US President Donald Trump on Friday criticised protestors who resorted to kneeling down during the national anthem, after NFL quarterback Drew Brees apologised for remarks he made about the practice.

George Floyd's death on May 25 -- at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes -- has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.

To this end, the kneeling pose, popularised by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, has become a symbol of the fight for racial justice in the United States.

Brees said this week he would "never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag," referring to the possibility of players kneeling during the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the upcoming NFL season. Brees apologised on Thursday, saying his words "lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy."

Trump tweeted on Friday that Brees "should not have taken back his original stance."

"We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart," Trump wrote. "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!"

The kneeling pose has been seen at protests in cities across the country in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in police custody in Minneapolis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stand-up-to-trump-canada-protestors-shout-to-trudeau-at-anti-racism-rally-303734">Also read | 'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally</a>

Brees' initial remarks angered top athletes, who objected to the equating of the protest with disrespecting the American flag.

"You literally still don't understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??" NBA great LeBron James posted on Twitter earlier this week. "Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of Flag of United States and our soldiers(men and women)."

Kaepernick popularised the move in 2016, appearing on NFL sidelines first sitting, and later kneeling, during the customary pre-game airing of the US national anthem.

Trump was an early critic of the protest, and in 2017 Vice President Mike Pence walked out of an NFL game between the 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts when some of the players knelt on the sidelines during the anthem.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-its-a-great-day-for-george-floyd-in-an-unprepared-address-303748">Also read | Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address</a>

Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for various nightclubs, was unarmed when taken into custody outside a corner market where an employee had reported to police that a man matching his description tried to pay for cigarettes with a counterfeit bill.

US President Donald Trump on Friday criticised protestors who resorted to kneeling down during the national anthem, after NFL quarterback Drew Brees apologised for remarks he made about the practice.

US President Donald Trump on Friday criticised protestors who resorted to kneeling down during the national anthem, after NFL quarterback Drew Brees apologised for remarks he made about the practice. George Floyd's death on May 25 -- at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes -- has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3. To this end, the kneeling pose, popularised by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, has become a symbol of the fight for racial justice in the United States. Brees said this week he would "never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag," referring to the possibility of players kneeling during the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the upcoming NFL season. Brees apologised on Thursday, saying his words "lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy." Trump tweeted on Friday that Brees "should not have taken back his original stance." "We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart," Trump wrote. "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!" The kneeling pose has been seen at protests in cities across the country in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in police custody in Minneapolis. Also read | 'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally Brees' initial remarks angered top athletes, who objected to the equating of the protest with disrespecting the American flag. "You literally still don't understand why Kap was kneeling on one knee??" NBA great LeBron James posted on Twitter earlier this week. "Has absolute nothing to do with the disrespect of Flag of United States and our soldiers(men and women)." Kaepernick popularised the move in 2016, appearing on NFL sidelines first sitting, and later kneeling, during the customary pre-game airing of the US national anthem. Trump was an early critic of the protest, and in 2017 Vice President Mike Pence walked out of an NFL game between the 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts when some of the players knelt on the sidelines during the anthem. Also read | Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for various nightclubs, was unarmed when taken into custody outside a corner market where an employee had reported to police that a man matching his description tried to pay for cigarettes with a counterfeit bill.

'NO KNEELING': Trump criticises anti-racism protests during US anthem

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

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

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

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

US President Donald Trump invoked George Floyd's name during a Friday bill signing ceremony touting the latest jobs report.

The report, it is reported, exceeded economists' expectations.

"We all saw what happened last week. We can't let that happen. Hopefully George is looking down and saying this is a great thing that's happening for our country. (It's) a great day for him. It's a great day for everybody," Trump said during a White House Rose Garden event.

"This is a great, great day in terms of equality," Trump added.

The president said this even as he devoted a significant portion to praising the job law enforcement, and urging some states to activate the National Guard.

Floyd's death on May 25 has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.

Protests over the death of Floyd have rocked cities including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit as well as many smaller communities.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444">Also read |&nbsp;Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service</a>

The demonstrations have erupted as Americans and businesses struggle to recover from sweeping lockdowns imposed by state and local officials due to the coronavirus. Infectious disease experts have said that the protests could spark a new outbreak of COVID-19.

In his address, however, Trump maintained that "equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcement regardless of race, color, gender or creed. But at no point did Trump explicitly bring up whether the source of that problem -- a lack of just treatment by law enforcement -- was systemic racism.

The president also did not answer questions about Asian American and African American unemployment, which was less robust than other minority groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stand-up-to-trump-canada-protestors-shout-to-trudeau-at-anti-racism-rally-303734">Also read |&nbsp;'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally</a>

US President Donald Trump invoked George Floyd's name during a Friday bill signing ceremony touting the latest jobs report. The report, it is reported, exceeded economists' expectations.

US President Donald Trump invoked George Floyd's name during a Friday bill signing ceremony touting the latest jobs report. The report, it is reported, exceeded economists' expectations. "We all saw what happened last week. We can't let that happen. Hopefully George is looking down and saying this is a great thing that's happening for our country. (It's) a great day for him. It's a great day for everybody," Trump said during a White House Rose Garden event. "This is a great, great day in terms of equality," Trump added. The president said this even as he devoted a significant portion to praising the job law enforcement, and urging some states to activate the National Guard. Floyd's death on May 25 has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3. Protests over the death of Floyd have rocked cities including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit as well as many smaller communities. Also read | Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service The demonstrations have erupted as Americans and businesses struggle to recover from sweeping lockdowns imposed by state and local officials due to the coronavirus. Infectious disease experts have said that the protests could spark a new outbreak of COVID-19. In his address, however, Trump maintained that "equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcement regardless of race, color, gender or creed. But at no point did Trump explicitly bring up whether the source of that problem -- a lack of just treatment by law enforcement -- was systemic racism. The president also did not answer questions about Asian American and African American unemployment, which was less robust than other minority groups. Also read | 'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally

Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address

Fifty-seven police officers in Buffalo, New York, have resigned from the force's emergency response team following the suspension of two officers who allegedly pushed a 75-year-old protestor to the ground.

The incident was captured in a video which later went viral.

The demonstrators in Buffalo were, like those across the country, calling for racial justice after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.

According to CNN, an investigation is underway in a protest incident as the man was seriously injured. Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood had suspended the officers without pay and opened an investigation based on the viral video.

The said video of the demonstration shows a row of officers walking toward the man and two pushing him. His head bleeds onto the sidewalk as officers walk past him, some looking down at him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-shows-police-in-buffalo-new-york-shoving-75-year-old-man-to-ground-303477">Also read | Video shows police in Buffalo, New York, shoving 75-year-old man to ground</a>

The 57 members that resigned from the unit make up the entire active emergency response team.

