usatoday--2020-06-08--'I don't want to be a hashtag': A look back at a turbulent week in DC as told by protesters

WASHINGTON — For 10 straight days , protesters marched and rallied through the streets of the nation ’ s capital against racial inequality and police brutality to demand justice for those killed by police , particularly George Floyd , a black man who died on Memorial Day after a white Minneapolis police officer held his knee on his neck for almost nine minutes .
The District ’ s tumultuous week included President Donald Trump and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser clashing over a significantly increased military presence , along with law enforcement forcibly removing peaceful protesters Monday from Lafayette Square , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the president posing with a Bible .
More : Americans ' perceptions of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue , survey finds By Saturday night , the military and police presence appeared to shrink and Trump on Sunday tweeted he ordered the National Guard to leave the city .
USA TODAY spoke with several protesters throughout the week .
Here is what they said about demonstrating in Washington .
'Love everybody that don ’ t look like you' During a brief pause between music playing and protesters chanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention of protesters standing at the police perimeter lining the edges of Lafayette Square .
With her 6-year-old daughter holding a “ Black Lives Matter ” sign and standing by her side , Kelly spoke for about five minutes about the responsibility she said parents , particularly white parents , have in discussing race and privilege with their children .
“ Everybody that ’ s out here , if you ’ re white , just because your baby is a baby do not mean you can not explain what ’ s going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one of several Busboys and Poets restaurants told the crowd .
The local chain also functions as a community gathering space in the Washington , D.C.-area for activism , culture and art and was named to honor poet Langston Hughes .
“ Love everybody that don ’ t look like you , ” Kelly told the crowd .
When Kelly finished what she described as a “ spur-of-the-moment ” speech , protesters cheered around her as she caught her breath .
She said it was her first day protesting because of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attend her first protest .
“ I ’ m proud to see people showing up for this cause , ” Kelly said about protesting racial injustice and police brutality .
“ It ’ s emotional for me , but I ’ m excited because we have to start somewhere .
So to see that , it ’ s beautiful .
And I ’ m just so glad my daughter gets to experience it.
” Rev .
Lesley Krauland , of St. Luke 's Episcopal Church in Bethesda , Md.
, gathered with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Episcopal Church next to Lafayette Square , where law enforcement used chemical irritants against peaceful protesters Monday just before President Trump ’ s visit to the church , where a fire had been started in the basement the night before .
She — like Bishop Mariann Budde , the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington — criticized the use of force against protesters and said Trump was “ abusing his position.
” She joined the protesters to lend her support to the city and its black communities and to honor George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the oldest parishes and is in the center of the city , ” Krauland said about the 205-year-old church .
“ It has significant symbolic value , but more than anything , it has spiritual value .
It ’ s not a place for photo ops.
” The church is across the street from Lafayette Square and a block north of the White House .
Since its first service in 1816 , every U.S. president has attended a service there , according to the church ’ s website , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Presidents.
” Following Trump ’ s photos in front of the church , Bishop Budde slammed the president for utilizing the Bible and church “ as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.
” And Krauland said she wanted to publicly stand with Budde , too .
'Mommy , we can not sit at home' Eleven-year-old Jeremiah Badgett — who lives in Waldorf , Md.
, a Washington suburb — begged his parents to take him to D.C. ’ s protest Sunday “ because of George Floyd.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she also wanted to go , but she and his father were concerned about his safety at the protest because he uses a wheelchair .
So they told him they ’ d take a couple of days to craft a plan first .
“ He said , ‘ Mommy , we can not sit at home , ’ ” Danielle said Tuesday while standing with protesters near the police perimeter around Lafayette Square .
“ He gave me the courage to come , and that says a lot .
If he had his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here every day.
” When asked what he hopes happens as a result of the protests , Jeremiah said : “ The police officer gets arrested.
” Initially , former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin , who knelt on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly nine minutes , was the only one charged after Floyd ’ s death .
But Wednesday , Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the charges were upped to now include second-degree murder .
Three other officers were also newly charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hashtag' Malaika Simmons , a 24-year-old black queer woman , wasn ’ t planning on speaking to the hundreds of people at a queer and trans rally and march Saturday at Dupont Circle in the heart of northwest Washington .
But as rally leaders and participants passed the megaphone around , she said she felt safe and compelled to speak out in a specifically black , queer space .
“ People who look like me are slain and murdered every day just because of the color of their skin and gone stereotypes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Simmons said , reading from a previously posted Instagram caption she wrote .
“ I don ’ t want to be a hashtag .
You know why ?
I want to be able to live and feel safe and not have to worry about racist police officers profiling me , ” she said .
Simmons , a lifelong D.C. resident , said people encouraged her and others to take the megaphone .
“ It ’ s amazing that all these people came to this specific rally to show they support and want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Simmons said after her speech .
“ And that just goes to show the power of social media in rallying people to come to this event and making sure we ’ re affirming and lifting up organizers who are black and queer .
And this means their word has gotten out.
” 'We just wanted to be a part of this' Trumpet player Jay Carnegie , a church musician , said he and his Crush Funk Brass bandmates planned to set up Thursday on the corner of 16th Street , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Church , and play for protesters as they marched by .
What he said he didn ’ t expect was dozens of people stopping in their tracks to hear the group perform .
“ We just wanted to be a part of this , ” said 38-year-old Carnegie , who lives in Maryland and plays the keyboard , piano and organ .
“ We usually perform mostly in D.C. , like on the outskirts of the heart of the city , ” he continued .
“ But today was real critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it , and we decided this is for the people .
We said we wanted to do something to give people a sense of hope and to get everybody ’ s spirits uplifted .
We wanted to bring some positivity to the city.
” Six of the band ’ s seven members performed Thursday evening , and Carnegie said they ’ re marching band alumni who went to historically black colleges like Howard University , Bowie State University and the University of the District of Columbia .
For protesters , their song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ O-o-h Child ” and “ Hallelujah.
” “ We have different repertoires for different occasions , but today is a very , very special day , ” Carnegie said .
“ This is a performance that ’ s near and dear to our hearts .
We felt like it was necessary for us to be out here .
… “ Rioting is one thing , but showing people an alternative — I look at a lot of youth out here , and if I was a youth , I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so this molds what they want to do in their future .
”

