Local organizers are planning a silent walk in Leesburg Sunday to honor George Floyd, a black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer earlier this week. The incident, which involved the white officer kneeling on the Floyd's neck, has sparked nationwide protests and renewed loud concerns over police brutality.
Organizers of the Loudoun County event say they will walk in solidarity on the Leesburg Town Hall Green from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
“We just can’t stay silent on this,” said Leesburg Town Councilman Ron Campbell, event organizer and founder of Citizens for a Better Leesburg.
On Monday night, four police officers responded to a forgery in south Minneapolis, according to CBS Minnesota. Officers found Floyd’s car at the scene.
Shortly after officers arrived and had an exchange with the unarmed Floyd, he was handcuffed and forced face down on the pavement next to a police cruiser. Floyd remained on the ground as one white police officer knelt down on the back of his neck.
“I cannot breathe. I cannot breathe!” Floyd yelled in a video that surfaced on social media. “Don’t kill me!”
At least seven minutes passed with the officer’s knee in Floyd’s neck. When an emergency medical team arrived, Floyd was unconscious and unresponsive.
Derek Chauvin, the police officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck, was taken into custody and charged with murder on Friday. The other three officers have been fired.
Campbell said he’s past being angry. He said this is the time everyone needs to rally together because such cases impact more than the black community.
“I can't do this alone. We can't do this alone,” Campbell said. “This is not working for the black community. It's not working for the Hispanic community. We should not be isolated as if these issues belong to us. They belong to this country.”
During the past week, Minneapolis has been filled with protests and property damage, including the burning of a police precinct house. Nationwide protests erupted Friday night, with cable news showing scenes in Atlanta and New York, among others.
Floyd’s death comes weeks after other apparent race-related injustices, including the death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, who was killed by a white person while jogging through Glynn County, Georgia, and 26-year-old Breonna Taylor, who was shot in her home by three police officers serving a “no-knock warrant” for a narcotics investigation.
Phillip Thompson, former president of the Loudoun County NAACP, said the disproportionately negative impact COVID-19 has had on the black community and the aforementioned cases have highlighted how “sick” the country is with racial relations.
“We have not ever had a reckoning on race, and it always comes out in these circumstances,” Thompson said, “And as long as white America walks around with a concept that ... 'We're making this stuff up,’ ‘It's not true,’ ‘We're whining,’ and 'We're making excuses’ — as long as they continue in that direction, there's always going to be these new situations. Always.”
Michelle Thomas, president of the Loudoun County NAACP, described the recent cases as a “rainstorm of hatred” that stems from the White House.
On Friday morning, President Donald Trump (R) in a tweet called protesters “thugs,” offering military aid to Minneapolis. He then added, “Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts.”
He later sought to clarify his remarks, stating that when looting starts, people end up getting shot.
In December 1967, then-Miami Police Chief Walter Headley used the same phrase in a press conference announcing a policy for policing the city’s black neighborhoods.
“He's creating an atmosphere that's similar to the atmosphere of the 1960s — the height of the civil rights movement — and he is espousing those same views,” Thomas said.
Campbell said there will be no speakers for Sunday's event. He encourages everyone to stay safe amid the pandemic by wearing face masks and practicing social distancing guidelines.
Signs are encouraged. Free parking is available in the town hall garage.
Campbell said a poster-sized version of one of Leesburg artist Gertrude Evans’ works, which is featured in the advertisement for Sunday’s event, will be available for people to sign. The poster will be sent to Minneapolis afterwards.
Evans, a longtime Leesburg resident, was inspired to paint the artwork when a police officer choked to death New York resident Eric Garner in July 2014. The officer was fired last year.
In Evans’ piece, she paints three people holding signs in front of the Loudoun County Courthouse in Leesburg.
One sign says “Hands up — don’t shoot,” another says “Black Lives Matter!” and the third notes a similar phrase used by Garner and Floyd: “I can’t breathe.”
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) reacted to the deaths of Floyd, Taylor and Arbery on Friday night.
“No one should have to carry that type of burden, but for the African American community and communities of color, this is a reality,” Northam said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the weight of this struggle, highlighting longstanding systemic inequities in America."
He added, “What we see with our own eyes in Minneapolis, calls all of us to renew our commitment to working for justice—advancing cultural affirmation and respect, access to good health, education, fair housing, business opportunities, voting, and criminal justice reform. This is our shared responsibility—this is a humanity issue.”
(407) comments
Someone lost some rayban shades at the march on the courtyard..... describe them and I will see if I can get them to you.
I’m so happy that so many are coming together peacefully! For more like this please read https://thenovalist.com/2020/06/08/bringing-american-systematic-racism-to-light-what-can-we-do-about-it/
IT WAS GREAT. ENCOURAGING. REFRESHING. So glad the naysayers didnt come out. Nothing but positive energy. UNITY. Something naysayers and cynics cannot understand and may not even want.
How did you hear about this?? I live basically downtown and would have LOVED to go :(
the News Break app. ... it may inundate you with newsflashes... but that is how I heard of it.
No bottles. No bricks. No police. No fire. No ignorance. Great peaceful march/rally.
That's Idiotic.
It took a little longer than Yuri Bezmenov warned America, but it's well on its way.
Councilman Campbell said “We can’t stay silent on this”. But I thought it was a silent protest.
Congrats... you figured it out ... wow.... the deep seeded sinister plan to get you to come out to hear the voices of people who think there is something wrong in America. Shame on you Council Campbell!!!! (sarc.)
Protect Silent Sam!
He's silent because he lost, please follow his example.
Theres always that one person that will start the rioting in every group. Atarts out as a peaceful protest but ends very differently. I live in Leesburg and i am very concerned about the looting and rioting coming here.
This is all a part of satan's playbook and the beast system as described in the bible. The masks are conditioning for the mark of beast /cashless society. One world govt/religion ran by the ac (antichrist ) after Jesus removes all believers from the earth soon. REPENT and prepare the way as our Messiah is coming. Shalom and God bless !!!
Holy C***, is this some Jesus conspiracy?
I was reading the article with an open mind until I got to this....Michelle Thomas, president of the Loudoun County NAACP, described the recent cases as a “rainstorm of hatred” that stems from the White House. She just wants to fuel the fire, turn it to hate and make it political. Ignorant comment. I won't be showing up that's for sure.
I agree perfectlee
Dividers like Michelle Thomas exploit legitimate outrage and attack political opponents .
Throwing around unsubstantiated charges of racism and hatred where none exists undermines their credibility with fair-minded people.
It seems liberals have succumbed and would rather pander to these radicals and let their cities burn and police attacked.
You can keep saying it as much as you want. It doesn't make it any less of a lie.
AAhh sure, blame the liberals?
Liberals enabling riots.
Rioters setting fires and liberals blame the fireman.
Pual that is just an ignorant statement, keep blaming liberals for everything, life is so simple.
Haha keep it real. You weren’t planning on coming either way. People who believe in something won’t let someone else’s perspective keep them from expressing their own.
Exactly. They are fascist pigs.
LOL.... Mike Drop!!!
Michelle Thomas is a bigger racist than POTUS ever was. She has made her living on dividing people and she is nothing but a professional instigator. Only people like her and Jimmy Kimmel, simpletons, believe that racism only exists in this country because of Donald Trump. Why not mention the politicians who have been in office for 30+ years, who have been dividing people and making millions while doing so. Blaming a guy who has been in office for 3.5 years for generational problems is ridiculous. I've seen Trump my whole life, I remember when the media was launching negative attacks on him back when he was dating a black woman- what hypocrites. I remember guys like Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton hanging all over Trump, then when it was convenient for them, they labeled him a racist. Why does nobody ever call people like Michelle Thomas and these dividers out on what they really are?
Agree with you. John M Obamma called the Baltimore riot people thugs but Trump can't. Bs I say . Very one sided. I say Trump 2020💯🇺🇸
This is not about Obama. This is not about cheeto..... sick of that slimeball...... this is about people doing something big.... recognizing injustice and doing something about it. don't be so small that you can see the big picture.....dont be so small and petulant
Trump called all protesters thugs, Obama called the people who "tore up the city" thugs. Be honest and tell the whole thing.
AG lie 20,001
pual, how stupid. Like I said before. If you think I lied than ask for proof, an article I got it from or anything like that. But you being a liar and saying others have lied because you are being too lazy to fact check is childish,
Don't all lives matter? If you loot and steal a microwave do you name it after George a horrible act no matter the race of anyone. God bless his family.
One of the best one liners I've read: "If you loot and steal a microwave do you name it after George". You're sarcasm is absolutely right!
What do you think....maybe you be ashamed of yourself.... but we know that is highly unlikely....
You need Jesus real bad.
All lives do matter, that is the problem, some think black lives matter less. rest was stupid BS
Funny, Your so bias it’s comical. Why not just stick to the subject of the article?
thanks for staying home.... we don't need you there.
Then how can opposing views come together to figure things out?
Scottva, the answer is they don't want to figure things out. To figure things out requires open, non-biased conversation. It appears that the popular opinion has already reached its conclusions on this matter and that no matter what you try to say that is contrary to that position they simply won't hear it. That is wrong on multiple levels.
One day you head may come out .... just push hard....
See, when someone doesn't have a cogent point of argument against a position we can this classic illustration of juvenile behavior...."One day you head may come out .... just push hard...." Grow up "Concerned Guest".
You won't be missed.
Then you weren't reading the article with an open mind. That was one woman's opinion in the article. There was much more to the article than that. Did you forget about what trump tweeted? What leader does that?
To all of us critics/commentators, author Simon Sinek had this advice: "We must all try to empathize before we criticize. [This is accomplished by asking] someone whats wrong, before telling them they are wrong." Until you walk in someone else's shoes....
Amen. But people who think the status quo is ok in America will ignore your post. They got it all fugures out. So why ask questions. In essense what they are saying is.... If I wanted you to have an opinion, I would have given you one.
Please close the Potomac bridges for the day. Leesburg businesses that have already been ravaged by the policies of the (D)s-in-charge might not survive the looting and burning that occurred in DC if that behavior finds its way here to Loudoun.
Shame on the Loudoun Times for posting a fake slogan "Hands up, Don't Shoot" which never happened. What we don't need right now is more false reporting and gaslighting as demonstrated by Minn. Governor and Minneapolis Mayor. We should simply focus on ending excessive police force and dehumanizing behavior - something both sides of the political divide should agree on. First comes criminal justice - which is happening...then comes social justice which takes time. Yes- we all agree, enough talking...but how we get to social justice actually matters (and setting minority communities back 30 years is not helping).
"Hands up, don't shoot", or simply "hands up", is a slogan and gesture that originated after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. The slogan implies one has their hands in the air, a common sign of submission, and is therefore not a threat to an approaching police officer. It is not a direct quote, so what didn't happen?
Amerigirl literally copy/pastes from wikipedia. You forgot this part of that same paragraph: "A United States Department of Justice investigation, under the leadership of African American U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, found the 'hands up' claim inconsistent with the physical and forensic evidence and witness testimony surrounding the Brown shooting". The very premise is a lie.
Yes I did, to clarify the statement from feathers, so? It is used as a slogan now, regardless of what happened. Whats the big deal? If I didn't have it exactly people would have said something. You don't even have to go to wikipedia, if you google it it is at the top of the page.
All these people, like you, who were screaming about their rights to work regardless of other people now want to take away other peoples rights. If it doesn't suit your agenda change the rule.
Amerigirl, We have had lots of online conversations especially when I ran for Commonwealth Attorney for Loudoun after that young man was shot by a police officer in Purcellville. "See something - say something" is for regular citizens. "See something Do something" is for police. The policemen who stood by and watched their fellow police office do a horrendous, unjustified act to a man already handcuffed were REQUIRED TO ACT AND THEY DID NOT! Timing counts. All four officers violated the public trust, acted criminally and should have been immediately charged. It is not the level of charge that is unforgivable by the public but the attempt by the local prosecutor and Mayor to not hold them accountable immediately. In a similar way it took years in court for the death of the boy in Purcellville to be fairly evaluated as it was (in my opinion) ignored by the local prosecutors probably for similar reasons to the current event which was probably more protection oriented than color oriented. What the police do AND don't do when it is their responsibility to act matters and it should be appropriate to EVERYONE they encounter EQUALLY. The color of the boy in Purcellville was not the issue because nobody benefitted by trying to make it an issue. Thats my two cents - keep the change. :-)
OK. The State of Minnesota has charged one officer with 3rd Degree Murder and Manslaughter and moved relatively quickly. Define the word "immediately". I don't know how much faster you want the State of Minnesota to respond. Well, since the public wants "instant justice", why don't we just forget the trial and find him guilty and do "street justice". Would that satisfy the mass public and the political class? Maybe, but that is not the basis that this country was founded on, which, the last time I checked is the rule of law. Everyone is entitled to due process. Even the officer in charge of the Royal Army at the Boston Massacre received due process yet it seems that this officer shouldn't? Wow, that premise is totally unacceptable and, for a praciticing attorney, to promote that viewpoint and not to give the officer the "benefit of the doubt" as he is "alleged" to commit the act since a verdict of guilt/or innocence had not been made by a court of law is wrong. As an attorney, you have to appreciate that officer is entitled to due process by the legal system not the court of public opinion. It is totally not right to paint with blanket characterizations that every law enforcement officer don't treat everyone fairly because of the actions of a few. As someone who has family in state/local law enforcement, I know that the majority of police/sheriffs/state troopers/game wardens do their job every day and have to deal with an environment that does not support them. They have to deal with a society that doesn't respect the law/badge and a political class that wants to second guess them and their intentions. Yet, most of them, including my friends and family in law enforcement, go out there and do their job and be responsible in accordance with their oath that they swore.
As for the Mayor of Minneapolis, what other actions is he supposed to hold the officer accountable. The only thing that the Mayor can do is, in accordance with municipal civil service rules, order the dismissal of the individual. That is what happened.
Think about how quickly arrest a black person kills a police officer. They tried everything cover this but not this time. I can guarentee if they arrest next day and press charges for 1st degree murder there will be no to little disturbance. But they wait until until people explode than charge a funny 3rd degree. Than POTUS showed up, thread everybody instead of pushing mayor arrest that pig.
OK. The State can only charge people for crimes which they have sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case, there is not sufficient evidence, no matter much the "armchair experts" like to make, that there is intent. So, you cannot meet all the elements of the 1st Degree or 2nd Degree murder element. If it went to court, the trial judge would probably dismiss it and then you wouldn't get a chance at retrial as double jeopardy applies. The officer (Chauvin) is already in police custody/arrested so there is no need to rearrest him. If the evidence is there, the State of Minnesota could amend the charging documentation to raise it but it isn't there so they probably won't. The State of Minnesota did what they did and it was proper but that does sit well with the court of popular opinion.
They arrested 1 cop, not all 3 that were involved in it. How quick is that? Have you seen the videos, there was intent. It was the job of the other cops to stop that murder from happening not be complicit in it.
Vol, what do you consider sufficient evidence. There is a ton of sufficient evidence there, whether they choose to use it or not is the question.
AG, Considering that the State of Minnesota had to (1) bring in an outside agency and (2) conduct an internal review inquiry/investigation, it is pretty fast for police standards. I hate to break it to you but, to meet the legal standards, they have to have evidence sufficient to support a charging document for the other three officers and it is their decision, as the county/state prosecutor, not yours, if they have met the state's standards. If they don't feel that it is there, then they will do what is required, however what they don't need is a bunch of armchair legal eagles who think that they have the knowledge/right to challenge them as they don't have all the facts. But that doesn't stop the magical court of public opinion, no? Again, are you the Hennepin County State's Attorney? No. Can you realistically make the intent argument. No, as there is sufficient reasonable doubt that would allow for a trial judge to dismiss that charge. But, who cares what the law says?