The man's identity, Martin Gugino, was confirmed by Cuomo's office. Gugino is hospitalised in serious but stable condition, authorities said.

Megan Toufexis, Gugino's daughter, told CNN that her father attended the protest Thursday to discuss First Amendment rights with police.

Protests in the city continued into the evening Friday.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation on social media as protestors returned to the streets of several US cities to demonstrate against police brutality.

Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after former police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444">Also read | Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service</a>

Fifty-seven police officers in Buffalo, New York, have resigned from the force's emergency response team following the suspension of two officers who allegedly pushed a 75-year-old protestor to the ground.

Fifty-seven police officers in Buffalo, New York, have resigned from the force's emergency response team following the suspension of two officers who allegedly pushed a 75-year-old protestor to the ground. The incident was captured in a video which later went viral. The demonstrators in Buffalo were, like those across the country, calling for racial justice after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. According to CNN, an investigation is underway in a protest incident as the man was seriously injured. Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood had suspended the officers without pay and opened an investigation based on the viral video. The said video of the demonstration shows a row of officers walking toward the man and two pushing him. His head bleeds onto the sidewalk as officers walk past him, some looking down at him. Also read | Video shows police in Buffalo, New York, shoving 75-year-old man to ground The 57 members that resigned from the unit make up the entire active emergency response team. The man's identity, Martin Gugino, was confirmed by Cuomo's office. Gugino is hospitalised in serious but stable condition, authorities said. Megan Toufexis, Gugino's daughter, told CNN that her father attended the protest Thursday to discuss First Amendment rights with police. Protests in the city continued into the evening Friday. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation on social media as protestors returned to the streets of several US cities to demonstrate against police brutality. Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after former police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest. Also read | Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service

Buffalo officers quit special team after two suspended for shoving 75-year old to ground

Protestors in Canada chanted "Stand up to Trump!" to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he joined thousands at an anti-racism rally on Friday and knelt alongside them thrice -- a gesture used to protest against police brutality and the treatment of African-Americans by police.

Similar demonstrations were held in other Canadian cities as well -- including Toronto -- where hundreds walked downtown in protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in police custody in Minnesota.

Trudeau, wearing a black mask and surrounded by bodyguards, made a surprise appearance at the "No justice = No peace" rally in front of the parliament. His appearance came a day after police shot and killed an indigenous woman during a wellness check in eastern Canada.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/george-floyds-murder-inexcusable-says-british-pm-boris-johnson-302996">Also read | George Floyd's murder 'inexcusable', says British PM Boris Johnson</a>

On Monday, police threw tear-gas at peaceful protestors outside the White House to make way for President Donald Trump to have his picture taken holding a Bible while standing in front of a church.

Trudeau recently made headlines as he paused for more than 20 seconds when asked about Trump's reaction to protests across the US -- before he said that Canadians were watching the United States with "horror and consternation."

Trudeau did not speak at the rally Friday and left as the protestors began a march to the US Embassy, near the Parliament building.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/mother-of-george-floyds-daughter-demands-justice-minneapolis-police-faces-probe-302863">Also read | Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe</a>

Floyd's death on May 25 has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.

Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for various nightclubs, was unarmed when taken into custody outside a corner market where an employee had reported to police that a man matching his description tried to pay for cigarettes with a counterfeit bill.

The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations of brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities, even within the department itself. Critics say its culture resists change, despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444">Also read | Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service</a>

Protestors in Canada chanted "Stand up to Trump!" to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he joined thousands at an anti-racism rally on Friday and knelt alongside them thrice -- a gesture used to protest against police brutality and the treatment of African-Americans by police.

Protestors in Canada chanted "Stand up to Trump!" to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he joined thousands at an anti-racism rally on Friday and knelt alongside them thrice -- a gesture used to protest against police brutality and the treatment of African-Americans by police. Similar demonstrations were held in other Canadian cities as well -- including Toronto -- where hundreds walked downtown in protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in police custody in Minnesota. Trudeau, wearing a black mask and surrounded by bodyguards, made a surprise appearance at the "No justice = No peace" rally in front of the parliament. His appearance came a day after police shot and killed an indigenous woman during a wellness check in eastern Canada. Also read | George Floyd's murder 'inexcusable', says British PM Boris Johnson On Monday, police threw tear-gas at peaceful protestors outside the White House to make way for President Donald Trump to have his picture taken holding a Bible while standing in front of a church. Trudeau recently made headlines as he paused for more than 20 seconds when asked about Trump's reaction to protests across the US -- before he said that Canadians were watching the United States with "horror and consternation." Trudeau did not speak at the rally Friday and left as the protestors began a march to the US Embassy, near the Parliament building. Also read | Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe Floyd's death on May 25 has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3. Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for various nightclubs, was unarmed when taken into custody outside a corner market where an employee had reported to police that a man matching his description tried to pay for cigarettes with a counterfeit bill. The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations of brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities, even within the department itself. Critics say its culture resists change, despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017. Also read | Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service

'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally

Thousands took to the streets across Australia on Saturday, as did hundreds in Japan and South Korea to support US protests against police brutality.

The rolling, global protests reflect rising anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as fellow officers stood by.

Asia-Pacific demonstrations, however, were limited by social-distancing curbs aiming at stopping the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In the United States on Friday, prominent Democratic politicians adopted the slogans of the protests and announced reforms, as tensions remained high in major cities after days of largely peaceful protests that saw sporadic violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stand-up-to-trump-canada-protestors-shout-to-trudeau-at-anti-racism-rally-303734">Also read |&nbsp;'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally</a>

AUSTRALIA --

In Brisbane, police estimated 10,000 people joined a peaceful protest, wearing masks and holding "Black Lives Matter" placards. Many wrapped themselves in indigenous flags, calling for an end to police mistreatment of indigenous Australians.

In Sydney, a last-minute court decision overruled a coronavirus ban as several thousand people marched, amid a heavy police presence, chanting: "Whose lives matter? Black Lives matter."

Rallies were also held in Melbourne, Adelaide and other Australian cities.

ASIA --

In Tokyo, marchers protested against what they said was police treatment of a Kurdish man who says he was stopped while driving and shoved to the ground, leaving him with bruises.

<img alt="Protests in Tokyo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1c0b2f4-af07-4214-86f8-ad5050770edc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/tokyo%20reuters.jpg" />

Organisers invoked the US protests, saying they were also marching in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

"No justice, no peace, no racist police," the crowd chanted.

In Seoul, dozens of South Korean activists and foreign residents gathered, some wearing black masks with "can't breathe" in Korea, echoing George Floyd's final words as he lay on the pavement. Others participated in an online "viral photo protest."

