npr--2020-06-04--Former Defense Secretary Mattis Issues Stunning Rebuke Of Trump

Retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis , who resigned as President Trump 's defense secretary nearly a year-and-a-half ago over policy differences , has issued an extraordinary critique of the White House 's handling of nationwide unrest , saying Trump has sought to divide Americans , and warning against `` militarizing our response '' to the protests .
`` When I joined the military , some 50 years ago , I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution , '' Mattis said in a statement published in The Atlantic .
`` Never did I dream that troops taking that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens—much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief , with military leadership standing alongside , '' Mattis wrote , referring to a series of events on Monday in which peaceful protesters were cleared from around the White House to make way for an impromptu appearance by the president , Bible in hand , outside a historic church .
The broadside came on the same day that current Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a Pentagon briefing that he opposed invoking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president to deploy the military within the United States — something Trump had threatened to do in a televised speech on Monday .
Earlier this week , Esper had referred to unrest in the streets as a `` battle space '' and Trump urged state governors to use law enforcement and the National Guard to `` dominate '' the protesters .
`` We must reject any thinking of our cities as a 'battlespace ' that our uniformed military is called upon to 'dominate , ' `` Mattis wrote .
`` At home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested to do so , on very rare occasions , by state governors . ''
It is extraordinarily rare for military leadership to speak out against a sitting president , though Trump has come in for implicit criticism from senior ranks .
After Trump said of a `` Unite the Right '' rally in Charlottesville , Va. , in 2017 , which turned violent , that there were `` very fine people on both sides , '' each of the military service chiefs — as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I can absolutely and unambiguously tell you there is no place — no place — for racism and bigotry in the U.S. military or in the United States as a whole , '' said Gen. Joe Dunford , the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman at the time .
Just this week , two former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmen , Gen. Martin Dempsey and Adm. Mike Mullen , condemned the use of the military to quash the demonstrations on Monday .
In a tweet , Dempsey said , `` America is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not the enemy . ''
In an opinion piece in The Atlantic titled `` I Can not Remain Silent , '' Mullen wrote regarding Trump 's photo-op at St. John 's Church , `` Whatever Trump 's goal in conducting his visit , he laid bare his disdain for the rights of peaceful protest in this country , gave succor to the leaders of other countries who take comfort in our domestic strife , and risked further politicizing the men and women of our armed forces . ''
Mattis , who resigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2018 over disagreements with the White House 's Syria policy , has remained largely silent about the president 's job performance since leaving the defense post , telling NPR last year : `` I do n't discuss sitting presidents . ''
He said he thought that Trump deserved `` a period of quiet . ''
However , days of nationwide protest over the death of George Floyd in police custody and the use of National Guard troops in Washington to disperse peaceful demonstrators , have led Mattis — `` angry and appalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the protesters were only demanding equal justice under the law .
`` It is a wholesome and unifying demand—one that all of us should be able to get behind , '' he wrote .
`` We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers , '' Mattis wrote , referring to the vandalism and looting that have sometimes occurred along with the largely peaceful protests .
`` The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values—our values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation . ''
Mattis accused the president of pursuing a divisive strategy .
`` Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people—does not even pretend to try . ''
`` Instead he tries to divide us .
We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort .
We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership , '' he said .
The president responded to the criticism in a tweet , calling Mattis `` the world 's most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has fired off in the past .
In Wednesday 's statement , Mattis said the country 's response to the pandemic showed that `` it is not only our troops who are willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of the community .
Americans in hospitals , grocery stores , post offices , and elsewhere have put their lives on the line in order to serve their fellow citizens and their country . ''
`` We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must remember Lincoln 's 'better angels , ' and listen to them , as we work to unite , '' he said .

Former Defense Secretary Mattis Issues Stunning Rebuke Of Trump
Enlarge this image toggle caption Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
Retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis, who resigned as President Trump's defense secretary nearly a year and a half ago over policy differences, has issued an extraordinary critique of the White House's handling of nationwide unrest, saying Trump has sought to divide Americans and warning against "militarizing our response" to the protests.
"When I joined the military, some 50 years ago, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution," Mattis said in a statement published in The Atlantic.
"Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens —much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside," Mattis wrote, referring to a series of events on Monday in which peaceful protesters were physically cleared from around the White House to make way for an appearance by the president, Bible in hand, outside a historic church.
Mattis called Monday's actions "an abuse of executive authority."
The broadside came on the same day that current Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a Pentagon briefing that he opposed invoking the Insurrection Act — which allows the president to deploy the military within the United States — something Trump had threatened to do in a televised speech on Monday.
Earlier this week, Esper had referred to unrest in the streets as a "battlespace," and Trump urged governors to use law enforcement and the National Guard to "dominate" the protesters.
"We must reject any thinking of our cities as a 'battlespace' that our uniformed military is called upon to 'dominate,' " Mattis wrote. "At home, we should use our military only when requested to do so, on very rare occasions, by state governors."
It is extraordinarily rare for military leadership to speak out against a sitting president, though Trump has come in for implicit criticism from senior ranks.
After Trump said of a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017, which turned deadly, that there were "very fine people on both sides," each of the military service chiefs — as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – issued statements condemning bigotry.
"I can absolutely and unambiguously tell you there is no place — no place — for racism and bigotry in the U.S. military or in the United States as a whole," said Gen. Joe Dunford, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman at the time.
America’s military, our sons and daughters, will place themselves at risk to protect their fellow citizens. Their job is unimaginably hard overseas; harder at home. Respect them, for they respect you. America is not a battleground. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy. #BeBetter — GEN(R) Martin E. Dempsey (@Martin_Dempsey) June 1, 2020
Just this week, two former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmen, Gen. Martin Dempsey and Adm. Mike Mullen, condemned the use of the military to quash the demonstrations on Monday. In a tweet, Dempsey said, "America is not a battleground. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy."
In the opinion piece in The Atlantic titled "I Cannot Remain Silent," Mullen wrote regarding Trump's photo-op at St. John's Church, "Whatever Trump's goal in conducting his visit, he laid bare his disdain for the rights of peaceful protest in this country, gave succor to the leaders of other countries who take comfort in our domestic strife, and risked further politicizing the men and women of our armed forces."
Mattis, who resigned and was then pushed out by Trump in December 2018 over disagreements with the White House's Syria policy, has remained largely silent about the president's job performance since leaving the defense post, telling NPR last year: "I don't discuss sitting presidents." He said he thought that Trump deserved "a period of quiet."
However, days of nationwide protest over the death of George Floyd in police custody and the use of National Guard troops in Washington to disperse peaceful demonstrators have led Mattis — "angry and appalled" — to speak up.
He said the protesters were only demanding equal justice under the law.
"It is a wholesome and unifying demand — one that all of us should be able to get behind," he wrote.
"We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers," Mattis wrote, referring to the vandalism and looting that have sometimes occurred along with the largely peaceful protests. "The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values — our values as people and our values as a nation."
Mattis accused the president of pursuing a divisive strategy. "Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people— does not even pretend to try.
"Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership," he said.
The president responded to the criticism in a tweet, calling Mattis "the world's most overrated General," an insult Trump has fired off in the past.
Probably the only thing Barack Obama & I have in common is that we both had the honor of firing Jim Mattis, the world’s most overrated General. I asked for his letter of resignation, & felt great about it. His nickname was “Chaos”, which I didn’t like, & changed to “Mad Dog”... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020
In Wednesday's statement, Mattis said the country's response to the pandemic showed that "it is not only our troops who are willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of the community. Americans in hospitals, grocery stores, post offices, and elsewhere have put their lives on the line in order to serve their fellow citizens and their country."
"We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution. At the same time, we must remember Lincoln's 'better angels,' and listen to them, as we work to unite," he said.


npr--2020-06-03--Amid Protests Against Police Violence LA Mayor Eric Garcetti Announces Cuts To LAPD