'I don’t want to be a hashtag': A look back at a turbulent week in DC as told by protesters
Show Caption Hide Caption Demonstraters continue DC protest of Floyd's death Protestors face off with National Guard troops in the streets of Washington DC on the same day the perimeter around the White House is expanded. (June 3) AP
WASHINGTON — For 10 straight days, protesters marched and rallied through the streets of the nation’s capital against racial inequality and police brutality to demand justice for those killed by police, particularly George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after a white Minneapolis police officer held his knee on his neck for almost nine minutes.
The District’s tumultuous week included President Donald Trump and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser clashing over a significantly increased military presence, along with law enforcement forcibly removing peaceful protesters Monday from Lafayette Square, the block north of the White House, and the president posing with a Bible.
More: Americans' perceptions of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue, survey finds
By Saturday night, the military and police presence appeared to shrink and Trump on Sunday tweeted he ordered the National Guard to leave the city.
USA TODAY spoke with several protesters throughout the week. Here is what they said about demonstrating in Washington.
'Love everybody that don’t look like you'
During a brief pause between music playing and protesters chanting Thursday afternoon, Taji Kelly kept the attention of protesters standing at the police perimeter lining the edges of Lafayette Square.
With her 6-year-old daughter holding a “Black Lives Matter” sign and standing by her side, Kelly spoke for about five minutes about the responsibility she said parents, particularly white parents, have in discussing race and privilege with their children.
“Everybody that’s out here, if you’re white, just because your baby is a baby do not mean you cannot explain what’s going on,” the 28-year-old acting general manager of one of several Busboys and Poets restaurants told the crowd. The local chain also functions as a community gathering space in the Washington, D.C.-area for activism, culture and art and was named to honor poet Langston Hughes.
Kelly had dozens, maybe hundreds (hard to tell) listening to her #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/j6ljuj6l4J — Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 4, 2020
“Love everybody that don’t look like you,” Kelly told the crowd.
When Kelly finished what she described as a “spur-of-the-moment” speech, protesters cheered around her as she caught her breath. She said it was her first day protesting because of work obligations, and her daughter was eager to attend her first protest.
“I’m proud to see people showing up for this cause,” Kelly said about protesting racial injustice and police brutality. “It’s emotional for me, but I’m excited because we have to start somewhere. So to see that, it’s beautiful. And I’m just so glad my daughter gets to experience it.”
'It’s not a place for photo ops'
Reverend Lesley Krauland of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Bethesda said she joined the protests to show support for the DC community and George Floyd and to stand with Bishop Mariann Budde. pic.twitter.com/aYBwllBZd1 — Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 2, 2020
Rev. Lesley Krauland, of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Bethesda, Md., gathered with protesters Tuesday outside St. John’s Episcopal Church next to Lafayette Square, where law enforcement used chemical irritants against peaceful protesters Monday just before President Trump’s visit to the church, where a fire had been started in the basement the night before.
She — like Bishop Mariann Budde, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington — criticized the use of force against protesters and said Trump was “abusing his position.” She joined the protesters to lend her support to the city and its black communities and to honor George Floyd.
“St. John’s is one of the oldest parishes and is in the center of the city,” Krauland said about the 205-year-old church. “It has significant symbolic value, but more than anything, it has spiritual value. It’s not a place for photo ops.”
The church is across the street from Lafayette Square and a block north of the White House. Since its first service in 1816, every U.S. president has attended a service there, according to the church’s website, which describes it as “the Church of the Presidents.”
Following Trump’s photos in front of the church, Bishop Budde slammed the president for utilizing the Bible and church “as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.” And Krauland said she wanted to publicly stand with Budde, too.
'Mommy, we cannot sit at home'
This is 11yo Jeremiah Badgett, who said he convinced his parents to come to the protests “because of George Floyd.”
When asked what he hopes happens as a result of the protests, he said: “The police officer gets arrested.” pic.twitter.com/HsM5zKbAnN — Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 2, 2020
Eleven-year-old Jeremiah Badgett — who lives in Waldorf, Md., a Washington suburb — begged his parents to take him to D.C.’s protest Sunday “because of George Floyd.”
His mother, Danielle Badgett, said she also wanted to go, but she and his father were concerned about his safety at the protest because he uses a wheelchair. So they told him they’d take a couple of days to craft a plan first.
“He said, ‘Mommy, we cannot sit at home,’” Danielle said Tuesday while standing with protesters near the police perimeter around Lafayette Square. “He gave me the courage to come, and that says a lot. If he had his way, we’d be out here every day.”
When asked what he hopes happens as a result of the protests, Jeremiah said: “The police officer gets arrested.”
Initially, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, was the only one charged after Floyd’s death. But Wednesday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the charges were upped to now include second-degree murder. Three other officers were also newly charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
'I don’t want to be a hashtag'
“It’s amazing that all these people came to this specific rally to show they support and want to protect black queer and trans folks,” she told me after. #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/7wFmNmRXtq — Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 6, 2020
Malaika Simmons, a 24-year-old black queer woman, wasn’t planning on speaking to the hundreds of people at a queer and trans rally and march Saturday at Dupont Circle in the heart of northwest Washington. But as rally leaders and participants passed the megaphone around, she said she felt safe and compelled to speak out in a specifically black, queer space.
“People who look like me are slain and murdered every day just because of the color of their skin and gone stereotypes prescribed on us through the media,” Simmons said, reading from a previously posted Instagram caption she wrote.
“I don’t want to be a hashtag. You know why? I want to be able to live and feel safe and not have to worry about racist police officers profiling me,” she said.
Simmons, a lifelong D.C. resident, said people encouraged her and others to take the megaphone.
“It’s amazing that all these people came to this specific rally to show they support and want to protect black queer and trans folks,” Simmons said after her speech. “And that just goes to show the power of social media in rallying people to come to this event and making sure we’re affirming and lifting up organizers who are black and queer. And this means their word has gotten out.”
'We just wanted to be a part of this'
Trumpet player Jay Carnegie, a church musician, said he and his Crush Funk Brass bandmates planned to set up Thursday on the corner of 16th Street, on the the same block as St. John’s Church, and play for protesters as they marched by.
What he said he didn’t expect was dozens of people stopping in their tracks to hear the group perform.
“We just wanted to be a part of this,” said 38-year-old Carnegie, who lives in Maryland and plays the keyboard, piano and organ.
“We usually perform mostly in D.C., like on the outskirts of the heart of the city,” he continued. “But today was real critical. We met about it, talked about it, and we decided this is for the people. We said we wanted to do something to give people a sense of hope and to get everybody’s spirits uplifted. We wanted to bring some positivity to the city.”
.@CrushFunk is playing right now on 16th/Eye St. NW. They’ve been out here since at least 5:45ish. Here’s “Let it be” #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/WR3EM3nWXP — Michelle R. Martinelli (@MMartinelli4) June 4, 2020
Six of the band’s seven members performed Thursday evening, and Carnegie said they’re marching band alumni who went to historically black colleges like Howard University, Bowie State University and the University of the District of Columbia.
For protesters, their song list included “Let It Be,” “O-o-h Child” and “Hallelujah.”
“We have different repertoires for different occasions, but today is a very, very special day,” Carnegie said. “This is a performance that’s near and dear to our hearts. We felt like it was necessary for us to be out here. …
“Rioting is one thing, but showing people an alternative — I look at a lot of youth out here, and if I was a youth, I’d want something positive to look up to, so this molds what they want to do in their future.”


usatoday--2020-06-07--Colin Powell says Trump rhetoric 'dangerous for our democracy,' will vote for Biden