<img alt="Protests in Seoul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1be23d2-3d2e-4a8c-ab7a-a5f15ac1b8a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/seoul%20reuters.jpg" />

With pandemic restrictions in Bangkok, activists were going online, asking for video and photos of people wearing black, raising their fists and holding signs, and explaining why they "stand united behind Black Lives Matter".

The Thai protestors plan to gather on the video-meeting platform Zoom on Sunday and observe 8 minutes 46 seconds of silence - the period that George Floyd was filmed pinned under the officer's knee.

EUROPE --

Around Europe, which has seen an unprecedented wave of anti-racism rallies drawing tens of thousands onto the streets, weekend protests have been planned in Germany, Britain, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Hungary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-kneeling-trump-criticises-anti-racism-protests-during-us-anthem-303755">Also read |&nbsp;'NO KNEELING': Trump criticises anti-racism protests during US anthem</a>

Paris authorities banned demonstrations in front of the local US Embassy, citing the coronavirus.

Some European demonstrators have been wearing masks and maintaining social distance, but in some places – notably Germany on Friday – large numbers marched closely together.

Banners and slogans have focused not just on George Floyd but on a string of other controversies in specific countries and mistreatment of minorities in general.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Thousands took to the streets across Australia on Saturday, as did hundreds in Japan and South Korea to support US protests against police brutality. The rolling, global protests reflect rising anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as fellow officers stood by.

Thousands took to the streets across Australia on Saturday, as did hundreds in Japan and South Korea to support US protests against police brutality. The rolling, global protests reflect rising anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as fellow officers stood by. Asia-Pacific demonstrations, however, were limited by social-distancing curbs aiming at stopping the novel coronavirus pandemic. In the United States on Friday, prominent Democratic politicians adopted the slogans of the protests and announced reforms, as tensions remained high in major cities after days of largely peaceful protests that saw sporadic violence. Also read | 'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally AUSTRALIA -- In Brisbane, police estimated 10,000 people joined a peaceful protest, wearing masks and holding "Black Lives Matter" placards. Many wrapped themselves in indigenous flags, calling for an end to police mistreatment of indigenous Australians. In Sydney, a last-minute court decision overruled a coronavirus ban as several thousand people marched, amid a heavy police presence, chanting: "Whose lives matter? Black Lives matter." Rallies were also held in Melbourne, Adelaide and other Australian cities. ASIA -- In Tokyo, marchers protested against what they said was police treatment of a Kurdish man who says he was stopped while driving and shoved to the ground, leaving him with bruises. Organisers invoked the US protests, saying they were also marching in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. "No justice, no peace, no racist police," the crowd chanted. In Seoul, dozens of South Korean activists and foreign residents gathered, some wearing black masks with "can't breathe" in Korea, echoing George Floyd's final words as he lay on the pavement. Others participated in an online "viral photo protest." With pandemic restrictions in Bangkok, activists were going online, asking for video and photos of people wearing black, raising their fists and holding signs, and explaining why they "stand united behind Black Lives Matter". The Thai protestors plan to gather on the video-meeting platform Zoom on Sunday and observe 8 minutes 46 seconds of silence - the period that George Floyd was filmed pinned under the officer's knee. EUROPE -- Around Europe, which has seen an unprecedented wave of anti-racism rallies drawing tens of thousands onto the streets, weekend protests have been planned in Germany, Britain, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Hungary. Also read | 'NO KNEELING': Trump criticises anti-racism protests during US anthem Paris authorities banned demonstrations in front of the local US Embassy, citing the coronavirus. Some European demonstrators have been wearing masks and maintaining social distance, but in some places – notably Germany on Friday – large numbers marched closely together. Banners and slogans have focused not just on George Floyd but on a string of other controversies in specific countries and mistreatment of minorities in general. (with inputs from Reuters)

Australia, Europe and Asia embrace 'Black Lives Matter' movement

Two Buffalo, New York, police officers were suspended without pay on Thursday after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old man to the ground, as protests over the police killing of George Floyd continued into their tenth night.

The video taken by a reporter from local public radio station WBFO and posted on its website and Twitter account shows the white-haired man approaching a line of officers in riot gear. One officer pushes him with a baton and a second one with his hand. The sound of a crack is heard and then blood trickles from the man's head. The man, who is white, is not identified.

"I was deeply disturbed by the video," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said in a statement. "After days of peaceful protests and several meetings between myself, police leadership and members of the community, tonight's event is disheartening."

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New Tonight: Disturbing video from <a href="https://twitter.com/WBFO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WBFO</a> in Buffalo, NY shows an elderly man walk up to police in riot gear. An officer shoves the man...he falls backwards, hits his head...starts bleeding immediately...motionless. 
Why did this happen <a href="https://twitter.com/BPDAlerts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BPDAlerts</a> ? 
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— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidBegnaud/status/1268716877355810818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The incident drew widespread condemnation on social media as protesters returned to the streets of several US cities to demonstrate against police brutality.

Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after former police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest.

The video in Buffalo shows the majority of the officers march past after the man falls, though the officer who pushed him with a baton starts to lean over him before he is motioned away by another officer. Someone is heard calling for a medic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444">Also read | Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service</a>

The radio station reported that two medics came forward and helped the man into an ambulance. Police later said that a man was injured after tripping and falling, the radio station said.

But after viewing the video, Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood ordered an investigation and suspended the two officers, Brown said.

The 75-year-old victim was in stable but serious condition at Erie County Medical Center Hospital in Buffalo, Brown said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Two Buffalo, New York, police officers were suspended without pay on Thursday after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old man to the ground, as protests over the police killing of George Floyd continued into their tenth night.

Two Buffalo, New York, police officers were suspended without pay on Thursday after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old man to the ground, as protests over the police killing of George Floyd continued into their tenth night. The video taken by a reporter from local public radio station WBFO and posted on its website and Twitter account shows the white-haired man approaching a line of officers in riot gear. One officer pushes him with a baton and a second one with his hand. The sound of a crack is heard and then blood trickles from the man's head. The man, who is white, is not identified. "I was deeply disturbed by the video," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said in a statement. "After days of peaceful protests and several meetings between myself, police leadership and members of the community, tonight's event is disheartening." New Tonight: Disturbing video from @WBFO in Buffalo, NY shows an elderly man walk up to police in riot gear. An officer shoves the man...he falls backwards, hits his head...starts bleeding immediately...motionless. Why did this happen @BPDAlerts ? pic.twitter.com/qbTvXAAPLH — David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) June 5, 2020 × The incident drew widespread condemnation on social media as protesters returned to the streets of several US cities to demonstrate against police brutality. Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after former police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest. The video in Buffalo shows the majority of the officers march past after the man falls, though the officer who pushed him with a baton starts to lean over him before he is motioned away by another officer. Someone is heard calling for a medic. Also read | Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service The radio station reported that two medics came forward and helped the man into an ambulance. Police later said that a man was injured after tripping and falling, the radio station said. But after viewing the video, Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood ordered an investigation and suspended the two officers, Brown said. The 75-year-old victim was in stable but serious condition at Erie County Medical Center Hospital in Buffalo, Brown said.

