 Alumni members said. As a Super PAC, the group’s members are forbidden by law from working with or communicating with the Biden campaign, but can raise unlimited amounts of money and run ads or hold events to support the candidate. Also read | White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person' Dozens of Republican former national security officials are set to back Biden, claiming that Trump is a threat to US security, people involved in the effort told Reuters. Other Republican groups opposing his re-election include the Lincoln Project, co-founded by George Conway, husband of Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway. Trump has also drawn sharp criticism from retired military leaders over his apparent attempts to involve the armed forces in efforts to quell the anti-racism protests. Trump has expressed contempt for Republican and conservative figures who oppose him, saying on Twitter that “Never Trumper” Republicans are “human scum.”

Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report

A US couple brandishing an assault rifle and a handgun confronted protesters outside their Missouri mansion in a viral video that was retweeted by President Donald Trump, sparking divided reactions.

In the video, Mark McCloskey wears a pink polo shirt and pleated khakis, with his wife Patricia is in a striped T-shirt and cropped pants. Both are standing barefoot in their garden in St Louis, Missouri, on Sunday evening as protesters marched down a private street to demonstrate in front of the mayor's house.

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A St. Louis couple defends their home with guns as protesters march through their neighborhood:<a href="https://t.co/LqzvrBSREu">pic.twitter.com/LqzvrBSREu</a>
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Mark McCloskey, 63, a lawyer like his wife, 61, told a local news channel they were "terrified" when the protesters arrived.

"A mob of at least 100 smashed through the historic wrought iron gates of Portland Place (and) rushed towards my home where my family was having dinner outside and put us in fear for our lives," he told KMOV4, the local CBS affiliate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-sets-george-floyd-murder-trial-for-next-year-309526">US judge sets George Floyd murder trial for next year</a>

"This is all private property. There are no public sidewalks or public streets," McCloskey said.

"I was terrified that we'd be murdered within seconds, our house would be burned down, our pets would be killed. We were all alone facing an angry mob."

"We must protect the right to peacefully protest, and any attempt to chill it through intimidation or threat of deadly force will not be tolerated," she tweeted.

Faced with growing backlash, US congressman and Trump ally Matt Gaetz came to the McCloskeys' defense on Twitter, depicting a dystopian future if Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wins the November election.

"In Joe Biden's America your job is illegal, you are locked in your home, borders don't exist, MS-13 lives next door and the police aren't coming when the mob arrives," he wrote,&nbsp;referring to a gang founded in the US by Central American migrants.

"This is all of us," he added, attaching a photo of the couple to his tweet.

Trump retweeted without comment the video of the white couple pointing a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun at the protesters, the majority of whom were black.

The clip sparked outrage online. The attorney for St Louis, Kimberly Gardner, said she was "alarmed" to see "peaceful protesters were met by guns and a violent assault."

A US couple brandishing an assault rifle and a handgun confronted protesters outside their Missouri mansion in a viral video that was retweeted by President Donald Trump, sparking divided reactions.

A US couple brandishing an assault rifle and a handgun confronted protesters outside their Missouri mansion in a viral video that was retweeted by President Donald Trump, sparking divided reactions. In the video, Mark McCloskey wears a pink polo shirt and pleated khakis, with his wife Patricia is in a striped T-shirt and cropped pants. Both are standing barefoot in their garden in St Louis, Missouri, on Sunday evening as protesters marched down a private street to demonstrate in front of the mayor's house. A St. Louis couple defends their home with guns as protesters march through their neighborhood:pic.twitter.com/LqzvrBSREu — Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) June 29, 2020 × Mark McCloskey, 63, a lawyer like his wife, 61, told a local news channel they were "terrified" when the protesters arrived. "A mob of at least 100 smashed through the historic wrought iron gates of Portland Place (and) rushed towards my home where my family was having dinner outside and put us in fear for our lives," he told KMOV4, the local CBS affiliate. Also read: US judge sets George Floyd murder trial for next year "This is all private property. There are no public sidewalks or public streets," McCloskey said. "I was terrified that we'd be murdered within seconds, our house would be burned down, our pets would be killed. We were all alone facing an angry mob." "We must protect the right to peacefully protest, and any attempt to chill it through intimidation or threat of deadly force will not be tolerated," she tweeted. Faced with growing backlash, US congressman and Trump ally Matt Gaetz came to the McCloskeys' defense on Twitter, depicting a dystopian future if Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wins the November election. "In Joe Biden's America your job is illegal, you are locked in your home, borders don't exist, MS-13 lives next door and the police aren't coming when the mob arrives," he wrote, referring to a gang founded in the US by Central American migrants. "This is all of us," he added, attaching a photo of the couple to his tweet. Trump retweeted without comment the video of the white couple pointing a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun at the protesters, the majority of whom were black. The clip sparked outrage online. The attorney for St Louis, Kimberly Gardner, said she was "alarmed" to see "peaceful protesters were met by guns and a violent assault."

