US escalation after George Floyd's death: Further police officers arrested - face severe punishment

USA: The protests after the death of African American George Floyd are getting out of control. Donald Trump announces military operations - the situation in New York is out of control.

• African American George Floyd was killed in a brutal police operation in Minneapolis.
• Since then, protests against racism and police violence have escalated  in several US cities.
• The demonstration escalated especially in New York - there is a risk of a collapse of public order (see update of June 3, 11:55 am).

Update of June 4, 8:19 a.m .: After the death of African American George Floyd in a brutal police operation, the US judiciary has significantly tightened its pace against the officials involved. The state attorney's office in Minnesota indicted and arrested three ex-police officers involved in Floyd's arrest on Wednesday for complicity. The charges against the policeman, who is held responsible for Floyd's death, have been tightened. He is now facing a significantly longer prison sentence. The four police officers were released immediately after the incident became known. Meanwhile, there have been new protests across the country.

USA escalation: After the brutal police violence, the charges against the officials involved are intensified

During the police operation in the city of Minneapolis, officer Derek C. * had pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes - despite all requests from the 46-year-old to let him breathe. The ex-policeman now faces a trial for second degree murder, according to the warrant. This is up to 40 years in prison in Minnesota . He is also accused of third-degree murder, which can result in up to 25 years in prison. The judiciary also accuses him of homicide, for which he could face ten years in prison. Previously, he had only been accused of third degree murder and homicide.

The three former police officers who were also involved in Floyd's arrest on Monday last week are now accused of complicity in a second-degree murder . They face a long prison sentence if convicted.

USA escalation: The protests against police violence and racism continue unabated

Floyd's family lawyer, Benjamin Crump , welcomed the announcement of the judiciary. The family is grateful that all four ex-police officers have now been charged and arrested, he said on Twitter. The relatives had asked for this for days.

FAMILY'S REACTION: This is a bittersweet moment. We are deeply gratified that @AGEllison took decisive action, arresting & charging ALL the officers involved in # GeorgeFloyd's death & upgrading the charge against Derek Chauvin to felony second-degree murder. #JusticeForGeorge pic.twitter.com/jTfXFHpsYl

In Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Houston and other US cities, thousands of people protested again peacefully against police violence, racism and social inequality on Wednesday . Many demonstrators held up posters of the “Black Lives Matter” movement (in German, for example: Black lives are important). In several cities, including New York, Minneapolis and Washington, there was once again a curfew at night to prevent looting and riots.

In Germany too, people have been gathering in many cities since the incident to demonstrate against racism in the United States. In Mannheim, an artist expresses his compassion and solidarity in a graffiti. With the lettering "I can't breathe" he recalls Floyd's last words. That reports Mannheim24.de * .

USA escalation: New York threatens to collapse on a historical scale - Merkel spokesman becomes clear

Update from June 3, 10:10 p.m .: Protests against racism are also taking place in Europe. But not always peacefully. Greek state television and several news portals report riots during a rally with hundreds of demonstrators in Athens . The police used tear gas to disperse a group of left-wing autonomists who had thrown several fire bottles at the officers.

Update 9:25 p.m .: The response to Defense Minister Mark Esper's rejection of  a military operation due to the mass protests is not long in coming. White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said in Washington that Donald Trump, as president, has sole authority to activate this  law . It is definitely an instrument that is available to him: "If necessary, he will use it."

When asked by journalists whether the president still had confidence in his defense minister in view of Esper's statements , McEnany was remarkably reserved. "If he loses confidence in Minister Esper, you will all be the first to know," she said. For the time being: "At the moment Minister Esper is still Minister Esper."

Update 20:36: The mass demonstrations against the social grievances increase the risk of corona infection in the USA - that's why politicians are now warning.

Update 4:35 p.m .:  Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks out against a military operation against demonstrators as threatened by President Donald Trump. The deployment of professional soldiers domestically should only be the "last resort" in the "most pressing and extreme situations," Esper stressed to journalists in the Pentagon. "We are currently not in such a situation."