AG, well, if you feel that strongly about it then you should prosecute this case for the State of Minnesota, not the State's Attorney or the Attorney General as it appears you know more about the Minnesota criminal code than the responsible officials. Give me a break. The only people whose opinion about the whether or not they have a "ton of sufficient evidence there" is the State Attorney for Hennepin County MN and the State of Minnesota Attorney General, not from the armchair legal experts or the "Matlock/Perry Mason wannabes" from "Loudoun Law".
Voltaire, what outside agency? It is being turned over to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. It is his decision. If those other officers were already fired how is it up to police standards, they no longer work for the police? It sounds like you are the one being an armchair legal eagle. Don’t know what you are talking about an “internet argument” it’s facts, simply recorded facts. They have all the camera and cell phone footage along with the audio from the rescue vehicle. You don’t seem to really know what the law says. I don’t claim to know the laws, I never said I did. who cares what the law says? Cute. Never said I knew anything about the Minnesota criminal code so don’t act like I did. You are making the statements that seem to project that you know all about it, not me. How old are you with the “Matlock/Perry Mason wannabes" BS? You are the one who has all the answers right? Like “The other 3 cops haven't even been charged because the State Attorney's investigation is not complete and they are getting additional evidence to support the issuance of criminal charges”. How do you know that? Oh I see, everyone is an armchair lawyer but you. Right, because you know everything about Minn. Law. You worry about your vigilantes; I’ll worry about the people that are being publicly murdered for no reason. So, you think like trump, the UN have failed to do anything for years? Very easy to do if you don’t look. They create the Human Rights Treaties, put protections in international law for children, women, victims of torture, persons with disabilities, and regional institutions. But, who cares about what protections they have, right?
AG, As someone who has studied and worked in law I think that I can talk about the law with a little experience, no? I also know police procedure from study and having actual family members who are sworn state law enforcement officers in Wisconsin. Concerning the outside agency, the outside agency is the Attorney General as the Attorney General is not the normal prosecuting entity in criminal cases like this so it would be considered the "outside agency". The issue involves the element of intent. The state has to prove intent for a murder charge higher than 3rd Degree Murder. That is the law for the State of Minnesota. By police standards, there are standards that the police are required to use for an investigation that is referred to the District Attorney (State's Attorney in MN). If they don't meet that standard, the DA/SA will refuse to accept it for prosecution. That is probably why the other three officers haven't been charged. Maybe I am the one with all the answers, how do you know? I am making the claim about wannabe Perry Masons/Matlocks and armchair legal experts because that is exactly what is happening here on this site. The majority of comments fail to understand the basic elements of criminal law/procedure and fail to show an understanding that the officer is entitled to due process. As to Perry Mason/Matlock, you can be any age to appreciate the references. As to why the other three officers aren't charged, do you know? I explained it earlier in this post. I have studied law and police procedure and know how these things operate so yes I can speak from experience/knowledge thanks. I believe that the judicial system is more than capable of handling murder cases and doesn't need any more support from the political class/elites who think that they can sit in their ivory towers and pontificate about how policing should be done. If you feel that strongly about it, get yourself a badge/uniform and walk a beat and see what real law enforcement is like. It is not as neat and tidy as everyone thinks it is. Have you ever had to draw a service weapon on a person? No? Well, my family members have and they have told me what caused them to do so and what the situation was. I worry about the liberal elites/political class/media that (a) create the hostile environment that law enforcement is trying to police and (2) want to circumvent the legal process for their own selfish agenda. Not everyone who pins on a badge is a racist/rogue officer. That is what is being portrayed and that is demoralizing to the police and simply wrong. But that doesn't matter does it? No, the court of public opinion wants street justice and promote vigilantism because it is not happening fast enough to suit them. That is not what this country was founded on. This country was founded on law. The law doesn't work on public opinion's time but its own and if that isn't good enough well then that is too bad, isn't it. As someone who has studied law and worked in the field, I think I can talk intelligently about criminal law, including Minnesota Law. As to the UN, they may done all those activities during the course of its existence. Has it done anything notable recently? The UN also is known for having a massive bureaucracy and isn't very efficient/effective. It needs to be reformed.
Voltaire, no I am not painting every law enforcement officer as racist. My statement is true still the same, and your logic doesn’t fit. "Good old boy", you know exactly what that is. If you have lived in Loudoun as I have you know just how it was around here from the BOS on down. Yes, I know about the confederacy. Denial of that part of it doesn’t justify the ends. I guess you are having your "the rage of the day". But that is not what this article is about.
AG. Actually, yes you are and my logic does fit. Making blanket statements (such as systematic racism, police brutality, excessive force, etc.) about an entire profession (law enforcement) is disparaging every member of that profession. I have lived in Eastern Loudoun for over 30 years and know what "Good old boy" networks are in this county. But, that does justify the use of that stereotype. As for the Confederacy, I am well aware of what the Confederacy represented and it represented more than just black slavery. A refresher in history may be in order. Nobody denies the black slavery aspect of the Confederacy. However, it is wrong to paint the entire Confederacy based upon it. I hate to break it to you but no matter how much revisionism you try to do, the Confederacy existed and it deserves to be recognized in history properly. The next to the last sentence is presumptuous. I am aware of what the article is about however I was responding to other comments in this article.
Vol, of course you think your logic fits. Stop saying I am doing things I’m not doing. This conversation is stale.
How many times has "See something - say something" not worked when it comes to killing unarmed black men? I don't know if you have seen the videos, not just the 1 that has been shown the most, Today everyone records, and so do store security cameras. The Wash Post has gotten those and but them together in a time line, there was more than enough evidence to be charged with a serious crime.
AG, have you been elected to the Position of State Attorney for the Hennepin County, MN? Do you know all the official evidence that had been collected by the investigating officers? No on both counts. The State Attorney made his determination based upon all the official evidence, not what the Washington Post produces. I am sure that the appropriate law enforcement agency, probably the Minnesota State Patrol, got those videos and produced them to the State Attorney. But, as I have repeatedly said, no matter what the State of Minnesota did, be it the State Attorney or the Attorney General, who probably should have been the prosecutor given the visibility of the incident and its consequences, it won't satisfy the "armchair legal experts". So, why have a trial at all? Everyone believes that the officers are guilty of 1st Degree Murder so why waste taxpayer dollars and just punish them. Why? because everyone, including those officers, are entitled to due process in a court of law, no matter what the liberal elites, armchair legal experts, media, intelligentsia think. To think otherwise is promoting street justice and/or vigilantism and that is wrong period. But, this is what the political class/elites are doing through the court of public opinion where there are no rules of evidence/procedure just majority opinion and this is counterproductive.
If the media has collected that much evidence I would hope the cops could do the same. The wash post collected evidence and shows it, it states when voices can and can't be heard, it had multiple videos from all angles and voice recording including from inside the rescue squad. Please tell me the cops are capable enough to do at least that much. Due process is one thing, but the other 3 cops haven't even been charged. Floyd was unconscious and pinned beneath three police officers, showing no signs of life, while a fourth kept people out of the way from helping or stepping in to help himself. You don't have to be an "armchair legal experts" to see that. You can't have all the tings you mentioned without having the people arrested.
AG, How do you what the investigating officers have collected? Did they provide you a list of evidence for this case? No, they didn't. I hate to break it to you but official police investigations don't care about the "evidence" that the Washington Post acquired. The only evidence that matters comes from the investigation as that is the evidence which support charging/prosecuting the officers. If the evidence came from EMT Truck and dispatch recordings, then yes they acquired those and probably all the video evidence too. Shocking that police/State Attorney can be competent? Due process is the ONLY thing. The other 3 cops haven't even been charged because the State Attorney's investigation is not complete and they are getting additional evidence to support the issuance of criminal charges. See, in the criminal justice system, there are rules of evidence/procedures that have be followed in order to effectively prosecute the individuals and ensure effective due process. Actually, here in Loudoun County, we have a bunch of "armchair legal experts" who seem to think that they know more about the Minnesota Criminal Code than the State Attorney for Hennepin County MN and the Attorney General of MN and can tell them how to prosecute this matter. They, not you or any other member of the popular majority, make the decision when they have sufficient evidence to arrest/charge/try the other three individuals. Yes, you can have all the things I have said and not have those people arrested. This is a country of laws. Eveyone is entitled to due process, whether it is the "flavor of the day" or not. Let the professionals do their job. Everyone who is saying that these three officers are automatically guilty of murder need to learn some basics on the criminal law/procedure. By assuming the role of prosecutor/judge/executioner, you have now turned into vigilantes and that has no place in this nation. Period.
If you believe racism is a virus.
If you believe this virus killed George Floyd
If you believe racism needs to be eradicated just like covid
JOIN US
If not
Stay home and know you are part of the problem
Never let FACTS get in the way of your ignorant propaganda.
1. In 2017, a Minneapolis cop killed a barefoot, unarmed white woman who called in an alleged sexual assault. Was the black cop "racist"? Were you "part of the problem" for not protesting? Give us a frickin break.
2. More whites are killed by police than blacks although both have decreased.
3. Black males are 22x more likely to be killed by another black male than by a cop.
4. In over 14K incidents in which a citizen had a deadly weapon in an encounter with cops, only 7% were killed. While we can probably improve use of force policies, police are very restrained when they are authorized to use deadly force.
Get a clue. Get a grip.
Stay home
Why because you said so? Dancing around the truth makes you nervous I guess
Why? Is there a threat behind that? How are you going to make people do that?
Only the weak don't stand up for what they believe in.
Just stay home. Be well with yourself.
And this solves what again?
Vol, if you don't recognize injustices they will never be corrected.
AG, what makes you think the system is broken? The actions of a few rogue officers? The system is handling it, contrary to popular opinion's demand for instantaneous justice. OK. so we are going to take this action and turn it into an "injustice" and aggressive police actions blanket narrative since that would make the issue neat and tidy. Well, this subject isn't neat and tidy. Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) are human beings and have emotions/feelings and they have to make decisions involving use of force that may or may not be right. As I have said each case is not a one size fits all. However, people who don't know what the world of law enforcement is day-in and day-out and who have to make those decisions sit in their ivory towers and try to tell law enforcement that they are all a bunch of racists and that they are the problem. Most LEOs are competent/professional and do a job with a hostile public who doesn't respect the position/authority of the badge and little support from the political class. So, How do you plan to correct this? The answer is that you cannot. The only way to solve this would be to take humanity out of law enforcement. Unfortunately, Robocop hasn't been developed yet.
That cop was convicted and sentenced to 12 years. Try again!
STAY HOME. stop trying.
... Your facts are skewed. Are more white people shot by police? Yes, but simply because there are far more white people (approx. 50% of the population) in the United States than there are black people (approx. 13.4% of the population). So to break this down by statistics, for every 100,000 WHITE males, 39 will be killed by law enforcement. For every 100,000 BLACK males, 96 will be killed by law enforcement... yet they make up only 13.4% of the population. Now do you see the problem?
Again, Concerned Guest, what does "staying home" do? Who gave the authority to make that command?
Who are you talking to?
Racism won't be eradicated by attending a protest any more than attending a protest is somehow an indication of one's righteousness or not attending is an indication of unrighteousness. There is only one race, the human race. Hatred toward others, for any reason, is sin. This is an issue of the human heart. There is only one remedy for that.
Reread my post. Dont be ignorant your whole life! Said NOTHING about a march being an endall to racism. But if dont belive this march or the civil rights marches of the 1960s helped........STAY HOME. Its very simple
I did. And I never said you remarked about a march being and "end all to racism." Did you comprehend what I wrote?
It is about racial injustice, not racism. The is only one race, but some of those are treated differently because of the color of their skin. Accepting that this is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed is the first step to equality.
Stupid rhetoric and ridiculous comparisons are about as hollow and unjustified as your appeal for whatever you are doing.
Your accusations that those that don’t join you are part of the ‘problem:” make me want to stay as far away from you as I can.
Just stay home. Very simple for you. This is not complicated
Go ahead and make fools of yourselves.
You'll be that 66 year old white women carrying the BLM sign right?
Scott & pual, your lack of empathy is unbelievable.
Scott, there was alot of women that age doing the same thing, could you point her out? And you don't think that black lives matter?
I guess Mr. FLOYD'S life was stupid and ridiculous. Very simple solution for you. STAY YOUR ... HOME
You said it Concerned, not me. I am disgusted by what happened to Floyd but don’t need the need to demonstrate my virtue by conflating his death to unsupported “systematic” racism and police wrongdoing. I also don’t blame others for being part of the problem because they choose not to participate in your charade.
If you haven’t figured it out, your peaceful protest often invites violence and achieves nothing but disdain.
Congratulations, you managed to undermine your own cause, again.
Your comments do nothing to advance the conversation.
Dope. Why is this march only for George Floyd? What about the (10) young black people murdered in Chicago last weekend? What were their names again? Right, no one had a fricken clue. Why? Well it seems only black lives matter when they are killed by a white cop or white person. You may as well march in a big circle.
IT WAS GREAT. ENCOURAGING. REFRESHING. So glad the naysayers didnt come out. Nothing but positive energy. UNITY. Something naysayers and cynics cannot understand and may not even want.
Did anyone say that Mr. Floyd's life was stupid and ridiculous. No, but you did. The last statement is a winner. So, the answer is that everyone who doesn't agree you should stay home. Or what?
Pual, you can just sit by and let injustice happen, that is your prerogative. This was a real death, even the UN has responded to and called for action. Nobody blamed anybody for not participating. A man died, the reaction to that is not a charade. It is empathy. Protest have changed many thigs in this country. Protest are protected in the bill of rights under assembly. He didn’t undermine anything, it was others.
AG, nobody is arguing that the death is George Floyd is not real. Why should the United Nations (UN) be involved in this matter? Don't they have something more pressing to do? Maybe the UN should find some relevancy and that would give them something better to do with their time.
Scott, It wasn’t, that is the title of the article. It is not about the 10 people killed in Chicago either. It is about police killing unarmed black men. You seem to be talking in circles because you don’t understand the reasoning behind it.
Vol, I said if he wanted to just sit by, then explained why. I didn’t say that anyone said it wasn’t a real death, clam yourself. The UN said that because they often make remarks when they feel there is abuse of a sector of population in a country. You should read it “UN Human Rights Chief urges “serious action” to halt US police killings of unarmed African Americans” It is from United Nations Human Rights office of the high commissioner. Their purpose is human rights what other relevancy do you want them to find? This is what they are supposed to do with their time.
AG, I am perfectly calm. Thanks. "The UN said that because they often make remarks when they feel there is abuse of a sector of population in a country." Well, how magnanimous of them. I am glad that they are concerned about human rights as they have failed to do anything else effectively for years.
I hate to break it to you but you cannot compare a political protest/civil unrest with a biological pathogen. A virus is a biological issue whereas racism is a sociological issue. That's comparing apples and oranges and doesn't work. On your second point, that premise is also flawed. If a person elects to stay home, how is that "part of the problem"? The answer is that it is not. There is no "only one way" to make change. There are other ways to positively effect change besides marching. Unfortunately, I don't believe that racism will ever be completely eradicated.
Oh Voltaire... spare me your complicated ignorance. I am not here to convince you of anything..... Stay your ___ home. Please.
Oh its that simple huh? I am not here to convince you of anything except that you logic is flawed and I can do that either in my home or on the street. As for the ____ word, it appears someone needs to have their mouth washed out with soap as that was totally improper and simply childish. I will do whatever I d*** well please, providing that it is lawful, as this is America whether you liberal elitists like it or not.
Vol since when is __ a bad word? You can fill it in with whatever you want, ya know, fill in the blank?
AG, I am just doing what you are trying to do to those officers add an element of intent. The intent of what "Concerned Guest" is trying to say is there.