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced he is scrapping plans for a massive budget boost to the city 's police department , amid more than a week of unrest over police brutality .
The Los Angeles Police Department was set to receive a staggering increase in its annual budget from $ 1.189 billion last year to $ 1.86 billion for 2020-2021 .
That plan — which allocated a 7 % spending increase for the department and nearly $ 41 million in bonuses — drew widespread fury among residents , especially those who have witnessed violent attacks by law enforcement responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But on Wednesday , Garcetti said he has heard protesters and plans to divert some of the funds that were supposed to go to the police , and use them to address problems in the black community .
`` We need to make a firm commitment to change , not just with words but with action , '' he said during a daily news briefing .
The move marks a major concession to protester 's demands since demonstrations started across the nation , ignited by the killing of George Floyd by white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recent unrest `` a movement to change who we are in America when it comes to black America and our criminal justice system . ''
His remarks came as hundreds of protesters rallied outside of his home in Hancock Park for the second day in a row .
And on the heels of another day of protests throughout the sprawling city , including demonstrations in front of the city 's civic centers .
Crowds surrounded city hall and the criminal courthouse for much of the day .
Not only will the LAPD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also looking to make cuts .
He said he is committed to slashing another $ 250 million within the department as he plans to do across all others .
He said that will allow an investment in education , health and jobs within the city 's black communities .
`` We need to make sure that black Americans see an end to the days of murder in broad daylight and of traffic stops simply because of the color of their skin , '' the mayor said .
To that end , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervene when they see excessive or inappropriate use of force .
In Minneapolis , three now-fired officers — Tou Thao , J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane — participated in Floyd 's arrest and watched as former Officer Derek Chauvin pushed his knee into the 46-year-old 's neck for more than eight minutes .
During that time , none of them attempted to intervene as Floyd gasped for air and repeatedly said , `` I ca n't breathe . ''
All three were charged with aiding and abetting murder on Wednesday while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder to second-degree murder .
In Los Angeles , Garcetti said the police department will also implement a moratorium on entering people into the CalGang database , a statewide database that contains about 100,000 alleged gang members and associates .
Law enforcement officials maintain that the tool is intended `` to enhance officer safety , improve the efficiency of criminal investigations and identify and track gang members . ''
But criminal justice reformers are critical of its use .
They argue the secretive database — the public can not access the system — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Garcetti also plans to establish a Department of Civil and Human Rights in coming months .
`` We need to keep moving toward a new model of peace officer .
Of a guardian-based system .
And invest long before any criminal activity ever comes , '' he said .

Amid Protests Against Police Violence LA Mayor Eric Garcetti Announces Cuts To LAPD
Enlarge this image toggle caption Richard Vogel/AP Richard Vogel/AP
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced he is scrapping plans for a massive budget boost to the city's police department, amid more than a week of unrest over police brutality.
The Los Angeles Police Department was set to receive a staggering increase in its annual budget to $1.86 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year — up about $122 million over last year.
That plan — which allocated a 7% spending increase for the department and nearly $41 million in bonuses — drew widespread fury among residents, especially those who have witnessed violent attacks by law enforcement responding to protesters over the past nine days.
But on Wednesday, Garcetti said he has heard protesters and plans to divert some of the funds that were supposed to go to the police, and use them to address problems in the black community.
"We need to make a firm commitment to change, not just with words but with action," he said during a daily news briefing.
The move marks a major concession to protester's demands since demonstrations started across the nation, ignited by the killing of George Floyd by white Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin.
Garcetti called the recent unrest "a movement to change who we are in America when it comes to black America and our criminal justice system."
His remarks came as hundreds of protesters rallied outside of his home in Hancock Park for the second day in a row. And on the heels of another day of protests throughout the sprawling city, including demonstrations in front of the city's civic centers. Crowds surrounded city hall and the criminal courthouse for much of the day.
Not only will the LAPD budget not increase, the mayor is also looking to make cuts. He said he is committed to slashing another $250 million within the department as he plans to do across all others.
He said that will allow an investment in education, health and jobs within the city's black communities.
"We need to make sure that black Americans see an end to the days of murder in broad daylight and of traffic stops simply because of the color of their skin," the mayor said.
To that end, he said, the LAPD will require officers to intervene when they see excessive or inappropriate use of force.
In Minneapolis, three now-fired officers — Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane — participated in Floyd's arrest and watched as former Officer Derek Chauvin pushed his knee into the 46-year-old's neck for more than eight minutes. During that time, none of them attempted to intervene as Floyd gasped for air and repeatedly said, "I can't breathe."
All three were charged with aiding and abetting murder on Wednesday while charges against Chauvin were upgraded from third-degree murder to second-degree murder.
In Los Angeles, Garcetti said the police department will also implement a moratorium on entering people into the CalGang database, a statewide database that contains about 100,000 alleged gang members and associates.
Law enforcement officials maintain that the tool is intended "to enhance officer safety, improve the efficiency of criminal investigations and identify and track gang members." But criminal justice reformers are critical of its use. They argue the secretive database — the public cannot access the system — can ensnare innocent people without their knowledge.
The Los Angeles Times reported:
"The LAPD places more people on CalGang than any other law enforcement agency in the state. According to 2018 data by the attorney general's office, the department was responsible for 20,583 individuals — more than 20% of the names in the database."
Garcetti also plans to establish a Department of Civil and Human Rights in coming months.
"We need to keep moving toward a new model of peace officer. Of a guardian-based system. And invest long before any criminal activity ever comes," he said.


npr--2020-06-03--The Louisville Community Who Loved David McAtee Has Questions About His Death

The Louisville Community Who Loved David McAtee Has Questions About His Death David McAtee , owner of Yaya 's BBQ , was a beloved fixture in the Russell neighborhood of Louisville , Ky. , remembered as a pillar of the community and known to give out his food free of charge , even to local police officers .
His death at the hands of law enforcement has come as a shock to those who knew him .
McAtee , a chef , was killed early Monday morning at his barbecue business when Louisville Metro Police Department officers and National Guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered after the city 's 9 p.m. curfew near the corner of 26th Street and Broadway .
The officers were using pepper balls to disperse the crowd when a gunshot rang out .
Shortly after , officers fired live ammunition , striking and killing McAtee .
Officials say McAtee fired a weapon first .
In a February interview with the local photo blog West of Ninth , McAtee said he had been in the business for 30 years , but at this location for the past two .
He had plans to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could expand .
`` I always wanted to be in this spot , and when the opportunity came , I took it .
If I go , somebody else will snatch it .
I 've already built my clientele , and I 'm not trying to give up my clientele , '' McAtee said .
Family , friends and community leaders have questions about what took place early Monday and have doubts that events unfolded the way police describe .
`` He fed everybody , '' McAtee 's nephew , Marvin McAtee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people that killed him .
For free . ''
Speaking to NPR 's Ari Shapiro in front of his uncle 's business , the younger McAtee said he remembers the man he called `` unc '' as big-hearted , someone who enjoyed his family and known , by some , as the BBQ Man .
`` Businessman first , '' McAtee , 28 , said of his uncle .
`` Big on family , family-oriented .
He 's the one that — he 's basically a grandma , but he 's male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know ? ''
Marvin McAtee was among several family members and friends who had gathered to grieve together Tuesday at Yaya 's BBQ , where the elder McAtee both worked and lived .
Marvin said his uncle made it a welcoming place , with friends and family stopping by every day .
Marvin was not present when his uncle was killed early Monday morning but did not believe his uncle would have shot at the officers .
`` He 's gon na calm and diffuse any type of situation .
Even the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this man , '' he said .
The younger McAtee said he is still trying to process his new reality .
`` He died just how I imagine [ d ] it , '' he said .
`` The only way he could die is saving somebody .
And that 's exactly how he died . ''
McAtee said he believed `` unc '' died trying to save his niece .
Before David McAtee opened Yaya 's BBQ , he worked as a head cook at a Volunteers of America shelter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked alongside him as a kitchen manager , and said McAtee loved caring for people almost as much as he loved cooking for them .
`` All the shelter residents that were there , they were like family , '' Smallwood said .
`` He loved to feed everybody .
He loved to make people happy .
He was just , like , a joyful person . ''
McAtee 's killing sparked an immediate outcry in Louisville , where daily demonstrations were already being held to protest the deaths of George Floyd and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by police .
Later Monday , Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer fired the chief of police when it emerged that the LMPD officers who responded to the scene Monday morning had all failed to activate their body cameras , a violation of department policy .
Officials released two security camera videos Tuesday that police said appear to show that McAtee had a weapon and shot first , before they returned fire .
In the two videos , one interior and one exterior , roughly a dozen people can be seen rushing inside the open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance on them .
McAtee is seen reaching out of the doorway .
Soon afterward he clutches his chest , stumbles back inside and collapses on the floor .
`` I 'm just going to say that we still have a lot of questions , and that this video may raise more questions than it answers , '' Assistant Chief of Police LaVita Chavous said Tuesday .
Marvin McAtee said he wants to know why the National Guard showed up heavily armed to respond to a call about broken curfew .
`` Answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guards even in the West End ?
The protests are not going on in the West End .
They 're downtown , '' Marvin said .
`` Then y'all are strapped with lethal rounds .
What happened to the pellets , the tear gas ?
They had lethal rounds right here , a vacant parking lot ? ''
State Rep. Attica Scott , who represents the part of Louisville where McAtee was killed , said his death is attributable to Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear 's decision to bring in the National Guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a decision she calls `` an escalation from law enforcement against our community . ''
`` It makes me angry that police violence is being met with more police violence , '' Scott said .
`` Mr. McAtee had never been an issue for anyone .
He was loved by his community .
Then suddenly we get the National Guard and the state police , and he 's dead . ''
NPR 's Sarah Handel and Becky Sullivan contributed to this report .