US couple draw guns on protesters passing their mansion

A Minneapolis judge on Monday set the trial date for four ex-police officers charged in the murder of African American George Floyd for March 8, 2021, making clear he did not want the sensitive case to become a media circus with the presidential election looming.

As the protests over racial injustice continued to reverberate nationwide, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill warned the four, their attorneys and state officials not to play the sensitive case through the news, even as one lawyer pointed out that President Donald Trump had already weighed in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-political-agenda-of-radical-left-mike-pence-309254">Black Lives Matter political agenda of radical left: Mike Pence</a>

"I would like to see pre-trial publicity not include statements from family from either side, police or elected officials" about guilt or innocence, or the merits of the case, he told a court.

Derek Chauvin, the white officer filmed on May 25 pressing his knee into the handcuffed 46-year-old's neck for nearly eight minutes until he became unresponsive, faces second and third-degree murder charges.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-really-played-out-between-the-police-and-george-floyd-in-his-final-moments-302473">What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments</a>

Three others who were with Chauvin, 44, when they detained Floyd are charged with aiding and abetting a murder.

None of the four formally entered pleas.&nbsp;

Robert Paule, defending Tou Thao, one of the three charged with abetting the killing, said his client would plead not guilty, arguing that he adhered to police guidelines on use of force.

But Paule also expressed concerns over prejudicial comments and actions by state and national officials that could impact the trial.

"In this case, we have comments made, I&nbsp; believe, by President Trump," as well as Minnesota's governor, the mayor of Minneapolis, the Minnesota attorney general and others, Paule said.

He noted that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is leading the prosecution, and US Attorney Erica MacDonald met Floyd's family in Houston, adding that the trip was leaked to the press.

Paule said more publicity could lead to a push for a change of venue.

Chauvin, whose bail has been set at $1 million, appeared via video from the Oak Park Heights prison wearing an orange jumpsuit and a coronavirus mask.

The other defendants -- Thao, Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane -- appeared in person.

The four, who were fired from the Minneapolis police force one day after Floyd's death, each face up to 40 years behind bars.

A Minneapolis judge on Monday set the trial date for four ex-police officers charged in the murder of African American George Floyd for March 8, 2021, making clear he did not want the sensitive case to become a media circus with the presidential election looming.

A Minneapolis judge on Monday set the trial date for four ex-police officers charged in the murder of African American George Floyd for March 8, 2021, making clear he did not want the sensitive case to become a media circus with the presidential election looming. As the protests over racial injustice continued to reverberate nationwide, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill warned the four, their attorneys and state officials not to play the sensitive case through the news, even as one lawyer pointed out that President Donald Trump had already weighed in. Also read: Black Lives Matter political agenda of radical left: Mike Pence "I would like to see pre-trial publicity not include statements from family from either side, police or elected officials" about guilt or innocence, or the merits of the case, he told a court. Derek Chauvin, the white officer filmed on May 25 pressing his knee into the handcuffed 46-year-old's neck for nearly eight minutes until he became unresponsive, faces second and third-degree murder charges. Also read: What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments Three others who were with Chauvin, 44, when they detained Floyd are charged with aiding and abetting a murder. None of the four formally entered pleas. Robert Paule, defending Tou Thao, one of the three charged with abetting the killing, said his client would plead not guilty, arguing that he adhered to police guidelines on use of force. But Paule also expressed concerns over prejudicial comments and actions by state and national officials that could impact the trial. "In this case, we have comments made, I believe, by President Trump," as well as Minnesota's governor, the mayor of Minneapolis, the Minnesota attorney general and others, Paule said. He noted that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is leading the prosecution, and US Attorney Erica MacDonald met Floyd's family in Houston, adding that the trip was leaked to the press. Paule said more publicity could lead to a push for a change of venue. Chauvin, whose bail has been set at $1 million, appeared via video from the Oak Park Heights prison wearing an orange jumpsuit and a coronavirus mask. The other defendants -- Thao, Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane -- appeared in person. The four, who were fired from the Minneapolis police force one day after Floyd's death, each face up to 40 years behind bars.