Suggesting that if I don't show up to the walk that I am part of the problem, IS the problem.
Nobody said that stop being the victim.
Here's how these "protests" evolve. Lots of well meaning people show up to lawfully and peacefully protest. Despite the VISIONS of many behind a keyboard, there aren't invites mailed out and the morality and intentions of those arriving is not vetted. People are unified and angry getting more angry as they share their point scoring virtuous feelings with others - oneupsmanship reigns. At some point, someone may decide to turn over some trash cans or kick some parked cars. A few people react and say "that's not what we're here for" but others are emboldened. After all, we all hate racism right? Why are we allowing them to kill us? Do the police react? No? Let's try spray painting something. Again the cops are just off in the distance but that worked...maybe we'll break a window and see if they arrest us. More people shouting that "violence doesn't help our cause" - lo and behold physically stopping these folks from breaking the window would be (GASP) well... a form of violence!! We're peaceful and we aren't supporting what they are doing. Windows get broken and the cops retreat. Hey, that store is wide open and the cops are running away...maybe we'll just grab a few things that we need anyway since we're here. OMG look at all the toilet paper that guy scored, I better get in there before it's all gone. No stupid 1 pack limit today!!! Had room in my cart for that Sony 70 inch that we've had our eyes on. Then they pass a cop car and maybe set it on fire. MOST protests do not turn out this way, but the fact is that once you gather a bunch of angry people in one place, it can turn into this very quickly and there's nothing any of you can do about it. The police can, but will they? Lots of mayors have been supportive of police running away having their guns stolen and cruisers and stations burned. The mayor of Minneapolis was asked about what he would say to the public about their safety and all the destruction. His response - "Well, people are angry." We'll hope for the best in Leesburg.
"The mayor of Minneapolis was asked about what he would say to the public about their safety and all the destruction. His response - "Well, people are angry."
That is not the response of a leader, rather a lack of leadership. He should have responded immediately instead of waiting what, 48, 72 hours? Furthermore, his own daughter was tweeting out messages of support to the rioters and looters regarding the movements of the National Guard. She deleted those tweets, but Ilhan Omar's daughter is also tweeting support and instructions to them. Unlike Hope Walz, Omar's daughter hasn't removed her tweets.
Jeanne T. You are spot on right. The first that the Government should do is shut down social media. As illustrated in the UK riots in 2001, rioters were using social media and information technology to coordinate "activities". The UK authorities shut down social media in major cities and then the intensity of the riots diminished and the police services were better able to move resources to contain civil unrest. Those two women who were tweeting out locations of National Guard troops should be arrested and charged. I understand the "political class"'s argument that all this rioting is because "people are angry" but there are more positive ways to voice this "anger".
So, I ask. Are you for shutting down social media in times of civil unrest?
X, if social media is going to be used a reconnaissance tool by rioters to orchestrate further violence and destruction, yes they should be blocked to deter further escalation. The UK did it during the nationwide riots in 2001. Other European countries do that during times of civil unrest.
X, if social media is being used as a reconnaissance tool to help circumvent the attempts by the authorities to quell violence and plan additional rounds of civil unrest, then yes it should be suspended. The UK did it in 2001 when they had rioting and it was effective.
The alt-right would hate that.... how would their dark groups cause chaos in these protests.
Nothing like taking away freedom of speech. Those 2 women should charged with what?
AG. Wrong. I have no problem with freedom of speech. However, providing reconnaissance information about movement of National Guard troops and police operations to quell rioting isn't like posting a selfie or something innocent. They should be charged with the same charges that rioters are being as that behavior is aiding and abetting. Oh, the Government has declared a state of emergency so they have the legal authority to do that. But hey, let them continue on and see how many police/guardsman get killed/hurt as a consequence of those actions but they don't matter because the liberal elites/political class are more concerned about taking away freedom of speech. Simply amazing and disturbing.
Vol, please show me where you got your info on women giving that info on the National Guard. I can’t find any mention of it at all. Until I know that you have the facts right there is no point in continuing the conversation.
No Jeanne, it wasn't, the comment was false. Look it up. Jacob Frey doesn't even have a daughter., he is the mayor. Then you mention Hope Walz, the govs daughter, Omar's daughter Isra, Please show that tweet, because there doesn't even seem to be anything other than her tweeting a supply list. In fact once again, when googled the only real mention of her supporting the rioters, not protesters is yours.
LO, it isn't the fault of the police for being ordered to retreat in situations of unrest. The problem is the political class interfere in police operations and that causes the police , once they lose the initial advantage the ability to reclaim it. That happened in Los Angeles (LA) during the Rodney King riots. The Los Angeles Police Department, (LAPD), with assistance from the California Highway Patrol (CHP)/Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD), had the initial manpower advantage at the riot flashpoint at Normandy/Lombard Street intersection, but the Incident Commander was ordered to withdraw because the "political class" were worried about violence and its appearance on television. They should have held that ground and the rioting in LA wouldn't have happened. The message to the political class should be "if you want to participate in police operations, put on a uniform, grab some riot kit, and man the line. Not sit in City Hall/Governor's Mansion, etc and pontificate as it is not the time to do so.
What's worse, once the violence/rioting is quelled, then the media and the rest of the political class will have ad nausea committees to review the handling of the incident by the police which demoralizes law enforcement even more.
Voltaire, I agree completely. The police are given specific instructions on engagement or lack thereof. They are simply trying to follow orders from their leadership. That's the spot these leaders have put themselves in - sit back and let the cities burn to the ground or have your police put an end to it. More and more troublemakers are sitting home watching CNN and noticing these rioters are doing more and more every night and the police are ordered to mostly let it happen. So it's growing.
How have the leaders put themselves in that position? You really think those 'troublemakers' watch CNN? Maybe the peaceful protesters that were there in the daytime do, but not those that came out at night. There aren't a whole lot of black youths watching CNN. You just want someone to blame and you are looking to pin this on liberals, but you are wrong. Put the blame where it belongs and it isn't with CNN watchers, or democrats, it is with the people who came out at night to take advantage of a situation.
AG, as I have said they interfere in police operations when they don't have a clue what they are doing and thereby cause the riots to escalate. Those troublemakers don't but the political class found in City Hall/Governor's Mansion etc. do and they worry about appearance. Did I mention black youths? No, I didn't. These rioters are of all nationalities/colors. I am not trying to find "...someone to blame and you are looking to pin this on liberals..." Actually, no, that answer is too simplistic. Sure the people who came out to take advantage are well responsible but the political class/liberal elites/media are also accountable.
Please google your statement about Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey saying "Well, people are angry." . The only thing that comes up is your statement. What he said the protests stemmed from built-up anger and sadness "ingrained in our black community not just because of five minutes of horror, but 400 years." They picture you paint is not what most of the protester were doing. Yes there were alot of idiots that came out at night, it's a shame they were the ones who get so much attention which took away from the peaceful demonstrations. I would never condone the violence and crime that was committed and think it is awful. I bet the ones that came out under the darkness of night weren't even there for the protests during the day.
What I don't think you realize is that most of the people who were there in the daytime were not the ones that were there at night. During the day there were entire families there. They were nonviolent, as many white as blacks, with a message. They were not the idiots that came out at night to take advantage of the situation.
What is the moral of this story?
1. We are woefully short on prisons to lock up these THUGS. Many of you despicable commenters care more about these THUGS than about the minority business owners who did everything right and are having their livelihoods destroyed. Let's remember that business owners work far, FAR more than anybody else. Those who have "2 or 3 jobs" rarely work 40 hrs per week. A business owner saves, invests their life's savings, and almost always works 80-110 hrs per week to make something worthwhile. Not everybody is looting. The cameras don't lie. We need more prisons NOW to lock up these THUGS.
2. When you are an utterly weak official (see Minneapolis mayor), you have a total breakdown in society. This loser has the audacity to suggest that "out-of-town" agitators are the cause when the arrest records show 80% of those arrested are Minnesotans and/or local city residents. To use false excuses to hide your abject lack of leadership or control is pathetic. Go get a job at some out-of-touch university. Don't force residents, especially minority ones trying to make a living, to suffer complete losses because you are so weak.
3. The Hypocrats are out in force nationally and here in Loudoun. Crime has fallen precipitously since the 1990s. When some politicians call for being tougher on crime, the Liberals state this statistic to push back (however, clearly there are still THUGS who need to be in prison). Yet, when random incidents like this occur, nobody states the statistics that show police killings have also fallen precipitously for a variety of reasons including changes in use of force policy. Rather than exciting the ignorant protestors who think these incidents are common, why don't the Hypocrats and the media tell everyone how police killings have also fallen and how whites are killed twice as often as blacks (despite blacks commiting about the same # of violent crimes as whites). When black adults bemoan the "talk" they must have with their kids, they never seem to mention that a young black male is about 22 times as likely to get murdered by another black male. Or that black males are about 8x as likely to get shot than white males because ..... of other black males. (CDC data) Certainly, folks should understand that most blacks, whites, or individuals of any race follow the law and are not criminals. But the segments of these groups that cause criminal activity are NOT identical.
In July 2017, a 40-yr-old white Australian woman was shot by a Minneapolis police officer after she reported a sexual assault in the alley behind her house. As the white, barefoot, unarmed woman approached the driver side door of the cruiser, the black, Somali-American officer shot and killed her. Were they any riots? No. Was there any rage and publicity stunts by shakedown artist Michelle Thomas? No. Were first degree murder charges brought? No. The same charges as those brought against the officer involved in George Floyd's death occurred. And note the victim was NOT a criminal counterfeiter (in George Floyd's case), but good citizen who reported an assault and was barefoot and unarmed.
We have a problem in this country. It's the utter ignorance of Hypocrats who attempt to turn every accident into a crisis and destroy this country for their personal benefit. Only when folks come to understand the NAACP acts AGAINST the interest of the people they supposedly represent, and ignore all hyperbole from agitators Phillip Thompson and shakedown artist Michelle Thomas can we start to help all races and creeds. Your President Trump had led this nation to the lowest unemployment rate for black Americans in its history. That was something to be celebrated by all and espcially the shakedown artists of the NAACP. But do they note the unprecedented wealth of blacks and minorities from the leadership of Trump? No, because they only care about power, not about their people. That is shameful.
Good post Virginia SGP. [thumbup]
How many cases of minority officers shooting and killing unarmed white people have come before the courts? Do that research and if you can prove some menacing statistic that shows a propensity of minority officers killing unarmed whites then let us discuss the reasons why this is happening and develop solutions to protect unarmed, barefoot white women from minority officers. The Justine Damond incident was a tragedy. Are you equally concerned about justice for Breonna Taylor?
You are asking the wrong question. How many officers were killed by unarmed suspects? About 10% of officers killed. Officers must be alert at all times.
As i recall, Breonna Taylor's boyfriend shot at police from inside the home causing police to return fire. Getting accurate info is imperative but there will always be accidents. Generally shooting at the police is very unwise.
Now, I am not an irrational, emotional animal. So I tend to look for rational solutions. Policies that lead to de-escalation, if possible, greatly prevent tragedies. If you know the suspect and there is nobody in imminent harm, no high speed pursuits. Catch them later. But violent criminals often resist violently. There may be no alternative.
But you have no objective data whatsoever that police are 1) racist, 2) these incidents are increasing (just the opposite) or that 3) looting/rioting helps.
No SGP he asked the right question.
The moral of the story? For real? Do you care that there were peaceful protesters during the day? Those who came out at night and did damage were thugs, taking advantage of a situation and posing for selfies of what they did. They weren’t there to protest the murder of George Floyd. Second, he walked that back. Maybe you should consider getting a job at some right-wing news station. Third, you are the one being a hypocrite, Mapping Police Violence found that 99 percent of police killings from 2014 to 2019 did not result in officers even being charged with, let alone convicted of, a crime. Blacks statistics have barely moved downward but white statistics have moved downward drastically. Naming 1 incident doesn’t change that fact. Fourth trying to blame it on democrats is ridiculous and low.
Sweet dreams, citizens. All hell is breaking out around the country. You better pray this doesn't come to Northern Virginia.
From ZeroHedge, a few details, being updated continually.
"None of this is surprising considering the country has just experienced an economic collapse with 40 million people unemployed. Social unrest will likely get worse before it gets better. Riots could continue into next week. It's only a matter of time before National Guard troops are called up around the country."
Curfews being imposed around the country. LA Mayor has extended the curfew to the entire city from 8PM to 5:30AM. Rioting and looting in Beverly Hills: Nordstrom's, Gucci, Apple store; Beverly Hills PD vehicle set on fire.
(21:53 ET): A police officer in Jacksonville has been stabbed during a protest. According to WTSP, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a protester stabbed one of his deputies in the neck and "many people have been arrested" in protests downtown Saturday. Authorities are warning the public to stay away from the downtown area as a protest continues against police brutality.
(20:19 ET): Absolutely stunning video emerges from Seattle this evening of a protester commandeering an AR-15 from a police car. Judging by the clip, the weapon had a loaded magazine and holographic sights. Then, an unidentified man with an AR-15 comes up to the rifle-wielding protester and quickly snatches it out of his hand.
Earlier, police officers - seemingly terrified to fight back - were attacked and dragged through the streets of Chicago.
National Guard convoy spotted rolling into Washington, D.C. as social unrest continues to worsen.Meanwhile, in Dallas, a mob has attacked a line of cop cars:
Multiple occupied squad cars being damaged by rioters.
Protesters who disagree with the violence being shouted down.
Cops have begun to use tear gas & have called in the paddy wagon.
Protesters shut down a highway in Miami.
Protesters swarm highway in San Diego.
Massive crowds forming in NYC. Chaos in Times Square.
New reports indicate Colorado National Guard activates after buildings in Denver were damaged with explosives and rioters armed with rifles.
Update (13:35ET): Daily Mail reports the Pentagon has told active-duty military police to be ready to deploy to Minneapolis, a move that would hopefully squash the continued social unrest. The last time the military was sent into a US metro area to disperse large crowds was during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
"As unrest spread across dozens of American cities on Friday, the Pentagon took the rare step of ordering the Army to put several active-duty US military police units on the ready to deploy to Minneapolis, where the police killing of George Floyd sparked the widespread protests.
"Soldiers from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York have been ordered to be ready to deploy within four hours if called, according to three people with direct knowledge of the orders.
"Soldiers in Fort Carson, in Colorado, and Fort Riley in Kansas have been told to be ready within 24 hours.
"The people did not want their names used because they were not authorized to discuss the preparations." - Daily Mail
Rioting in Brooklyn overnight.
Rioters pushing the lines in Brooklyn
From Houston to Phoenix to Portland, police forces have reported widespread social unrest.
Two Federal Protective Service officers suffered gunshot wounds in Oakland, California, last night, leaving one of them dead.
Oakland was crazy in the overnight, one protester stole a skid loader tractor and drove it down the street.
Manhattan Bridge is now shut down.
Jeanne T., then the answer is to declare martial law, allow for full deployment of military resources (military police and/or other resources as required) and grant them the authority to do whatever is necessary to squash this lawless behavior. That includes the revokation of the Posse Comitas Act that bans the use of military for police actions in the U.S. This lawless behavior is similar to rioting in New York in 1863. The Union Army and Navy quelled the rioters in NY with violent force (shooting into crowds by Union Army troops and firing into the city center by Union Navy gunboats in the harbor). I wonder what the "political class" would do if the military utilized these tactics. In Europe, they would have deployed water cannons, military units, and authorized any means necessary to squash the riots. Those tactics are quite effective yet the media here as well as the "political class" would go crazy if the U.S. military did that. I think media blackout should also be imposed as the riots in the UK in 2001 showed that rioters in various cities in England used social media and TV reports to mobilize strikes and circumnavigate police actions.
