George Floyd memorials reach his hometown of Houston

Thousands gather in Houston to pay respects to George Floyd

Thousands lined up in sweltering heat Monday outside Houston's Fountain of Praise Church to pay respects to George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis two weeks ago. Floyd will be laid to rest in Houston Tuesday.

Meanwhile Derek Chauvin, the since-fired police officer who pinned Floyd down with his knee on Floyd's neck, leading to his death, appeared in court via video link from jail, where his bail was set at $1.25 million. Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Across the country, the case is raising questions about the use of excessive force by police. Democrats unveiled a sweeping bill aimed at reforming law enforcement, but in Minneapolis and elsewhere, there have been calls to defund police departments.

People walk past a picture of George Floyd as they prepare to pay their respects during his public viewing at the Fountain of Praise church on June 8, 2020, in Houston, Texas. George Floyd died on May 25 when he was in Minneapolis police custody, sparking nationwide protests. Getty
 

With eye on U.S., New Zealand drops plans for armed police patrols

New Zealand police on Tuesday scrapped plans for armed patrols prompted by last year's Christchurch mosque shootings, after criticism the change would lead to a U.S.-style militarization of the force. 

Police in the South Pacific nation usually operate without firearms but gave armed patrols a trial run after a lone gunman murdered 51 Muslim worshippers in Christchurch in March 2019. At the time, police said the worst mass shooting in modern New Zealand history meant "our operating environment has changed" and they needed the ability to rapidly deploy armed officers to high-risk incidents.

The move was met with unease among sections of the New Zealand public who weren't used to seeing armed officers, particularly the Maori and Pacific communities, which argued they were the most likely to come into contact with firearm-toting officers.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, whose background is Maori, said last week that the patrols made her fearful about the safety of her two sons. "We only have to look to the United States to see how violent things can get under a militarized police force," she said in an open letter to Commissioner of Police Andrew Coster. "This is especially so for minorities and communities of color."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had also said she was "totally opposed to the routine arming of the police," although she argued the patrols were an operational matter for the force to decide on.

Coster said Tuesday that the armed patrols wouldn't continue. He said police had listened to feedback from the community.

By AFP
 

New York lawmakers pass anti-chokehold bill named for Eric Garner

The New York State Assembly on Monday passed the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act. The act passed both houses of the New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo has indicated he will sign it into law.

Named for Eric Garner, who was killed in 2014 after being placed in a chokehold by an NYPD officer, the bill criminalizes the use of chokeholds that result in injury or death. The use of chokeholds by the NYPD had already been banned in 1993.

Read more here.

By Jordan Freiman
 

Virginia work crew trying to decide how to remove Robert E. Lee statue

A state work crew in Virginia spent Monday morning trying to figure out exactly how to remove the huge statue of Robert E. Lee from Richmond's Monument Avenue. State officials say they need some time to plan the removal, since the massive statue of the Confederate general weighs about 12 tons and has been on a 40-foot pedestal for 130 years. 

Governor Ralph Northam ordered the monument's removal amid sustained protests against police brutality. City leaders have committed meanwhile to taking down another four Confederate memorials along Richmond's Monument Avenue.

By The Associated Press
 

More than 6,000 people pay tribute to George Floyd in Houston

At least 6,362 people paid tribute to George Floyd at a southwest Houston church on Monday, organizers told CBS affiliate KHOU-TV.

Mourners wait in line to view the casket of George Floyd during a public visitation Monday, June 8, 2020, at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Houston Chronicle via AP
By Peter Martinez
 

Crews removing plywood from Minnesota businesses as protests subside

Crews are busy removing thousands of sheets of protective plywood which covered plate-glass storefronts across the Twin Cities.

"Now it's coming down," explains construction worker Luke Pearson.

He and his fellow construction crews are taking down what they two weeks ago began putting up.

"We did four to five buildings down here, and a bunch along Lake Street," adds Pearson. "It was non-stop for a week."

Block after block of businesses appear covered with pristine plywood sheeting. Yet with even just a few small screw holes piercing each panel, the sheeting can't be returned to stores. Instead, much of the plywood will be put in storage or sold as salvage construction material.