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says that he will once again not vote for Donald Trump , calling the president 's approach to politics `` dangerous for our democracy '' and asserting that Trump has `` drifted away '' from the Constitution .
Powell publicly said he would vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and he plans to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden , who clinched the Democratic nomination last week , in November .
`` I 'm very close to Joe Biden in a social matter and on a political matter .
I have worked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Powell told CNN 's `` State of the Union '' on Sunday .
`` And he is now the candidate , and I will be voting for him . ''
Powell , a retired four-star Army general , joins a growing list of former senior military officials who have denounced Trump , including a wave of condemnation last week that was sparked by Trump 's walk to St. John 's Episcopal Church after National Guard members helped drive protesters from the area around the White House .
More : Americans ' perceptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as protests continue , survey finds Trump 's former secretary of defense , retired Gen. Jim Mattis , said in a statement he was `` appalled '' by Trump 's handling of the protests that have followed the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer held him down with a knee on his neck .
`` 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
Trump 's former chief of staff , retired Gen. John Kelly , said in an interview that he agreed with Mattis .
`` I think we need to look harder at who we elect , '' Kelly said .
`` I think we should look at people that are running for office and put them through the filter : What is their character like ?
What are their ethics ? ''
Joe Biden : Democratic campaign seizes on opportunity to contrast Trump 's 'law and order ' message Retired Marine Corps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day Trump walked to the church , `` may well signal the beginning of the end of the American experiment . ''
Powell said he was happy to see the former military officials speaking out against the president .
`` I 'm proud that they were willing to take the risk of speaking honestly and speaking truth to those who are not speaking the truth , '' he said .
`` We have a Constitution .
And we have to follow that Constitution .
And the president has drifted away from it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need to issue a statement because he made his feeling about Trump clear four years ago when it became `` clear that I could not possibly vote for this individual . ''
`` The first thing that troubled me is the whole birthers movement .
And birthers movement had to do with the fact that the president of the United States , President Obama , was a black man .
That was part of it , '' Powell said of Trump 's denial that Obama was an American citizen in the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And then I was deeply troubled by the way in which he was going around insulting everybody , insulting Gold Star mothers , insulting John McCain , insulting immigrants –and I 'm the son of immigrants – insulting anybody who dared to speak against him .
`` And that is dangerous for our democracy .
It is dangerous for our country .
And I think what we 're seeing now , the most massive protest movement I have ever seen in my life , I think this suggests that the country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not going to put up with it anymore . ''
Powell added that Trump `` lies , '' a word `` I never would have used with any of the four presidents I have worked for . ''
`` He lies about things .
And he gets away with it because people will not hold him accountable , '' Powell said .
In a tweet shortly after Powell 's interview aired , Trump said called Powell – the first African-American to serve as secretary of state and chairman of the joint chiefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and touted his own accomplishments in office .
Polls : Americans disapprove of Trump response to George Floyd death and protests Last week , President George W. Bush said in a statement that is was crucial that the protesters be heard .
And without mentioning Trump by name , denounced those who would try to silence them .
Condoleeza Rice , who served in Bush 's Cabinet along with Powell , declined Sunday to say on CBS News ' `` Face the Nation '' whether she planned to vote for Trump , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the language of unity , the language of empathy . ''
`` You have to speak to every American , not just to those who might agree with you .
And you have to speak about the deep wounds that we have and that we 're going to overcome them , '' Rice said .
`` Leaders at this particular point need to do everything that they can to overcome , not intensify our divisions . ''
Contributing : Deirdre Shesgreen and Nicholas Wu ; The Associated Press

Colin Powell says Trump rhetoric 'dangerous for our democracy,' will vote for Biden
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: 'the nation needs law and order' President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the nation needs "law and order" and defended his walk to a Washington, DC church after protesters were dispersed from the area. (June 4) AP
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says that he will once again not vote for Donald Trump, calling the president's approach to politics "dangerous for our democracy" and asserting that Trump has "drifted away" from the Constitution.
Powell publicly said he would vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and he plans to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden, who clinched the Democratic nomination last week, in November.
"I'm very close to Joe Biden in a social matter and on a political matter. I have worked with him for 35, 40 years," Powell told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "And he is now the candidate, and I will be voting for him."
Powell, a retired four-star Army general, joins a growing list of former senior military officials who have denounced Trump, including a wave of condemnation last week that was sparked by Trump's walk to St. John's Episcopal Church after National Guard members helped drive protesters from the area around the White House.
More: Americans' perceptions of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue, survey finds
Trump's former secretary of defense, retired Gen. Jim Mattis, said in a statement he was "appalled" by Trump's handling of the protests that have followed the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer held him down with a knee on his neck.
"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," Mattis wrote.
Trump's former chief of staff, retired Gen. John Kelly, said in an interview that he agreed with Mattis.
"I think we need to look harder at who we elect," Kelly said. "I think we should look at people that are running for office and put them through the filter: What is their character like? What are their ethics?"
Joe Biden: Democratic campaign seizes on opportunity to contrast Trump's 'law and order' message
Retired Marine Corps four-star general John Allen, said the day Trump walked to the church, "may well signal the beginning of the end of the American experiment."
Powell said he was happy to see the former military officials speaking out against the president.
"I'm proud that they were willing to take the risk of speaking honestly and speaking truth to those who are not speaking the truth," he said.
"We have a Constitution. And we have to follow that Constitution. And the president has drifted away from it."
Powell said he did not feel the need to issue a statement because he made his feeling about Trump clear four years ago when it became "clear that I could not possibly vote for this individual."
"The first thing that troubled me is the whole birthers movement. And birthers movement had to do with the fact that the president of the United States, President Obama, was a black man. That was part of it," Powell said of Trump's denial that Obama was an American citizen in the face of evidence proving that he was.
"And then I was deeply troubled by the way in which he was going around insulting everybody, insulting Gold Star mothers, insulting John McCain, insulting immigrants –and I'm the son of immigrants – insulting anybody who dared to speak against him.
"And that is dangerous for our democracy. It is dangerous for our country. And I think what we're seeing now, the most massive protest movement I have ever seen in my life, I think this suggests that the country is getting wise to this, and we're not going to put up with it anymore."
Powell added that Trump "lies," a word "I never would have used with any of the four presidents I have worked for."
"He lies about things. And he gets away with it because people will not hold him accountable," Powell said.
In a tweet shortly after Powell's interview aired, Trump said called Powell – the first African-American to serve as secretary of state and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff – "highly overrated" and touted his own accomplishments in office.
Polls: Americans disapprove of Trump response to George Floyd death and protests
Somebody please tell highly overrated Colin Powell that I will have gotten almost 300 Federal Judges approved (a record), Two Great Supreme Court Justices, rebuilt our once depleted Military, Choice for Vets, Biggest Ever Tax & Regulation Cuts, Saved Healthcare & 2A, & much more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2020
Hours later, Trump tweeted about Powell again and what he called a "pathetic interview" with CNN.
"In his time, he was weak & gave away everything to everybody – so bad for the USA," Trump said, without elaborating.
"Also got the 'weapons of mass destruction' totally wrong, and you know what that mistake cost us? Sad!" Trump said.
Powell said in 2011 he "deeply regrets" advocating for the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq based on flawed intelligence about Saddam Hussein's weapons program and considers it a "blot" on his record.
Last week, President George W. Bush said in a statement that is was crucial that the protesters be heard. And without mentioning Trump by name, denounced those who would try to silence them.
Condoleeza Rice, who served in Bush's Cabinet along with Powell, declined Sunday to say on CBS News' "Face the Nation" whether she planned to vote for Trump, but she said the president should "speak in the language of unity, the language of empathy."
"You have to speak to every American, not just to those who might agree with you. And you have to speak about the deep wounds that we have and that we're going to overcome them," Rice said. "Leaders at this particular point need to do everything that they can to overcome, not intensify our divisions."
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen and Nicholas Wu; The Associated Press
'National disgrace': Colin Powell slams Trump in hacked emails