"then the answer is to declare martial law, allow for full deployment of military resources (military police and/or other resources as required) and grant them the authority to do whatever is necessary to squash this lawless behavior."
Voltaire, that could well happen. Here's this bit from the same piece at ZeroHedge:
"President Trump signed an executive order in late March that allows the Pentagon to mobilize up to a million troops to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The order could now be directed at social unrest. It's only a matter of time before more state governors activate National Guard troops like Minnesota did early this week.
"[ZeroHedge] We were the first to note Friday, the federal government flew a military drone above Minneapolis to spy on protesters.
"A perfect storm develops: 40 million unemployed, economy crashed, record polarization and wealth inequality at extremes, the country is quickly descending into chaos into the summer months. So what happens when the government stops unleashing helicopter money for people who recently lost their jobs?"
OMG, ZeroHedge is a libertarian, right-wing financial blog, which voices their opinion as such. Maybe if you got your news from a major news network you would have a more unbiased opinion. There were protest in NOVA. Please use a regular news network instead of the one you are using; you are only getting half the facts. Everyone is aware there is rioting going on, but where is any mention of the peaceful protesters? When I was in DC yesterday there were no violent protesters, that happened at night, but those protest don’t seem to matter to you. How about the coverage of Flint MI where the cops walked with the protesters and it remained peaceful?
I know this is a very emotional subject, and I don't think anyone will disagree with what happened to George Floyd was horrific. So I am going to and respond to previous posts without emotion. Fact, George Floyd was murdered by Derek Chauvin. The degree in what he was charged with will only decide his punishment. In the end, it was murder.
Fact, more whites have been killed by cops. However, a TOTAL number is NOT what you should be measuring. You MUST measure the total per capita. By doing this, you will see there are more than twice as many Black deaths to White deaths. (see link below)
Fact, not all Blacks are Democrats.
Fact, White and Black people, are looting
Without white empathy combined with an emotional and rational understanding of the impact of racism in the lives of Black Americans, it will never go away.
https://www.statista.com/chart/21857/people-killed-in-police-shootings-in-the-us/
I get that the virtue signal right now is to say the cop murdered him...not sure if you have heard about the autopsy results? His death was a result of cardiac arrest and not strangulation or asphyxiation in any form. The cop did not kill him. The cop was restraining him - perhaps in an inappropriate way inconsistent with his training. Resisting the police can result in an elevated heart rate for an extended period of time, which is quite dangerous when you have pre-existing conditions and are possibly under the influence of illicit substances, as the coroner noted in his report. While a murder charge makes the rioters happy for now, it's going to be tough to convince a truly impartial jury or judge that a guy should be guilty of murder when he died of a heart attack. Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending the cop or saying what's right or wrong here...just looking at the facts as they are known right now.
LO, it may be popular in the court of public opinion, but until a court of law determines the officer is guilty of murder, the officer is "alleged" to have committed the crime, in accordance with the charging documents. That medical information from the coroner is interesting and am sure that will be part of the basis for the officer's defense and may create a problem for the State. It is going to be interesting to see how an "impartial" jury will be impaneled. Trial by judge might be better as you have go with the evidence and you can't play the emotion card with a jurist as you can with a jury. Unfortunately, you won't appease the rioters with anything as they are just finding this as a good excuse to commit violence/civil disobedience that needs to be quelled by the authorities.
Thank you for your comment. Although I hear what you are saying, I am afraid I respectively have to disagree. Floyd would still be alive if the cop did not use excessive force pressing his knee into his neck for an extended period. He was not resisting arrest but begging to breathe. If you use your point on pre-existing conditions, the same statement would be said about COVID not being the reason for thousand of deaths due to pre-existing conditions.
Floyd said he couldn't breathe WHEN HE WAS STILP STANDING. After falling down multiple times, the officers clearly thought he was bluffing. A jiu jitsu expert wrestler posted a video about the hold that demonstrated it could not have been the cause of death.
That said, officers should render aid even if a suspect is bluffing. It may take a little longer but it is safer. That negligence is why other officers called for their firing.
You absolutely are defending the cop with your statement. You seem to come from the camp of "I'm sorry if I offended you " when the offense was obvious.
When he was picked up by the EMT's they radioed that he was unresponsive and had no pulse.Even if it was a heart attack that would have been what brought it on. When he repeated he couldn't breathe why didn't Chauvin act? when Officer Kueng checked Mr. Floyd’s right wrist for a pulse and said, 'I couldn’t find one.' why didn't they perform CPR? They are trained to.How much restraint does an unconscious man need?
Guest, again, a court of law, not the court of public opinion, has not tried the officer and made a determination of guilt/innocence. Therefore, the officer is "alleged" to have committed the crime of murder. The officer is entitled to due process, whether you believed he murdered the individual. Fact 1--the number of people isn't the issue, the question is was the use of force by the officer proper? Rattling off statistics does nothing constructive. Fact 2--no argument. Fact 3--no argument. Your last premise is one sided all parties, whites, blacks, hispanics, etc., need to understand the impact of racism and work together to solve it.
I understand the public vs. the court of law. I should have stated, "in my opinion." I agree with the total number of people not being the issue. There were a couple of previous posts that were going back and forth about numbers.
I agree that 100% of all parties need to understand. Thanks for your comments.
Thank you for clarifying the facts. When I read the comment, more whites have been killed by cops I recognized that trick right away—rhetoric used to capture the attention of people who are either ignorant of all the facts, not smart enough to figure out the obvious, or both. Like why is it that more whites have been killed than blacks? DUH! Reminds me of Trump claiming we had done more tests than any other country. Number wise that was true, but in reality was only 1% of our population at the time, far behind many other countries who began testing sooner and more rigorously.
It is very noticeable the difference between the actions of the "protesters" today with those of the tens of thousands of orderly armed protesters on 1/20/2020 in Richmond. They were not only peaceful, but they cleaned up afterward. (Also, no paid agitators dared show up)
Peaceful protest is as old as our nation. The right of peaceful assembly, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, is the first thing the Founders wrote into the Bill of Rights. I don't believe any rational person could condone what that cop did. How could anyone be so cruel to another human being. Keep it peaceful tomorrow-totally support the intent
You can be against both police killing unarmed individuals and rioting and looting. Wish the NAACP would speak out against latter...
100% with you!
@AshburnRez - While it was in Minneapolis, a former President of the NAACP for Minneapolis/St. Paul came out Thursday and was quite disgusted with all the rioting, looting and damage. I was pleasantly surprised. While the next group of people I'm going to mention are not representative of the NAACP, I give them a lot of credit and agree 100% with what they said recently, which I never thought I would say. If interested, look up: Atlanta Mayor from Press conference this morning, Lil Wayne interview with another rapper named Fat Joe and a famous Atlanta rapper by the name of Killa Mike. They all hit the mark.
I hope they don't do to the town of Leesburg what they've done to so many other cities in the country.
‘They’? Who is ‘they’? I’m a 66 year old white female. I plan to go. I guess I’m part of the ‘they’.
I love you and thank you
Who are they? Well, they would be the following whose purpose is nothing but to cause havoc and destruction: (1) members of street gangs; (2) arsonists; (3) looters; (4) anarchists; (5) people who want to "stick it to the man" and try to kill law enforcement personnel because they hate them as an organization of oppression. If you plan to peacefully protest and not (1) throw Molotov cocktails or projectiles at police officers/State Troopers, (2) destroy personal property (buildings) or Commonwealth property (police vehicles/stations) and (3) loot/rob every store that is readily available to you, then you are probably not part of "they" that Loudoun Observer is describing in his comment.
[thumbup] Thumbs up !
Good grief, they would represent ANYONE that was part of the riots, looting and destruction. Perhaps there was a 66 year old white lady, who knows. They would include blacks, whites, Middle Eaterns and hispanics. That is who THEY are so don't try to spin this
Scottva, I am not trying to spin anything. Why do you assume that I am? I was pointing out what types of individuals is "THEY" were. I didn't get into racial/origin characteristics of the rioters. BTW, who appointed you as the expert on what constitutes a riot mob?
Voltaire, my comment was directed towards Guest not you
Who is they? Come again? No spin necessary!
LO, I think that the answer to your premise is conditioned on how many and what types of individuals (peaceful protesters or trouble makers) want to drive out to Leesburg and who is local.
As long as citizens, politicians and organization leader continue to differentiate an individual by the color of their skin racism will continue to exist.
8 minutes and 56 seconds!! If you agree come on out and mark. If you disagree put your sheets on and come on out and march.
Have fun. Please don't burn anything or take anything that doesn't belong to you.
making fun of a solemn event for a death?
Solemn event? Tell that to the other cities around the country that have been burned and looted.
AG, I dont think that ace is making fun of this public protest event. Further, depending on the types of people attending, he may be providing a Public Service Announcement. I am sure that there will be peaceful protesters there to communicate a legitimate concern/point. However, anarchists and others with not so noble a purpose may show up because it is a good opportunity to cause trouble.
Voltaire, you have a funny way of spelling “white nationalists who want to start their precious boogaloo.”
Guest, oh boy, can't provide a constructive comment so we have to pull out the classic tactic of juvenile name calling. Prove to me that I am stating what you claim. You cannot so name calling is the order of day.
The ONLY stores that appear to be safe from the looting are the ones selling work boots and gloves.
I don't think I could have stood and watched that, I probably would have been shot or at least arrested if I had been there. That cop knew exactly what he was doing. He should have been charged with first not third degree murder.
amerigirl, I totally share your sentiment. Watching that video is painful and I would give anything to be there to stop it. However, I believe first degree murder is not an appropriate charge because I don’t believe the killer premeditated to kill George Floyd. I firmly believe the murderous cop intended to inflict sever pain and suffering — possibly even knowing he was slowly killing Mr. Floyd. Therefore a case for second degree murder could, and should be made. I don’t know Minnesota law and I’m definitely not a lawyer but just like you, something feels very inadequate about a third degree charge after you watch that video.
You are correct. If you cannot proved intent, with evidence (not supposition or opinion) then you won't get a conviction on a 1st Degree or 2nd Degree Murder charge. So, the best thing that the State of Minnesota did was to charge him with Third Degree Murder. You want the State of Minnesota to do something about this situation and they did it properly and it is still not enough for the armchair "Matlocks and Perry Masons". Incredible.
I think when people made him aware that he needed to check for a pulse, among other things that he made a decision then. He knew what he was going to do.
AG, the quotation. "I think when people made him aware that he needed to check for a pulse, among other things that he made a decision then. He knew what he was going to do." does not satisfy the requirements for intent to murder someone as prescribed by the criminal code. Now, in the fantasy land court of public opinion (aka Loudoun Law) it may satisfy, but it does not in a real court of law.
Wow. I hate to break it to you but you need the legal element of intent with 2nd Degree Murder. Apparently, the State of Minnesota does not have that element hence the charge of Third Degree Murder. "Murderous Cop"? Did a jury provide a verdict on this case? No, this case hasn't even landed in the courtroom yet. That doesn't stop the "armchair Perry Masons" of the court of public opinion to determine that he is guilty of 1st/2nd degree murder. The officer charged, unpopular as it appears to be, is entitled to his due process protections/rights. Since a court of law has not tried and determined guilt or innocence yet then he is "alleged" to have committed the crimes identified in the charging paperwork. Another point, contrary to the court of public opinion where the rules of evidence don't appear to exist, the real court of law has rules of evidence and the requirement to provide evidence/proof to substantiate criminal charges, including intent. I don't know a trial judge who would accept as evidence that "I firmly believe" and admit it.
Vol, when someone, the other cop in this case says that the person they have pinned and unresponsive, they have the audio from the police bodycam and can hear where one officer says he doesn’t have a pulse, maybe we should turn him on his side. But yet, Officer Chauvin says ‘no, we’re going to keep him in this position.’ That’s intent.”
AG, I hate to break it to you but no it doesn't show intent. That exchange between the two officers doesn't show that Officer Chauvin had malicious intentions to kill George Floyd. Just because they left him in that position and did not move him to another position doesn't pass the laugh test. A good defense lawyer should be able to explain that one away. Sorry.
The copy may have known exactly what he was doing. That's not the question in the eyes of the law. The question is can it be proven in a court of law? Given that the State of Minnesota charged the office with Third Degree Murder, then the answer is probably not.
Voltaire, you’re all over the place. In some cases, I agree with you and in some cases you just sound like you want to argue and take issue with anything anyone says. Easy, buddy. This is a heated topic. Don’t be so quick to argue with every side. Peace, brother.
disagree on what shows intent, we'll see.
Charges can and may change.
Your virtue signaling is off the charts.
++ for using the term "virtue signaling" That's what these comments are all about!
For both ace10 and MAGA, how do you what I am "signaling". Are you psychic? Further, who appointed you either of you the website censure/monitor? As for MAGA, how do you what my comments "are all about"?
Virtue signaling? Please clarify. Is calling out blatant overbearing, unwarranted police brutality and expressing outrage over unnecessary force and termination of human life “virtue signaling”? Do you consider rioting, arson, looting and opportunistic animal behavior as “virtue signaling”? What about white participants marching in a silent protest in Leesburg? Are they “virtue signaling”? Sorry, but as a stern Conservative, I don’t find any of the opinions in this comment section to be “virtue signaling”, even though I’m often one to call out “virtue signaling” when I see it.
"You Keep Using That Word, I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means"
The person at whom my comment was directed was not you.
Virtue, behavior showing high moral standards. I guess it beats not having any morals at all such as your posts.
Ace , those replys were directed at you.
AG, you and I have agreed on, well almost nothing. However, I'm in complete agreement and have not heard one person, from any background or political affiliation say differently. Sadly, George Floyd's death is being trounced by people that don't GAF or may not even know who he is/was. If they did GAF or know who George was then they wouldn't be destroying or allowing their communities to be destroyed. COVID has set all of us back, especially minority communities, this is the last thing they needed
You obviously don’t understand what 1st or 3rd degree murder charges entail.
You also seem to think the cop knew he was causing Floyd’s heart attack that killed him complicated by underlying heart diseases and illicit drugs confirmed by autopsy.
The cop was using aggressive and excessive force by most accounts and needs to be held accountable but emotional uninformed reactions ha e no place in serving justice.
Sure I do. Third degree is when you cause death without meaning to cause death. That cop meant to cause death, the other cop warned him there was no pulse and that Floyd need to be turned but he said "no" . That was intent. He wanted to kill him. If he was worried about an unconscious man resisting why did he have one of his hands in his pocket? Why didn't he start CPR when he was told that Floyd didn't have a pulse? It was intent.
No, there was no intent by the officer to kill George Floyd. That is why the charge of 3rd Degree Murder is correct. As stated, "Third degree is when you cause death without meaning to cause death." You cannot prove that the cop intended to cause his death. The conversation between those two officers does nothing to indicate the state of mind of the officer. As I have previously said, that argument wouldn't pass the laugh test and a good defense counsel could tear that argument to shreds.
Amazing. How did you come to the conclusion that if a person does not agree with the majority opinion, that he must be (1) a racist and (2) a member of the KKK? That premise is faulty and a tad of overreach.
You're 100% right but sadly that's where are. Everything you said is based on the law of the land, like it or not. The only "signaling" I can see is that you were laying out how, from a legal perspective things need to unfold. How many people have we seen released from prison that were wrongfully accused and justice was NOT severed and the legal process was either not followed or was sloppy. It also took legal diligence to research these cases and prove their case.
Hey Lawman, where were you in 2017 when the black, Somali-American Minneapolis police officer shot a barefoot, unarmed Australian woman who had called to report a sexual assault in the alley behind her house (she wasn't a criminal counterfeiter like George Floyd)? Oh, that's right, accidents aren't worthy of your time. Only when you think there is some personal gain do you agitate for publicity. These cops were fired within 24 hours and have been charged. What is your point beside trying to get your name in the paper?