"We're going to call it, Los Andes Latin Bistro," explains an excited, Guillermo Quito.

He was supervising work on his long-delayed dream. At the former Dulono's Pizza on Lake Street, Quito will finally get to open his new South American restaurant. It's coming a full eight months after purchasing and remodeling the building.

Read more from CBS Minnesota.

 

New Orleans' Superdome to glow crimson and gold to honor George Floyd

New Orleans' mayor said the Superdome would glow crimson and gold — the colors of George Floyd's high school — Monday night as a tribute to him and a call for racial equality.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Superdome administrators agreed to her lighting request — which in turn was made at the request of Sylvester Turner, mayor of Houston, where Floyd grew up and where his funeral was held Tuesday.

Crimson and gold are the colors of Houston's Yates High School, where Floyd graduated.

"As we continue to mourn the loss of George Floyd, along with others who have been the victim of violence by police officers, we will seek to remember him and honor his memory," Cantrell said.

"Last week, we showed the world that we can march, protest and be heard, and do so peacefully and respectfully. We will continue to demand justice and ensure that our police officers remain a positive presence in our own community."

By The Associated Press
 

Former Vice President Joe Biden visits George Floyd's family in Houston

Former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden met met with George Floyd's family in Houston on Monday for about an hour in Houston.

Below, an image that was shared online shows Biden, Reverend Al Sharpton, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, Representative Cedric Richmond and George Floyd's uncle Roger.

Biden will be interviewed by "CBS This Morning" co-host Gayle King in Tuesday night's special "Justice for All" at 10 p.m. ET on CBS and CBSN.

By Peter Martinez
 

Families of George Floyd, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin among those who spoke at public memorial

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the families of Pamela Turner, Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Botham Jean, Pamela Turner and Michael Brown addressed the crowd at a public memorial for George Floyd in Houston on Monday.

Watch their remarks below:

News conference: Families of Pamela Turner, George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner by KHOU 11 on YouTube
By Peter Martinez
 

June 9 will be George Floyd Day in Harris County, Texas

Texas judge Lina Hidalgo tweeted that June 9 will be known as George Floyd Day in Harris County, Texas.

"We must never forget the name George Floyd or the global movement he has inspired," she wrote.

By Peter Martinez
 

National Park Service says new fence in front of White House protest area is temporary

White House fence covered with posters and messages of hope

The National Park Service is calling a newly erected fence in front of a White House protest area temporary.

Park Service spokeswoman Katie Liming said Monday that her agency and the Secret Service expect to reopen part of Lafayette Park in front of the White House on Wednesday.

Liming says some areas of the park will remain closed to allow workers to deal with damage and address safety hazards. Liming gave no details and no time for when the rest of the square would reopen.

Lafayette Park in front of the White House is one of the country's most prominent sites for political protests and other free-speech events.

The steel fence at Lafayette Park has become a makeshift memorial at 16th street after "Defund The Police" was painted on the street near the White House on June 8, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Tasos Katopodis / Getty

It's been closed off since early last week, when law officers used chemical agents and other force to drive out protesters in the nationwide rallies against police brutality.

Authorities left a newly erected high black fence blocking the square, even though recent protests have been overwhelmingly calm.

Liming says the Washington Ellipse, Sherman Park and some other landmark areas also will reopen Wednesday.

By The Associated Press
 

Black legislators in Pennsylvania commandeer House to demand changes to policing

Black Democrats in the Pennsylvania House preempted the day's business to call for changes to policing, displaying a Black Lives Matter banner and commandeering the podium for about 90 minutes at the start of a voting session Monday.

The dramatic takeover went on pause when the Republican speaker said that he would consider putting proposals up for votes and that he supports a special session the protesters had sought to consider the legislation.

The protesters unfurled the banner at the dais and vowed they would not leave without movement on proposals to ban chokeholds, improve tracking of officers who have engaged in misconduct, and widen access to police video.

"We're going to stay here until you act," said Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia. "This is our moment to say, 'Enough is enough.'"