Update, 3:45 p.m .:  Thousands of people have already taken to the streets in Great Britain after George Floyd's death . The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said and condemned the fatal police operation in the United States . "What happened in the United States was horrific and unforgivable," said Johnson in Parliament today, Wednesday (June 3). Johnson expressed understanding of the protests in the United States and urged demonstrators to "act lawfully and reasonably" " to behave. Johnson did not respond to MPs' questions about whether he had spoken to President Donald Trump about the case.

Even British police chiefs have solidarity with the outrage over the violent death of Floyd explained. "We stand with those who are repulsed and appalled around the world by the way George Floyd lost his life," said a statement from various British police organizations. 

US escalation: New York threatens to collapse on a historic scale - Merkel spokesman becomes clear

Update, 3:01 p.m .:  International politicians comment on the situation in the United States . According to Heiko Maas ( see below ), further voices are also coming from Germany . Government spokesman Steffen Seibert now answered the question of what the German government thinks about the deployment of the military announced by US President Donald Trump.

“ America is a strong democracy, in which there is a lively debate about everything that is happening now. We don't need our advice, ”says Seibert. The death of George Floyd have shaken many people in Germany and throughout the world. "He also shook the federal government," said the government spokesman. It is a "horrible and avoidable death that shakes up". The Federal Government follows the events with sympathy. 

There are also many peaceful protests in the United States , Seibert also said. The Federal Government hopes that violence will end and that wise voices, who will support peaceful coexistence and an end to racism, will prevail.

USA escalation:

Update, 2:22 p.m .:  While there is chaos in various US cities , the primaries continue in several US states. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden commented on Donald Trump's stance and the current situation - and stated that he  wanted to fight racism . However, he also stated that street violence was wrong. In New York in particular, protests escalated last night ( see below ).

The presidency is a big job. Nobody wants to get everything right. I won't either.

But I promise you this: I won't traffic in fear and division or fan the flames of hate. I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country - not use them for political gain. pic.twitter.com/TfNaoMRZQp

USA: Trump gathers 1,600 soldiers -

Update, 11:55 a.m .:  In New York , the violence after George Floyd's death last night apparently reached a new level. Public policy threatens to collapse there, says a reporter for the image locally. "The police are completely restrained," said the journalist about the situation on the streets. The demonstrators continued for the eighth consecutive night. We are talking about "a long night of violence and anarchy ".

In addition to New York, chaotic conditions also exist in Los Angeles and Washington , where around 1,600 military police officers have been stationed to support the security forces if necessary (see below).

US demos escalate: Trump brings soldiers to himself - Maas attacks him with contemptuous words

Update, 9:50 a.m .:  Journalists who live about the protests in Washington D.C. reports have been attacked by a US police officer . It was an Australian television team from 7NEWS , which followed the riots on Monday (June 1). First, the television team was hit by rubber bullets. A US policeman then punched the camera with his fist without warning . 

The recordings are published on the 7NEWS website. A team journalist affected also reported the use of tear gas in her area. Although the TV crew had indicated to be of the press, there was the attack of the police on the camera.

George Floyd Demos: Secretary of State Maas Sharply Condemns Trump's Soldier Plans - "Pour Oil Onto Fire"

Meanwhile, German politicians are also commenting on the dramatic situation in the United States. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas sharply criticized Donald  Trump's threat to deploy soldiers against the protesters. Violence would trigger further violence , Maas told Spiegel . 

Instead of "pouring oil into the fire" one has to reconcile, the Foreign Minister said. "Instead of letting ourselves be divided, we should look for shoulder to shoulder with the radical extremists," said Maas .

Democrats must never escalate - not even through words. Threatening violence only triggers further violence. Instead of dividing ourselves up, we should be shoulder to shoulder with the radical extremists. We have to make up for it. #BlackLivesMatter (2/2)

In the United States, the protest escalates after George Floyd's death. Donald Trump's reaction is highly questionable *, said Munich Mercury editor Marcus Mäckler in a comment. Another comment on the riots in the US goes in a similar direction. Donald Trump continues to fuel the riots *, it says. 