Lawman was at home, smiling.
Psychic abilities or psycho abilities?
You keep using 1 incident that was far from the norm. Where were you in 2015 when police killed at least 104 unarmed black people? Where was your outrage when 12 year old Tamir Rice was shot? According to a study published in August by the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, over the course of a lifetime, black men face a one in 1,000 risk of being killed during an encounter with police, a rate much higher than that of white men.Black men and boys face the highest risk of being killed by police–at a rate of 96 out of 100,000 deaths. By comparison, white men and boys face a lower rate of 39 per 100,000 deaths, despite being a bigger portion of the U.S. population. Get real! How do you know that he was a counterfeiter? George Floyd was attempting to use a fake 20 dollar bill. The actual state of the bill has not been confirmed.So you are playing judge? Though the 4 cops have been fired I believe only Chauvin was charged. That is the point, and sarcasm gets you nowhere. His opinion is just as important as yours.
AG, you can rattle off all the statistics in the world but that doesn't explain the differences in police's use of force cases. I have heard from my family members in law enforcement how they police these situations and that each one is different. There are differing circumstances and explanations as to what/why the arresting officer did or did not do. Has it ever occurred to anyone that the authorities are working on the investigation on the other three officers at the scene of George Floyd's death? No. For, in the court of public opinion, we don't have time to wait for the process to work. We want instantaneous justice and we want it now. We don't want to follow the rules of due process or evidence. This is street justice/vigilantism and that is wrong. As my family members in law enforcement, who happen to be dealing with this chaos right now, have told me, why don't you all put on a uniform and walk a beat and see what it is really like? No, it is easier for the popular majority to sit in ivory towers and judge/pontificate without even trying to understand what it is like to have use legitimate force and take someone's life. My family members have had to draw their weapon on suspects. It isn't an easy decision and the officer doesn't have time to "debate" with the suspect. Those are split second decisions with life threatening conditions. But that doesn't matter apparently with the majority opinion. Simply amazing.
So here come all the white people fighting over party politics rather than actually DOING SOMETHING about the problem. Stop using murders of citizens by police officers as another opportunity to talk about your party preference. So far NEITHER party has done anything to solve the problem of abuse of power.
I am white too. Lets actually do something together to make things better. Forget your parties.
Again, you are presuming that every law enforcement officer is abusing their power. That is a blanket statement that is wrong. You cannot substantiate the claim that everyone who is a law enforcement officer abuses their power. What do you propose to do? The proper use of force is a part of law enforcement and that will not change. The various law enforcement agencies and their local governments have implemented internal review procedures and civilian review boards to oversee this process. I don't know what you propose to make it better as these internal procedures work for most of the cases. However, it appears that if the answer doesn't suit the public then the public demands reforms to "solve the problem". As someone who has family members in law enforcement who had to draw their weapon and make that determination, I know that that is a hard decision and that the individual has split seconds to make that call and if they do kill someone that they care. But, oh no, let's bring in the armchair experts who do nothing but make the situation worse.
You are becoming a bit of a gasbag, François-Marie
Oh, I am? And what value add do you bring this discussion, Porky?
And you are the forever idiot. I cannot think of comments you've made about anything that add to a discussion or show a willingness to entertain another perspective.
Scott, no pint in calling names, you can make your point without that.
I think you're a bit of a kook, however, I do think you're on to something. I've always been told, don't complain about things unless you can offer up a suggestion or solution. What do you suggest to begin making things better? Not sarcasm, I like to understand a starting point.
OK. I don't know the oversight organization for the Minneapolis Police Department, however, it appears to me that the command structure failed to maintain discipline/order of its officers and should have taken action. They should have had Internal Affairs review Chauvin after three complaints as three complaints would show that there is a definite bad pattern beginning. The command structure should have assigned him off of patrol as he was beginning to be problemmatic. The main problem is lack of accountability by the command structure. As a starting point, I would recommend a civilian police oversight board with real enforcement power. In the UK, although their policing structure is different, they have an Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) consisting of individuals who review police complaints of all types and are totally independent from the police force. They have the power to (1) implement punishments against officers including the ability directly recommend, bypassing the command structure, to the Crown Prosecution Service (UK version of DA) to prosecute officers of infractions. Implementation of an independent review board would hold the command structure accountable. Also, better training would help. Sometimes this problem stems from lack of understanding/trust between the police force's members and the community they serve. Some metro police forces use community outreach between the local precincts and the community it serves. These programs establish trust between police and the community as both get to know each other better and that helps remove the tension. Additional mandatory training on the proper use of force for all officers would also help. In the Floyd situation, there appears to be no supervisor on scene. A supervisor on scene would have helped in that they would be no "absorbed" into the arrest/detention and would be able to objectively review the situation and make determination as what is right/wrong. If not done so, they should revise the Standard Operating Procedure in the Patrol Manual that would require in complex situations or those situations requiring additional backup that a supervisor also be required to attend the incident. You need to have an objective viewpoint, not influenced by the "rush" of adrenaline going through the arresting officers. That is what the supervisor brings and he/she can control the scene. I think that the Floyd situation shows that if a supervisor was on scene he/she would have been able to order those officers to not remove Floyd from the back of the patrol wagon.
Also, Command staff should receive further training about the role of command at each level (from sergeant, lieutenant, captain, inspector, deputy chief, chief). For example, the senior command staff should support lower commanders who can detect bad apples and help them with dealing with them. Many times the low level commanders (sergeant) tries to deal with it but are overruled by senior commanders for a variety of reasons. There should a review of civil service personnel procedures involving police officers as these regulations can create this situation as it takes severe actions to fire bad apples. Those bad apples then hid in the police service because they know that they can't be removed and it discourages the command staff to continue trying to remove the individual officer. Police command staff and the Police Union also should sit down and work together as sometimes the Police Union will intercede and block removal of bad apples unintentional as they view the bad apple as a union member. Effective communication between the union and the police commanders would help here.
Vol, nobody is saying that. Not all cops murder citizens.
AG, actually, when people make blanket statements about police brutality and excessive force, that is exactly what you are doing. That is not right/fair to those law enforcement officers who are competent and want to simply do their job and help their communities. There are many cases where proper use of force is required. Do any of you understand what law enforcement deals with on a daily basis? Probably not. However, my family does as I have a family member who is a state law enforcement officer in WI. I have listened to him talking about drawing his service revolver on people and making the life/death decision and how difficult it is. Many of my family member's fellow officers have had to use force legitimately. They don't like to resort to that option and it bothers them if they have to do it. The inability of the public to understand what the policing environment is, the level of hostility by the public, the lack of respect for the badge/authority, and second guessing by the political class creates a hostile environment that is demoralizing and hurts a lot of good, decent law enforcement officers. Everybody on this site talks about empathy. The law enforcement community is entitled to some too.
The tragedy is that the very very small percentage of "Bad Cops" exist only because the "Good Cops" protect them and they will exist until the Departments get rid of them. All policemen should not have to suffer because of a few.
Well Marv, that may depend on where you live. I think we don't have much of a problem in this area. But there are rural areas of the country where they have a much different problem.
AWWWW hurt your feelings? I am opinionated, it's my right, deal with it, cry to someone else. If they are wrong and I know it then I will correct and give proof. Life, just life, work on your coping skills
I beg to differ. You are making an unsubstantiated premise that law enforcement in rural areas of the country are racist. That's a tad elitist. There is nothing different/wrong with rural law enforcement organizations. Those rural law enforcement agencies operate the same way that the major "cosmopolitan" areas do including the use of internal review and civilian review boards. You encounter the "problem" in this area. I have seen a member of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) treat black people at a local high school sporting event differently than others. But, as I have stated, that is one individual, not the entire LCSO organization and it isn't right that the "armchair experts" want to paint the whole organization bad for one individual.
I can't believe I'm doing this but AG did not say rural areas of the country are racist. There are many rural areas of the country and to suggest that there aren't any "Good Ole' Boy" networks/connections I think is short sided. Some may be racist some not. Despite what many people think, police officers are people too but they are expected to be everything to everybody. Emotions may get the best of them sometimes (not killing anyone) and some have the poise to let things roll off.
Racism has been a part of life since the dawn of time and will sadly be with us until the end of time. That's not wishful thinking or being pessimistic just reality. If we as a society stand a chance, the last group of people deciding how we should all just get along are politicians, any of them. They pander to one group at the cost and belittlement of another group. This isn't trying to create "diversity", it's racist on it's face and creates a further divide. I got a little off topic. sorry.
Scottva, Actually, I agree that I cannot support the premise that every officer in every rural area's law enforcement organization is not racist and that there may not be a "Good ole boy" network. However, I do know from family and family friends (some in rural police/sheriff's departments) that most of the members of the police (state/local) and/or sheriff's departments in these rural areas are not and try to do a good job for their communities. I agree that the public forget that police officers are people too but they are expected to be everything to everybody. Talking with my relatives and friends in local/state law enforcement, you are correct that their emotions do sometimes get the best of them sometimes (not killing anyone) and some have the poise to let things roll off.
I also agree with you that Racism has been a part of life since the dawn of time and will sadly be with us until the end of time. That's not wishful thinking or being pessimistic just reality. I also totally agree that if we as a society stand a chance, the last group of people deciding how we should all just get along are politicians, any of them.
Scott, there are many that aren't, but again there are many rural areas that are. Nope they don't all operate the same. remember Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Vol, I did no such thing, i said there are areas where that is true. It is usually small police departments. It's not just rural areas, San Diego Police stop black people at a rate 219% higher than white people. Hundreds of active and retired police officers and law enforcement personnel are congregating in private Facebook groups where they engage in open racism, Islamophobia, and even lend support to violent, anti-government groups, according to an investigation from news organization Reveal, which is run by the US Center for Investigative Reporting.
AG, again, just because a police officer stops a black individual is not because of racism. As my family members in law enforcement tell me, each traffic stop is different and there may be unique reasons for the stop. They don't go driving around deliberately looking to harass minorities. OK, even if you believe that "study", so a few hundreds out of what say hundreds of thousands of millions of law enforcement personnel are doing what you intimate from that study about Facebook groups where they engage in open racism, Islamophobia, and even lend support to violent, anti-government groups, then we should paint them ALL as that, right? Wrong. It supports my premise that there are rogue elements in every occupation, including law enforcement but paint brushing all of them may be the popular opinion of the day but it is not and will never be right.
Amerigirl, seems the biggest problems have been in the cities, Baltimore, NY, Minneapolis, not rural areas where citizens know their local police officers. I think you are showing your bias once again against your fellow citizens who may not be big city denizens.
While I agree with the second part of the comment, I don't for the first. The premise that people in big cities do not know their police officers cannot be supported.
For example, in the big cities, there is neighborhood policing where the police officers responsible for a neighborhood know the residents and vice versa. There are also community relations police officers who interact with the community.
Lets. There are rural communities across the south where law enforcement has a different approach on how they treat their mostly black populations.
That position is totally elitist. Sorry to inform you but rural law enforcement organizations have to meet the same accrediting standards as their sister agencies in major cities. Contrary to the elitist urban perspective, the image of Sheriff Andy Taylor no longer fits rural law enforcement and it is not fair/right to paint rural areas and their law enforcement organizations that way.
Damn AG, this is twice in one night we're in agreement! The best and most recent example I can think of in support of your last sentence is that black guy shot and killed by the father and son. No reason it should have taken 3 months to become public, except for the dad was a former cop and seemed to have that "good ole' boy" connection.
Scottva. Given the visibility in this particular matter, I think that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) probably took the 3 months to ensure that the investigation was extensively done and that the corresponding case was complete so that when the case is forwarded to the prosecutor that they have it airtight. One thing that law enforcement/prosecutors are concerned about is that they want to ensure that they have all the bases covered in order to present a solid case for obtaining a conviction.
Thank you for your comment Marv. That is the correct sentiment/view but it is not real popular now with the general public.
And with idiotic, divisive, hateful comments like this, you completely discredit anything you have to say and completely undermine the progress of race relations. Michelle Thomas is projecting her inner hatred. Dr King would be ashamed.
My comment was in regards to: “Michelle Thomas, president of the Loudoun County NAACP, described the recent cases as a “rainstorm of hatred” that stems from the White House.”
You're right. As long as people like this continue to make comments like this, the racial divide will only continue to grow. There's a population of white teens and college students that have grown up hearing how bad white people are, how racist white people are, how, just because they are white they are "privileged. It's not much of a privilege to have every other race believing you and your white family are entitled and privileged. The irony is, when people like Michelle Thomas (and there are many of them) make these comments, they are planting bigoted thoughts in people that have never been bigoted. It's kind of like the old saying, you tell someone they are stupid long enough, they start to believe they are stupid. Very dangerous and does nothing to help close the racial gap
Maybe her bias towards the white house comes from what the white house actually says. Maybe knowing that Stephen Miller, and true ult-right nationalist has a voice in decision making influences her.
Good people on both sides? BS. King would have demanded equal rights he would not be ashamed even a tiny bit. She is right if you look at the numbers of violence committed by white supremacist and how it has risen since trump became president, such a nationalist.
Stop being dishonest. You know as well as everyone that “good people on both sides” was taken out of context by the Trump haters. Trump clearly condemned the racist white nationalists but that part of his statement is consistently left out of the quote because people like you and Michelle Thomas are intellectually dishonest and consumed in hatred twords him. Trump says a lot of stupid stuff but the constant accusations of racism and deflecting blame on him for every abhorrent act of racism by a white person is flat out wrong and counterproductive. Dr. King would most definitely be against this behavior. Read a history book, please!
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nope, when asked to explain trump said that the group walking across campus the night before were peaceful. Shouting Nazi slurs, carrying Tiki torches, yeah real peaceful.Those people are not good.
Now I have to call BS AG. How do you begin to quantify your comment: "She is right if you look at the numbers of violence committed by white supremacist and how it has risen since trump became president, such a nationalist."? What numbers? Who's numbers? Yours? Hers? White Supremacist National News Weekly?
I can only speak for myself, but would venture to guess that you are not an expert on this subject either. However, the DOJ is and I would look at their study (link below). It's a bit lengthy, but the number of black on white violent crimes is 10 times higher that white on black crimes. Like I said, I'm no expert thats why I included data compiled by experts.
Criminal Victimization, 2018: https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv18.pdf
Justice Department’s FBI data on hate crimes, anti-black or African American hate crime rose 16 percent to 2,013 incidents in 2017. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 2018 was also the fourth straight year of hate group growth, culminating in a 30 percent increase overall, "roughly coinciding" with President Donald Trump’s campaign and presidency, their following study The Southern Poverty Law Center’s annual report on extremist groups said its count of white nationalist groups has risen 55% over the past three years, from 100 in 2017 to 148 in 2018 to 155 in 2019.
I meant to add....... Who met worked with Trump on criminal justice reform? A radical black Liberal by the name of Van Jones. Van Jones is no fan of Trump, however, they were able to work together for the greater good of trying to do the right thing as it relates to the high number of incarcerated blacks and all people. Guess what, they shook hands, Van Jones complimented Trump and said he was very reasonable to work with. Then there's Kim Kardashian. She presented a concern she had about a black women that was 20 years into a life sentence for selling weed. A week later, the BLACK women was released from prison. If this is how you are defining Trump as a white supremacist, then wouldn't that make Obama the Grand Puba of the KKK? Obama did NOTHING for blacks. So if you're going to say Trump is a white supremacist, please think beyond Charlottesville and his edited comments and consider what he's actually done.