Representative Steven Kinsey, D-Philadelphia, said he was "frustrated, upset and feeling as though I'm carrying the weight of black folks on my shoulders."

"We cannot rewrite history," said Kinsey, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. "However, black and brown folks refuse to relive history."

By The Associated Press
 

St. Paul resident charged with arson related to Minneapolis precinct fire

United States Attorney Erica MacDonald announced Monday that Brandon Michael Wolfe, 23, has been charged with aiding and abetting arson of the Minneapolis police department's 3rd Precinct. The precinct was burned during a May 28 protest.

According to a statement from MacDonald's office, Wolfe was arrested Wednesday when he tried to break into a home improvement store that he had apparently been fired from earlier in the day.

"At the time of the arrest, Wolfe was wearing multiple items stolen from the Third Precinct, including body armor, a police-issue duty belt with handcuffs, an earphone piece, baton, and knife," the statement continued. "Wolfe's name was handwritten in duct tape on the back of the body armor. Law enforcement later recovered from Wolfe's apartment additional items belonging to the Minneapolis Police Department, including a riot helmet, 9mm pistol magazine, police radio, and police issue overdose kit"

Wolfe admitted to being inside the 3rd Precinct the night it was burned and even identified pictures of himself at the scene to police during his interview. Wolfe also admitted to pushing a wooden barrel into the fire, "knowing that it would help keep the fire burning."

Wolfe is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.

By Jordan Freiman
 

Los Angeles protesters won't face charges for breaking curfew, failing to disperse

Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey and City Attorney Mike Feur announced Monday that they will not file charges against peaceful protesters arrested for defying the city's curfew or failing to disperse, CBS Los Angeles reports. Thousands of people have been arrested over the last two weeks in LA while protesting.

"I want to encourage the exchange of ideas and work to establish dialogue between law enforcement and protesters so that we may implement enduring systemic change," Lacey said in a statement.

In a statement of his own, Feur explained, "Peaceful protest is profoundly important, and these protests have rekindled a long-overdue effort to change hearts, minds and institutions."

By Jordan Freiman
 

Possible hate crime charges in car attack on protesters

A Virginia prosecutor says a man accused of driving a truck through a crowd of peaceful protesters on a Richmond-area roadway Sunday is an "admitted" Ku Klux Klan leader. Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor said in a statement Monday that she is considering filing hate crime charges against Harry H. Rogers, who is already charged with assault and battery, attempted malicious wounding and felony vandalism.

Taylor said Rogers, 36, was driving recklessly on a median Sunday evening in Lakeside where a group of people had gathered to protest the death of George Floyd. Witnesses said the truck revved its engine before driving into the crowd, according to Taylor. No one was seriously injured.

"The accused, by his own admission and by a cursory glance at social media, is an admitted leader of the Ku Klux Klan and a propagandist for Confederate ideology. We are investigating whether hate crimes charges are appropriate," Taylor said in the statement.

The person who called police to report the incident refused medical treatment at the scene.

Taylor called the attack "heinous and despicable," noting the deadly 2017 car attack on a group of people protesting racism in Charlottesville. The attacker in that case, James Alex Fields Jr., an admitted white supremacist, was sentenced to serve life in prison.

Rogers appeared in Henrico County court Monday and was denied bail by a judge, CBS affiliate WTVR reports.

By Erin Donaghue
 

White House says reducing immunity for cops who violate civil rights is non-starter

The White House isn't saying what kind of policing reforms President Trump will support at this point, but there is at least one non-starter — reducing immunity for police who violate civil rights. 

The doctrine of qualified immunity largely shields government officials, including police officers, from liability for conduct on the job unless they violate "clearly established" constitutional rights. Ending it would make it easier for individuals to hold police accountable. House Democrats and independent Representative Justin Amash have introduced a bill that would end the doctrine. And meanwhile, the Supreme Court is considering reviewing the constitutionality of qualified immunity. 

Following nearly two weeks of civil unrest throughout the nation in the wake of George Floyd's death, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president is "talking through a number of proposals" but declined to mention any specific measure, except for the president's opposition to ending qualified immunity. 