The Louisville Community Who Loved David McAtee Has Questions About His Death
Enlarge this image toggle caption Walt & Shae Smith Walt & Shae Smith
David McAtee, owner of Yaya's BBQ, was a beloved fixture in the Russell neighborhood of Louisville, Ky., remembered as a pillar of the community and known to give out his food free of charge, even to local police officers.
His death at the hands of law enforcement has come as a shock to those who knew him.
McAtee, a chef, was killed early Monday morning at his barbecue business when Louisville Metro Police Department officers and National Guard troops responded to reports of a crowd gathered after the city's 9 p.m. curfew near the corner of 26th Street and Broadway.
The officers were using pepper balls to disperse the crowd when a gunshot rang out. Shortly after, officers fired live ammunition, striking and killing McAtee. Officials say McAtee fired a weapon first.
In a February interview with the local photo blog West of Ninth, McAtee said he had been in the business for 30 years, but at this location for the past two. He had plans to buy the lot his business was on so he could expand.
"I always wanted to be in this spot, and when the opportunity came, I took it. If I go, somebody else will snatch it. I've already built my clientele, and I'm not trying to give up my clientele," McAtee said.
'He's basically a grandma, but he's male'
Family, friends and community leaders have questions about what took place early Monday and have doubts that events unfolded the way police describe.
"He fed everybody," McAtee's nephew, Marvin McAtee said. "Fed everybody, even the people that killed him. For free."
Speaking to NPR's Ari Shapiro in front of his uncle's business, the younger McAtee said he remembers the man he called "unc" as big-hearted, someone who enjoyed his family and known, by some, as the BBQ Man.
"Businessman first," McAtee, 28, said of his uncle. "Big on family, family-oriented. He's the one that — he's basically a grandma, but he's male — sticks the family together, you know?"
Marvin McAtee was among several family members and friends who had gathered to grieve together Tuesday at Yaya's BBQ, where the elder McAtee both worked and lived. Marvin said his uncle made it a welcoming place, with friends and family stopping by every day.
Marvin was not present when his uncle was killed early Monday morning but did not believe his uncle would have shot at the officers.
"He's gonna calm and diffuse any type of situation. Even the police, they have no type of problems with this man," he said.
The younger McAtee said he is still trying to process his new reality.
"He died just how I imagine[d] it," he said. "The only way he could die is saving somebody. And that's exactly how he died."
McAtee said he believed "unc" died trying to save his niece.
Before David McAtee opened Yaya's BBQ, he worked as a head cook at a Volunteers of America shelter and halfway house in Louisville.
Brandon Smallwood worked alongside him as a kitchen manager, and said McAtee loved caring for people almost as much as he loved cooking for them.
"All the shelter residents that were there, they were like family," Smallwood said. "He loved to feed everybody. He loved to make people happy. He was just, like, a joyful person."
Police Investigation
YouTube
McAtee's killing sparked an immediate outcry in Louisville, where daily demonstrations were already being held to protest the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were also killed by police.
Later Monday, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer fired the chief of police when it emerged that the LMPD officers who responded to the scene Monday morning had all failed to activate their body cameras, a violation of department policy.
Officials released two security camera videos Tuesday that police said appear to show that McAtee had a weapon and shot first, before they returned fire.
In the two videos, one interior and one exterior, roughly a dozen people can be seen rushing inside the open door at McAtee's establishment as police advance on them. McAtee is seen reaching out of the doorway. Soon afterward he clutches his chest, stumbles back inside and collapses on the floor.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Becky Sullivan/NPR Becky Sullivan/NPR
"I'm just going to say that we still have a lot of questions, and that this video may raise more questions than it answers," Assistant Chief of Police LaVita Chavous said Tuesday.
Marvin McAtee said he wants to know why the National Guard showed up heavily armed to respond to a call about broken curfew.
"Answer me this question: Why are National Guards even in the West End? The protests are not going on in the West End. They're downtown," Marvin said. "Then y'all are strapped with lethal rounds. What happened to the pellets, the tear gas? They had lethal rounds right here, a vacant parking lot?"
State Rep. Attica Scott, who represents the part of Louisville where McAtee was killed, said his death is attributable to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's decision to bring in the National Guard to help manage the protests in Louisville, a decision she calls "an escalation from law enforcement against our community."
"It makes me angry that police violence is being met with more police violence," Scott said. "Mr. McAtee had never been an issue for anyone. He was loved by his community. Then suddenly we get the National Guard and the state police, and he's dead."
NPR's Sarah Handel contributed to this report.


npr--2020-06-03--Demonstrations Over George Floyd's Death And Police Brutality Carry On

Demonstrations Over George Floyd 's Death And Police Brutality Carry On Updated at 3:30 a.m .
ET on Thursday What appeared to be overwhelmingly peaceful protests compared to earlier days persisted Wednesday across the U.S .
In Minneapolis , prosecutors said the police officer who compressed George Floyd 's neck for more than eight minutes prior to his death will face an increased charge of second-degree murder , and that the three other former officers who were present will face charges of aiding and abetting murder .
Demonstrators gathered again across the country , protesting against the killing of Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took to the streets in Washington , D.C. , peacefully protesting , while military personnel and federal officers showed up in force .
The demonstrators broke up into two groups , with one at the White House and another marching on the Capitol .
There were some tense moments , but no violence , as hundreds of protesters stared down security forces who formed a cordon around Lafayette Park , directly across from the White House .
As the sun set , hundreds lay down on the street , chanting , `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last words Floyd uttered .
Peaceful protesters took a knee and observed a moment of silence near the White House .
`` The military and law enforcement presence is overwhelming , '' NPR journalist Alana Wise said in a tweet , who was on the ground near the White House .
About 1,600 active-duty troops were deployed to Washington earlier this week , and Wise observed Wednesday that military forces were being bused in to the city .
Washington , D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed the city 's curfew back to 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the week .
In New York City as darkness fell and an 8 p.m. curfew loomed , protesters also dropped to their knees for a moment of silence that lasted over 20 minutes , according to local reports .
While the city saw ransacking and vandalism on previous days , on Wednesday there were few early reports of damage .
Thousands of protesters carrying `` Black Lives Matter '' signs thronged Seattle 's Capitol Hill neighborhood Wednesday night as a 9 p.m. curfew was rescinded .
Protesters chanted for the police to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for cutting the police department 's budget and to use the funds instead for social programs .
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan tweeted Wednesday evening that the curfew , which was to have lasted until Saturday , would be lifted .
Durkan said she and Police Chief Carmen Best had discussed the matter and that Best believes `` we can balance public safety and ensure peaceful protests can continue without a curfew . ''
Washington Lt. Gov .
Cyrus Habib praised the move by Seattle officials , tweeting : `` Preemptive curfews were only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do likewise . ''
This is a developing story .
Some things reported by the media will later turn out to be wrong .
We will focus on reports from officials and other authorities , credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene .
We will update as the situation develops .