Lame, Lame.Lame. Once in a blue moon he puts on the appearance, but the appearance was made, he claimed he did more than Obama again because he always has to compare himself to him. Then when it came to the follow through it was a whole different thing. His DOJ argued in court against people eligible for sentence reductions, underfunded the FIRST STEP act, created new prisons with private companies, didn't fill the Bureau of Prisons director position for over a year. The prison education that was supposed to happen was disbanded, closed the halfway houses, in fact there wasn't much left of the plan after the talks were over. Just what has he followed through on from that? Sure they shook hands, I hope Jones didn't think trump would do what they talked about, it was for looks. Kardashian is a TV personality, that says it all right there, ratings. So what has he actually done, not said he was going to do?
This paper is encouraging violence with false information!! Trump did not call 'protestors' thugs!!! He called rioters and looters 'thugs' and spoke kindly about the peaceful protestors!!! You must change your inaccurate wording because it is absolutely politically motivated!!! You are causing peaceful people like myself to be angry!!! Stop the hatred for our President and his supporters!!! That along with racism, violence and police brutality must stop now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As long as the media continues to deliberately stoke the flames of racism in the US, the flames will never go out.
They can do that just by quoting trump.
That statement is a little overreach. Not everything Trump says is racist/nationalistic.
Vol, maybe not everything but it wouldn't take long to find something stupid he has said or tweeted. Nor did I say everything he said.
Lol. Clutch the pearls any harder, you are going to break them
How do you turn having a silent walk into encouraging violence? Big stretch, just like your comment about trump not calling them thugs. You should do a bit of factchecking before you make statements. His exact tweet was; "These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen," he tweeted. "Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!" Twitter added a warning to Trump's tweet about the Minneapolis protests, saying it violated the platform's rules about "glorifying violence." Can you show me where he spoke kindly of any of the protesters? He even walked back his tweet on Friday. He jumps into things before he has any real understanding of what is going on and inflames the situation. You don’t seem so peaceful. Look again at your president and then look at how much the white nationalist movement has risen since he has become president and you will know where the racism and violence you want stopped has come from. Good people on both sides, right?
The rioters throwing rocks and bottles at police are thugs.
The rioters burning cars, police station and stores are thugs.
In several of the riots the shooting did start with the riots and looting.
Twitter warning of trump tweets are directed by a known radical leftist with severe TDS. Twiitter goes after Trump tweets while letting Chinese and Iranian propaganda stand........twitter has no credibility .
Given your track record and disregard fo the truth, all of your statements are suspect.
It is shameless to blame Trump for this situation in any respect.....but you seem to have no shame just hate.
Really, twitter trumps other mouthpiece is a known radical leftist? Yes, we are fully aware that trump is deranged. What propaganda have they let stand? Like I have said before, I do facts, you can fact check them. I think you just feel better living with trumps lies, fits your agenda. Please, if I have a disregard for the truth please point it out. I give direct quotes that you can easily look up on twitter but you accuse me of lying. Stop being so lazy that you can’t check it out for yourself, if you can’t find it I’ll be glad to let you know where the info came from. Until then, don’t accuse me of lying, that is a lie. Who blamed trump for the situation? NOBODY. What was said was that he doesn’t bother to get the facts (kinda like you) before saying or tweeting something. You have no shame if you are going to lie like that, just stop. You’re not good at being the victim.
OK. President Trump is correct when he states that the protestors (reference THUGS) are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd. The National Guard Bureau is part of the Department of Defense so the statement about the military supporting the Governor is also correct. Furthermore, since an emergency has been declared, the National Guard can take control over areas as required so that is okay. Speak kindly to protestors? Really? Which ones? There is a minority who are following the rules and engaging in peaceful protest. Those should spoken to kindly. For those others (members of street gangs, looters, arsonists, anarchists), they shouldn't be spoken kindly too but arrested and thrown into jail. A civil unrest (riot) is a chaotic environment. Everybody had a coronary because law enforcement were procuring spare military equipment. The public said that police don't need those resources. Well, look at Minneapolis and tell that they don't need that equipment. These protestors are fortunate that they are not in some European countries, France for instance, where the CRG (the French riot police) use heavy equipment (water cannons) on protestors and are authorized to use whatever force is necessary to suppress the rioters.
Another Trump enabler. Nothing to see here...
MAGA, I am glad to see that, instead of contributing to the conversation, have to resort to the classic political gotcha game that when someone doesn't agree with the majority opinion then they must be a "Trump enabler". Really? That take is simplistic/juvenile and your premise is not supported at all with any supporting evidence.
Vo, you don’t want bad cops mixed in with good cops but it is okay to say the bad protesters along with the good ones are thugs? You think it’s alright to threaten violence on protesters, peaceful ones too? Was there any violence during the day while the majority of protesters where there? Nope. If you don’t want cops all lumped together why are you limping any group together?
AG, as I pointed out in my posting, there is a minority of peaceful protesters who follow the law and lawful commands of police at the scene. However, there are those individuals who don't want to demonstrate peacefully or even care to. Those are the anarchists, looters, arsonists, street gangs. I didn't say that the good ones were thugs. Have you been at a scene of civil unrest? Well, my family member in law enforcement is doing that now and he tells me you don't have the time to distinguish between the two. In the midst of chaos, you don't have time to sit there and try to deduce who is a good one or a bad one. Your initial action is to do what your training tells you to do and control the scene. Law enforcement will not use violence on peaceful protesters. As for the others, the level of law enforcement response should be directly proportional to the violence/actions initiated by the rioters. Any that authority should go as far as needed to quell the riot. For example, I have no problem with the tactics used by the French CRG on how they handle violent protesters. But, even the CRG will not use violence on peaceful protesters. I do think water cannons would be an effective element to add to police arsenals here in the US. They work very well in Europe.
Rioters and looters aren't "protestors". They are criminals. And thugs.
I agree. However, in a riot mob, how are you going to distinguish between the two groups (protestors and criminals) Police cannot, in the heat of riot control, do that so they lump them all into one generic term "protesters".
Even if they are protesters it doesn't give them the right to be violent. So many of them were there to take advantage of the situation and have photo ops. It took away from the real reason the protesters were there and that's a shame.
And they are not the real protesters. They are taking advantage of the situation. Just like trmp did with his bible photo op last night.
You are conflating "protestors" with "rioters, looters and criminals". The latter are thugs, and for the record, "thugs" is not a reserved racial term for blacks. This comment is just absurd: "Look again at your president and then look at how much the white nationalist movement has risen since he has become president and you will know where the racism and violence you want stopped has come from. Good people on both sides, right?" Any idea how much Black Lives Matter has risen? How about them receiving a $100m donation a few years ago. All this talk about how much white supremacists have risen, where? When? How often? I know you're trying to make them out to be this massive movement, but they are peanuts in comparison to BLM, Black Panthers, New Black Panthers and the NAACP.
Blah blah Trump didn’t mean it blah blah.
Yes. He did.
intelligent comeback....let me know when you graduate middle school
must be a grade ahead of you
Can you prove that he did? If not, then this is pure speculation.
Man you're a 66 year old white women that really acts like a 90 year old senile women with 20 cats.
That wasn't necessary. Just mean.
It was a peaceful event. You can crawl from under your bed now.
Wait one minute! Did someone say white people unjustifiably killed by police? Sure it happens and it should not happen to anyone; however, Dylann Roof was gently handled. If you care to watch here is the link. https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000003760024/dashcam-video-of-dylann-roof-arrest.html
He was neither forced to the ground, nor put in a choke hold, shot in the back while running away, shocked with a taser, subdued with a knee on his neck, or shot while handcuffed, nor was he shot and killed with his girlfriend in the passenger seat and his child in a car seat behind him. Yet all of those things have happened to black men who were not threatening anyone nor had they recently murdered 9 people in a house of worship. So talk to me America. When will you complete the arc of the moral universe and bring justice full circle? Rightly convict officers when they do wrong against minorities.
So what does your unscientific sample of two events, years apart, in different locations under different circumstances, prove?
I don’t know about the “arc of the moral universe”, but it the charges of systematic police racism aren’t supported by the facts and feeble, anecdotal observations don’t add anything.
Yes, we should convict cops that do wrong , but unsupported charges of racism doesn’t help anyone.
You're right, there isn't really a comparison in those two cases. There are places in the country where systematic police racism is a thing.
That is wrong. You can't paint an entire law enforcement organization as racist for the actions of a few rogue officers.
Vol but you can paint all protesters in a bad light because of idiots that took advantage of the situation?
AG. Why not? You are painting every law enforcement officer as racist with the following: "there are places in the country where systematic police racism is a thing" So, using that logic, sure, you can make the same claim and paint all protesters in a bad light because of idiots that took advantage of the situation.
You are right. However, why let the judicial system do its required job and try these cases and make a determination of guilt/innocence when we have the armchair legal experts of "Loudoun Law" who have already concluded guilt without a trial. Disturbing.
What cases? You mean case?
AG. No, I meant cases. The investigation of the other three officers at the scene of George Floyd is active therefore there would be three individual cases that the investigating agency (probably Minnesota State Patrol) is responsible for preparing for the prosecutor.
How do you define justice? I hate to break it to you but there is such a thing as due process. Those officers are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. That is the job of judicial system, not the court of public opinion. investigate/prosecute/try officers
Due process can only begin after the other 3 cops are arrested.
AG. That premise goes against the very premise of due process and against basic criminal law. The investigation into the other three officers is ongoing. You can't arrest those three until the prosecutor is certain that there is enough real evidence to charge them in a charging document. But again, that is how the real world of law works, but apparently in the magic land of armchair legal experts that just isn't good enough. Why bother investigating/trying them? Just convict them and punish them. That is mob rule/vigilantism and that is not what this country are founded on. This country was founded on the rule of law.
You're clearly passionate about this topic. Dylan Roof should have been thrown into GP and justice (in my mind) could be rightfully served. Since going back a few years to the Dylan Roof shooting, and is a bit off topic, let me ask this. What were the names of any of the (10) blacks murdered in Chicago last weekend at the hands of other blacks? Why isn't CNN, MSNBC, FOX talking about them? They were someones brother, sister, son or daughter. Why in God's name is there NEVER ANY outrage over the number of blacks murdered each year, across the country by other blacks? Why didn't people riot, loot and burn down Chicago because of these murders? Why does it only seem too matter when a black is killed by a white, cop or not? This isn't hypocrisy it's just dumb and senseless?
These are honest questions I've had for years. The response I usually get is "it's not the same thing" or "you're not black and wouldn't understand" or call me a racist. Why? Why the hell won't someone man up and offer any response to the question without being "offended"? My own conclusion is our politicians don't see any political or financial incentive. It won't further their political careers or aspirations. It's as if 8,000 blacks murdered each year but other blacks is just what society expects, "that's just the way it is" people say. I'm a fricken white guy and often seem more enraged and bothered by this than many blacks.
Scottva, yes I am clearly passionate about this topic as I have family/friends who are in state/local law enforcement and hear just how hard their job is and the nonsense environment that they must deal with day-in/day-out. As for your points, you bring up very good ones and I am not sure you are going to get satisfactory answers because those answers require serious contemplation/reflection and that's take people being honest with themselves. Most people would rather deflect to "standard answers" rather than doing that reflection that would allow you to get to the real answers to your questions. As for the "political class", you are spot on with your analysis of their motivations. Everyone should be upset and bothered about this and maybe the situation would change.
It's not about color or race, stop messing with police, stop resisting when you're told. When was the last time we had a walk to honor a fallen officer? They only get a candlelight vigil...
In the majority of these cases they didn’t resist at all and followed orders and still got killed.
In the majority of what cases?
Unarmed black men being shot by cops.
In THIS case!! He was not resisting!
i seriously doubt this unsubstantiated claim unless he is recounting the false Michael Brown claims multiple times.
In the Floyd case was wrong. However, AG, your claim that unarmed black men being shot by cops is a little simplistic. There are more variables that the arresting officer has to consider in order for the proper use of force. Did the suspect threaten the officer? Did the suspect refuse to follow commands? Did the suspect resist arrest. Yes, in this case, these conditions have not been met. However, these conditions have been met in the many samples that are being presented here. Furthermore, there is an internal review process for proper use of force that involve the county/district attorney, the law enforcement command structure, civilian review boards. They review the matter and may take action if warranted.
Vol, I was only answering Puals question as to what cases. That is what he was talking about.
pual, you're in denial.
Can you actually prove this claim? Those cases go through a comprehensive review process by the law enforcement agency/judicial system and they make a determination as to there is a "case" and will handle it. Apparently, that is not good enough for the "armchair legal eagles" in the court of public opinion. I hate to break it to you but these individuals, even ones who did the act, are entitled to their rights and due process, whether the "court of public opinion" likes it or not.
Crazy cat lady is back with more words of wisdom. I find it amazing that you have all of these cases memorized.
There is an entire memorial to fallen officers in DC and there are names added to the roll annually to pay respect to fallen officers. Now you know. You should visit sometime. I've been there.
Was there anything about this guy resisting arrest? Wasn't he on the ground and handcuffed while that cop was digging his knee into his chest and continued dong it after he lost consciousness? Who was messing with the police? They have ceremonies for fallen officers. people line streets, vehicle processions, there is a National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, they don't go unnoticed, they are not forgotten. That is what they are trying to do now, is make sure that those who are killed for no reason are not forgotten.
In this instance, there appears to be none. However, in many use of force cases, there are other factors in play (resisting arrest/agitation) that leads the arresting officer to determine that the use of force is warranted. These cases are are reviewed internally and most find there is nothing wrong with the application of force. That is how the system is supposed to process a use of force case. If they find something then the matter is referred to the county/district attorney for prosecution and to the chief/sheriff for administrative action such as dismissal of the officer.
So, George Floyd's family wants people to know he was killed for no reason by lotting and burning the country down? I doubt it. If you think all the riots going on are being done in the name of George Floyd, you're out of your mind. Most of the THUGS probably have no clue who he is/was. The only thing they know for sure is they have been given a free pass to do as they wish. I suspect the black owned business destroyed by these THUGS wouldn't agree. Personally, I would think that all this crap is a huge insult to Mr. Floyd, scratch that I know it would be. Take a view at one of the last video posts George had before he was killed, it is completely opposite of what these THUGS are doing. He tried to give words of hope, guidance for the young ones to stay away from crime, etc. If they really wanted people to not forget George, then they should have honored his last words of wisdom and not crapped all over his message.
Scottva, I totally agree with your comment.
George Floyd did NOT resist. Breonna Taylor was in bed.
Exactly. Talk about a THUG. That cop has a number of complaints against him. Maybe this is common? Don’t know. I’ve always been treated with respect by them. Oh, well... I am an old white lady so there’s that.
No, it is not common.
Save your white guilt crap. It sounds stupid and desperate for minority approval.
If your claims are true, then the officers responsible will be dealt with through the internal review process. The officer in the George Floyd case has been dismissed and charged. But apparently in the "court of public opinion" that is not good enough. Well, too bad because the judicial system really shouldn't care what the "court of public opinion" thinks as it works with evidence/facts not supposition/opinions.
Firing them is not dealing with them contributing to a death. Court of public opinion say all the police involved in the death of George Floyd should be charged. The facts are recorded in multiple places, cell phones , business cameras etc.
AG. As noted in my original posting, I said that the officer (Chauvin) was charged and that is how the system deals with contributing to Floyd's death. The firing of the officer is an administrative process that the city has to do to remove the officer from the force. Well, the judicial system shouldn't and doesn't really care what the "Court of Public Opinion" wants because the judicial system works with laws/rules/evidence/procedures and ensures that justice is carried out properly. The Well, the court of public opinion needs to come to term with the concept that the legal courts are the ones who opinion counts not the rantings/ravings of those armchair legal experts. Gee, don't you think that the investigating agency obtained all of that data? Yes, it is part of the investigation process. But hey what do the police/prosecutors know when we have the experts at "Loudoun Law" who apparently know all and want to do the police/prosecutors job for them. Amazing/Disturbing.