McEnany was asked during a White House briefing Monday whether the president supports any of the policing reform proposals put forward by Democrats. The bill, led by the Congressional Black Caucus, was announced in a press conference with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, and other congressional Democrats on Monday morning. The legislation is 136 pages and includes reforms to make it easier to prosecute police officers for misconduct in civil court.

"He hasn't reviewed it yet. He's looking at a number of proposals," McEnany said. "But there are some non-starters in there, I would say, particularly on the immunity issue. You had AG Barr saying this weekend he was asked about reduced immunity and he said, 'I don't think we need to reduce immunity to go after the bad cops because that would result certainly in police pulling back,' which is not advisable."

Read more here.

By Kathryn Watson
 

Portland police chief resigns amid protests

The police chief in Portland, Oregon, resigned Monday and asked an African American lieutenant to fill the position, CBS affiliate KOIN-TV reports.

Jami Resch announced her resignation at a news conference meant to provide an update on the city's response to protests across the city. 

"I have asked Chuck Lovell to step into the role as chief of the Police Bureau,'' Resch said, The Oregonian reported. "He's the exact right person at the exact right moment.''

Read more here.

By Justin Bey
 

Texas governor pays respects at service for Floyd

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has paid his respects with hundreds of people mourning the death of George Floyd at a church in Houston, where Floyd grew up. The Republican governor looked at Floyd's body in a gold-colored casket at The Fountain of Praise church Monday for about 15 seconds, then lowered his head with his hands folded for several seconds more.

Abbott told reporters outside the church that he will include Floyd's family in discussions about police reform and any related legislation.

"George Floyd is going to change the arc of the future of the United States. George Floyd has not died in vain. His life will be a living legacy about the way that America and Texas responds to this tragedy," Abbott said.

Abbott said he planned to meet privately with Floyd's family and present them with a Texas flag that was flown over the state Capitol in Floyd's honor. The governor wore a striped crimson and gold tie, which he said was in honor of Floyd as those are the colors of Floyd's high school.

Floyd, who was black and handcuffed, died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped responding. His death has inspired international protests.

By The Associated Press
 

Judge sets conditional bail of $1 million for ex-officer charged in George Floyd's death

Derek Chauvin, the white former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, had his first court appearance Monday. A judge set an unconditional bail at $1.25 million or $1 million with conditions. 

Chauvin who was seen on a disturbing video pressing his knee into the handcuffed black man's neck for nearly nine minutes, is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin appeared in Hennepin County court via a video feed Monday afternoon, wearing an orange jumpsuit and a blue mask, with his hands cuffed.

Matthew Frank, a Minnesota assistant attorney general, asked for a significant amount of bail because of the severity of the charges and the "strength of the community's opinion," and because he said Chauvin is likely to flee. The $1 million conditional bail requires Chauvin to appear for all future court appearances, not to work in a security capacity and to have no firearms or firearms permit.

Chauvin's attorney didn't contest the bail and asked to address bail issues at a later date. The next court hearing was set for June 29.

Derek Chauvin, 44, made his first court appearance Monday, June 8, 2020, via video. Cedric Hohnstadt
By Erin Donaghue
 

Adrian Peterson says NFL players are "all ready to take a knee together" during national anthem

NFL veteran Adrian Peterson said that when the season begins he and other players plan on taking a knee together during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. His comments come as protests have spread over the death of George Floyd.

The Washington running back told the Houston Chronicle that players throughout the league are planning to take a knee when the "Star Spangled Banner" starts playing. 

"Just four years ago, you're seeing (Colin) Kaepernick taking a knee, and now we're all getting ready to take a knee together going into this season, without a doubt," Peterson said Friday.

Peterson, the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 2012, told the Chronicle that the league has "evolved" in its understanding of social justice and racial issues since Colin Kaepernick began his protests in 2016. Now, Peterson believes it will be a league-wide team effort to make a difference.

"We've got to put the effort in as a group collectively," he said. "Are they going to try to punish us all? If not, playing football is going to help us save lives and change things, then that's what it needs to be."