Video shows police in Buffalo, New York, shoving 75-year-old man to ground

One New York police officer was shot shortly before midnight Wednesday and another officer was slashed in Brooklyn, US, but it was unclear if the attack was related to ongoing George Floyd protests.

The names and conditions of the officers were not released, but media said the injuries were not life-threatening. Both were injured near Church and Flatbush avenues in Brooklyn when a suspect walked up to an officer and attacked.

They were taken to a nearby hospital.&nbsp;The New York Post said the suspect was also shot.

The incident comes amid the mass protests in New York over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in custody of white police officers.

The shooting happened, nearly four hours after an 8 pm curfew went into effect intended to quell unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.

One arrest was made at the scene. Media said a third officer suffered a hand injury and the city's mayor, Bill de Blasio, was headed to the hospital.

Meanwhile, prosecutors on Wednesday levelled new criminal charges against four Minneapolis policemen implicated in the death.

The added murder charge filed against one officer already in custody and the arrest of three more accused of playing a role in the killing of George Floyd, 46, came as several nights of escalating unrest gave way to mostly peaceful protests.

Floyd's death has become the latest flashpoint for long-simmering rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of racial justice to the top of the political agenda five months before the US presidential election on November 3.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-cops-charged-in-floyd-death-one-faces-2nd-degree-murder-count-homicide-303080">Also read |&nbsp;Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide</a>

One New York police officer was shot shortly before midnight Wednesday and another officer was slashed in Brooklyn, US, but it was unclear if the attack was related to ongoing George Floyd protests.

One New York police officer was shot shortly before midnight Wednesday and another officer was slashed in Brooklyn, US, but it was unclear if the attack was related to ongoing George Floyd protests. The names and conditions of the officers were not released, but media said the injuries were not life-threatening. Both were injured near Church and Flatbush avenues in Brooklyn when a suspect walked up to an officer and attacked. They were taken to a nearby hospital. The New York Post said the suspect was also shot. The incident comes amid the mass protests in New York over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in custody of white police officers. The shooting happened, nearly four hours after an 8 pm curfew went into effect intended to quell unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. One arrest was made at the scene. Media said a third officer suffered a hand injury and the city's mayor, Bill de Blasio, was headed to the hospital. Meanwhile, prosecutors on Wednesday levelled new criminal charges against four Minneapolis policemen implicated in the death. The added murder charge filed against one officer already in custody and the arrest of three more accused of playing a role in the killing of George Floyd, 46, came as several nights of escalating unrest gave way to mostly peaceful protests. Floyd's death has become the latest flashpoint for long-simmering rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of racial justice to the top of the political agenda five months before the US presidential election on November 3. Also read | Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide

One New York police officer shot, one slashed in Brooklyn, unclear if protest related

Protesters defied curfews across the United States Tuesday as leaders scrambled to stem anger over police racism while President Donald Trump rejected criticism over his use of force to break up a peaceful rally. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-who-offered-shelter-to-70-us-protesters-hailed-as-a-hero-302799">Also read: Indian who offered shelter to 70 US protesters hailed as a hero</a> 
 
Standoffs between police and demonstrators stretched into the night in cities from New York to Los Angeles over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man whose killing has brought once-in-a-generation protests to the nation for the past week. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-floyd-a-gentle-giant-remembered-in-hometown-houston-march-302794">Also read: George Floyd, a 'gentle giant', remembered in hometown Houston march</a>

But there were fewer reports of the looting and violence that had soured street demonstrations in previous nights.

Tens of thousands gathered earlier in Houston to pay a hometown tribute to Floyd, who grew up in the Texas city and is to be buried there next week.

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"Today is... about George Floyd's family -- we want them to know that George did not die in vain," Mayor Sylvester Turner told an estimated 60,000 people.

A tearful Roxie Washington, the mother of Floyd's six-year-old daughter, told a news conference she wanted "justice for him because he was good.

"No matter what anybody thinks, he was good."

In New York, which on Tuesday prolonged its first curfew since World War II for the full week, AFP reporters saw hundreds refusing to go home after the 8:00 pm cut off, instead of chanting slogans and peacefully walking the streets in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Protestors attempting to cross the Manhattan bridge were pinned there for an extended period by police on both sides but were finally allowed to return to Brooklyn, according to a New York Times reporter on the scene.

Mayor Bill de Blasio told CNN it had been "much calmer" a day after several Manhattan luxury stores were looted, praising an increased and "vast presence" of police on the streets.

Minnesota took one of the first concrete actions to address the grievances behind the uprising, which began after Floyd's death on May 25 in the state's largest city Minneapolis.

The state launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department, looking at possible "systemic discriminatory practices" going back 10 years, Governor Tim Walz tweeted.

Former President George W. Bush called on the US to examine its "tragic failures" and to "listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving."

And in Los Angeles, one of the dozens of cities hit by unrest, police officers and Mayor Eric Garcetti dropped to their knees in a symbolic act of solidarity as they met marchers led by African-American Christian groups.

"A black face should not be a sentenced to die, nor to be homeless, nor to be sick, nor to be underemployed, nor to be under-educated," Garcetti told them, inviting the leaders into City Hall for a discussion about the issues.

But protesters gathered outside Garcetti's residence late into the evening. An AFP reporter witnessed a group of at least 200 refusing to disperse and subsequently arrested.

"People liked my walk"

In Washington DC, thousands returned to the streets Tuesday for a peaceful "Black Lives Matter" march.

Hours after the 7:00 pm curfew protesters could be heard chanting, as National Guard troops stood on the streets near the White House and helicopters hovered above. Broadcast footage showed police firing tear gas shortly after midnight, but the situation appeared to be calm overall.

"I'm just tired, essentially, of being scared of the police, of not getting justice," said Jada Wallace, an 18-year-old protester outside the White House earlier who said she was ready to risk arrest.

In the same place on Monday, federal police had abruptly opened tear gas and fired rubber bullets to break up a non-violent protest, clearing a path for Trump to stroll outside for a photo-op at a historic church damaged the previous night.

The move was loudly condemned by religious leaders, the president's political rivals, and onlookers around the country.