'I Can't Breathe': Peaceful Demonstrators Continue To Rally Over George Floyd's Death
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Updated at 3:30 a.m. ET on Thursday
What appeared to be overwhelmingly peaceful protests compared to earlier days persisted Wednesday across the U.S.
In Minneapolis, prosecutors said the police officer who compressed George Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes prior to his death will face an increased charge of second-degree murder, and that the three other former officers who were present will face charges of aiding and abetting murder.
Demonstrators gathered again across the country, protesting against the killing of Floyd and other black Americans.
Here's what's happening:
Washington, D.C.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Sizable crowds took to the streets in Washington, D.C., peacefully protesting, while military personnel and federal officers showed up in force.
The demonstrators broke up into two groups, with one at the White House and another marching on the Capitol. There were some tense moments, but no violence, as hundreds of protesters stared down security forces who formed a cordon around Lafayette Park, directly across from the White House.
As the sun set, hundreds lay down on the street, chanting, "I can't breathe," some of the last words Floyd uttered.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Peaceful protesters took a knee and observed a moment of silence near the White House.
"The military and law enforcement presence is overwhelming," NPR journalist Alana Wise said in a tweet, who was on the ground near the White House.
About 1,600 active-duty troops were deployed to Washington earlier this week, and Wise observed Wednesday that military forces were being bused in to the city.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed the city's curfew back to 11 p.m. on Wednesday from 7 p.m. earlier in the week.
New York
Enlarge this image toggle caption John Minchillo/AP John Minchillo/AP
In New York City as darkness fell and an 8 p.m. curfew loomed, protesters also dropped to their knees for a moment of silence that lasted over 20 minutes, according to local reports.
While the city saw ransacking and vandalism on previous days, on Wednesday there were few early reports of damage.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images
Seattle
Thousands of protesters carrying "Black Lives Matter" signs thronged Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood Wednesday night as a 9 p.m. curfew was rescinded. Protesters chanted for the police to remove their riot gear and also called for cutting the police department's budget and to use the funds instead for social programs.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan tweeted Wednesday evening that the curfew, which was to have lasted until Saturday, would be lifted.
Durkan said she and Police Chief Carmen Best had discussed the matter and that Best believes "we can balance public safety and ensure peaceful protests can continue without a curfew."
For those peacefully demonstrating tonight, please know you can continue to demonstrate. We want you to continue making your voice heard. — Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) June 4, 2020
Washington Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib praised the move by Seattle officials, tweeting: "Preemptive curfews were only making things worse. Other cities should do likewise."
Once again I'm pleased that Seattle has listened and reversed course. Preemptive curfews were only making things worse. Other cities should do likewise. https://t.co/63ijfzyTbr — Cyrus Habib (@cyrushabib) June 4, 2020
This is a developing story. Some things reported by the media will later turn out to be wrong. We will focus on reports from officials and other authorities, credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene. We will update as the situation develops.


npr--2020-06-04--Trump Waives Environmental Reviews, Citing Pandemic Economic Emergency

President Trump is directing federal agencies to bypass requirements of some of the country 's most significant environmental laws .
The stated goal is to fast-track big new infrastructure projects to boost the economy , which has been hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
But critics question the legality of the move , and say it would shut down input from those affected by such projects .
Trump 's order directs federal agencies to look for ways to avoid time-consuming processes and build transportation and energy infrastructure , including highways , oil and gas pipelines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big projects like these require long approval processes under the National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA ) .
President Nixon signed NEPA into law in 1970 .
It requires agencies to examine the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and consider alternatives .
It also gives people a chance to see how a project might affect them and weigh in on what decision the government should make .
If a project affects an endangered animal or plant the Endangered Species Act might also be involved .
But the President is now directing agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these laws .
`` Unnecessary regulatory delays will deny our citizens opportunities for jobs and economic security , keeping millions of Americans out of work and hindering our economic recovery from the national emergency , '' wrote the President in his executive order .
Previous presidents have exercised similar emergency powers but in more limited ways .
For example , in 2014 during the Obama administration , the National Park Service got an emergency exception to build an evacuation route at Hawai ' i Volcanoes National Park because the existing route was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
Even with the emergency , the agency was required to involve the public and afterwards had to go through the full NEPA process .
Developers and industries have long complained these federal processes progress too slowly .
`` Today 's executive order provides an opportunity to jumpstart our economic recovery by ensuring that we are rebuilding and modernizing with American-made materials , equipment and jobs , '' said National Mining Association President & CEO Rich Nolan .
He specifically mentioned , `` copper for wiring , metallurgical coal required for steelmaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups were quick to criticize the order .
`` Instead of trying to ease the pain of a nation in crisis , President Trump is focused on easing the pain of polluters , '' said Gina McCarthy , a former EPA administrator who now heads the Natural Resources Defense Council .
She called the order an abuse of emergency powers and said eliminating environmental reviews is `` utterly senseless '' .
The order also brought criticism from Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill .
`` President Trump is dealing another blow to the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grijalva , who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee .
He referenced the Black Lives Matter protests underway around the country in his written statement .
`` Gutting NEPA takes away one of the few tools communities of color have to protect themselves and make their voices heard on federal decisions impacting them , '' said Grijalva .
Critics believe Trump is using the cover of the pandemic to weaken environmental laws he 's long opposed .
His administration already has proposed speeding up NEPA reviews that he has called `` outrageously slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been dozens of proposals to roll back a wide range of environmental regulations .
Another one from the Environmental Protection Agency Thursday would make it harder to justify limits on air pollution .
The President 's order gives agencies 30 days to provide a summary report of projects that have been expedited .
Some environmentalists say the order appears to be so broad that it may be unlawful .
That means that , like past directives , this one could end up in court .

Trump Waives Environmental Reviews, Citing Pandemic Economic Emergency
Enlarge this image toggle caption Evan Vucci/AP Evan Vucci/AP
President Trump is directing federal agencies to bypass requirements of some of the country's most significant environmental laws. The stated goal is to fast-track big new infrastructure projects to boost the economy, which has been hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. But critics question the legality of the move, and say it would shut down input from those affected by such projects.
Trump's order directs federal agencies to look for ways to avoid time-consuming processes and build transportation and energy infrastructure, including highways, oil and gas pipelines, and fossil fuel export terminals.
Usually big projects like these require long approval processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
President Nixon signed NEPA into law in 1970. It requires agencies to examine the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and consider alternatives. It also gives people a chance to see how a project might affect them and weigh in on what decision the government should make. If a project affects an endangered animal or plant the Endangered Species Act might also be involved.
But the President is now directing agencies to look for ways to work around these laws.
"Unnecessary regulatory delays will deny our citizens opportunities for jobs and economic security, keeping millions of Americans out of work and hindering our economic recovery from the national emergency," wrote the President in his executive order.
Previous presidents have exercised similar emergency powers but in more limited ways.
For example, in 2014 during the Obama administration, the National Park Service got an emergency exception to build an evacuation route at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park because the existing route was going to be covered by lava within 45 days. Even with the emergency, the agency was required to involve the public and afterwards had to go through the full NEPA process.
Developers and industries have long complained these federal processes progress too slowly.
"Today's executive order provides an opportunity to jumpstart our economic recovery by ensuring that we are rebuilding and modernizing with American-made materials, equipment and jobs," said National Mining Association President & CEO Rich Nolan. He specifically mentioned, "copper for wiring, metallurgical coal required for steelmaking or zinc for galvanization."
Environmental groups were quick to criticize the order.
"Instead of trying to ease the pain of a nation in crisis, President Trump is focused on easing the pain of polluters," said Gina McCarthy, a former EPA administrator who now heads the Natural Resources Defense Council. She called the order an abuse of emergency powers and said eliminating environmental reviews is "utterly senseless".
The order also brought criticism from Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
"President Trump is dealing another blow to the Black community," said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee. He referenced the Black Lives Matter protests underway around the country in his written statement.
"Gutting NEPA takes away one of the few tools communities of color have to protect themselves and make their voices heard on federal decisions impacting them," said Grijalva.
Critics believe Trump is using the cover of the pandemic to weaken environmental laws he's long opposed. His administration already has proposed speeding up NEPA reviews that he has called "outrageously slow and burdensome." And there have been dozens of proposals to roll back a wide range of environmental regulations. Another one from the Environmental Protection Agency Thursday would make it harder to justify limits on air pollution.
The President's order gives agencies 30 days to provide a summary report of projects that have been expedited. Some environmentalists say the order appears to be so broad that it may be unlawful. That means that, like past directives, this one could end up in court.


npr--2020-06-04--Authors Retract Hydroxychloroquine Study, Citing Concern Over Data

A large study of the drug hydroxychloroquine has been retracted by three of its authors .
The paper , published in the journal the Lancet last month , concluded that hydroxychloroquine , taken either alone or with an antibiotic , to treat patients with COVID-19 was of no benefit and actually increased a patient 's risk of dying .
The publication of the study prompted the World Health Organization ( WHO ) to halt its own study of hydroxychloroquine .
The WHO has now resumed the trial .
The Lancet paper analyzed data , purported to be from COVID-19 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
The data were collected by a private company called Surgisphere , whose founder , Sapan Desai , is a co-author on the study .
Concerns were raised about the accuracy of the data and the paper started attracting criticism within days of its publication .
In an open letter to the Lancet more than a hundred scientists and clinicians asked the journal to provide details about the data and called for the study to be independently validated .
So the Lancet launched an independent review and asked Surgisphere to transfer their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the review , but the third party reviewers told the Lancet that they were not able to access all the data , because the company said this would violate client agreements and confidentiality requirements .
It was this failure to independently audit the data that prompted three of the study 's authors to retract the paper , saying they `` can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources . ''
The Lancet issued a statement saying it takes issues of scientific integrity `` extremely seriously , '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Surgisphere and the data used in the study .
The company issued a statement on its website pledging transparency , and says it is working to address all questions about the data it provided .