By Christopher Brito
 

New York City to cut NYPD budget, shift money to social services

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on cutting NYPD funding

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city will cut some funding for the NYPD and redirect it to youth and social services. The anticipated budget cuts to the country's largest police force come after more than a week of massive protests demanding an end to police brutality and racial injustice.

De Blasio, a Democrat, announced the cuts and several other changes to police enforcement at his daily press conference on Sunday.

"We're committed to seeing a shift of funding to youth services, to social services, that will happen literally in the course of the next three weeks," he said.

De Blasio did not specify how much NYPD funding would be cut or specifically where the money will go, but he said the details are being negotiated and will be worked out before the city budget deadline on July 1. 

By Jason Silverstein
 

Ex-officer charged in George Floyd's death to face judge

The white former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd will face a judge Monday.

Derek Chauvin, who was seen on a disturbing video pressing his knee into the handcuffed black man's neck for nearly nine minutes, is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. 

Chauvin is expected to appear in Hennepin County Court remotely via a video feed Monday afternoon.  

Three other former officers, J. Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao, are charged with aiding and abetting in Floyd's death. Last week, they were ordered held on $750,000 bond. All four officers have been fired.

By Erin Donaghue
 

Marine veteran stands in heat with "I can't breathe" taped on mouth

In a striking silent protest, a U.S. Marine veteran stood in full uniform outside of the Utah State Capitol on Friday for three hours, in the heat, with tape over his mouth. A message was written on the black tape that covered his lips: "I can't breathe."

Those were the words George Floyd pleaded as a Minneapolis police officer kept a knee on his neck for more than eight minutes, leading to Floyd's death last month.

On Thursday, thousands of protesters attended a demonstration at the Utah State Capitol. The next day, the Marine, Todd Winn, demonstrated alone in the same spot. Photographer Robin Pendergrast captured photos of his solitary protest, which quickly went viral.

Marine holds silent protest outside Utah State Capitol
By Caitlin O'Kane
 

Pedestrian dies after being struck by car during California protest

A person who ran across a roadway and was struck by a vehicle during a nighttime protest march in Bakersfield last week has died, police said. The pedestrian, who was struck Wednesday night, died Saturday, police said in a statement.

The person's identity was not immediately released by the Kern County coroner's office.

The Police Department said it was aware of social media posts by people claiming to be witnesses and expressing beliefs that the pedestrian was struck intentionally, but that only a few people provided statements to investigators.

The collision occurred as a group protesting the death of George Floyd marched on one side of an avenue while traffic flowed the opposite direction on the other side of a center median.

By The Associated Press
 

George Floyd's golden casket arrives for Houston viewing

The body of George Floyd arrived at Fountains of Praise church in a golden casket for Monday's public viewing in Houston, CBS affiliate KHOU reports. A six-hour viewing for Floyd is planned for Monday in Houston, followed by funeral services and burial Tuesday in suburban Pearland.  He will be laid to rest next to his mother, Larcenia Floyd.

The casket of George Floyd arrives for a public memorial at The Fountain of Praise church in Houston, Monday, June 8, 2020. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis Police officers on May 25. Eric Gay / AP

Hundreds of people are already lined up for the viewing, the station reported. More than a dozen shuttles are being used in rotation to transport mourners to and from the church, which is located in southwest Houston.

Previous memorials were held for Floyd in Minneapolis and Raeford, North Carolina, near where he was born.
 
Floyd was raised in Houston's Third Ward and was a well-known former high school football player who rapped with local legend DJ Screw. He moved to Minneapolis several years ago to seek work and a fresh start.  

By Stephen Smith
 

What the U.S. can learn from South Africa's reckoning with racism

Less than 30 years ago, South Africa was a global pariah. Racism was not only legal, but entrenched in its system of apartheid. That system was eventually dismantled in 1994 through a negotiated settlement. Under then-President Mandela, the country began a process of truth telling in a bid to heal the wounds of the past.