US judge sets George Floyd murder trial for next year

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments.&nbsp;

"What I see in the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement is a political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police, that would tear down monuments, that would press a radical left agenda," Pence said in an interview to CBS.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tweets-then-deletes-video-of-a-man-chanting-white-power-wh-defends-309218">Trump tweets, then deletes, video of a man chanting 'white power'; WH defends</a>

Highlighting that "all lives matter", he also added that George Floyd's death was inexcusable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-issues-wanted-poster-for-people-who-vandalized-statues-308903">Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues</a>

The vice president said that he cherishes "the progress that we have made toward a more perfect union for African Americans throughout our history". Pence said that African American leaders have made it clear to the US administration "they want law and order" and "peace in our streets".&nbsp;

Black Lives Matter movement has gained prominence first in the US and then worldwide after the death of George Floyd, an African American, in Minneapolis, US after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes.&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments.

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments. "What I see in the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement is a political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police, that would tear down monuments, that would press a radical left agenda," Pence said in an interview to CBS. Also read | Trump tweets, then deletes, video of a man chanting 'white power'; WH defends Highlighting that "all lives matter", he also added that George Floyd's death was inexcusable. Also read | Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues The vice president said that he cherishes "the progress that we have made toward a more perfect union for African Americans throughout our history". Pence said that African American leaders have made it clear to the US administration "they want law and order" and "peace in our streets". Black Lives Matter movement has gained prominence first in the US and then worldwide after the death of George Floyd, an African American, in Minneapolis, US after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes.

Black Lives Matter political agenda of radical left: Mike Pence

The lawmakers in&nbsp;Mississippi have passed a resolution paving way to strip the Confederate emblem from the&nbsp;state flag.

The state House and Senate both approved a resolution to suspend legislative deadlines and introduce a bill to have a commission redesign the 126-year-old state flag.&nbsp;

The vote passed in both chambers of the Mississippi legislature: in the House of Representatives by a margin of 84-35, and then in the Senate by 36-14.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mississippi-gears-up-to-remove-confederate-symbol-from-state-flag-309080">Mississippi gears up to remove Confederate symbol from state flag</a>

The resolution calls for the immediate removal of the current flag and for a commission to design a new flag in which all Confederate symbols will be removed and the words "In God We Trust" will be added. The new design will be put to a public vote in November.&nbsp;

Mississippi is the last state in the US to feature the emblem on its flag.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statue-of-confederate-general-toppled-in-washington-trump-calls-it-a-disgrace-307290">Statue of Confederate general toppled in Washington, Trump calls it a 'disgrace'</a>

The resolution comes as&nbsp;Confederate monuments of all kinds&nbsp;are being banned, removed and transformed across the nation after protests and demonstrations erupted in response to&nbsp;systemic racism against Black Americans.&nbsp;

The Confederate emblem is viewed by many as a racist symbol, with recent protests over the death of George Floyd reigniting debate over its use.

The flag was originally used by the slave-owning states who lost the US Civil War (1860-65).

The lawmakers in Mississippi have passed a resolution paving way to strip the Confederate emblem from the state flag. The state House and Senate both approved a resolution to suspend legislative deadlines and introduce a bill to have a commission redesign the 126-year-old state flag.

The lawmakers in Mississippi have passed a resolution paving way to strip the Confederate emblem from the state flag. The state House and Senate both approved a resolution to suspend legislative deadlines and introduce a bill to have a commission redesign the 126-year-old state flag. The vote passed in both chambers of the Mississippi legislature: in the House of Representatives by a margin of 84-35, and then in the Senate by 36-14. Also read: Mississippi gears up to remove Confederate symbol from state flag The resolution calls for the immediate removal of the current flag and for a commission to design a new flag in which all Confederate symbols will be removed and the words "In God We Trust" will be added. The new design will be put to a public vote in November. Mississippi is the last state in the US to feature the emblem on its flag. Also read: Statue of Confederate general toppled in Washington, Trump calls it a 'disgrace' The resolution comes as Confederate monuments of all kinds are being banned, removed and transformed across the nation after protests and demonstrations erupted in response to systemic racism against Black Americans. The Confederate emblem is viewed by many as a racist symbol, with recent protests over the death of George Floyd reigniting debate over its use. The flag was originally used by the slave-owning states who lost the US Civil War (1860-65).

US: Mississippi lawmakers pass resolution to remove Confederate emblem from state flag

Outrage at the death of a father-son duo in the custody of police in India's Tamil Nadu earlier this week mounted on Saturday. Thousands on social media compared the incident to the death of George Floyd in the United States.

J Jayaraj, 59, and Bennicks Immanuel, 31, were subjected to a brutal thrashing, which resulted in rectal bleeding and eventual death, according to a letter to government officials written by the former’s wife J Selvarani. The letter seeks action against the police officers involved.

Police in Sathankulam, a town located 50 km (31 miles) south of the port city of Thoothukudi in southern Tamil Nadu state, said in a first information report (FIR) that Jayaraj and Bennicks were picked up on Friday, June 19 for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules.