Authors Retract Hydroxychloroquine Study, Citing Concern Over Data
Enlarge this image toggle caption GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images
A large study of the drug hydroxychloroquine has been retracted by three of its authors.
The paper, published in the journal the Lancet last month, concluded that hydroxychloroquine, taken either alone or with an antibiotic, to treat patients with COVID-19 was of no benefit and actually increased a patient's risk of dying.
The publication of the study prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to halt its own study of hydroxychloroquine. The WHO has now resumed the trial.
The Lancet paper analyzed data, purported to be from COVID-19 patients in more than 600 hospitals around the world. The data were collected by a private company called Surgisphere, whose founder, Sapan Desai, is a co-author on the study.
Concerns were raised about the accuracy of the data and the paper started attracting criticism within days of its publication. In an open letter to the Lancet more than a hundred scientists and clinicians asked the journal to provide details about the data and called for the study to be independently validated.
So the Lancet launched an independent review and asked Surgisphere to transfer their complete database for evaluation. Surgisphere agreed to the review, but the third party reviewers told the Lancet that they were not able to access all the data, because the company said this would violate client agreements and confidentiality requirements.
It was this failure to independently audit the data that prompted three of the study's authors to retract the paper, saying they "can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources."
The Lancet issued a statement saying it takes issues of scientific integrity "extremely seriously," and there are still many outstanding questions about Surgisphere and the data used in the study.
The company issued a statement on its website pledging transparency, and says it is working to address all questions about the data it provided.


npr--2020-06-04--As The Nation Chants Her Name, Breonna Taylor's Family Grieves A Life 'Robbed'

As The Nation Chants Her Name , Breonna Taylor 's Family Grieves A Life 'Robbed' Before she was a hashtag or a headline , before protesters around the country chanted her name , Breonna Taylor was a 26-year-old woman who played cards with her aunts and fell asleep watching movies with friends .
That changed on March 13 , when police officers executing a no-knock warrant in the middle of the night killed her in her own apartment in Louisville , Ky. Now , as protesters around the country have taken up her name in their call for racial justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor 's friends and family remember the woman they knew and loved : someone who cared for others and loved singing , playing games , cooking , checking up on friends .
Before the early morning raid in March , Breonna Taylor was a first responder who loved to sneak in a nap before her next shift .
She would have turned 27 on June 5 .
Known as `` Bre '' to her friends and family , Taylor moved from Michigan to Louisville when she was a teenager .
Much of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time .
One aunt , Bianca Austin , called Taylor her `` mini me . ''
An uncle , Tyrone Bell , called her `` Breezy . ''
`` She was cool , a cool cat , '' says another aunt , Tahasha Holloway .
The family regularly spent time together , and Taylor often proposed a round of her favorite card games , Phase 10 and Skip-Bo .
The work schedule of an EMT could be grueling ; it was especially so in early March , as worries about coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say Taylor welcomed the opportunity to give back and to make a difference in someone 's life .
Friends and family agree that Taylor was attracted to a career in health care because she cared about people .
In a Facebook post Taylor made as her uncle recovered from a stroke last year , she wrote : She attended Western High School in Louisville , where she met and befriended Erinicka Hunter and Shatanis Vaughn — they were , in their words , `` the three amigos . ''
Like many 20-somethings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the years after high school .
But Hunter remembers rekindling their friendship last year after Hunter underwent brain surgery .
She was recovering in the hospital when Taylor came to visit .
`` I 'm like , 'Why did we fall out ?
I do n't understand . '
And she was like , `` It does n't matter , Nick .
We together again .
Do n't worry about that .
I love you .
Just know that , ' '' remembers Hunter .
`` It 's not right .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death in March came as a shock to those who knew her .
She and her boyfriend , Kenneth Taylor , were at home in her apartment , when a team of plainclothes Louisville police officers arrived to execute a no-knock warrant early in the morning of March 13 .
According to her family 's lawyers , the subject of the investigation was not Taylor , but a man she had dated previously who had once sent a package to her apartment .
When police broke into the apartment , Walker thought they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say .
A licensed gun owner , he grabbed his weapon and shot an officer in the leg .
The officers returned fire , shooting dozens of times , killing Taylor , according to the family 's wrongful death lawsuit .
Police arrested Walker , and he was charged with attempted murder of a police officer .
Those charges have since been dropped .
`` Even in being a prosecutor , I 'd never quite seen that many bullets in one apartment , '' says Lonita Baker , a personal injury attorney representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lawsuit , the family is also seeking departmental policy changes on body cameras and no-knock warrants .
The earliest news stories covering her death did n't mention her name at all , instead focusing on an injury to a police officer and referring to Taylor and Walker as `` suspects . ''
Breonna Taylor 's family said they felt anger when reading those early stories .
`` I probably said more cuss words in that little time than I said throughout my whole life , '' says Bell , her uncle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her aunt Bianca Austin believes that , along with the burgeoning outbreak of coronavirus , that this early narrative of Taylor as a `` suspect '' is why the family had difficulty finding funeral service providers .
Now , two months later , the whole nation knows Breonna Taylor 's story .
Thousands of protesters across the country demonstrating against police violence chant her name along with George Floyd 's .
In Louisville , it 's Taylor who takes center stage – literally , with a mural of her smiling face drawn in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The family says it lifts them up to know her story is being heard — but also makes it harder to grieve .
`` Every time I see her , or someone says her name , I cry .
I break down , '' says Shatanis Vaughn , Taylor 's high school friend .
`` They really supporting you [ Taylor ] now .
Everybody knows your story .
You 're going to be heard , finally . ''
Austin , her aunt , says the family is `` grateful that her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` But we do n't want this at all , '' she continues .
`` We want her back .
I would rather just go back in time . ''
For what would have been Taylor 's 27th birthday , friends and family have planned a public celebration of her life on Saturday in downtown Louisville .
They plan to release balloons and butterflies , and are expecting a large crowd .
`` I 'm praying to God , '' says Austin .
`` We need real change in America .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black boy here in the world we live in .
... Nobody 's safe .
If this can happen to Breonna , it can happen to anybody . ''
`` She always said that she would be a legend , '' friend Erinicka Hunter says .
`` I just never imagined it would be like this . ''