But Trump, who has rejected the traditional presidential role of healer, voiced glee on Twitter over the response in Washington and accused the leadership of New York -- led by the rival Democratic Party -- of succumbing to "Lowlife &amp; Scum."

"Overwhelming force. Domination," he wrote, adding: "Washington, D.C., was the safest place on earth last night!"

He pushed back against the criticism later on Twitter, writing: "You got it wrong! If the protesters were so peaceful, why did they light the Church on fire the night before? People liked my walk."

"Despicable looters"

Joe Biden, Trump's presumptive Democratic rival in November elections, denounced the crackdown as an abuse of power and promised, if elected, to tackle the "systemic racism" in the country.

"Donald Trump has turned this country into a battlefield driven by old resentments and fresh fears," Biden said in a speech in Philadelphia, also hit by violence.

The United States also faced unusual, if polite, criticism from some international allies including Germany, Britain and Australia.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called the anti-racism protests "understandable and more than legitimate."

"I hope that these peaceful protests won't slide further into violence, but even more than that I hope that they will make a difference in the United States," Maas told reporters.

A Las Vegas officer was in "grave condition" Tuesday after being shot during protests overnight. An armed Hispanic man was shot and killed by police after raising his gun in a separate, nearby incident.

Four officers were also shot overnight in St. Louis. None of the injuries was life-threatening.

But one retired St Louis police captain was shot dead early Tuesday outside a ransacked store.

Trump tweeted that David Dorn, who was black, was "viciously shot and killed by despicable looters."

Protesters defied curfews across the United States Tuesday as leaders scrambled to stem anger over police racism while President Donald Trump rejected criticism over his use of force to break up a peaceful rally.

Protesters defied curfews across the United States Tuesday as leaders scrambled to stem anger over police racism while President Donald Trump rejected criticism over his use of force to break up a peaceful rally. Also read: Indian who offered shelter to 70 US protesters hailed as a hero Standoffs between police and demonstrators stretched into the night in cities from New York to Los Angeles over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man whose killing has brought once-in-a-generation protests to the nation for the past week. Also read: George Floyd, a 'gentle giant', remembered in hometown Houston march But there were fewer reports of the looting and violence that had soured street demonstrations in previous nights. Tens of thousands gathered earlier in Houston to pay a hometown tribute to Floyd, who grew up in the Texas city and is to be buried there next week. "Today is... about George Floyd's family -- we want them to know that George did not die in vain," Mayor Sylvester Turner told an estimated 60,000 people. A tearful Roxie Washington, the mother of Floyd's six-year-old daughter, told a news conference she wanted "justice for him because he was good. "No matter what anybody thinks, he was good." In New York, which on Tuesday prolonged its first curfew since World War II for the full week, AFP reporters saw hundreds refusing to go home after the 8:00 pm cut off, instead of chanting slogans and peacefully walking the streets in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Protestors attempting to cross the Manhattan bridge were pinned there for an extended period by police on both sides but were finally allowed to return to Brooklyn, according to a New York Times reporter on the scene. Mayor Bill de Blasio told CNN it had been "much calmer" a day after several Manhattan luxury stores were looted, praising an increased and "vast presence" of police on the streets. Minnesota took one of the first concrete actions to address the grievances behind the uprising, which began after Floyd's death on May 25 in the state's largest city Minneapolis. The state launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department, looking at possible "systemic discriminatory practices" going back 10 years, Governor Tim Walz tweeted. Former President George W. Bush called on the US to examine its "tragic failures" and to "listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving." And in Los Angeles, one of the dozens of cities hit by unrest, police officers and Mayor Eric Garcetti dropped to their knees in a symbolic act of solidarity as they met marchers led by African-American Christian groups. "A black face should not be a sentenced to die, nor to be homeless, nor to be sick, nor to be underemployed, nor to be under-educated," Garcetti told them, inviting the leaders into City Hall for a discussion about the issues. But protesters gathered outside Garcetti's residence late into the evening. An AFP reporter witnessed a group of at least 200 refusing to disperse and subsequently arrested. "People liked my walk" In Washington DC, thousands returned to the streets Tuesday for a peaceful "Black Lives Matter" march. Hours after the 7:00 pm curfew protesters could be heard chanting, as National Guard troops stood on the streets near the White House and helicopters hovered above. Broadcast footage showed police firing tear gas shortly after midnight, but the situation appeared to be calm overall. "I'm just tired, essentially, of being scared of the police, of not getting justice," said Jada Wallace, an 18-year-old protester outside the White House earlier who said she was ready to risk arrest. In the same place on Monday, federal police had abruptly opened tear gas and fired rubber bullets to break up a non-violent protest, clearing a path for Trump to stroll outside for a photo-op at a historic church damaged the previous night. The move was loudly condemned by religious leaders, the president's political rivals, and onlookers around the country. But Trump, who has rejected the traditional presidential role of healer, voiced glee on Twitter over the response in Washington and accused the leadership of New York -- led by the rival Democratic Party -- of succumbing to "Lowlife & Scum." "Overwhelming force. Domination," he wrote, adding: "Washington, D.C., was the safest place on earth last night!" He pushed back against the criticism later on Twitter, writing: "You got it wrong! If the protesters were so peaceful, why did they light the Church on fire the night before? People liked my walk." "Despicable looters" Joe Biden, Trump's presumptive Democratic rival in November elections, denounced the crackdown as an abuse of power and promised, if elected, to tackle the "systemic racism" in the country. "Donald Trump has turned this country into a battlefield driven by old resentments and fresh fears," Biden said in a speech in Philadelphia, also hit by violence. The United States also faced unusual, if polite, criticism from some international allies including Germany, Britain and Australia. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called the anti-racism protests "understandable and more than legitimate." "I hope that these peaceful protests won't slide further into violence, but even more than that I hope that they will make a difference in the United States," Maas told reporters. A Las Vegas officer was in "grave condition" Tuesday after being shot during protests overnight. An armed Hispanic man was shot and killed by police after raising his gun in a separate, nearby incident. Four officers were also shot overnight in St. Louis. None of the injuries was life-threatening. But one retired St Louis police captain was shot dead early Tuesday outside a ransacked store. Trump tweeted that David Dorn, who was black, was "viciously shot and killed by despicable looters."

US protests defy curfews as Trump faces backlash for violent crackdown

George Floyd's hometown of Houston held a memorial march for him on Tuesday, where attendees recounted a "gentle giant" whose legacy had helped the city largely avoid the violent protests seen elsewhere in the United States.

The mayor's office said 60,000 people gathered downtown to honour Floyd, who died after a white police officer pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25.. Floyd's death has ignited protests across the country.