usatoday--2020-06-08--Republican Sen. Mitt Romney joins George Floyd protest near White House: 'We need to stand up and sa

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney joined a group of protesters Sunday near the White House , becoming the latest politician to rally in the wake of the death of George Floyd and one of the most prominent Republicans .
While marching , Romney told an NBC reporter , `` We need a voice against racism .
We need many voices against racism and against brutality .
We need to stand up and say that black lives matter . ''
The former Republican presidential candidate reiterated those comments to a Washington Post reporter .
He also tweeted two pictures of himself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One shows him walking with the protesters .
The other is a selfie .
The photos are captioned , `` Black Lives Matter . ''
NBC and The Washington Post reported the protest Romney joined was a march of nearly 1,000 Christians near the White House .
Other lawmakers , including Democratic Sens .
Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren , have also recently joined protests against racial inequality and police brutality following the death of Floyd on Memorial Day in Minneapolis .
While Romney is not the first Republican to join a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , marched in Houston on Tuesday — his participation garnered immediate praise from Democrats .
California Rep. Eric Swalwell thanked Romney for being at the protest .
`` We haven ’ t seen a lot of GOP courage in 2020 , but you have consistently shown it , '' he tweeted .
Harris tweeted video of Romney at the protest and said , `` We need more of this . ''
Floyd died while in police custody .
Four now-fired officers have been charged in connection to his death after Derek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-degree murder , pressed his knee into Floyd 's neck for nearly nine minutes after responding to a call regarding an alleged counterfeit $ 20 bill .
From coast to coast : Tracking protests across the USA in the wake of George Floyd 's death The three other former officers have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder .
A county medical examiner and an independent autopsy commissioned by Floyd 's family ruled Floyd 's death a homicide .
Floyd 's death has sparked protests nationwide , though some protests have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers who have used tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters .
Senate Democrats on Thursday held a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds — the amount of time Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd 's neck .
'How do we end systemic racism ? '
George W. Bush says George Floyd 's death reveals America 's 'tragic failures' Romney on May 30 tweeted , `` The George Floyd murder is abhorrent . ''
He called for peaceful protests while saying `` violence drowns the message of the protestors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Saturday , Romney tweeted a photo of his father participating in a Civil Rights march .
Representatives for Romney did not immediately respond to USA TODAY 's requests for comment on Sunday night .

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney joins George Floyd protest near White House: 'We need to stand up and say that black lives matter'
Show Caption Hide Caption Peaceful protests honor George Floyd George Floyd's family has called for protests in his honor to be peaceful, and many of them around the world are. USA TODAY, Associated Press
Utah Sen. Mitt Romney joined a group of protesters Sunday near the White House, becoming the latest politician to rally in the wake of the death of George Floyd and one of the most prominent Republicans.
While marching, Romney told an NBC reporter, "We need a voice against racism. We need many voices against racism and against brutality. We need to stand up and say that black lives matter."
The former Republican presidential candidate reiterated those comments to a Washington Post reporter. He also tweeted two pictures of himself, wearing a mask, at the protest. One shows him walking with the protesters. The other is a selfie. The photos are captioned, "Black Lives Matter."
NBC and The Washington Post reported the protest Romney joined was a march of nearly 1,000 Christians near the White House.
Other lawmakers, including Democratic Sens. Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, have also recently joined protests against racial inequality and police brutality following the death of Floyd on Memorial Day in Minneapolis.
While Romney is not the first Republican to join a protest — Texas Rep. Will Hurd, for example, marched in Houston on Tuesday — his participation garnered immediate praise from Democrats.
California Rep. Eric Swalwell thanked Romney for being at the protest.
"We haven’t seen a lot of GOP courage in 2020, but you have consistently shown it," he tweeted.
Harris tweeted video of Romney at the protest and said, "We need more of this."
Floyd died while in police custody. Four now-fired officers have been charged in connection to his death after Derek Chauvin, who has been charged with second-degree murder, pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes after responding to a call regarding an alleged counterfeit $20 bill.
From coast to coast: Tracking protests across the USA in the wake of George Floyd's death
The three other former officers have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. A county medical examiner and an independent autopsy commissioned by Floyd's family ruled Floyd's death a homicide.
Floyd's death has sparked protests nationwide, though some protests have seen violence both from looters and from police officers who have used tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters.
Senate Democrats on Thursday held a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds — the amount of time Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck.
'How do we end systemic racism?' George W. Bush says George Floyd's death reveals America's 'tragic failures'
Romney on May 30 tweeted, "The George Floyd murder is abhorrent." He called for peaceful protests while saying "violence drowns the message of the protestors and mocks the principles of justice."
On Saturday, Romney tweeted a photo of his father participating in a Civil Rights march.
Representatives for Romney did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's requests for comment on Sunday night.


usatoday--2020-06-09--Barr contradicts Trump's claim he went to the White House bunker to inspect it, rejects calls to def

WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr said the Secret Service recommended that President Donald Trump go down to the White House bunker because protests outside the executive mansion had escalated , contradicting claims by the president that he went underground for an inspection .
Last week , Trump dismissed as `` false '' news reports that the Secret Service rushed him to the bunker as protests over the death of George Floyd escalated outside the White House gates .
But in an interview Monday with Fox News host Bret Baier , Barr said : `` Things were so bad that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to the bunker .
We ca n't have that in our country . ''
Barr also rejected calls to defund police departments , saying punishing an entire agency over the actions of individual officers is both `` dangerous '' and `` wrong . ''
Trump and the bunker : Says he went 'for a tiny little short period ' to 'inspect , ' not because of protests '' I understand , given the history of racial injustice , in this country why the African American community ... would view the ghastly events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in police departments , '' Barr said .
But , the attorney general added , police chiefs and rank-and-file officers understand the need for change .
`` And I think it 's dangerous to demonize the police . ''
Barr 's remarks come as Minneapolis and other major cities have taken steps to either dismantle or cut chunks of funding from police agencies .
Those steps follow Floyd 's death in police custody , after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
That touched off days of protests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using excessive force on protesters and other citizens .
Perceptions of police : Americans ' views drop significantly in one week as protests continue , survey finds Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti vowed to cut as much as $ 150 million that was part of a planned increase in the police department ’ s budget , and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the city would move funding from the NYPD to youth initiatives and social services , while keeping the city safe .
In Minneapolis , a veto-proof majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its police department , despite Mayor Jacob Frey ’ s desire to make changes without breaking up the embattled police force .
Barr said officials have to be `` very careful '' before advocating for the dismantling of entire police organizations .
`` If you pull back the police from these communities there will be , there will be more harm done in these communities , '' Barr told Fox News , citing a recent violent weekend in Chicago during which dozens were shot .
Barr also likened the wholesale condemnation of police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the black community .
Just as African Americans are treated the same way because of the color of their skin , police departments are unfairly condemned because of the actions of a few , he said .
`` We have , generally speaking , excellent police forces in the United States .
... We want to be judged by what we do as individuals , '' Barr said .

Barr contradicts Trump's claim he went to the White House bunker to inspect it, rejects calls to defund police
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr said the Secret Service recommended that President Donald Trump go down to the White House bunker because protests outside the executive mansion had escalated, contradicting claims by the president that he went underground for an inspection.
Last week, Trump dismissed as "false" news reports that the Secret Service rushed him to the bunker as protests over the death of George Floyd escalated outside the White House gates.
But in an interview Monday with Fox News host Bret Baier, Barr said: "Things were so bad that the Secret Service recommended the president go down to the bunker. We can't have that in our country."
Barr also rejected calls to defund police departments, saying punishing an entire agency over the actions of individual officers is both "dangerous" and "wrong."
Trump and the bunker: Says he went 'for a tiny little short period' to 'inspect,' not because of protests
"I understand, given the history of racial injustice, in this country why the African American community ... would view the ghastly events in Minneapolis as manifestations of institutional racism in police departments," Barr said. But, the attorney general added, police chiefs and rank-and-file officers understand the need for change. "And I think it's dangerous to demonize the police."
Barr's remarks come as Minneapolis and other major cities have taken steps to either dismantle or cut chunks of funding from police agencies. Those steps follow Floyd's death in police custody, after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. That touched off days of protests that also saw reports and videos of police using excessive force on protesters and other citizens.
Perceptions of police: Americans' views drop significantly in one week as protests continue, survey finds
Barr said he favors banning chokehold tactics.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti vowed to cut as much as $150 million that was part of a planned increase in the police department’s budget, and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the city would move funding from the NYPD to youth initiatives and social services, while keeping the city safe.
In Minneapolis, a veto-proof majority of the City Council committed to dismantling its police department, despite Mayor Jacob Frey’s desire to make changes without breaking up the embattled police force.
Barr said officials have to be "very careful" before advocating for the dismantling of entire police organizations.
"If you pull back the police from these communities there will be, there will be more harm done in these communities," Barr told Fox News, citing a recent violent weekend in Chicago during which dozens were shot.
Barr also likened the wholesale condemnation of police departments to the "legitimate grievances" of the black community. Just as African Americans are treated the same way because of the color of their skin, police departments are unfairly condemned because of the actions of a few, he said.
"We have, generally speaking, excellent police forces in the United States. ... We want to be judged by what we do as individuals," Barr said.
Contributing: Ryan Miller, Michael Collins and David Jackson.


usatoday--2020-06-09--DC police chief says weekend George Floyd protests were 'exclusively without violence'

WASHINGTON – Police Chief Peter Newsham said anti-police brutality protests in the nation 's capital this weekend were free of the violence that marred demonstrations a week earlier .
Sunday marked the 10th day of demonstrations in the city since George Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes .
The unarmed African American man 's death from the actions of a white police officer brought the simmering outrage over other such instances to a boil , and protests broke out in cities around the U.S .
Some of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people hurled items at police , set stores and cars on fire and robbed or vandalized shops .
But the demonstrations have been peaceful for the past week , even as the size of the demonstrating crowd reached new heights .
`` As anticipated , this weekend we experienced the largest crowds – particularly on Saturday – that we 've seen so far .
There were tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators in the city , '' Newsham told reporters at a news briefing Monday .
Polls : Americans disapprove of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsham added that he had heard a news report on the radio say the protests had been `` largely without violence . ''
`` I would correct that statement and say , 'exclusively without violence . '
'' Newsham said that after 427 protest-related arrests from May 29 to June 2 , there were just three since June 3 .
President Donald Trump threatened on June 1 to use active-duty troops to quell the protests and `` dominate the streets . ''
And he accused some governors of being `` weak '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After a week without violent incidents , Trump announced Sunday that he was ordering the National Guard to leave Washington , `` now that everything is under perfect control . ''
Although most of the violence in Washington had already stopped , Attorney General William Barr on June 1 ordered National Park Police , National Guard members and other security forces to clear the area around the White House of protesters before Trump walked to St. John 's Episcopal Church , which had been damaged the night before , where he posed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful protesters being physically forced out of Lafayette Square drew wide condemnation .
Retired Gen. James Mattis , who served as Trump 's first secretary of defense , slammed the president in an extraordinary statement that accused him of trying to divide Americans and threatening the militarize the response .
`` We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser objected to the deployment of National Guard members in the city without her request and after she had rejected offers of assistance from other states .
At Monday 's briefing , Bowser said the National Guard members from outside Washington would be gone by Tuesday .
Who 's in charge ?
: National Guard troops surge into DC for George Floyd protests '' There was a critical mass of people here that were bent on destruction , '' Bowser said when asked why she thought the protests had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` After Monday , when we saw federal forces move on American people , there was a critical mass of people who were bent on making sure that would never happen again .
And the people bent on destruction were outnumbered and probably left . ''
Newsham said more demonstrations were expected and the city was prepared .
`` We anticipate more demonstrations as the days move forward throughout this week and we stand prepared to facilitate the peaceful demonstrations that we 've seen in recent days , '' Newsham said .