"HANDS UP DON'T SHOOT" never occured. It was a lie. Michael Brown never said it. George Floyd shouldnt have died. The cop got what he deserved. His life is ruined and he'll be beat up in prison and when and if he is ever release he'll be lucky to be a busboy.
But it never seems to be enough for the agitators. The only thing the agitators want is power. They want the topple our government and our way of life. Democrat governors, mayors and Attorney Generals are enablers of this. Race relations under Obama worsened in this country when he had 8 years to make it better but when you bring people.lik eww Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to the White House to help with policy and you go around gettiing photos taken with the likes of Louis Farrakhan secretly it's only going to make.it worse. I understand the rage of what seems to be an injustice for Mr. Floyd. But I rage as I see these agitators of trying to destroy our way of life.
Third degree murder? That’s nothing. Floyd won’t have a chance to be bet up or look for a job. Who is the agitator in that case. Race relations did not worsen under Obama. Positive views of the state of race relations in the U.S. peaked with President Obama’s inauguration, after which 66% of Americans said race relations were generally good. In January, a CBS News poll found nearly 6 in 10 Americans saying race relations in the country are generally bad. . A Pew Research Center poll earlier this year showed 56% of Americans saying Trump has made race relations worse. Americans gave similarly poor assessments of the president’s impact on specific racial, ethnic and religious minorities. Nearly 6 in 10 considered Trump’s actions to be bad for Hispanics and Muslims, and about half said they were bad for African Americans, according to a February 2018 poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. That poll also found that 57% of Americans considered Trump to be racist. What is our way of life, do you mean your white good old boy way of life?
Get professional help. Please.
For hat, though I might need it after reading your posts about other people and not articles. Grow up little boy, learn to read the actual articles and comment on them like an adult. Stop with the third grade nonsense. People write facts and you make a comment about them, what is wrong with you that you can't even come back with anything to refute it? Because there is nothing so you stoop to the name calling and finger pointing and have nothing real to say. Get a life, read a book, or better yet read the article and make comments regarding it.
You are entitled to your own opinion, however, a person stating facts does not indicate they need “professional help.”
When Obama left office polls on race relations showed race relations worsened by over 10 %.
Of course dem false claims of Trump racism echoed by fake news has influenced recent polls.
Dem identity politics has been a disaster , causing division and victimhood culture.
Of course when Obama left office and the Nationalist took over race relations worsened. You have a very closed mind. The news only has to put trump on the air and let him talk and he will show he is a racist. They don't make up thing on real news like they do on Fox. No one has divided this country like trump has, can't wait til it changes. BTW do you really understand what identity politics means, it doesn't seem like it.
Actually, I believe the State of Minnesota charged the officer with the correct murder count. Third degree murder is the correct charge for this case as there has been no proof provided that showed intent by the officer to kill Floyd. There has to be intent for a higher murder charge and the State of Minnesota doesn't appear to have it so 3rd Degree Murder is the best you can get.
Pathological lying and compulsive disorders can be treated. You simply need to be open to the possibility. Give it a shot.
No trump is too far gone to be treated as are most of his sheep.
66% at his inauguration and it only went down from there. Our way of life? The American way of life. Give the true Patriots of this country 24 hours to quell this violence and it will be over in 12.
Amerigirl, you are the ultimate purveyor of fake news.
Workhardgetahead. The answer to quelling the violence is to allow the appropriate authorities the ability to do their jobs. That means the "political class" not interfere with police actions and let the law enforcement community handle it. "True patriots"? We don't need vigilante groups trying to "help" as that just doubles the job that the law enforcement community has to deal with as there are two sets of law violators that they have to handle and that stretches police (and associated units (National Guard/Military) resources.
Wrong again, check your figures, and tell me your source. What do you think true patriots are? Looks like you think it's people who will turn to violence.
OK. I agree that George Floyd shouldn't have died. The arrest of the officer is warranted based on the evidence. However, he has not been convicted by a court of law and thus is only "alleged" to have done this action
The problem is that the local elected officials are more concerned about political correctness and not allowing law enforcement to perform its job during civil unrest which is to stop the spread of violence and wanton destruction of property. As to the question of agitators, you have various types of agitators in the community who want to do nothing but to cause trouble. Anarchists are a good example of agitators. There are gangs of people who are more interested in material goods/looting than the cause of the protest. Those are agitators. In those same gangs are people who want to "stick it to the man" and kill police just because they hate them. Those are agitators. Unfortunately, there are people who are protesting peacefully and following the law but they get caught up in the violence of the riot. Then we have the media who thinks because they have a press pass they can ignore police orders and stir up emotions with over-dramatization (an illustration of that was Brooke Baldwin on CNN Friday). They are agitators.
"... OK. I agree that George Floyd shouldn't have died..." That's very white of you, Mr. Voltaire.
MAGA, I hate to break it to you but it DOESN'T matter what color I am. But again, that doesn't matter, because liberal elitists like yourself, when you cannot engage in productive discussion or defend your position with any argument, simply like to promote racism and engage in petty gotcha games. Simply disgusting.
For as often as you post comments, I'd think by now something somewhat logical would come out of your mouth. Lesson learned. I hope you have more to offer society than you do with your posts, if not, look up Dr. Kavorkian.
Oh, please. Obama was the divider in Chief. You got trump because of Obama.
Then why was Obama’s popularity higher? Obama has finished in top place every year since 2008. Why was Obama’s job approval rating higher? Why is trump always comparing himself to Obama? He will never be the president Obama was.
Obama was a symbol but an impotent president. History will not be kind.
history has already been kind to Obama, he won the Nobel Peace prize, the NME award for Hero of the Year, Ripple of Hope award. and the Profile in Courage award. His approval rating has always been higher than trumps. In a poll by PEW when asked who was the best president in your lifetime Obama got 31%, Trump a meager 10% after following Clinton and Reagan. You don't get those ratings being a symbol. Symbols don't get millions of people on a health care plan or pull the country out of a recession and still reduce the nations deficit and close the gap on income inequality. Study some history.
Your entire list of Obama’s meager accomplishments are false.
We barely came out of the recession despite Obama’s policies.
Obamacare was a disaster and wont survive much longer.
Obama wasteful spending and ballooning deficits are historic.
The community organizer was a failed corrupt president.
His reputation was created by a compliant media and dem propaganda that will not stand the test of time.
Pual, they're true, you can't change the fact that Obama won those awards, or that the economy was up, or any of it. You can deny it all you want but that is just living a lie. Fact check it'
True, Obama was much whiter
Whiter, oh is that what matters? Obama was definitely much smarter.
Yes. He's better and Obama couldn't hold his athletic supporter.
Blind sheep
OOOppps work, looks like they had to remove your comment calling me names. It was pretty lame anyway.
There are over 1000 people killed by police officers per year. Majority of them are white- not black! Where is the outcry for all the white people unjustifiably killed by police officers each year? Better yet- where is the outcry for violence and illegal behavior done by police officers. We hire them as public safety officials, and they abuse their potential powers.
Where is the proof of your statement. Frankly if what you said is true it would have been plastered on the news. Stop denying the facts
Rubbish. There are lots of things that don't get "plastered on the news". I'll guess that by your standards, if it isn't reported in the NYT or CNN it didn't happen. I know about lots of things that don't make the headlines, or even the back page. You'd be surprised at what you don't know.
The big difference is that when you look at people who are unarmed being killed half of them are black. They only make up 12.6% of the population, see the discrepancy? Even the UN has called this “a long line of killings of unarmed African Americans by US police officers and members of the public”.
In the U.S., African Americans are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white people. The study “Risk of being killed by police use of force in the United States by age, race–ethnicity, and sex” shows that roughly 1-in-1,000 black boys and men will be killed by police in their lifetime. For white boys and men, the rate is 39 out of 100,000. How do you know which killings are justifies or not?
Let's flip the script on this one. How do you know which killings are justified or not?
You are attempting blanket characterize an entire profession (law enforcement) through a few rogue officers. That is wrong. Not everyone who pins on a badge abuses their powers. There are a lot of good law enforcement officers who want to do right even in an environment that doesn't really support them. There are internal procedures in place in law enforcement organizations to handle illegal behavior by law enforcement officers. In addition, there are civilian oversight review boards who monitor police activity and may take action against officers. In law enforcement, unfortunately, sometimes there will be a legitimate need for the use of force. That's just the way it is.
I love it when the misinformed, ignorant and disillusioned try to change the narrative by lobbing comments about black on black crime. As if there are no efforts to curb that in our communities. Oh but you dont live in those communities so you are speaking of that which you have no reference or experience. FACT- Mr. Floyd pleaded for his life for several minutes as four paid public servants ushered in death to his demise. They offered no relief. "I cant breath. Please let me stand," he pleaded with the officers. I want you to have someone handcuff you and put you onto the asphalt and apply pressure to the back of your neck as you utter those words. For nine minutes. Then explain to me your understanding of not just what it means to be a black man so feared by officers that you must endure that level of torture.
FACT- Your president said what he said as some one pointed out earlier. No one hijacked his account. When you make excuses for bad behavior you encourage it.
I could go on but I wont. I cant manufacture your outrage over police brutality. I cant make you understand the impact of highways ripping through your communities. I cant make you understand the negative impacts or restrictive covenants, Jim Crow, segregation or any negative policy that has been enacted upon people of color and the native people of this land. Seek enlightenment and not just information that will justify your own bias and prejudice.
Segregation ended almost 50 years ago, time to move on from that. It seems the only people who want to segregate are the blacks.
For example, Black Congessional Causcus, NAACP, Black Lives Matter. I apologize and I dont mean To offend but if there was a Congressional White Caucus, or a NAAWP or even All Lives Matter, it would be considered racist. That's the truth. What ever happened about judging a person by his character and not by the color.of your skin. We arent White America, We aren't Black America, We aren't Latino or Asian America. WE ARE AMERICA!!
OK. it is incorrect to paint entire professions (law enforcement) as villains due to the actions of a few. The first fact may come from audio from the videotape, however, no matter what the "court of public opinion" says, the officers have not been convicted of any crime in a court of law and therefore this is an "allegation" of a crime being committed. FACT 2--Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. That means the whole United States. President Trump can generate whatever tweet that he desires as that is his right to do so. Whether the content of those tweets is appropriate for public dissemination is a separate subject of debate. I don't believe the opinion of an individual poster on this site will encourage the President to do something or not.
But, as president was it his job to fuel the flames on twitter or to calm the people?
Ideally, it would be the latter.
Who is painting all cops bad? 3 of those officers weren't even charged, they should have been, so no, they weren't convicted. Fact2- twitter has rules that others have been accountable to for years, trump being president does not make him immune to those rules. Twitter is a private company and he had to agree to their rules to join. No he doesn't have the right to tweet what ever he wants to and not get called out for it. If he would just stop lying (now over 19,000 since becoming president) he wouldn't have to worry about them putting a fact check on his tweet. If he didn't have violence in his tweets they wouldn't need to flagg a tweet saying it was "glorifying violence You can believe whatever you want but he has reposted tweets that include: the only good democrat is a dead democrat, and absurd posts from Qanon.
AG, well, let's see, the political class/liberal elites/media have painted police in a bad light. Again, why should those three officers been charged? Are the facts in to support the charge? You know, in the court of public opinion, you don't have to be accountable and can ignore rules/processes/procedures and just make determinations based on nothing but opinion. The State of Minnesota, when investigating/prosecuting this matter, don't get that kind of luxury and so the investigation/prosecution requires effort/time to do it right so the prosecution be supported with a guilty verdict that will be sustained against appeal. If they don't do their job right and charge them with the wrong offense and that is thrown out of court you don't get a second shot at this. These officers are entitled, whether the popular opinion likes it or not, to due process. As to Trump tweets, I said that he is entitled to tweet them but that the subject of those tweets as suitable is subject to debate.
"I could go on but I won't."
And thank you for sparing us.
For a start, let’s stop allowing confederate flags in Union Cemetery on Memorial Day! I’ve seen this on my daily walk for the past few days and it sickens me to see this in my town! I can only imagine the hurt it causes to my fellow Americans who are black!
Yeah that's it, those darn Confederate flags. Take them all down and people won't riot and loot. You are a sad individual
Exactly
What is the big deal with protesters carrying confederate flags to state houses? There is no confederacy, they were defeated, why are they still carrying them. Cemeteries I can see if it is on the grave of a confederate soldier, that was his belief.
Sometimes I hate auto-correct!
I believe that it may be because it is a symbol of rebellion.
Vol, more like a symbol of black slavery
AG, you need to refresh your history lesson. The Confederate flag symbolized the Confederacy which was more than just black slavery. is more that that. The Confederacy, whether the popular opinion/liberal elites like it or not, was a part of this nation's heritage/history and you cannot erase it because it is not politically correct.
OK. Loudoun County, as part of Virginia, fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. That is factual history and, despite massive attempts at revisionism, cannot be erased. If these flags are marking Confederate soldiers' graves, then that would historically acceptable as they fought for the Confederacy and died for that institution. It would also be acceptable for them to have an American flag as well as they were Americans. The same argument applies to Confederate memorials/statues. There is nothing wrong for a community who was part of the Confederacy to have statues memorializing that as that was historical accurate.
Would you tolerate a Nazi flag on a German soldier’s grave?
Actually, they wouldn't place a Nazi flag on the German soldier's grave but rather the official flag of Germany. However, it needs to be said that you can't paint the entire WWII Germany military appartus as "Nazis". Sure the SS were and there political units within it that also were. But most soldiers/sailors/airmen/officers were fighting for their country and didn't care about the Fuhrer or his politics. Erwin Rommel's son stated so in a biography about Erwin Rommel. For confederate soldiers, they would probably provide both a Confederate flag and a American flag.
Problem being most of the current community is not from the 'good old boy' Loudoun and the current community doesn't want them.
AG. Like to blanket characterize/stereotype? "Good old boy"? Really. How do you know what the community wants? Are you their spokesperson? Better yet, since the Confederacy is not politically correct, maybe we can try some good old fashion liberal elite revisionism since that seems to be "the rage of the day". The effort to revise history in order to meet the quest of the popular opinion's political correctness is simply wrong.
"I can only imagine the hurt it causes to my fellow Americans who are black!"
See, now that's a virtue signaling statement. And actually, it's very condescending. Why are you imagine such things? Imagining doesn't make it true. If you were really concerned you would be asking them how they feel about it instead of filling your head with what your own projections of how they feel. Or perhaps you don't have any black friends.
Why imagining???? It's called empathy. Don't assume that people are out asking questions or who their friends are.
Unnecessary deaths are tragic and appropriate justice should be served. But going hyperbolic over uncommon and decreasingly likely events doesn't make sense. These activists don't seem to understand FACTS. You know, what actually happens instead of what is sensationalized.
Fact: In a given year, police officers face assaults with a deadly weapon approximately 14,000 times (justifying the use of deadly force). Yet, only 7% of those result in the death of a citizen (990 deaths). Officers are at far more risk than anybody in the public.
Fact: Whites are shot by police far MORE than blacks (nearly 2 times as many).
Fact: Cop killers are only 1/3 more likely to be white than black (42% were white, 33% were black, 19% Hispanic)
Fact: Black males are 27.4 times more likely to be murdered than killed by the police
The narrative that one faces greater risk from police today than in prior times is a complete myth. Yes, folks should work on ensuring bad apples are identified and removed in law enforcement. Minneapolis had the feds come in back in the 2012-2014 timeframe to give recommendations. Following through is important. So is ensuring the use of force guidelines are up-to-date. But trying to create a myth for partisan gain is immoral and a disservice to all, especially the minorities who do not know the facts. We expect better from politicians like Ron Campbell. Phillip Thompson and shakedown artist Michelle Thomas, not so much.
