United States Police dispersed peaceful protesters near the White House on Monday, June 1, using rubber bullets and tear gas. According to Reuters' latest report, the U.S. government vowed to end violent protests over the death of a black man in police custody using a massive show of force.
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U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he would deploy the military to end unrest in major cities across the nation if state governors refuse to call out the National Guard. "Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled," said Trump.
"If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them," he added.
President Trump walked from the White House to nearby St. John's Episcopal Church as a safe passage was actioned by the U.S. Police, along with officials U.S. Attorney General William Barr. The death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, who died in Minneapolis custody after being pinned for nine minutes under an officer's knee, sparked anti-police brutality rallies and marches that turned violent over the last week.
Peaceful demonstrators were dispersed by US Police using rubber bullets and tear gas; One person killed in Kentucky as police returned fire
According to Reuters, dozens of cities across the U.S. remain under curfews at levels not seen since the 1986 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., which triggered riots that pushed the National Guard to be deployed in 23 states and Washington, D.C. One person was killed when the police and National Guard troops returned fire, trying to disperse a crowd in Louisville, Kentucky.
Derek Chauvin, a since-fired 44-year-old officer, was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder. The death of George Floyd sparked protesters while the country was easing sweeping lockdowns to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. People visited Cup Foods, the scene of Floyd's death, on June 1 to pay respect, leaving signs and flowers to honor George Floyd.
"I'll fight with you," a little girl wrote in the road using aqua blue chalk.
"Let's do this another way," said Terrence Floyd, the victim's brother. He told the people to get educated, vote, and not destroy their own communities.
The Bureau of Prisons was directed by the U.S. Justice Department to send riot-control teams in Washington, D.C., and Miami, to manage the protests.