US protests escalate: Trump administration sends 1,600 soldiers to Washington

Update, 7.15 a.m .: Meanwhile, there are new details on the brutal evacuation of the area around the White House in Washington on Monday evening (see updates below). The Washington Post (Plus Content) reports that Donald Trump's Attorney General William Barr personally ordered the operation - shortly before Donald Trump's memorable appearance in front of St. John's Church near the White House. The newspaper relies on information from circles of the security forces.

Accordingly, Barr appeared personally in the square in front of the White House and said: “This has to be done. Get it done. ”The mission itself had apparently been planned for a long time. On Tuesday evening, however, hundreds of people demonstrated again in front of the White House.

George Floyd dead: Trump government sends 1,600 soldiers to Washington over protests

Update of June 3, 6:05 am: The protests after the death of African American George Floyd in a violent operation by white police officers continue. The tone and actions between protesters and the Trump administration are getting rougher. Secretary of Justice William Barr announced that the security forces in the capital would be strengthened again on Wednesday night. 

The U.S. military said that approximately 1,600 military officers and infantry had been transferred to military bases around Washington to assist the security forces if necessary. This was announced by a spokesman for the US military .

Local reporters also report targeted attempts by the security forces to intimidate the demonstrators. A reporter from the AP news agency wrote that helicopters flew deliberately and dangerously low over demonstrators. Apparently on command.

(AP) Aircraft flying over DCA last night in a show of force against #GeorgeFloyd protesters were ordered by President @realDonaldTrump - US forces in DC are operating under an official mission: Operation Themis — Greek mythology, Themis = divine law & order. https://t.co/b6CCoXWPL2

Update of June 2, 9:20 pm: A question about the politics of his counterpart Donald Trump has upset Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau . The prime minister of the northern neighboring country of the USA responded to a journalist's question with a 20-second silence in response to the threat by US President Donald Trump to stop the unrest in the United States with military force if necessary.

Asked to respond to Pres. Trump's threatened use of military force against protesters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pauses for 20 seconds before answering.

"We all watch in horror and consternation, what's going on in the United States." https://t.co/vvEaa0eNwA pic.twitter.com/QwYAbyoemj

Trudeau initially looked straight at the question at a press conference on Tuesday and said nothing, then it looked like he was about to start speaking, but didn't. Finally, in a serious tone, he said, "We are all watching with horror and dismay what is happening in the United States." It was time for unity and time to listen.

Riots after George Floyd's death: Trump uses tear gas for photo with Bible and chapel - clergymen are horrified

Update of June 2, 7:00 p.m .: With the help of tear gas and security forces, US President Donald Trump cleared the way to a chapel in Washington on Monday evening - to have a photo taken with the Bible in hand. With the sometimes sharply criticized action, the Republican also aroused the anger of the church.

The Archbishop of Washington , Wilton Gregory, said, referring to another appointment Trump and his wife Melania at a shrine to the late Pope John Paul II. , The former pontiff would have the use of tear gas against peaceful demonstrators certainly not approved - John Paul II was an advocate of human rights.

Donald Trump's visit to a shrine for Pope John Paul II in Washington.

© dpa / Patrick Semansky

The episcopal diocese of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde , had already criticized Trump's actions on Monday evening. She told CNN that the President had "illegally used one of the churches in her diocese as the background for a message that contradicts the teachings of Jesus and everything our churches stand for." He had approved the use of tear gas to clear the way to church and he ignored the pain of the people in the country. 

On Tuesday, she added in an NBC interview that Trump was using the Bible as a prop - or as if it were an extension of his military and authoritarian position. She spoke of an "abuse" of spiritual tools and symbols - and "of our sacred space": "He did not come to the church to pray, he did not come to the church to show his condolences to mourners." 

The station reported, citing sources not mentioned, the action was Trump's idea - the US president "wanted the motive".