DC police chief says weekend George Floyd protests were 'exclusively without violence'
Show Caption Hide Caption Black Lives Matter banner painted on road leading to White House Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser also renamed a portion of the busy road Black Lives Matter Plaza. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – Police Chief Peter Newsham said anti-police brutality protests in the nation's capital this weekend were free of the violence that marred demonstrations a week earlier.
Sunday marked the 10th day of demonstrations in the city since George Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The unarmed African American man's death from the actions of a white police officer brought the simmering outrage over other such instances to a boil, and protests broke out in cities around the U.S.
Some of those protests turned violent. In Washington, some people hurled items at police, set stores and cars on fire and robbed or vandalized shops. But the demonstrations have been peaceful for the past week, even as the size of the demonstrating crowd reached new heights.
"As anticipated, this weekend we experienced the largest crowds – particularly on Saturday – that we've seen so far. There were tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators in the city," Newsham told reporters at a news briefing Monday.
Polls: Americans disapprove of Trump response to George Floyd death and protests
Newsham added that he had heard a news report on the radio say the protests had been "largely without violence."
"I would correct that statement and say, 'exclusively without violence.'"
Newsham said that after 427 protest-related arrests from May 29 to June 2, there were just three since June 3.
President Donald Trump threatened on June 1 to use active-duty troops to quell the protests and "dominate the streets." And he accused some governors of being "weak" for not cracking down harder on the demonstrators.
After a week without violent incidents, Trump announced Sunday that he was ordering the National Guard to leave Washington, "now that everything is under perfect control."
Although most of the violence in Washington had already stopped, Attorney General William Barr on June 1 ordered National Park Police, National Guard members and other security forces to clear the area around the White House of protesters before Trump walked to St. John's Episcopal Church, which had been damaged the night before, where he posed holding a Bible.
Colin Powell: Trump rhetoric 'dangerous for our democracy'
The scenes of peaceful protesters being physically forced out of Lafayette Square drew wide condemnation. Retired Gen. James Mattis, who served as Trump's first secretary of defense, slammed the president in an extraordinary statement that accused him of trying to divide Americans and threatening the militarize the response.
"We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers. 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 wrote.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser objected to the deployment of National Guard members in the city without her request and after she had rejected offers of assistance from other states.
At Monday's briefing, Bowser said the National Guard members from outside Washington would be gone by Tuesday.
Who's in charge?: National Guard troops surge into DC for George Floyd protests
"There was a critical mass of people here that were bent on destruction," Bowser said when asked why she thought the protests had remained peaceful for the past week. "After Monday, when we saw federal forces move on American people, there was a critical mass of people who were bent on making sure that would never happen again. And the people bent on destruction were outnumbered and probably left."
Newsham said more demonstrations were expected and the city was prepared.
"We anticipate more demonstrations as the days move forward throughout this week and we stand prepared to facilitate the peaceful demonstrations that we've seen in recent days," Newsham said.


usatoday--2020-06-08--Donald Trump bashes Mitt Romney again, this time over a Black Lives Matter march

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump began his week Monday by making fun of Republican foe Mitt Romney for participating in a Black Lives Matter protest march on Sunday .
`` Tremendous sincerity , what a guy , '' Trump said in a morning tweet .
`` Hard to believe , with this kind of political talent , his numbers would 'tank ' so badly in Utah ! ''
The president – who actually has worse polling numbers than the 2012 GOP presidential nominee – remains angry that Romney was the only Republican senator to vote to convict him on impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contentious relationship , even though Trump interviewed Romney for the secretary of state right after the 2016 presidential election .
The latest jab from Trump come as he takes criticism over his reactions to the nationwide protests of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who held his knee on Floyd 's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds .
The president has repeatedly called for `` law and order , '' and at one point considered calling in the U.S. military to quell disturbances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions – including a walk to a nearby church that required police to forcefully clear demonstrators from Lafayette Park – has drawn criticism from Republican senators , including Romney .
More : 'Some of his tweets have not been helpful ' : GOP senators criticize Trump 's Floyd protest rhetoric Romney , who marched with a Christian group during demonstrations Sunday in Washington , D.C. , told NBC News it was important to him to be at the protest because `` we need a voice against racism .
We need many voices against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand up and say Black Lives Matter . ''
Romney 's numbers are better in Utah are better than Trump 's are nationally .
A total of 56 % of Utah voters either `` strongly '' or `` somewhat '' approve Romney 's performance , according to a UtahPolicy.com/KUTV 2News poll released last week .
A number of polls who Trump with approval ratings of less than 50 % .
Surveys also show him trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the presidential election set for November .

Donald Trump bashes Mitt Romney again, this time over a Black Lives Matter march
Show Caption Hide Caption Mitt Romney bows head during prayer at Washington protest march Republican Senator Mitt Romney bows his head during a prayer after joining an evangelical group for a protest march in Washington on June 7. Storyful
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump began his week Monday by making fun of Republican foe Mitt Romney for participating in a Black Lives Matter protest march on Sunday.
"Tremendous sincerity, what a guy," Trump said in a morning tweet. "Hard to believe, with this kind of political talent, his numbers would 'tank' so badly in Utah!"
The president – who actually has worse polling numbers than the 2012 GOP presidential nominee – remains angry that Romney was the only Republican senator to vote to convict him on impeachment charges.
The two have long had a contentious relationship, even though Trump interviewed Romney for the secretary of state right after the 2016 presidential election.
Tremendous sincerity, what a guy. Hard to believe, with this kind of political talent, his numbers would “tank” so badly in Utah! https://t.co/KqHsHmSRKo — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2020
The latest jab from Trump come as he takes criticism over his reactions to the nationwide protests of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who held his knee on Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
The president has repeatedly called for "law and order," and at one point considered calling in the U.S. military to quell disturbances in many American cities. His rhetoric and actions – including a walk to a nearby church that required police to forcefully clear demonstrators from Lafayette Park – has drawn criticism from Republican senators, including Romney.
More: How police pushed aside protesters ahead of Trump's controversial church photo
More: 'Some of his tweets have not been helpful': GOP senators criticize Trump's Floyd protest rhetoric
Romney, who marched with a Christian group during demonstrations Sunday in Washington, D.C., told NBC News it was important to him to be at the protest because "we need a voice against racism. We need many voices against racism and against brutality ... We need to stand up and say Black Lives Matter."
Romney's numbers are better in Utah are better than Trump's are nationally. A total of 56% of Utah voters either "strongly" or "somewhat" approve Romney's performance, according to a UtahPolicy.com/KUTV 2News poll released last week.
A number of polls who Trump with approval ratings of less than 50%. Surveys also show him trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the presidential election set for November.


usatoday--2020-06-08--Federal officials seek interview with Prince Andrew as part of Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case