South Africa's struggle to deal with its racist past may hold important lessons for the U.S. now, both in terms of what has been done right, where it has gone wrong, and where there is still work to do.

South Africa confronts racism with truth
By Debora Patta
 

4 U.S. police chiefs on the need for change: "There's a lot of silence from our profession"

Protesters, who have flooded the streets across the U.S. following the killing of George Floyd have demanded an end to police brutality and the defunding of police forces.

The heads of four police departments — Dallas, Texas Police Chief Reneé Hall; Santa Cruz, California Police Chief Andrew Mills; Camden, New Jersey Police Chief Joseph Wysocki and Raleigh, North Carolina Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown — spoke with "CBS This Morning" co-host Gayle King about the flaws in the system and the need for change.

Click here to read part of their conversation, beginning with their reactions to the video of Floyd's death.

4 police chiefs on systemic racism, police brutality and much-needed change
 

U.S. protests prompt calls for Britain to tackle its own systemic racism

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the United Kingdom again over the weekend in solidarity with protesters in the United States, but also to demand an end to systemic racism in Britain. The marches came after an enormous protest last Wednesday in Hyde Park.

"The U.K. is not innocent," was written on placards and chanted by marchers who flooded into the streets, bringing traffic to a standstill in central London.

The protests sparked by George Floyd's death have fueled demands for Britain to acknowledge its own history of racism and tackle prejudice in its own institutions.

"We're here about the systematic racism against people of color and minorities in general around the world, not just in America," Black Lives Matter protester, TJ, told CBS News at the protest in Hyde Park on Wednesday.

"This is a system at play that has subjugated African Americans, Africans, people of color for years," he said, pointing specifically to the 2011 killing of 29-year-old Mark Duggan, a black man fatally shot by London police whose death triggered nationwide rioting.

By Haley Ott
 

Mitt Romney marches with Black Lives Matter protesters, becoming first GOP senator to join them

Mitt Romney marched with Black Lives Matter protesters in Washington D.C. on Sunday, appearing to be the first Republican senator to participate in the protests. The Utah senator joined demonstrators who were protesting police brutality and racial injustice in the aftermath of George Floyd's death.

He posted a selfie showing him with a face mask among a crowd. He captioned his post: "Black Lives Matter." 

By Christopher Brito
 

Couple celebrates wedding among thousands of protesters in Philadelphia

A bride and groom in Philadelphia celebrated their union amid a protest for racial justice on Saturday. Dr. Kerry-Anne Gordon and Michael Gordon were taking photographs on their wedding day and decided to join the march near Logan Square.

The newlyweds left the Logan Hotel, Kerry-Anne in her white gown and Michael in his tux, and were greeted by thousands of protesters, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The protest turned into an impromptu wedding party as demonstrators chanted and cheered for the Gordons, video taken by their officiant, Reverend Roxanne Birchfield, shows. The couple posted for powerful photos which went viral over the weekend.

By Caitlin O'Kane
 

Retired Navy captain apologizes after racial slurs streamed on Facebook

A former member of the U.S. Naval Academy alumni trustees issued an apology Sunday for using racial slurs on social media. Retired Capt. Scott Bethmann was asked to resign as a trustee on Saturday after a live conversation with his wife that was posted on Facebook disparaged admission by the academy of African Americans, Asian Americans and women.

CBS affiliate WJAX-TV reports the couple didn't appear to realize they were streaming via Facebook Live.

"There are no words that can appropriately express how mortified and apologetic my wife and I are about the insensitive things we said that were captured on social media," Bethmann said in the statement. "There is never a time when it is appropriate to use derogatory terms when speaking about our fellow man."

The comments were made by Bethmann and his wife, Nancy, while they were watching TV news and discussing the Black Lives Matter movement. The Florida Times-Union reports they were overheard using a slur for African Americans and making other racial comments on the Facebook Live feed.

— CBS/AP

 

French government under mounting pressure to address concerns about police violence, racism

France's government is scrambling to address growing concerns about police violence and racism within the police force, as protests sparked by George Floyd's death in the U.S. stir up anger around the world. The country's top security official, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, was to hold a news conference Monday after Floyd-related demonstrations around France. He promised last week to be "unforgiving" with violations by police, but pressure is growing on the government to act.