Protests in the USA: George Floyd's death continues to cause unrest - looting in New York

Update of June 2, 4:48 pm : Despite curfews , looting occurred again in New York on Tuesday night - video recordings show how the luxury department stores on Fifth Avenue are also the target of demonstrators' anger. 

In a tweet, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio writes that one has to differentiate between peaceful protests and people who did not take part in the cause, but instead "destroyed and stole" - the second will no longer be allowed.

Just left Barclays Center. Situation there pretty calm. Now going back to Midtown. Protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful today + cops respected their right to speak out. But some people tonight had nothing to do with the cause + stole + damaged instead. That we won't allow.

In St. Louis, Missouri , four police officers were shot who tried to prevent looting - who shot was initially unclear. The police suffered minor injuries. 

USA: New surveillance video shows Floyd cooperating - then he had to die

Update of June 2, 3:52 p.m .: Now a new surveillance video has appeared in the USA , showing the moments before the violent police attack on George Floyd . A restaurant on the opposite street is said to have used his surveillance camera to record how George Floyd was led out of his car by police officers after shop owners called the police after Floyd allegedly tried to pay with counterfeit money. 

The recordings show an extremely calm Floyd, who can be put on the floor first, without resistance from the police, then lead to the other side of the street. When the police car arrives, in which the police officer Derek Chauvin is sitting, the view of the car is blocked. Chauvin had pressed Floyd on the floor for several minutes later, the scenes no longer show the video. 

In the wake of the worldwide protests , countless social media channels are now empty. Instead of advertising or private individuals and companies only show a black picture. The initiative was started by two black women from the music industry who, in contrast to the slogan "The Show Must Go on", prescribed a day off and also urged others to pause and reflect - the initiative runs under the hashtag #Blackouttuesday and has meanwhile also found supporters among German stars.

Protests in the USA after George Floyd's death: Australia is investigating official complaint about injured journalist

Update of June 2, 1:12 p.m .: Australia is now on the scene: Secretary of State Marise Payne said on Tuesday that the Australian embassy in Washington had been commissioned to investigate an incident with two journalists outside the White House . A reporter from the Australian 7News station and her cameraman had been pushed away by US police officers when she tried to report the protests. Live recordings of the camera are said to show how the reporter is attacked by an officer with a truncheon and the cameraman is slapped in the face - the two are also said to have been attacked with rubber bullets  . The incident sparked outrage in Australia - the government is considering an official complaint .

Protests in Sydney after George Floyd's death: Australia investigates an incident involving two journalists in Washington

© AFP / PETER PARKS

Update of June 2, 11:37 a.m .:  During the night, the protests in the USA * continued - in some places there were further riots, many demonstrations remained peaceful. So directly in front of the official seat of US President Donald Trump . But this did not prevent Trump from using tear gas against the demonstrators in a public appearance . 

In a speech on Monday, he acknowledged the riots that citizens were rightly outraged at George Floyd's toid. But then he called the riots "acts of domestic terror" and announced that he would send "thousands of heavily armed soldiers" and police officers to the capital Washington to prevent "rioting, looting and vandalism".

Immediately afterwards, he confirmed doubts about the proportionality of these missions: he had himself - with a Bible in his hand - photographed in front of a chapel smeared with graffiti by protesters. On the way there, security forces in front of him use tear gas against peaceful demonstrators - to clear his way to the photo shoot.

The Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called on Twitter to act against Trump. He wrote: “He uses the military against his own people. He used tear gas - for a photo. "

He's using the American military against the American people.

He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets.

For a photo.

For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him. But I mean it when I say this: we can only do it together. https://t.co/G1yE67q9Nz

On Instagram, numerous stars are now also setting an example against racism . Among others, Jerome Boateng , Lena Meyer-Landrut , Stefanie Giesinger and Rihanna protested under the hashtag "#blackoututesday" .

George Floyd's death causes protests: demonstrations attract up to 6,000 people in New York 

Update of June 1, 8:30 pm:  After renewed mass protests in New York, a night curfew is also being considered in the metropolis. "We have to see this as an opportunity," said  Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday. Even  Governor Andrew Cuomo  said he wanted to talk to the mayor about it.