Federal prosecutors issued a formal request to interview Prince Andrew as part of the government 's continuing investigation into accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein , a person familiar with the matter said .
Prosecutors had claimed that the embattled Duke of York failed to respond to earlier Justice Department inquiries .
Lawyers for the prince fired back Monday , claiming that Andrew offered assistance to prosecutors on `` at least three occasions this year . ''
`` Unfortunately , the ( Justice Department ) has reacted to the first two offers by breaching their own confidentiality rules and claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the lawyers said .
`` In doing so , they are perhaps seeking publicity rather than accepting the assistance proffered . ''
In their previous discussions with federal prosecutors , the prince 's lawyers said , they were `` advised ... that the duke is not and has never been a 'target ’ of their criminal investigations into Epstein and that they sought his confidential , voluntary cooperation . ''
The lawyers described Justice 's formal request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty ( MLAT ) as `` disappointing , since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target of the DOJ investigation and has recently repeated his willingness to provide a witness statement . ''
The lawyers did not elaborate on the type of assistance the prince allegedly offered .
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman , the chief federal prosecutor in Manhattan who in January said prosecutors were exploring other options because Andrew had stonewalled investigators , claimed Monday that the prince was again attempting to `` falsely portray '' his interest in cooperating .
Berman did not address the government 's new demand , but he said Andrew has `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help .
About four months ago , Berman said , the prince `` informed us unequivocally ... that he would not come in for such an interview . ''
`` If Prince Andrew is , in fact , serious about cooperating with the ongoing federal investigation , our doors remain open , and we await word of when we should expect him , '' Berman said .
Facing allegations that Epstein once forced a 17-year-old girl to have sex with the prince , Andrew announced in November that he was stepping away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prince and Buckingham Palace cast the allegations as `` false and without any foundation . ''
In a statement announcing the change in his public role , the prince said he continued to `` unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein . ''
`` I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations , if required , '' he said .
Federal authorities continue their investigation into the disgraced financier despite Epstein 's suicide in August in a Manhattan detention center , where he awaited trial on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rich ' : Accusers finally get their say in new Netflix docuseries Andrew 's accuser , Virginia Roberts Giuffre , 36 , asserted that she was forced by Espstein to have sex with Andrew three times when she was a teen .
On those occasions , Giuffre said , she met the prince in New York , the U.S. Virgin Islands and London .
In an interview with the BBC last year , the prince said he had `` no recollection of ever meeting this lady , none whatsoever . ''
Lawyers representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements urging him to fully cooperate with American investigators as they look into Epstein 's alleged trafficking network and his possible associates .
Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to inquiries Monday .
Great Britain 's Home Office declined to comment on whether formal legal assistance had been requested .
Under the terms of the MLAT treaty , Andrew ’ s testimony , if compelled , would take place in the United Kingdom , said David Weinstein , a former federal prosecutor .
`` While the U.S. can request assistance in getting Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give the testimony , he can not be compelled to come to the U.S. to provide testimony , '' Weinstein said .
Does n't remember : Prince Andrew , in 'no holds barred ' interview with BBC , says he does n't remember meeting accuser

Kevin Johnson and Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY

Federal officials seek interview with Prince Andrew as part of Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case
Show Caption Hide Caption Who is Prince Andrew in relation to disgraced Jeffrey Epstein? According to The Guardian, Andrew met Epstein in the 1990s through Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of British media mogul Robert Maxwell. Wochit
Federal prosecutors issued a formal request to interview Prince Andrew as part of the government's continuing investigation into accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, a person familiar with the matter said.
Prosecutors had claimed that the embattled Duke of York failed to respond to earlier Justice Department inquiries.
Lawyers for the prince fired back Monday, claiming that Andrew offered assistance to prosecutors on "at least three occasions this year."
"Unfortunately, the (Justice Department) has reacted to the first two offers by breaching their own confidentiality rules and claiming that the duke has offered zero cooperation," the lawyers said. "In doing so, they are perhaps seeking publicity rather than accepting the assistance proffered."
In their previous discussions with federal prosecutors, the prince's lawyers said, they were "advised ... that the duke is not and has never been a 'target’ of their
criminal investigations into Epstein and that they sought his confidential, voluntary cooperation."
The lawyers described Justice's formal request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) as "disappointing, since the Duke of York is not a target of the DOJ investigation and has recently repeated his willingness to provide a witness statement."
The lawyers did not elaborate on the type of assistance the prince allegedly offered.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman, the chief federal prosecutor in Manhattan who in January said prosecutors were exploring other options because Andrew had stonewalled investigators, claimed Monday that the prince was again attempting to "falsely portray" his interest in cooperating.
Berman did not address the government's new demand, but he said Andrew has "repeatedly declined" prosecutors' requests for help. About four months ago, Berman said, the prince "informed us unequivocally...that he would not come in for such an interview."
"If Prince Andrew is, in fact, serious about cooperating with the ongoing federal investigation, our doors remain open, and we await word of when we should expect him," Berman said.
Facing allegations that Epstein once forced a 17-year-old girl to have sex with the prince, Andrew announced in November that he was stepping away from his public duties as a royal. The prince and Buckingham Palace cast the allegations as "false and without any foundation."
Losing support: Prince Andrew loses corporate sponsors after Epstein scandal
In a statement announcing the change in his public role, the prince said he continued to "unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein."
"I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required," he said.
Federal authorities continue their investigation into the disgraced financier despite Epstein's suicide in August in a Manhattan detention center, where he awaited trial on sex-trafficking charges.
'Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich': Accusers finally get their say in new Netflix docuseries
Andrew's accuser, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, 36, asserted that she was forced by Espstein to have sex with Andrew three times when she was a teen. On those occasions, Giuffre said, she met the prince in New York, the U.S. Virgin Islands and London.
In an interview with the BBC last year, the prince said he had "no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever."
Lawyers representing some of Epstein's other accusers issued statements urging him to fully cooperate with American investigators as they look into Epstein's alleged trafficking network and his possible associates.
Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to inquiries Monday.
Great Britain's Home Office declined to comment on whether formal legal assistance had been requested.
Under the terms of the MLAT treaty, Andrew’s testimony, if compelled, would take place in the United Kingdom, said David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor.
"While the U.S. can request assistance in getting Prince Andrew to voluntarily come to the U.S. to give the testimony, he cannot be compelled to come to the U.S. to provide testimony," Weinstein said.
Doesn't remember: Prince Andrew, in 'no holds barred' interview with BBC, says he doesn't remember meeting accuser


usatoday--2020-06-08--Colin Powell says Trump rhetoric 'dangerous for our democracy,' will vote for Biden