Floyd lived most of his 46 years in Houston's historically black Third Ward neighbourhood, located about a mile south of the park where the march began. He moved to Minneapolis in recent years for work.

The memorial march was organised by well-known Houston rappers Trae Tha Truth, who was a longtime friend of Floyd's - and Bun B, who worked directly with Floyd's family for the event. Houston's mayor and police chief attended.

"We're gonna represent him right," Trae Tha Truth, whose given name is Frazier Thompson III, told the crowd of several hundred people gathered for the march. "We are gonna tear the system from the inside out."

He added: "George Floyd is looking down at us now and he's smiling."

After a prayer, the marchers exited the park and began to walk toward City Hall.

Democratic US&nbsp;Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who represents portions of Houston where Floyd was raised, told the crowd that she would introduce police reform legislation in Congress on Thursday in honour of Floyd.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is black, said he understood marchers' pain and told them they were making an impact.

"People that are in elected office and positions of power - we are listening," Turner said. "It's important for us to not just listen, but to do. I want you to know your marching, your protesting has not gone in vain. George did not die in vain."

Houston has so far largely escaped the violent protests, with some attributing that directly to the legacy of Floyd himself.

"The people who knew George the best help set the tone for Houston. They knew what he was about. He truly was a gentle giant, a sweet guy," said David Hill, a Houston community activist and pastor at Restoration Community Church, who knows the Floyd family.

George Floyd's hometown of Houston held a memorial march for him on Tuesday, where attendees recounted a "gentle giant" whose legacy had helped the city largely avoid the violent protests seen elsewhere in the United States.

George Floyd's hometown of Houston held a memorial march for him on Tuesday, where attendees recounted a "gentle giant" whose legacy had helped the city largely avoid the violent protests seen elsewhere in the United States. The mayor's office said 60,000 people gathered downtown to honour Floyd, who died after a white police officer pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25.. Floyd's death has ignited protests across the country. Floyd lived most of his 46 years in Houston's historically black Third Ward neighbourhood, located about a mile south of the park where the march began. He moved to Minneapolis in recent years for work. The memorial march was organised by well-known Houston rappers Trae Tha Truth, who was a longtime friend of Floyd's - and Bun B, who worked directly with Floyd's family for the event. Houston's mayor and police chief attended. "We're gonna represent him right," Trae Tha Truth, whose given name is Frazier Thompson III, told the crowd of several hundred people gathered for the march. "We are gonna tear the system from the inside out." He added: "George Floyd is looking down at us now and he's smiling." After a prayer, the marchers exited the park and began to walk toward City Hall. Democratic US Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who represents portions of Houston where Floyd was raised, told the crowd that she would introduce police reform legislation in Congress on Thursday in honour of Floyd. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is black, said he understood marchers' pain and told them they were making an impact. "People that are in elected office and positions of power - we are listening," Turner said. "It's important for us to not just listen, but to do. I want you to know your marching, your protesting has not gone in vain. George did not die in vain." Houston has so far largely escaped the violent protests, with some attributing that directly to the legacy of Floyd himself. "The people who knew George the best help set the tone for Houston. They knew what he was about. He truly was a gentle giant, a sweet guy," said David Hill, a Houston community activist and pastor at Restoration Community Church, who knows the Floyd family.

George Floyd, a 'gentle giant', remembered in hometown Houston march

#BlackOutTuesday became the top trending hashtag on Twitter on Tuesday as thousands of businesses and individuals, including TV channels and celebrities, posted black screen shots to signal support for racial justice in the wake of protests over the police killing of George Floyd in the US entering a second week.

The death last week of Floyd, an unarmed black man, as a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt onto his neck has&nbsp;unleashed a wave of outrage in cities around the United States about the unfair treatment of black Americans.

The Blackout Tuesday movement was prompted by two US record industry executives to pressure the music business to improve the presence of black people in its corporate ranks, noting that the industry had "profited predominantly from black art." Rap and R&amp;B overtook rock in 2017 to become the biggest music genre in the United States.

The movement was quickly embraced by record labels, celebrities including Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and basketball player LeBron James, and American citizens.

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we ain’t buying shit!!! and we ain’t selling shit neither!! gang gang! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BLACKOUTTUESDAY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BLACKOUTTUESDAY</a> AF!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/FentyOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FentyOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fentybeauty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fentybeauty</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SavageXFenty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SavageXFenty</a> 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿 <a href="https://t.co/XNC44Tegj5">pic.twitter.com/XNC44Tegj5</a>
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Several companies paused normal work and directed their efforts to support the work of Black Lives Matter and other social justice groups.

Streaming service Spotify highlighted the music of black artists, Sirius XM Radio said it would silence its music channels for three minutes, and Apple Music DJ Zane Lowe tweeted that he wouldn't host his radio show but would be "listening, learning and looking for solutions to fight racial inequality."

Video-sharing platform TikTok donated $4 million to non-profits that help the black community while eBay in the United States said it would donate all fees collected on Tuesday from items sold in its music categories to a charity that supports equality.

ViacomCBS said it would be "on pause" on Tuesday, a day after CBS News, MTV and Comedy Central went dark for 8 minutes and 46 seconds - the length of time Floyd's neck was pinned to the ground by the knee of a police officer.

The movement also gave rise to dissenters. Black Lives Matter complained that news of its planned protests had been drowned out, while film executive Franklin Leonard said he would not be taking part.

"A 'show' of solidarity is NOT solidarity," Leonard tweeted. "And posting a black tile on your Instagram feed for a day definitely isn’t."

#BlackOutTuesday became the top trending hashtag on Twitter on Tuesday as thousands of businesses and individuals, including TV channels and celebrities, posted black screen shots to signal support for racial justice in the wake of protests over the police killing of George Floyd in the US entering a second week.