The protests are against police violence, brutality and injustice against black people. The trigger was the death of 46-year-old Floyd during a police operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday last week. At least 40 cities in the United States have curfew at night.

Mass protests had already taken place in New York for the fourth consecutive night. Up to 6,000 people took part in the protests, particularly in the Manhattan and Brooklyn districts , according to local media, citing authorities. Most of the protests were peaceful. However, some demonstrators would have thrown glass bottles and garbage at police officers, smashed window panes, ransacked shops, set cars on fire and set fire to trash cans. The Manhattan Bridge between Brooklyn and Manhattan has been temporarily closed.

In Minneapolis , on the other hand, the unrest has subsided, according to official information. "For the second night in a row, we had safety and order on our streets," Minnesota governor Tim Walz said at a press conference on Monday. "It has been a very tough week." Walz announced that the National Guard's presence would be reduced.

George Floyd's death - Despite protests in the United States: Trump shies away from speaking to the nation

Update of June 1, 6.40 p.m .: Donald Trump has already commented on Twitter several times about the violent death of black US citizen George Floyd - and not always de-escalating, as the opposition criticizes. The US President apparently shrinks from addressing the nation. Although the country is experiencing violent unrest at times (see below).

"A national address from the Oval Office will not stop Antifa," spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Trump's house broadcaster Fox News on Monday . "What will stop Antifa is action." Trump has also made public statements about the incidents.

Trump blames leftist groups for riots in these protests and has announced that Antifa will be classified as a terrorist organization. He left details open. He also did not provide evidence of his blame. At the same time, he repeatedly called on democratic mayors and governors to crack down.

McEnany said Trump wanted to restore law and order. He therefore supports the deployment of the National Guard in the affected states and is taking action against Antifa. She stressed that there are also many peaceful demonstrators who have the right to protest. "We have to distinguish this violent Antifa from those demonstrators who have legitimate complaints."

Police violence: George Floyd's death also causes protest demos in Germany

Update June 1, 13:46: Also in Germany who has violent death of African American George Floyd during a brutal police operation in the United States triggered protests . According to police reports, around 1,500 participants went through Kreuzberg in Berlin on Sunday to demonstrate against police violence. Around 2,000 people protested in front of the US embassy in Berlin on Saturday. 

And also in Munich up to 350 people took part in a spontaneous demonstration on Saturday evening. The local police announced on Monday. The protests went peacefully in both Berlin and Munich . 

Protests in the USA are getting out of control - numerous arrests in major cities

Update of June 1, 1:11 p.m .:  In some US cities, the protests are getting out of control after the violent death of African American George Floyd . According to police, seven emergency services were injured and taken to hospital in Boston. There were about 40 arrests there. 

In New York , too, looting and numerous arrests occurred after a demonstration against racism and police violence. Among those arrested was also a daughter of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio . In other cities, police officers sought talks with the demonstrators, the CNN broadcaster said . In Houston, chief of police Art Acevedo carried out the gesture of solidarity with victims of racist violence, which has become known as a kind of knee. 

Protesters flee a protest against police violence and racism in Manhattan. 

© AFP / JOHN MOORE

After Georg Floyd's death: wife of ex-police officer files for divorce

Floyd had died on Monday evening a week after a police operation. One of the four police officers had pressed his knee up to his neck for minutes . The policeman, who has since lost his job and is accused of murder, ignored requests by the dark-skinned man to let him breathe. His wife has since filed for divorce.  

Update of June 1, 2020, 11:07 a.m .: The numerous demonstrations after the death of George Floyd in a brutal police operation sometimes turn into violence in some US cities. Now a son of the killed African American has called for violence to be avoided in the ongoing protests in the USA . Quincy Mason Floyd appealed to the demonstrators in a TV interview with the CNN subsidiary KBTX to remain peaceful. At the same time, the man who lives in Bryan, Texas, said he was very concerned about his father's death. “Everyone comes and shows love. My heart is very touched by all of this, ”he said to the broadcaster.