French President Emmanuel Macron has stayed unusually silent so far both about Floyd's death and what's happening in France.

French activists say tensions in low-income neighborhoods with large minority populations grew worse amid virus confinement measures, because they further empowered the police. 

People raise their fists as they kneel in front of riot police during a protest at the Champ de Mars, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, in Paris, June 6, 2020, as part of "Black Lives Matter" worldwide protests against racism and police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd. GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP/Getty

At least 23,000 people protested around France on Saturday against racial injustice and police brutality, and more French protests are planned for Tuesday, when Floyd is being buried. 

By The Associated Press
 

NYC begins reopening, but concerns loom over protests

Cuomo cautiously celebrates New York City's reopening

This morning, after nearly three months of being shut down, New York City is beginning phase one of its reopening.

As states reopen across the country, 17 have reported an increase in average daily new COVID-19 cases, compared with two weeks ago – and that is raising concerns among some health experts.  

In New York, phase one means construction projects can restart; manufacturers can get their floors open again; and non-essential retailers can start curbside pickup. It might seem small, but it's a huge step forward for a city that's been locked down for more than 80 days.

The next phase of reopening could be just weeks away. But after months of hard-won progress against the coronavirus, there are concerns that the massive demonstrations in the wake of George Floyd's death could have given the virus a chance to spread again.

To date, more than 200,000 New York City residents have tested positive for the virus. The death toll in the city is estimated to be just over 21,000.

"We've tested everything else, we've measured everything else," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "Everything was going fine, then we had these large number of protests. We don't know what the effect of those protests are. And we're concerned about it."

 

German government says "must be possible" to socially distance at protests

The German government is calling on people attending anti-racism protests to stick to coronavirus distancing rules. At least 15,000 people demonstrated in Berlin and 25,000 protested in Munich on Saturday and there were protests in other German cities as part of the global demonstrations against racism and police brutality that have followed the May 25 death of American George Floyd.

In some cases, protesters were closely packed together despite German requirements for people to stay 5 feet apart. 

People protest against racism and police brutality on June 6, 2020 in Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Germany. Maja Hitij/Getty

Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said Monday: "It is good if people take to the streets in Germany as well with a clear statement against racism," but he added: "The pictures that in some cases emerged over the weekend were not good. Both things must be possible: to demonstrate peacefully, which is a fundamental right, and keep to the (social distancing) rules."

He said many demonstrators "created a big risk for themselves and others."

By The Associated Press
 

Final public viewing of George Floyd's casket set to take place in his hometown of Houston

Mourners will be able to view George Floyd's casket Monday in his hometown of Houston, the final stop of a series of memorials in his honor. A six-hour viewing will be held at The Fountain of Praise church in southwest Houston. The viewing is open to the public, though visitors will be required to wear a mask and gloves to comply with coronavirus-related guidelines.

Floyd's funeral will be Tuesday, followed by burial at the Houston Memorial Gardens cemetery in suburban Pearland, where he will be laid to rest next to his mother, Larcenia Floyd.

Former Vice President Joe Biden plans to travel to Houston on Monday to meet with Floyd's family, opting for a private meeting instead of potentially disrupting Tuesday's funeral service with extra security measures.

"Vice President Biden will travel to Houston Monday to express his condolences in-person to the Floyd family. He is also recording a video message for the funeral service," a spokesman said Sunday.

An aide familiar with the plans told CBS News Biden doesn't want his Secret Service protection to complicate the funeral service, but wanted to give his condolences in person.

— CBS/AP

 

U.K. leader says protests "subverted by thuggery" after clashes

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson says anti-racism demonstrations have been "subverted by thuggery" after protesters tore down a statue of a slave trader in the city of Bristol and scrawled graffiti on a statue of Winston Churchill in London.

London's Metropolitan police say a dozen people were arrested and eight officers injured after demonstrators clashed Sunday with police in central London.