#BlackOutTuesday became the top trending hashtag on Twitter on Tuesday as thousands of businesses and individuals, including TV channels and celebrities, posted black screen shots to signal support for racial justice in the wake of protests over the police killing of George Floyd in the US entering a second week. The death last week of Floyd, an unarmed black man, as a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt onto his neck has unleashed a wave of outrage in cities around the United States about the unfair treatment of black Americans. The Blackout Tuesday movement was prompted by two US record industry executives to pressure the music business to improve the presence of black people in its corporate ranks, noting that the industry had "profited predominantly from black art." Rap and R&B overtook rock in 2017 to become the biggest music genre in the United States. The movement was quickly embraced by record labels, celebrities including Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and basketball player LeBron James, and American citizens. we ain’t buying shit!!! and we ain’t selling shit neither!! gang gang! #BLACKOUTTUESDAY AF!!! @FentyOfficial @fentybeauty @SavageXFenty 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿 pic.twitter.com/XNC44Tegj5 — Rihanna (@rihanna) June 2, 2020 × Several companies paused normal work and directed their efforts to support the work of Black Lives Matter and other social justice groups. Streaming service Spotify highlighted the music of black artists, Sirius XM Radio said it would silence its music channels for three minutes, and Apple Music DJ Zane Lowe tweeted that he wouldn't host his radio show but would be "listening, learning and looking for solutions to fight racial inequality." Video-sharing platform TikTok donated $4 million to non-profits that help the black community while eBay in the United States said it would donate all fees collected on Tuesday from items sold in its music categories to a charity that supports equality. ViacomCBS said it would be "on pause" on Tuesday, a day after CBS News, MTV and Comedy Central went dark for 8 minutes and 46 seconds - the length of time Floyd's neck was pinned to the ground by the knee of a police officer. The movement also gave rise to dissenters. Black Lives Matter complained that news of its planned protests had been drowned out, while film executive Franklin Leonard said he would not be taking part. "A 'show' of solidarity is NOT solidarity," Leonard tweeted. "And posting a black tile on your Instagram feed for a day definitely isn’t."

#BlackOutTuesday sweeps social media as George Floyd protests in US escalate

The grieving mother of George Floyd’s daughter on Tuesday demanded justice for him,&nbsp;even as the state of Minnesota launched a civil rights investigation into&nbsp;the Minneapolis Police Department.

She said&nbsp;he was a good father who did not deserve to die face down on the pavement, pinned under the weight of three police officers.

George Floyd, a black man, died while being arrested in Minneapolis last week after a white officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes, even after he stopped moving. Floyd's death has ignited protests across the country.

With her 6-year-old daughter Gianna clinging to her, Roxie Washington told reporters she wants all four officers involved in Floyd’s death to pay for the killing, which has sparked protests across the US and the world.

"I want justice for him because he was good, no matter what anybody thinks," Roxie Washington told reporters at a press conference in Minneapolis on Tuesday.

"He was good and this is the proof that he was a good man," she added, pointing at their daughter.

“At the end of the day, they get to go home and be with their families. Gianna doesn’t have a father. He will never see her grow up, graduate. He will never walk her down the aisle.”

Derek Chauvin, the then-police officer, seen kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death. Three other officers involved were fired but have not been charged.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-floyd-a-gentle-giant-remembered-in-hometown-houston-march-302794">Also read |&nbsp;George Floyd, a 'gentle giant', remembered in hometown Houston march</a>

Floyd had moved from Texas to Minneapolis looking for a better life. Even from afar, Washington said, Floyd was supportive of their daughter and would always talk about taking care of her.

When their daughter, Gianna, asked why people on TV kept saying her dad's name, all Washington could say was, "...he couldn't breathe."

The attorneys representing Washington said they want the world to have another image of Floyd besides the video of his altercation with police.

George Floyd's hometown of Houston held a memorial march for him on Tuesday, where attendees recounted a "gentle giant" whose legacy had helped the city largely avoid the violent protests seen elsewhere in the United States.

As many as 60,000 people gathered downtown to honour Floyd.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blackouttuesday-sweeps-social-media-as-george-floyd-protests-in-us-escalate-302790">Also read |&nbsp;#BlackOutTuesday sweeps social media as George Floyd protests in US escalate</a>

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Gov Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the filing of the formal civil rights complaint at a news conference.

The investigation into the police department's policies, procedures and practices over the past 10 years will now determine if the force has engaged in systemic discrimination toward people of color, and root it out.

The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations of brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities, even within the department itself. Critics say its culture resists change, despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017.

(with inputs from agencies)

The grieving mother of George Floyd’s daughter on Tuesday demanded justice for him, even as the state of Minnesota launched a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.

The grieving mother of George Floyd’s daughter on Tuesday demanded justice for him, even as the state of Minnesota launched a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. She said he was a good father who did not deserve to die face down on the pavement, pinned under the weight of three police officers. George Floyd, a black man, died while being arrested in Minneapolis last week after a white officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes, even after he stopped moving. Floyd's death has ignited protests across the country. With her 6-year-old daughter Gianna clinging to her, Roxie Washington told reporters she wants all four officers involved in Floyd’s death to pay for the killing, which has sparked protests across the US and the world. "I want justice for him because he was good, no matter what anybody thinks," Roxie Washington told reporters at a press conference in Minneapolis on Tuesday. "He was good and this is the proof that he was a good man," she added, pointing at their daughter. “At the end of the day, they get to go home and be with their families. Gianna doesn’t have a father. He will never see her grow up, graduate. He will never walk her down the aisle.” Derek Chauvin, the then-police officer, seen kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death. Three other officers involved were fired but have not been charged. Also read | George Floyd, a 'gentle giant', remembered in hometown Houston march Floyd had moved from Texas to Minneapolis looking for a better life. Even from afar, Washington said, Floyd was supportive of their daughter and would always talk about taking care of her. When their daughter, Gianna, asked why people on TV kept saying her dad's name, all Washington could say was, "...he couldn't breathe." The attorneys representing Washington said they want the world to have another image of Floyd besides the video of his altercation with police. George Floyd's hometown of Houston held a memorial march for him on Tuesday, where attendees recounted a "gentle giant" whose legacy had helped the city largely avoid the violent protests seen elsewhere in the United States. As many as 60,000 people gathered downtown to honour Floyd. Also read | #BlackOutTuesday sweeps social media as George Floyd protests in US escalate Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Gov Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the filing of the formal civil rights complaint at a news conference. The investigation into the police department's policies, procedures and practices over the past 10 years will now determine if the force has engaged in systemic discrimination toward people of color, and root it out. The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations of brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities, even within the department itself. Critics say its culture resists change, despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017. (with inputs from agencies)

Mother of George Floyd's daughter demands justice; Minneapolis police faces probe

It is high time the United States of America is pulled up for racial discrimination because prejudice, racial attacks, criminalisation of the black population has been a reality in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-visit-community-leaders-in-delaware-amid-us-protests-302431">US</a> for centuries.

Many African-Americans do not enjoy the right to life. Racism goes back to the roots of America. The first African slaves arrived on the shores of America in 1619. The division was clear - the blacks were slaves and the whites were slave owners.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-united-states-politics-erupts-over-the-death-of-an-african-american-302492/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Over 400 years have passed and 152 years since the African-Americans were given American citizenship. In July 1868, black Americans were finally declared citizens but not much has changed. Slavery has been abolished but racism remains codified in American society.

African-Americans are still treated as takers and over-policing has replaced the black codes and black inferiority is the modern and more acceptable version of slavery.