As The Nation Chants Her Name, Breonna Taylor's Family Grieves A Life 'Robbed'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Taylor Family Taylor Family
Before she was a hashtag or a headline, before protesters around the country chanted her name, Breonna Taylor was a 26-year-old woman who played cards with her aunts and fell asleep watching movies with friends.
That changed on March 13, when police officers executing a no-knock warrant in the middle of the night killed her in her apartment in Louisville, Ky.
Now, as protesters around the country have taken up her name in their call for racial justice and an end to police violence, Taylor's friends and family remember the woman they knew and loved: someone who cared for others and loved singing, playing games, cooking and checking up on friends.
Before the early-morning raid in March, Taylor was a first responder who loved to sneak in a nap before her next shift. She would have turned 27 on Friday.
Known as "Bre" to her friends and family, Taylor moved from Michigan to Louisville when she was a teenager. Much of her large, tightknit, extended family moved around the same time.
One aunt, Bianca Austin, called Taylor her "mini me." An uncle, Tyrone Bell, called her "Breezy."
"She was cool, a cool cat," says another aunt, Tahasha Holloway.
The family regularly spent time together, and Taylor often proposed a round of her favorite card games, Phase 10 and Skip-Bo.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Becky Sullivan/NPR Becky Sullivan/NPR
The work schedule of an EMT could be grueling; it was especially so in early March as worries about the coronavirus spread.
But those who knew her say Taylor welcomed the opportunity to give back and to make a difference in someone's life.
Friends and family agree that Taylor was attracted to a career in health care because she cared about people. In a Facebook post Taylor made as her uncle recovered from a stroke last year, she wrote:
Working in health care is so rewarding. It makes me feel so happy when I know I've made a difference in someone else's life. I'm so appreciative of all the staff that has helped my uncle throughout this difficult time and those that will continue to make a difference in his life.
She attended Western High School in Louisville, where she met and befriended Erinicka Hunter and Shatanis Vaughn — they were, in their words, "the three amigos."
Like many 20-somethings, Hunter and Taylor drifted apart at times after high school. But Hunter remembers rekindling their friendship last year after she underwent brain surgery. She was recovering in the hospital when Taylor came to visit.
"I'm like, 'Why did we fall out? I don't understand.' And she was like, 'It doesn't matter, Nick. We together again. Don't worry about that. I love you. Just know that,' " Hunter remembers. "It's not right. We was robbed."
Enlarge this image toggle caption Becky Sullivan/NPR Becky Sullivan/NPR
Taylor's death in March came as a shock to those who knew her.
She and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were at home in her apartment when a team of plainclothes Louisville police officers arrived to execute a no-knock warrant early March 13. According to her family's lawyers, the subject of the investigation was not Taylor, but a man she had dated previously who had once sent a package to her apartment.
When police broke into the apartment, Walker thought they were being robbed, Taylor's lawyers say. A licensed gun owner, he grabbed his weapon and shot an officer in the leg. The officers returned fire, shooting dozens of times, killing Taylor, according to a wrongful death lawsuit by the family. Police arrested Walker, and he was charged with attempted murder of a police officer. Those charges have since been dropped.
"Even in being a prosecutor, I'd never quite seen that many bullets in one apartment," says Lonita Baker, a personal-injury attorney representing Taylor's family. In addition to the lawsuit, the family is also seeking departmental policy changes on body cameras and no-knock warrants.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Becky Sullivan/NPR Becky Sullivan/NPR
The earliest news stories covering her death didn't mention her name at all, instead focusing on an injury to a police officer and referring to Taylor and Walker as "suspects."
Taylor's family said they felt anger when reading those early stories.
"I probably said more cuss words in that little time than I said throughout my whole life," says Bell, her uncle. "Angry is an understatement."
Austin, her aunt, says she believes that, along with the burgeoning coronavirus outbreak, that this early narrative of Taylor as a "suspect" is why the family had difficulty finding funeral service providers.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Becky Sullivan/NPR Becky Sullivan/NPR
Now, two months later, most of the nation knows Taylor's story. Thousands of protesters across the country demonstrating against police violence chant her name along with George Floyd's. In Louisville, Taylor takes center stage literally – with a mural of her smiling face drawn in chalk in downtown's Jefferson Square Park.
The family says it lifts them up to know her story is being heard — but also makes it harder to grieve.
"Every time I see her, or someone says her name, I cry. I break down," says Vaughn, Taylor's high school friend. "They really supporting you [Taylor] now. Everybody knows your story. You're going to be heard finally."
Austin says Taylor's family is "grateful that her name is where she should be."
"But we don't want this at all," she continues. "We want her back. I would rather just go back in time."
For what would have been Taylor's 27th birthday, friends and family have planned a public celebration of her life Saturday in downtown Louisville. They plan to release balloons and butterflies, and they are expecting a large crowd.
"I'm praying to God," Austin says. "We need real change in America. I've got to still raise a little black boy here in the world we live in. ... Nobody's safe. If this can happen to Breonna, it can happen to anybody."
Taylor's friend Hunter says, "She always said that she would be a legend. I just never imagined it would be like this."
Sarah Handel edited the audio story. Maureen Pao edited the Web story.


npr--2020-06-04--Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Condemns Trump's Threat To Use Military At Protests

Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Condemns Trump 's Threat To Use Military At Protests In rare public comments , the former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Ret .
Gen. Martin Dempsey condemned Trump 's threat to use military force to suppress nationwide protests as `` dangerous '' and `` very troubling , '' in an interview with NPR on Thursday .
`` The idea that the president would take charge of the situation using the military was troubling to me , '' Gen. Dempsey said .
On Monday , President Trump levied the possibility of engaging federal troops in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of George Floyd , who was killed last week while he was in police custody .
`` If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents , '' Trump warned governors and mayors in the White House Rose Garden , `` then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them . ''
The retired general said military involvement should be reserved for `` conflict in external wars . ''
`` The idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dominate and to suppress what , for the most part , were peaceful protests — admittedly , where some had opportunistically turned them violent — and that the military would somehow come in and calm that situation was very dangerous to me , '' he said .
The retired general is n't the first among top military brass to break with the president on this issue .
Retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis , Trump 's former defense secretary , and Defense Secretary Mark Esper also had stinging words for Trump over his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his insight from his four-decade military career in a new book , No Time For Spectators : The Lessons That Mattered Most From West Point To The West Wing .
As the United States confronts multiple crises , Dempsey offers some advice about how to lead at this time .
`` We 've got to continue to work to develop a sense of belonging among leaders and those who follow them , '' he said .
On why he 's speaking out now There were a couple of things that came on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the description of the challenge with these protests of dominating the battle space .
That 's a characteristic that we use for conflict in external wars .
And I thought , that 's not something the American people should think about in terms of when they see members of the military on their streets .
And secondly , the idea that the military would be called in to dominate and to suppress what , for the most part , were peaceful protests — admittedly , where some had opportunistically turned them violent — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in and calm that situation was very dangerous to me .
By the way , I should mention , there 's no question that the law would allow the use of military in extremis , in an extreme situation , when state governments were either unable to even convene or that when state and local law enforcement were overwhelmed .
But none of that seemed to be the case , and so the idea that the president would take charge of the situation using the military was troubling to me .
This idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trust between the American people and its military is important because that is who we are .
But also , pragmatically , we have an all-volunteer force and we ask parents across the country to share their sons and daughters with us for a period of military service , and were we to lose the trust and confidence of the American people , it would make sustaining that all volunteer force more than difficult .
On dangers to both democracy and the military It 's the latter that caused me to believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it — that the relationship between the American people and the military , who they represent and serve , would be adversely affected if this was n't handled very carefully .
On the difference between the deployment of military troops among American civilians versus the statewide deployments of National Guard troops Local law enforcement — police forces , notably — are mostly members of the same community in which they try to protect and serve , and some do it better than others , obviously ...
They know more about the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you take it to the next level and introduce the National Guard — the National Guard are also men and women from that state .
They interact with the population frequently , whether it 's in military ceremonies around holidays , or whether it 's assisting with big events in the state or if a state has a natural disaster , they show up and they do good work .
So , the people of the state know their National Guard .
And that has a calming influence .
The active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not from among the people of a particular city , generally ... and so I do n't think they have a calming influence .
It 's not their fault , I mean , it 's just the introduction of a force purpose-built and designed for service overseas against our enemies .
And so , you have to be very careful about the introduction of that force .
They 're very highly disciplined , and they 're well-trained , but they 're not a calming influence .
They should only be used , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremis situation .
On whether this week 's events made him angry , as retired Gen. Jim Mattis , said they did him All of us try to stay as far away from politics as we can .
And equally , we try not to make our successor 's jobs any more difficult than they already are .
Personally , I would never use such a characteristic to describe the activities that occur in Washington , D.C. ... You 'll often hear tossed around , this idea that we live in unprecedented times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe it .
We do — we live in unprecedented times .
There are some of my peers that have decided they could n't sit on the sidelines any longer .
Just as I 'm concerned about the use of the military in these kind of scenarios and the effect it would have on the relationship [ with civilians ] , I also worry deeply about the relationship of our elected officials with senior military leaders because of this .
We just have to be very careful about how we talk about each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this interview for the Web .

Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Condemns Trump's Threat To Use Military At Protests
Enlarge this image toggle caption Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
In rare public comments, the former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Ret. Gen. Martin Dempsey condemned Trump's threat to use military force to suppress nationwide protests as "dangerous" and "very troubling," in an interview with NPR on Thursday.
"The idea that the president would take charge of the situation using the military was troubling to me," Gen. Dempsey said.
No Time for Spectators The Lessons That Mattered Most from West Point to the West Wing by Martin E. Dempsey Hardcover, 224 pages | purchase close overlay Buy Featured Book Your purchase helps support NPR programming. How?
On Monday, President Trump levied the possibility of engaging federal troops in response to the demonstrators' unrest triggered by the death of George Floyd, who was killed last week while he was in police custody.
"If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents," Trump warned governors and mayors in the White House Rose Garden, "then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them."
The retired general said military involvement should be reserved for "conflict in external wars."
"The idea that the military would be called in to dominate and to suppress what, for the most part, were peaceful protests — admittedly, where some had opportunistically turned them violent — and that the military would somehow come in and calm that situation was very dangerous to me," he said.
The retired general isn't the first among top military brass to break with the president on this issue. Retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis, Trump's former defense secretary, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper also had stinging words for Trump over his call for active-duty troops.
Dempsey draws on his insight from his four-decade military career in a new book, No Time For Spectators: The Lessons That Mattered Most From West Point To The West Wing.
As the United States confronts multiple crises, Dempsey offers some advice about how to lead at this time.
"We've got to continue to work to develop a sense of belonging among leaders and those who follow them," he said.
Interview Highlights
On why he's speaking out now
There were a couple of things that came on rather quickly. One of them was the description of the challenge with these protests of dominating the battle space. That's a characteristic that we use for conflict in external wars. And I thought, that's not something the American people should think about in terms of when they see members of the military on their streets.
And secondly, the idea that the military would be called in to dominate and to suppress what, for the most part, were peaceful protests — admittedly, where some had opportunistically turned them violent — and that the military would somehow come in and calm that situation was very dangerous to me.
By the way, I should mention, there's no question that the law would allow the use of military in extremis, in an extreme situation, when state governments were either unable to even convene or that when state and local law enforcement were overwhelmed. But none of that seemed to be the case, and so the idea that the president would take charge of the situation using the military was troubling to me.
This idea that we have to maintain a relationship of trust between the American people and its military is important because that is who we are. But also, pragmatically, we have an all-volunteer force and we ask parents across the country to share their sons and daughters with us for a period of military service, and were we to lose the trust and confidence of the American people, it would make sustaining that all volunteer force more than difficult.
On dangers to both democracy and the military
It's the latter that caused me to believe that I needed to make a comment about it — that the relationship between the American people and the military, who they represent and serve, would be adversely affected if this wasn't handled very carefully.
On the difference between the deployment of military troops among American civilians versus the statewide deployments of National Guard troops
Local law enforcement — police forces, notably — are mostly members of the same community in which they try to protect and serve, and some do it better than others, obviously ... They know more about the population and the population knows more about them.
If you take it to the next level and introduce the National Guard — the National Guard are also men and women from that state. They interact with the population frequently, whether it's in military ceremonies around holidays, or whether it's assisting with big events in the state or if a state has a natural disaster, they show up and they do good work. So, the people of the state know their National Guard. And that has a calming influence.
The active military, the federal military, it is not from among the people of a particular city, generally ... and so I don't think they have a calming influence. It's not their fault, I mean, it's just the introduction of a force purpose-built and designed for service overseas against our enemies. And so, you have to be very careful about the introduction of that force. They're very highly disciplined, and they're well-trained, but they're not a calming influence. They should only be used, in my judgment, in truly an extremis situation.
On whether this week's events made him angry, as retired Gen. Jim Mattis, said they did him
All of us try to stay as far away from politics as we can. And equally, we try not to make our successor's jobs any more difficult than they already are. Personally, I would never use such a characteristic to describe the activities that occur in Washington, D.C. ...
You'll often hear tossed around, this idea that we live in unprecedented times. Well, I think we oughta believe it. We do — we live in unprecedented times. There are some of my peers that have decided they couldn't sit on the sidelines any longer. Just as I'm concerned about the use of the military in these kind of scenarios and the effect it would have on the relationship [with civilians], I also worry deeply about the relationship of our elected officials with senior military leaders because of this. We just have to be very careful about how we talk about each other.
NPR's Emma Bowman adapted this interview for the Web.


npr--2020-06-04--Murkowski Struggles With Whether To Support Trump Reelection

Murkowski Struggles With Whether To Support Trump Reelection Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska said Thursday she is n't sure she can support President Trump 's bid for reelection .
`` I think right now as we are , as we are all struggling to ... find ways to express the words that need to be expressed appropriately , questions about who I am going to vote for or not going to vote for , I think are distracting to the moment , '' Murkowski told reporters .
`` I know people might think that 's a dodge , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations that we need to have as an American people amongst ourselves about where we are right now . ''
Within hours the president vowed in a tweet he would campaign against Murkowski in 2022 , when she is up for reelection for her fourth term .
`` Few people know where they 'll be in two years from now , but I do , in the Great State of Alaska ( which I love ) campaigning against Senator Lisa Murkowski , '' the president said .
He added , after pointing out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get any candidate ready , good or bad , I do n't care , I 'm endorsing .
If you have a pulse , I 'm with you ! ''
The comments about the president came on the same day Murkowski shared effusive praise for former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis ' blistering review of Trump in The Atlantic .
`` I thought Gen. Mattis 's words were true and honest and necessary and overdue , '' Murkowski told the The Washington Post on Thursday .
Later Thursday , Murkowski delivered an impassioned floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She did not include any specific comments about the president .
A split emerged has inside the GOP on Capitol Hill the day after Mattis ' comments calling the Trump presidency divisive .
Republicans are also facing a growing chorus of former and current military leaders — including Defense Secretary Mark Esper — expressing concerns with Trump 's recent response to the protests across the country .
Esper on Wednesday said he was opposed to invoking the Insurrection Act , or using the military to respond to protests set off by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American man who died last month after being restrained by Minneapolis police .
That was a public break with the president , who threatened to use that power earlier this week .
Republicans , including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , came to Esper 's defense on Thursday as concerns grew his job could now be in jeopardy .
`` I think he 's doing an excellent job , '' McConnell told NPR .
As for Mattis , McConnell declined to comment .
Aside from Murkowski , Sen. Mitt Romney of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shied away from Trump disagreements , also praised Mattis for his reproach of the president .
`` Gen. Mattis ' letter was stunning and powerful .
Gen. Mattis is a man of extraordinary sacrifice .
He 's an American patriot ; he 's an individual whose judgment I respect , '' Romney said .
`` And I think the world of him .
If I ever had to choose someone to be in a foxhole with , it would be with Gen. Mattis .
What a wonderful man . ''
However , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general , they declined to comment or said they had n't read Mattis ' statements .
`` I have great respect for Gen. Mattis , but I have n't read the piece yet .
I intend to read it today , '' Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , said .
Some Republicans were more direct in their disagreements with Mattis while also expressing praise for his time as defense secretary .
Mattis stepped down from his post in December 2018 following a disagreement with Trump over the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my words , so that 's not the way I would describe a very difficult time in our country , '' Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Fla. , said of the Mattis column .
`` I have great respect for Gen. Mattis , and he is certainly entitled to his opinion . ''
Others Republicans echoed Rubio 's sentiment , including Sens .
John Cornyn of Texas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin .
`` He has every right to express his opinion , that 's his opinion , '' said Johnson , declining to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's job should n't be in jeopardy and said he agreed with the defense secretary 's comments that the military should n't be used to respond to protests .
`` I do n't want to see ... U.S. soldiers , they 're not trained to do that kind of work , '' Rubio said .
`` I think we should rely on the National Guard and before that and on police departments locally to handle the unrest . ''
Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , a Trump ally , also defended Esper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the line .
`` I think he 's doing a good job as secretary , and I support him staying there , '' he said .
`` I think he probably reflected where the Pentagon is at '' in his comments .
Sen. Kevin Cramer , R-N.D. , a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee , said Esper 's comments were `` way overblown . ''
But he said he was n't sure how secure Esper 's job is now .
`` As you know , Donald Trump does n't hesitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's necessary , but I think Mark Esper has been a very good secretary , and I would hope he would be able to stay , '' Cramer said .
Other Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee , such as Sens .
Joni Ernst of Iowa and Tom Cotton of Arkansas , declined to comment .