Johnson says while people have a right to peacefully protest, they have no right to attack the police. He says "these demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery — and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve.'' 

Thousands rally worldwide for Black Lives Matter

Crime, Policing and Justice Minister Kit Malthouse called Monday for those responsible for toppling the bronze memorial to slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol to be prosecuted.

But Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees told the BBC that while he doesn't condone criminal damage, he felt no "sense of loss" for the statue.

By The Associated Press
 

Fans match K-pop group BTS' $1 million Black Lives Matter donation

Fans of K-pop megastars BTS raised and donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement. The donation matched the septet's donation of the same amount within 24 hours, organizers said Monday.

The band's managers Big Hit Entertainment said at the weekend that they and BTS — currently one of the biggest acts in the world — had jointly donated $1 million to the ongoing anti-racism movement in the U.S. and beyond, triggered by the death in police custody of an unarmed black man as an officer knelt on his neck.

"We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence," BTS said in a tweet last week, which has since been retweeted around 1 million times.

The Big Hit announcement soon sparked a #MatchAMillion hashtag trending worldwide on Twitter, with a set of BTS fans — One in an Army — setting up an online donation project for the cause. On Monday morning, One in an Army announced they had raised just over $1 million from nearly 35,000 donors.

 

Man drives car toward protesters then shoots one, police say

Authorities say a man drove a car at George Floyd protesters in Seattle Sunday night, hit a barricade then exited the vehicle brandishing a pistol. At least one person was injured.

The victim was a 27-year-old male who was shot and taken to a hospital in stable condition, the Seattle Fire Department said.

The alleged gunman was later attested, CBS Seattle affiliate KIRO-TV reports.

It was the second night of mayhem near the police station. On Saturday night, police used flash bang devices and pepper spray to disperse protesters on Capitol Hill. Seattle City Council members sharply criticized Mayor Jenny Durkan and Police Chief Carmen Best for the police action.

— CBS/AP

 

Man charged in slaying of retired St. Louis police captain David Dorn

A 24-year-old St. Louis man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a retired police captain who died on a night of violent protests while trying to protect his friend's pawn shop, the city's prosecutor announced Sunday.

Stephan Cannon was being held without bond on a first-degree murder charge in the death of David Dorn, 77, who was killed Tuesday on the sidewalk outside Lee's Pawn and Jewelry. Dorn's last moments were caught on video and apparently posted on Facebook Live, though the video has since been taken down.

Dorn's death came on a violent night in St. Louis, where four officers were shot, officers were pelted with rocks and fireworks, and 55 businesses were burglarized or damaged, including a convenience store that burned.

By The Associated Press
 

Protesters in England topple statue of slave trader Edward Colston into harbor

A statue of slave trader Edward Colston was torn down and thrown into Bristol Harbor on Sunday by protesters demonstrating against racism and police brutality in England. According to the BBC, one person was seen with their knee on the statue's neck in reference to the fatal arrest of George Floyd, whose death in Minneapolis inspired protests across the globe.

The bronze statue was erected in 1895, more than 150 years after Colston's death and 88 years after Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807. Colston played a key role in the Royal African Company, a 17th century slave trader responsible for transporting around 80,000 indentured people to the Americas.

Worldwide protests honor George Floyd and Black Lives Matter in defiance of coronavirus fears

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Minneapolis City Council members announce intent to vote on disbanding police department

Nine out of 13 Minneapolis City Council members announced Sunday their intent to disband the city's police department, CBS Minnesota reports.  

The alternative offer had to do with taking the department money and putting it toward community initiatives that strengthen safety, CBS Minnesota points out. Concrete details about how to do the work of dismantling MPD were less defined, although council member Philippe Cunningham said the upcoming budget is a great place to start.

"We're not going to tomorrow all the sudden have nobody for you to call for help. There will be thoughtful and intentional work that's done, research engagement, learning that happens in a transition that will happen over time," Cunningham said.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a statement Sunday addressing the need for reform, but said he doesn't support disbanding the police department.

Protesters seen over the weekend in Minneapolis. CBS Minnesota

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