Bennicks died on Monday after complaining of breathlessness and Jayaraj died on Tuesday, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami, who oversees the police in the state, said in a statement on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Two policemen involved in the incident have been suspended.

Hundreds of thousands of tweets were sent out using the hashtag #JusticeforJayarajandBennix, that was among the top Twitter topics trending in India on Friday and among the top 30 trending globally, with celebrities and politicians condemning police action.

Nearly 15 cases of custodial violence and torture were reported in every day on average, with 9 people dying in judicial or police custody every 24 hours, according to the latest annual report by India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the year 2017/18.

Outrage at the death of a father-son duo in the custody of police in India's Tamil Nadu earlier this week mounted on Saturday. Thousands on social media compared the incident to the death of George Floyd in the United States.

Outrage at the death of a father-son duo in the custody of police in India's Tamil Nadu earlier this week mounted on Saturday. Thousands on social media compared the incident to the death of George Floyd in the United States. J Jayaraj, 59, and Bennicks Immanuel, 31, were subjected to a brutal thrashing, which resulted in rectal bleeding and eventual death, according to a letter to government officials written by the former’s wife J Selvarani. The letter seeks action against the police officers involved. Police in Sathankulam, a town located 50 km (31 miles) south of the port city of Thoothukudi in southern Tamil Nadu state, said in a first information report (FIR) that Jayaraj and Bennicks were picked up on Friday, June 19 for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules. Bennicks died on Monday after complaining of breathlessness and Jayaraj died on Tuesday, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami, who oversees the police in the state, said in a statement on Wednesday. Two policemen involved in the incident have been suspended. Hundreds of thousands of tweets were sent out using the hashtag #JusticeforJayarajandBennix, that was among the top Twitter topics trending in India on Friday and among the top 30 trending globally, with celebrities and politicians condemning police action. Nearly 15 cases of custodial violence and torture were reported in every day on average, with 9 people dying in judicial or police custody every 24 hours, according to the latest annual report by India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the year 2017/18.

Father-son death in police custody sparks outrage in India

In the last fortnight, the Black Lives Matter movement has taken a rather objectionable turn which one cannot approve of. What started as a movement against hate, has begun spewing hate.&nbsp;

Statues have become the favourite target of protesters and the movement has turned into a structure removal brigade.&nbsp;

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New York City announced that it would remove a statue of former US President Theodore Roosevelt from New York's Museum of Natural History. Protesters say the problem is with the symbolism of the Native American man and the African man, who stand beside him in that bronze statue.

In Washington, a statue of Confederate general Albert Pike was torn down last week. &nbsp;So many historical icons have been defaced, including that of former US President George Washington and British explorer James Cook. A structure of Christopher Columbus was thrown in a lake. In the UK, the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was among the first to be removed. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-across-the-world-join-black-lives-matter-movement-303918">Also Read: Thousands across the world join 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

A wave of nationwide rallies calling for racial justice has swept the United States since the May 25 death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

But the spotlight has begun to shift to figures of US history.&nbsp;

From India to the United States and Africa, people have been wronged, but the past is gone. We must draw lessons from it, but we cannot completely rewrite history.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also on Tuesday announced via Twitter an authorization “effective immediately” to arrest anyone caught hurting a commemoration to an armed services member on federal land, even though the government already had that power under the 2003 Veterans Memorial Act. 
&nbsp;

In the last fortnight, the Black Lives Matter movement has taken a rather objectionable turn which one cannot approve of. What started as a movement against hate, has begun spewing hate.

In the last fortnight, the Black Lives Matter movement has taken a rather objectionable turn which one cannot approve of. What started as a movement against hate, has begun spewing hate. Statues have become the favourite target of protesters and the movement has turned into a structure removal brigade. × New York City announced that it would remove a statue of former US President Theodore Roosevelt from New York's Museum of Natural History. Protesters say the problem is with the symbolism of the Native American man and the African man, who stand beside him in that bronze statue. In Washington, a statue of Confederate general Albert Pike was torn down last week. So many historical icons have been defaced, including that of former US President George Washington and British explorer James Cook. A structure of Christopher Columbus was thrown in a lake. In the UK, the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was among the first to be removed. Also Read: Thousands across the world join 'Black Lives Matter' movement A wave of nationwide rallies calling for racial justice has swept the United States since the May 25 death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But the spotlight has begun to shift to figures of US history. From India to the United States and Africa, people have been wronged, but the past is gone. We must draw lessons from it, but we cannot completely rewrite history. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also on Tuesday announced via Twitter an authorization “effective immediately” to arrest anyone caught hurting a commemoration to an armed services member on federal land, even though the government already had that power under the 2003 Veterans Memorial Act.

Black Lives Matter movement: Protesters target historical icons

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