You should stop posting. Your facts are painting white people in a negative light and I know some good fine white folks.
Your first fact makes sense because of their job. The problem is that black men are killed for misdemeanors, like this one about a counterfeit $20 bill.
Your second fact is wrong, shooting deaths of unarmed people, cops have shot and killed about the same number of whites and blacks. which means an even wider racial disparity as a percentage of the population. Over 100 just in 2015.
Your third fact, yes the majority of cop killers are white, as is the population. Can you give your sources, I couldn’t find anything close to those figures that wasn’t over 10 yards old.
Fact, Countless studies have also shown that black people are much more likely to be pulled over and searched for drugs, even though nearly every study on the subject also found that searches of white people are more likely to turn up contraband.
AG, on the first point, the initial offense may have been a misdemeanor however there were probably also additional circumstances that lead to the use of force by the arresting officer. That happens to everyone, not just black people. Point two, again, there were additional circumstances that led to the shooting deaths of unarmed people by the arresting officers. As to searches for drugs, there are again additional reasons why people are searched for drugs such as time of day/night and location of the search.
There may have well been circumstances to use force, but once that person has no pulse and is not responsive what possible reason could there be? Wasn't it his duty at that point to try to resuscitate him, not kill him? Derek Chauvin had a long history of complaints.
AG, yes, the officers should have tried CPR. However, they may have determined that CPR wouldn't revive him and that is why they didn't do it. Yes, Derek Chauvin had a long history of complaints and probably should be assigned a desk job and off of patrol. That is an administrative failing by the Minneapolis Police Department.
LTM doesn't generally allow web links but you can find it in the CDC data, WaPo data, and other reports. About 490 whites killed per year compared to about 260 blacks.
And it is irrational to compare the total number of whites/blacks in the population to get a per capita ratio. The police don't interact with the vast majority of citizens. They interact more often with those committing crime and violent crime in particular. Despite large differences in the fraction of the population, whites and blacks commit about the same number of violent crimes (thus blacks have a much larger per capita raio). According to FBI data in 2017, 53% of murder offenders were black. Of the 44% who were white, about 1/5 of those were Hispanic. For robbery, 54% were black compared to 44% who were white of which 1/5 of those were Hispanic
Cops absolutely pull more folks over in high crime neighborhoods than in low crime neighborhoods. That does not mean they are racist. That simply means that more blacks live in high crime neighborhoods. Maybe I missed the news reports of the pandemic of shootouts over powder cocaine though.
So you are saying that police target blacks? Because all those cops that just profile and stop blacks are interacting with blacks?
AG, no, he is not saying that. Virginia SGP is right in that police do focus more on high crime areas and make more stops in those areas. He is also right that by itself does not imply racism as again there are more factors than racism to determine why an individual is pulled over. The area where I disagree with Virginia SGP is that police "do't interact with the vast majority of citizens". Actually, law enforcement organizations are responsible for the entire community that they police and try to interact with everyone, not just suspects. That is what the concept of community policing was for to encourage collaboration between the police and the community they police. It is a relatively good approach.
Please list your references Virginia SGP. What makes you such a know it all on the facts? Maybe the know it 'Alls' as you call it got their information from the same place you got yours. Seems like there is a personal reason behind the words you speak could it be racism or is it plain jealousy? I can't tell. When changing the subject it's now a question of racism or just being ignorant to a way of life. For example COVID-19 Do you believe it's out there? It may not have affected you or anyone close to you but it has affected thousands. However, there are people that tell you if you stand in the room with someone infected you will contract the disease. Would you believe or would you want to see it for yourself? This is the same disease that happened back in the 1920s that took lives and mysteriously disappeared. Racism you probably have never experienced they say you should get over it but it is still happening in 2020. These killings of unarmed black people are examples of it and not only killings. The lady in park Amy Cooper and black guys sitting Starbucks. Ron/Phillip/Michelle have nothing to do with any of that they are just tired of the unjust treatment of black people and if you can't see that maybe you are part of the problem.
Your gibberish is incomprehensible.
Look up CDC data, FBI data, WaPo data summaries and so forth. I cannot help it that most of the Hypocrats start opining without EVER doing any research. They just jump to conclusions like a bunch of uneducated animals. The US was founded on the reasoned rule of law, something that is foreign to the shakedown artists of the NAACP or these ignorant Hypocrats.
What does your Wuhan Virus rant have to do with anything? Do I have close friends and family that contracted it? Yes. They recovered just fine. I left Virginia to visit a SC beach to get out from under the wannabe dictators like Phyllis Randall. Nobody is wearing masks down here. Randall is receiving her elevated pay and laughing at the businesses losing their life's savings. That's what a Hypocrat does. Just like the Hypocrat in the park got caught trying to show white guilt but then calling in a black man when it counted to police.
Racism is not very prevalent today. And it should never affect how you first judge a person. For example, black football players Calvin Johnson and Ben Watson were much, much smarter than Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or certainly Brett Favre. Stereotyping a player because of their color or position is foolish just like it is with everyday citizens. Yet when shakedown artist Michelle Thomas opens her mouth to speak, we then know there is not much going on in her head. Irrational comments. Complete lack of scientific understanding. Pleas for racial preferences that actually hurt certain races (Asians) and lead to doubt about the quality of those who receive the preferences.
Do challenges face black kids in Loudoun? Absolutely. We have some horrific teachers who are assigned black kids as students. These kids suffer. We have zoning laws that prevent the mixing of races and demographics groups in Loudoun. That is not in society's interest or our economic interest, rather it is at the behest of some privileged (likely white) elites. Yet the NAACP never seems to campaign for reforms pushed by Obama/Duncan/Gates (the reforms I campaign for in putting an EFFECTIVE teacher in front of every child) or those of Stanford Professor Thomas Sowell (ending elitist zoning). They are fake and only out for publicity or preferences for their own kids.
Well, if we’re lucky, perhaps the demonstration will get out of hand and burn down all of the liberal owned businesses in town.
My oh my, what would happen then?
Not only racist but promoting violence? Shame on you! [angry]
I agree it is dumb sarcastic comment but stop throwing around the racist charge.
It is unwarranted and really getting old.
Call them as I see them. If it's getting old then maybe there are just too many racist good old boys still in Loudoun.
AG, how is the comment racist? I can understand the promoting violence angle but he didn't target any societal element that warrant a racist charge.
May be yours will be the first to go up in flames
Just saying
Doesn't matter who you are addressing that is pure evil.
Typical of liberal so-called journalist. Had to put Trump’s name in the article. Always need a narrative for some type of political gain. How about explain why most high crime and high poverty are cities and town controlled and governed by Democrats. Truth of the matter racism has been around since humans have been on earth. It’s all ethnicities to blame. Racism is taught and learned. The media has brainwashed people to believe only white people are racists and more so if you’re a Republican. The problem is with the media and hack journalist. The rioters are not protesting. Look at the great MLK. He was a protestor. He bright people together. What’s going on in MN and other cities is pure evil. If anyone thinks what the rioters are doing is okay and justified, you’re the problem. What that police officer did is a crime and he should be held liable. The owners of the stores didn’t do anything wrong. That mayor should be held responsible and relived from office, but good luck as it’s deemed okay since he is a Democrat. Look out though...the fake Rev. Al Sharpton is heading that way. He needs to get paid. He makes money when there is a divide. Wake up people. Stop being a sheep. I will say I love having my property protected by the good 2A. I will enforce it on anyone looking to damage my property. The rioters are thugs, they are not protestors and the President is correct. The shooting will start when these thugs take it up a notch and start murdering people.
Typical conservative, when trump inserts himself into a situation and is proven wrong blame it on the media. True trump comments on everything, including this death, before checking out what has happened just to get noticed and his political gain. How about you realize that the places you are talking about have a much higher population. Did you know that the largest problem we have with terrorism in this country right now is white nationalist? The number of white nationalist groups in the U.S., went from 100 chapters in 2017 to 148 in 2018. A study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found the number of terrorist attacks by far-right perpetrators quadrupled in the U.S. between 2016 and 2017, when trump was elected. They identify with trump s an ally because he downplays everything they do. You are comparing 2 different types of protests, MLK was for civil rights and this is about the killing of unarmed black men. The mayor should be held responsible?? Because trump tweeted his opinion? It’s not like he has just sat back and let it happen. Forces were called in, which had to be done by the gov, not the mayor. Nobody deemed it was oaky, that is just a bias political statement. You think that trump is correct, even twitter took down what he said because violates its policy about "glorifying violence." You think it was okay to use Miami police Chief Walter Headley words aimed at young Negro males, from 15 to 21, "when the looting starts, the shooting starts"? Gee I wonder why people think republicans are more racist than democrats.
I get it....you don’t like Trump.
But seeing racism, lies and white national ties in his actions are disingenuous.
You can assume the worst in his cryptic tweets but that doesn’t make it true.
You can exaggerate and extrapolate his actions to fit your “Trump is bad” narrative, but that doesn’t make them true.
You can reference partisan, biased sources to bolster your arguments but that doesn’t make them true.
Republicans tend to judge others on their merits not their race,
Democrats perpetuate identity politics that emphasize and exploit racial differences.
Republicans focus on providing opportunity to all regardless of race as demonstrated by the record minority employment prior to the pandemic.
Democrats focus of handouts that resulted in stagnation of minority achievement is dem -controlled communities.
Don’t kid yourself that dems are somehow helping minorities.
They are facts pual, facts! Every one can be checked out. I only repeated what he said about himself that he was a Nationalist. His tweets are not cryptic at all, most are very juvenile and any third grader could understand them. There is a reason he walked back his tweet. There is no need to exaggerate and extrapolate, I don’t need to he does it all by himself. Is that what you really think of republicans? Then why have so many been called out? Why did Steve King lose his committees? Why did trump tell American Democrat Congresswomen "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came," As they have said in the Atlantic “By Republican Standards, Almost Nothing is Racist” Please give an example where republicans have provided opportunity to all regardless of race. You have the most twisted way of looking at the world. Dem’s this Dem’s that, but you don’t see any of the good or how it has helped people.
Only Dems think Republicans are more racist because Dems have little to offer but identity politics and racial divisions to gain power.
AG, actually yes, the Mayor of Minneapolis should be held responsible. In most civil unrest situations (riots is a good point) it is important for law enforcement to contain the situation before it spirals out of control. The local police were told by local leaders to hold back and that incentivized the rioters to to do what they did. The police should have held that police precinct instead they fled as ordered. That fueled the rioting. It is the same as in the Rodney King riots, when the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) were effecively containing the initial riot at Normandy/Lombard Streets and were told to withdraw and the rioters seized on the retreat and the real trouble begin as law enforcement lost the initiative and that is hard to get back. The Mayor of Minneapolis, as the city's chief executive, was responsible for asking for additional law enforcement from surrounding jurisdictions (there are reciprocal agreements between local areas for situations like riots) resources to help support the requesting law enforcement agency with resources. Apparently, he didn't as the Governor did it himself through deployment of National Guard and Minnesota State Patrol resources.
Agreed.
By all appearances, these policemen are responsible for the death of Floyd and used excessive force. If so the they should be aggressively prosecuted.
I’ve yet to see any evidence that this was motivated by race other than the fact that the policeman was white and the victim was black.
Isn’t it racism to accuse someone based on their skin color, in this case the policeman’s.
While I have doubt racism exists in the police community just like the rest of society, this tragedy offers little to no evidence that “systematic “ racism exists or was the cause of this tragedy.
An investigation may show otherwise.
Until then the premise of those that are using the tragedy for their own agenda are suspect.
Like wise the anti-Trump charges leveled with no evidence or rational.
Thanks for clearing all that up.
Wow. That's powerful insight....
The FBI is investigating whether civil rights charges are appropriate. Derek Chauvin has 18 other complaints filed against him with 2 of them resulting in discipline. reprimands. I guess we will have to wait and see if the complaints are racist. There is definitely racism in many police communities. Try driving in Loudoun and looking Latino. See how many times a year you get pulled over for things like your tail lights, driving erratically, and none of it being true. What anti-trump charges? He said what he said, and as usual did it without getting the facts. Typical trumpian style.
AG, the instance of Derek Chauvin is an example of a failing by the police department to police itself. Someone with that many complaints should have been dismissed or removed from patrol duties, depending upon the nature of the complaints. That is an issue for the department's Internal Affairs bureau to investigate. There may be a few officers who are racist but it is unfair to paint the entire profession as such. There are many law enforcement officers work hard every day in an environment that doesn't really support them. Do you have any proof that law enforcement (Virginia State Police/Loudoun County Sheriff's Office) are targeting Latinos? They should get pulled over for tail lights, driving erratically as those are legal infractions.
Yes, I know. cops like Chauvin , give them a bad name, but the other cops that let him get away with murder also give them a bad name. Nobody is painting all police as being racist, in fact most support them.
I believe the key word is "appearance". These officers are being prosecuted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Minnesota and, contrary to public opinion, are entitled to the presumption of innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. I think that the officer was charged based upon the results of an investigation and that color of the officer did not play a role. As someone who has family in state/local law enforcement, I think that it wrong to paint an entire law enforcement organization as "racist" because of the actions of a few. There are many law enforcement officers, like my family members who do their jobs everyday and are fair and not racist. By its nature, law enforcement is a tough occupation and it also would help if elected leaders would allow the law enforcement community to do their job instead of undercutting their authority through political grandstanding. A good case is the arrest of the CNN journalist and cameraperson. If the incident commander (the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) Lieutenant) told them to move out of the way and they resisted then they should have been arrested for non-compliance with police orders. Next day, we had the State Governor blasting the MSP for doing what they were right in doing. That was wrong and undercuts the authority of local/state law enforcement in handling situations and demoralizes those officers who have to deal with a populous that is out of control.
No, only Chauvin is being prosecuted. What "appearance" does that project? the other cops stood by, even said they couldn't find a pulse and did not intervene.
AG. It projects that the authorities had sufficient evidence to charge Chauvin. The State of Minnesota is investigating the other three officers and will make charges when they determine that there is enough evidence to support the issuance of a charging document.
Someone warn the Target on Edwards Ferry Rd.
Why don’t they walk to DC and protest the 50 African Americans killed by other African Americans so far this year in DC. Or to Baltimore or Chicago. Nah didn’t think so.
Because murder and racism aren’t the same in the same way that people were protesting being told to stay home not protesting going to their home.
eww, how racist, very very racist remark.
That is an ignorant statement. The police officer used his body to kill an unarmed shackled man. Imagine if that had been a puppy. Would you be so cold towards that image?
Please don't compare a man who was convicted of a violent felony and was alleged to have just committed a crime to a puppy. This was murdered, no doubt about that. But he's not a puppy.
OK. first, a court of law has not convicted the officer of any crime so it is "alleged" until the court does so. The Floyd killing charges are probably correct. How are you going to prove intent by the officers? You need intent for a murder conviction higher than 3rd Degree and I don't believe that the State of Minnesota has that element.
Vol, don't you think when the other officer told Chauvin that he couldn't find a pulse and Chauvin would not take his knee off of an unresponsive man that wasn't intent? They are trained better than that.
AG, no, I don't think that proves malicious intent. It may show negligence, hence the 3rd Degree charge, but it does not prove malicious intent and pass the laugh test. A good defense counsel could tear that flimsy argument to shreds relatively easily.
Actually, the police officer is "alleged" to have used his body to kill an unarmed individual. A court of law has not convicted the officer so the charge is "alleged" until it does so.
for the same reason they don't walk to dc to protest the thousands of people killed by white heroin dealers and meth makers. Nice attempt at pointless deflection. We are talking about people murdered /by police/ daily, not every school shooting and redneck with a gun in a bar.
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