"Everyone is coming out and showing him love ... My heart is really touched by all this."

George Floyd's son and daughter praised the peaceful protests in Bryan, Texas, and urged protesters around the country to avoid violence. https://t.co/1XknoYMKx1

Protests after George Floyd's death got out of control

First message from June 1, 2020:  Minneapolis / Washington - After the death of African American George Floyd after a brutal police operation in Minneapolis , the protests in the USA are escalating . On the night of Monday (local time), demonstrators took to the streets in several US cities for the sixth time in a row. Some of the protests turned violent. 

Protests after the death of George Floyd in the USA: truck races in crowds - driver was arrested

In the metropolis of Minneapolis in the US state of Minnesota, a truck crashed into a demonstrating crowd on Sunday evening , reports the German press agency. The vehicle drove around 6 p.m. (local time) on a highway that was officially closed due to the protests. Apparently, people were able to avoid the truck that was honking through the crowd. According to the police, no one was injured in the incident .

Video recordings also show how people tried to pull the driver from the truck, reports Bild.de . He was arrested by the police and then taken to a hospital. So far it is unclear why the man drove into the crowd and how he even got on the cordoned off highway. 

The CNN broadcaster also reported that thousands of people took to the streets in New York . There were also riots in Boston and Philadelphia . TV pictures showed burning vehicles in Boston and looting in Philadelphia. Looting has also been reported in the West Coast metropolis of Los Angeles.

Looting occurred in Philadelphia. 

© AFP / Mark Makela

Protests also in Washington - Trump is temporarily put in bunkers

And also in the US capital Washington on Sunday evening (local time) protesters moved outside the White House . There were clashes with the police. Demonstrators kept repeating the phrase "No peace without justice," a dpa reporter reported. According to CNN information, US President Donald Trump * was brought to a bunker for just under an hour on Friday in view of the protests outside the White House . 

At least 40 US cities imposed alleging stations nightly curfews , including Washington. Accordingly, a total of ten million people were affected by the measures. The governor of the State of Arizona, Doug Ducey, took a particularly tough step: He issued a night curfew for the entire week until June 8. The National Guard also mobilized 15 of the 50 states and the Washington state district , CNN said . It is part of the US Armed Forces Reserve and can be called in exceptional states to help in states. 

Protesters hold posters near the White House in Washington. 

© AFP / MANDEL NGAN

Trump blames Antifa for the protests after George Floyd's death

Meanwhile, President Trump * blamed radical leftist groups and Antifa for the riots *. He also announced that Antifa should be classified as a terrorist organization . Democratic mayors and governors called on Trump to take action after the riots. "Take a harder pace," he said in a Twitter post on Sunday. "These people are anarchists. Call our National Guard now. "

Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors. These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW. The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe. Is this what America wants? NO !!!

Medaria Arradondo, the Minneapolis police chief, apologized to the relatives of the late Floyd on Sunday evening. "If there was anything I could do to bring Mr. Floyd back, I would move heaven and earth to do it," said Arradondo at a performance at the place where Floyd was killed. 

George Floyd died after a brutal police operation in Minneapolis

The African American died on Monday evening after a brutal police operation in Minneapolis. One of the four police officers involved pushed the knee of the 46-year-old's neck for several minutes, ignoring requests by the African-American to let him breathe. The police chief has now fired the four officers involved . The policeman, who had pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for minutes, is charged with murder . 

Philonise Floyd, the dead man's brother, told CNN on Sunday evening that the other three ex-police officers would also be arrested. " I want justice - now, " he said. Meanwhile, the White House announced that Trump would hold a video conference with governors and security officials on Monday in the U.S. government headquarters situation center. It is about how to protect communities in the United States. 

You can read all previous news about George Floyd's death and the subsequent demonstrations in our previous news ticker.

cia with dpa material

* Merkur.de and Mannheim24.de are part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.

Rubric list picture: © AFP / PHILIP PACHECO