Murkowski Struggles With Whether To Support Trump Reelection
Enlarge this image toggle caption Toni L. Sandys/AP Toni L. Sandys/AP
Updated at 8:41 p.m. ET
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska said Thursday she isn't sure she can support President Trump's bid for reelection.
"I think right now as we are, as we are all struggling to ... find ways to express the words that need to be expressed appropriately, questions about who I am going to vote for or not going to vote for, I think are distracting to the moment," Murkowski told reporters.
"I know people might think that's a dodge, but I think there are, there are important conversations that we need to have as an American people amongst ourselves about where we are right now."
Within hours the president vowed in a tweet he would campaign against Murkowski in 2022, when she is up for reelection for her fourth term.
"Few people know where they'll be in two years from now, but I do, in the Great State of Alaska (which I love) campaigning against Senator Lisa Murkowski," the president said.
He added, after pointing out times she disagreed with him, "Get any candidate ready, good or bad, I don't care, I'm endorsing. If you have a pulse, I'm with you!"
The comments about the president came on the same day Murkowski shared effusive praise for former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' blistering review of Trump in The Atlantic.
"I thought Gen. Mattis's words were true and honest and necessary and overdue," Murkowski told the The Washington Post on Thursday.
Later Thursday, Murkowski delivered an impassioned floor speech about inequality struggles still facing Americans. She did not include any specific comments about the president.
A split has emerged inside the GOP on Capitol Hill the day after Mattis' comments calling the Trump presidency divisive. Republicans are also facing a growing chorus of former and current military leaders — including Defense Secretary Mark Esper — expressing concerns with Trump's recent response to the protests across the country.
Esper on Wednesday said he was opposed to invoking the Insurrection Act, or using the military to respond to protests set off by the case of George Floyd, the African American man who died last month after being restrained by Minneapolis police. That was a public break with the president, who threatened to use that power earlier this week. Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., came to Esper's defense on Thursday as concerns grew his job could now be in jeopardy.
"I think he's doing an excellent job," McConnell told NPR.
As for Mattis, McConnell declined to comment.
Aside from Murkowski, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, another Republican who hasn't shied away from Trump disagreements, also praised Mattis for his reproach of the president.
"Gen. Mattis' letter was stunning and powerful. Gen. Mattis is a man of extraordinary sacrifice. He's an American patriot; he's an individual whose judgment I respect," Romney said. "And I think the world of him. If I ever had to choose someone to be in a foxhole with, it would be with Gen. Mattis. What a wonderful man."
However, while several GOP senators praised the retired Marine general, they declined to comment or said they hadn't read Mattis' statements.
"I have great respect for Gen. Mattis, but I haven't read the piece yet. I intend to read it today," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said.
Some Republicans were more direct in their disagreements with Mattis while also expressing praise for his time as defense secretary. Mattis stepped down from his post in December 2018 following a disagreement with Trump over the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Syria and Afghanistan.
"Those aren't my words, so that's not the way I would describe a very difficult time in our country," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said of the Mattis column. "I have great respect for Gen. Mattis, and he is certainly entitled to his opinion."
Others Republicans echoed Rubio's sentiment, including Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
"He has every right to express his opinion, that's his opinion," said Johnson, declining to comment further.
Rubio said that Esper's job shouldn't be in jeopardy and said he agreed with the defense secretary's comments that the military shouldn't be used to respond to protests.
"I don't want to see ... U.S. soldiers, they're not trained to do that kind of work," Rubio said. "I think we should rely on the National Guard and before that and on police departments locally to handle the unrest."
Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Trump ally, also defended Esper and said his job shouldn't be on the line.
"I think he's doing a good job as secretary, and I support him staying there," he said. "I think he probably reflected where the Pentagon is at" in his comments.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Esper's comments were "way overblown." But he said he wasn't sure how secure Esper's job is now.
"As you know, Donald Trump doesn't hesitate to make changes if he thinks it's necessary, but I think Mark Esper has been a very good secretary, and I would hope he would be able to stay," Cramer said.
Other Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee, such as Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Tom Cotton of Arkansas, declined to comment.


npr--2020-06-04--No Names, No Insignias: Democrats Call For Anonymous Policing Of Protests To End

No Names , No Insignias : Democrats Call For Anonymous Policing Of Protests To End When Russian-speaking troops showed up in Ukraine six years ago , they were dubbed `` little green men '' : armed forces whose green fatigues bore neither insignia nor identification .
A similar genre of unidentified , armed personnel clad in insignia-free uniforms has appeared policing street protests in Washington , D.C. , in recent days , and Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers about just who these anonymous enforcers are .
`` Some officers have refused to provide identification and have been deployed without identifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote Thursday in a letter to President Trump .
`` The practice of officers operating with full anonymity undermines accountability , ignites government distrust and suspicion , and is counter to the principle of procedural justice and legitimacy during this precarious moment in our nation 's history . ''
Pelosi requested that Trump provide her with `` a full list of the agencies involved and clarifications of the roles and responsibilities of the troops and federal law enforcement resources operating in the city . ''
In the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Christopher Murphy announced Thursday they are cosponsoring a bill `` requiring unidentified law enforcement officers and members of the Armed Forces to clearly identify themselves and their agency or service while they are engaged in crowd control or arresting individuals involved in civil disobedience or protests in the United States.
`` `` President Trump is trying to intimidate peaceful protestors by having unidentified and unaccountable federal law enforcement officers and members of the Armed Forces roam the streets of DC , '' Murphy wrote in an emailed statement .
`` The United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by dictators of other countries , and its use here directly threatens our democracy . ''
Northern Virginia House Democrat Don Beyer , who is also drafting a bill to end anonymous law enforcement , sees local laws being overridden by the federal government 's response to unrest in the nation 's capital .
`` DC police are required by law to wear badges that must be visible 'even if wearing riot gear , ' `` Beyer tweeted .
`` But because Trump called in federal agencies to crack down on peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital once again are treated as second class citizens . ''
The District of Columbia 's code specifically calls for `` enhanced identification '' of the city 's police officers assigned to demonstrations , particularly for those suited in riot gear .
During a video conference with reporters on Thursday , Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal was told by a reporter that some BOP agents who had been sent to the street protests in Washington had been instructed not to identify themselves as working for the federal government .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Prisons personnel being told not to identify themselves , '' Carvajal replied .
`` What I attribute that to is probably the fact that we normally operate within the confines of our institution , and we do n't need to identify ourselves . ''
`` I probably should have done a better job of marking them nationally as the agency , '' he added , referring to the Special Operations Response Teams deployed to the capital whose uniforms lacked any identification .
`` The point is well taken . ''
But Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same event , defended the failure on the part of some of the federal agents he dispatched to the protests to identify themselves .
`` In the federal system , we do n't wear badges with our names — I mean the agents do n't wear badges with their names and stuff like that , which many civilian police agents , I mean non-federal police agencies , do , '' Barr told reporters .
`` I can understand why some of these individuals simply would n't want to talk to people about who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , was the case . ''

Democrats Call For Anonymous Policing Of Protests To End
Enlarge this image toggle caption Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
When Russian-speaking troops showed up in Ukraine six years ago, they were dubbed "little green men": armed forces whose green fatigues bore neither insignia nor identification.
A similar genre of unidentified, armed personnel clad in insignia-free uniforms has appeared policing street protests in Washington, D.C., in recent days, and Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers about just who these anonymous enforcers are.
"Some officers have refused to provide identification and have been deployed without identifying insignias, badges and name plates," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote Thursday in a letter to President Trump. "The practice of officers operating with full anonymity undermines accountability, ignites government distrust and suspicion, and is counter to the principle of procedural justice and legitimacy during this precarious moment in our nation's history."
Pelosi requested that Trump provide her with "a full list of the agencies involved and clarifications of the roles and responsibilities of the troops and federal law enforcement resources operating in the city."
In the Senate, Minority leader Chuck Schumer and Connecticut Democrat Christopher Murphy announced Thursday they are cosponsoring a bill "requiring unidentified law enforcement officers and members of the Armed Forces to clearly identify themselves and their agency or service while they are engaged in crowd control or arresting individuals involved in civil disobedience or protests in the United States. "
"President Trump is trying to intimidate peaceful protestors by having unidentified and unaccountable federal law enforcement officers and members of the Armed Forces roam the streets of DC," Murphy wrote in an emailed statement. "The United States would normally condemn this tactic if used by dictators of other countries, and its use here directly threatens our democracy."
Northern Virginia House Democrat Don Beyer, who is also drafting a bill to end anonymous law enforcement, sees local laws being overridden by the federal government's response to unrest in the nation's capital.
"DC police are required by law to wear badges that must be visible 'even if wearing riot gear,' " Beyer tweeted. "But because Trump called in federal agencies to crack down on peaceful protests, people in the nation's capital once again are treated as second class citizens."
The District of Columbia's code specifically calls for "enhanced identification" of the city's police officers assigned to demonstrations, particularly for those suited in riot gear.
During a video conference with reporters on Thursday, Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal was told by a reporter that some BOP agents who had been sent to the street protests in Washington had been instructed not to identify themselves as working for the federal government.
"I'm not aware of any specific Bureau of Prisons personnel being told not to identify themselves," Carvajal replied. "What I attribute that to is probably the fact that we normally operate within the confines of our institution, and we don't need to identify ourselves."
"I probably should have done a better job of marking them nationally as the agency," he added, referring to the Special Operations Response Teams deployed to the capital whose uniforms lacked any identification. "The point is well taken."
But Attorney General Bill Barr, speaking at the same event, defended the failure on the part of some of the federal agents he dispatched to the protests to identify themselves.
"In the federal system, we don't wear badges with our names — I mean the agents don't wear badges with their names and stuff like that, which many civilian police agents, I mean non-federal police agencies, do," Barr told reporters. "I can understand why some of these individuals simply wouldn't want to talk to people about who they are, if that, in fact, was the case."