The sentiment has been unapologetically projected on the silver screen. In 1915, the movie "Birth of the Nation" celebrated white supremacy. It criminalised black Americans and upheld the sense of us vs them.

The prejudice haunted black soldiers when they returned from their World War-I postings. In 1919, black soldiers were attacked. There were riots in 34 American cities. White supremecists apparently wanted to show black soldiers "their place". In 1957, nine black students were harassed and spat on by then racism had become an accepted wrong.

The law mandated separate public spaces. Blacks and whites could not sit together in a classroom, let alone eat together at restaurants. When blacks broke these laws, they were brutalised by the police.

When they were lynched, the police turned the other way though African-Americans were granted equality on paper, the reality was very different. It was against this reality that activists like Martin Luther King jr raised their voice.

Martin Luther King Jr's speech shook the world but America refused to change. In 1965, an African-American was pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. The cops roughed up Marquette Frye as unprecedented riots followed.

History repeated itself nearly three decades later. At least 50 people were killed in Los Angeles riots and some 10,000 others were arrested for rioting, looting and arson. The trigger was the acquittal was four police officers who were caught on camera beating a black construction worker - Rodney King.

The jury was predominantly white, however, the turn of century came with a fresh ray of hope as America got its first black president but outside the gates of the Obama's White House, the world was still unsafe for African-Americans.

In 2014, an officer shot an unarmed black teenager. Michael Brown's culprit was not indicted and there was widespread anger and protests and it channeled into the black lives matter movement.

It is high time the United States of America is pulled up for racial discrimination because prejudice, racial attacks, criminalisation of the black population has been a reality in the US for centuries.

It is high time the United States of America is pulled up for racial discrimination because prejudice, racial attacks, criminalisation of the black population has been a reality in the US for centuries. Many African-Americans do not enjoy the right to life. Racism goes back to the roots of America. The first African slaves arrived on the shores of America in 1619. The division was clear - the blacks were slaves and the whites were slave owners. Over 400 years have passed and 152 years since the African-Americans were given American citizenship. In July 1868, black Americans were finally declared citizens but not much has changed. Slavery has been abolished but racism remains codified in American society. African-Americans are still treated as takers and over-policing has replaced the black codes and black inferiority is the modern and more acceptable version of slavery. The sentiment has been unapologetically projected on the silver screen. In 1915, the movie "Birth of the Nation" celebrated white supremacy. It criminalised black Americans and upheld the sense of us vs them. The prejudice haunted black soldiers when they returned from their World War-I postings. In 1919, black soldiers were attacked. There were riots in 34 American cities. White supremecists apparently wanted to show black soldiers "their place". In 1957, nine black students were harassed and spat on by then racism had become an accepted wrong. The law mandated separate public spaces. Blacks and whites could not sit together in a classroom, let alone eat together at restaurants. When blacks broke these laws, they were brutalised by the police. When they were lynched, the police turned the other way though African-Americans were granted equality on paper, the reality was very different. It was against this reality that activists like Martin Luther King jr raised their voice. Martin Luther King Jr's speech shook the world but America refused to change. In 1965, an African-American was pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. The cops roughed up Marquette Frye as unprecedented riots followed. History repeated itself nearly three decades later. At least 50 people were killed in Los Angeles riots and some 10,000 others were arrested for rioting, looting and arson. The trigger was the acquittal was four police officers who were caught on camera beating a black construction worker - Rodney King. The jury was predominantly white, however, the turn of century came with a fresh ray of hope as America got its first black president but outside the gates of the Obama's White House, the world was still unsafe for African-Americans. In 2014, an officer shot an unarmed black teenager. Michael Brown's culprit was not indicted and there was widespread anger and protests and it channeled into the black lives matter movement.

Racism haunts America as African-Americans struggle for equality

US performer will.i.am has accused a Qantas flight attendant of racism, saying she was unjustified in calling the police on him after an altercation during an Australian domestic flight.

In a series of tweets, the Black Eyed Peas frontman on Saturday said the woman was "overly aggressive" and unnecessarily escalated a situation after he didn't hear an on-board safety briefing.

Using the hashtag #RacistFlightAttendant William Adams -- better known by his stage name will.i.am -- said the attendant was "beyond rude" and "took it to the next level by calling the police", five of whom were waiting for him on arrival in Sydney following the 90-minute flight from Brisbane.

"Thank god the other passengers testified that SHE was out of control," he tweeted. "The police finally let me go."

He said he had complied "quickly &amp; politely" with her instructions to put his laptop away.

"I don't want to believe she racist. But she has clearly aimed all her frustrations only at the people of colour."

A Qantas spokesman said the Australian flag carrier "completely" rejected the suggestion that race was a factor in the incident.

"There was a misunderstanding on board, which seems to have been exacerbated by will.i.am wearing noise-cancelling headphones and not being able to hear instructions from crew," he said.

"We'll be following up with will.i.am and wish him well for the rest of the tour."

The group ended a five-city Australia tour with a concert in Sydney on Saturday.

The incident came two months after the Australian twin-sister pop duo The Veronicas were removed from a Qantas flight by police officers after a disagreement with staff over luggage.

US performer will.i.am has accused a Qantas flight attendant of racism, saying she was unjustified in calling the police on him after an altercation during an Australian domestic flight.

US performer will.i.am has accused a Qantas flight attendant of racism, saying she was unjustified in calling the police on him after an altercation during an Australian domestic flight. In a series of tweets, the Black Eyed Peas frontman on Saturday said the woman was "overly aggressive" and unnecessarily escalated a situation after he didn't hear an on-board safety briefing. Using the hashtag #RacistFlightAttendant William Adams -- better known by his stage name will.i.am -- said the attendant was "beyond rude" and "took it to the next level by calling the police", five of whom were waiting for him on arrival in Sydney following the 90-minute flight from Brisbane. "Thank god the other passengers testified that SHE was out of control," he tweeted. "The police finally let me go." He said he had complied "quickly & politely" with her instructions to put his laptop away. "I don't want to believe she racist. But she has clearly aimed all her frustrations only at the people of colour." A Qantas spokesman said the Australian flag carrier "completely" rejected the suggestion that race was a factor in the incident. "There was a misunderstanding on board, which seems to have been exacerbated by will.i.am wearing noise-cancelling headphones and not being able to hear instructions from crew," he said. "We'll be following up with will.i.am and wish him well for the rest of the tour." The group ended a five-city Australia tour with a concert in Sydney on Saturday. The incident came two months after the Australian twin-sister pop duo The Veronicas were removed from a Qantas flight by police officers after a disagreement with staff over luggage.

Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am accuses flight attendant of racism

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