Intensification of unrest in the US; curfews announced in 40 cities
The United States has witnessed massive protests for the sixth consecutive day over the killing of George Floyd. The National Guard has been mobilized in 15 states. Donald Trump has called on state governors to crack down on protesters.
Nearly a week after the killing of George Floyd by a police officer, there is no sign of peace in America.
A massive march in New York, cars being set on fire in Boston, and stores being looted in Philadelphia; unrest and protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis have entered their sixth consecutive day in various parts of the United States.
Washington also saw protesters gather in front of the White House. Police attempts to disperse the demonstrators led to clashes.
“Peace is not possible without justice,” were among the slogans chanted by protesters. According to news media, police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the demonstrators.
As CNN reports, curfews have been imposed in at least 40 US cities, including Washington. The governor of Arizona has even announced that a curfew will be in effect for a week, until June 8.
CNN also reported that the US National Guard has been mobilized in at least 15 US states.
On Sunday evening, May 31, US President Donald Trump published a series of tweets praising the performance of the National Guard in the state of Minnesota, noting that the Guard forces should have been mobilized and put into action sooner.
In another tweet, Trump wrote in all caps: “Law and order!” He has repeatedly accused Democratic governors of not taking “criminals” seriously.
On Sunday, the US President once again blamed the anti-fascist group Antifa for the violence and announced that the group would be placed on the list of terrorist groups and organizations.
Protests and unrest erupted in the United States following the death of a black man, George Floyd. Images that quickly circulated on social media last week showed a police officer pressing his knee on Floyd, 46,'s neck as he was being arrested.
The officer, ignoring Floyd's pleas for help, who said he could barely breathe, pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for nine minutes. He died a short time later in the hospital.
Derek Chauvin, the police officer who used excessive force to kill George Floyd, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. He is currently in custody and is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday (June 1).
George Floyd was arrested after a store owner accused him of paying with a counterfeit $20 bill.
Source: DW