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says that he will once again not vote for Donald Trump , calling the president 's approach to politics `` dangerous for our democracy '' and asserting that Trump has `` drifted away '' from the Constitution .
Powell publicly said he would vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and he plans to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden , who clinched the Democratic nomination last week , in November .
`` I 'm very close to Joe Biden in a social matter and on a political matter .
I have worked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Powell told CNN 's `` State of the Union '' on Sunday .
`` And he is now the candidate , and I will be voting for him . ''
Powell , a retired four-star Army general , joins a growing list of former senior military officials who have denounced Trump , including a wave of condemnation last week that was sparked by Trump 's walk to St. John 's Episcopal Church after National Guard members helped drive protesters from the area around the White House .
More : Americans ' perceptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as protests continue , survey finds Trump 's former secretary of defense , retired Gen. Jim Mattis , said in a statement he was `` appalled '' by Trump 's handling of the protests that have followed the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer held him down with a knee on his neck .
`` 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
Trump 's former chief of staff , retired Gen. John Kelly , said in an interview that he agreed with Mattis .
`` I think we need to look harder at who we elect , '' Kelly said .
`` I think we should look at people that are running for office and put them through the filter : What is their character like ?
What are their ethics ? ''
Joe Biden : Democratic campaign seizes on opportunity to contrast Trump 's 'law and order ' message Retired Marine Corps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day Trump walked to the church , `` may well signal the beginning of the end of the American experiment . ''
Powell said he was happy to see the former military officials speaking out against the president .
`` I 'm proud that they were willing to take the risk of speaking honestly and speaking truth to those who are not speaking the truth , '' he said .
`` We have a Constitution .
And we have to follow that Constitution .
And the president has drifted away from it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need to issue a statement because he made his feeling about Trump clear four years ago when it became `` clear that I could not possibly vote for this individual . ''
`` The first thing that troubled me is the whole birthers movement .
And birthers movement had to do with the fact that the president of the United States , President Obama , was a black man .
That was part of it , '' Powell said of Trump 's denial that Obama was an American citizen in the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And then I was deeply troubled by the way in which he was going around insulting everybody , insulting Gold Star mothers , insulting John McCain , insulting immigrants –and I 'm the son of immigrants – insulting anybody who dared to speak against him .
`` And that is dangerous for our democracy .
It is dangerous for our country .
And I think what we 're seeing now , the most massive protest movement I have ever seen in my life , I think this suggests that the country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not going to put up with it anymore . ''
Powell added that Trump `` lies , '' a word `` I never would have used with any of the four presidents I have worked for . ''
`` He lies about things .
And he gets away with it because people will not hold him accountable , '' Powell said .
In a tweet shortly after Powell 's interview aired , Trump said called Powell – the first African-American to serve as secretary of state and chairman of the joint chiefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and touted his own accomplishments in office .
Polls : Americans disapprove of Trump response to George Floyd death and protests Hours later , Trump tweeted about Powell again and what he called a `` pathetic interview '' with CNN .
`` In his time , he was weak & gave away everything to everybody – so bad for the USA , '' Trump said , without elaborating .
`` Also got the 'weapons of mass destruction ' totally wrong , and you know what that mistake cost us ?
Sad ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he `` deeply regrets '' advocating for the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq based on flawed intelligence about Saddam Hussein 's weapons program and considers it a `` blot '' on his record .
Last week , President George W. Bush said in a statement that is was crucial that the protesters be heard .
And without mentioning Trump by name , denounced those who would try to silence them .
Condoleeza Rice , who served in Bush 's Cabinet along with Powell , declined Sunday to say on CBS News ' `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote for Trump , but she said the president should `` speak in the language of unity , the language of empathy . ''
`` You have to speak to every American , not just to those who might agree with you .
And you have to speak about the deep wounds that we have and that we 're going to overcome them , '' Rice said .
`` Leaders at this particular point need to do everything that they can to overcome , not intensify our divisions . ''
Contributing : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-09--Mitt Romney bows head during prayer at Washington protest march

Republican Senator Mitt Romney bows his head during a prayer after joining an evangelical group for a protest march in @ @ @ @ @

Mitt Romney bows head during prayer at Washington protest march
Republican Senator Mitt Romney bows his head during a prayer after joining an evangelical group for a protest march in Washington on June 7.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-06-09--Donald Trump bashes Mitt Romney again, this time over a Black Lives Matter march


usatoday--2020-06-10--Republicans close to decision on new host city for Trump and the Republican National Convention

WASHINGTON – Republicans are nearing a decision on a new city to host the party 's convention , where they will nominate President Donald Trump for a second term .
Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Tuesday a decision will probably come `` within the next week , '' as party officials continue to tour locations that could host the celebration instead of Charlotte , North Carolina , the original host city .
The RNC backed out of Charlotte last week , saying North Carolina officials could not guarantee full use of their facilities in late August over concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convention is scheduled for Aug. 24 to Aug. 27 .
McDaniel mentioned Oklahoma , Georgia , Florida , Texas and Tennessee as possibilities – in that order .
Among the cities believed to be in the hunt are Oklahoma City ; Tulsa , Oklahoma ; Savannah , Georgia ; Orlando , Florida ; Jacksonville Florida ; Dallas ; Nashville , Tennessee ; Phoenix and Las Vegas .
RNC officials have toured several of these cities over the last week and have trips on tap for Dallas and Phoenix .
With the exception of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican governor who supports – and is lobbying for – their state 's bid to become the new host even amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Democratic mayors of multiple cities have expressed health and cost concerns with an event that could bring tens of thousands of visitors , however .
More : GOP , Democratic conventions face uncertainties around coronavirus , but delegates are still eager McDaniel said Trump `` really wanted '' to have the event in Charlotte , but she accused North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper , a Democrat of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte 's Democratic mayor , Vi Lyles , held off approving a plan for the convention , saying the state would maintain its pandemic-related ban on large gatherings until it is safe , and that they could not guarantee what the situation might look like in late August .
`` The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August , so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people , social distancing and face coverings is a necessity , '' Cooper said .
Republicans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that would allow Trump to address an arena full of supporters like he did four years ago in Cleveland .
`` But everybody is coming to the table , '' McDaniel said .
`` We have all types of states – Oklahoma , Georgia , Florida , Texas , Tennessee – that have come and said we want to host your convention .
We 've been traveling .
We will have to make a decision probably within the next week as to where we 're going to have this celebration . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited North Carolina 's social-distancing rule that prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people in a room .
The law remains in effect during the state 's phased approach to reopen .
In contrast to Republicans , Democrats whose convention is set for Aug. 17 to Aug. 20 in Milwaukee , are openly entertaining a `` virtual '' convention that would limit the number of people visiting the city .
A virtual convention ?
Democrats weigh political challenges in the face of coronavirus As Republicans seek a new convention host city , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and also noted the potential financial toll for governments already strained by the pandemic .
Local cooperation could be needed for police presence , road closures and other accommodations .
Jacksonville , Florida , Mayor Lenny Curry has been the most outspoken Republican city leader pushing for the event .
Curry is former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida , and Gov .
Ron DeSantis , a Trump ally , has aggressively wooed RNC officials as well .
Helping their cause , Florida is a crucial swing state in the 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dallas on Thursday for a campaign fundraiser , giving party leaders a chance to tour the third largest city in Texas .
More : Texas GOP says it would welcome Republican National Convention if NC falters In Orlando , the Democratic mayor of Orange County , Florida , Jerry Demings , voiced opposition to the convention , citing significant cost consideration as a `` big unknown . ''
Demings is married to U.S. Rep. Val Demings , D-Florida , who is among the contenders presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is considering as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Democrat , said the city has `` no money available from us for hosting this event '' and and that its current health protocols would not allow an indoor gathering of that size .
`` Of course , we are not surprised that anybody would want to be here , any national convention '' Cooper said .
`` We look forward to the day when conventions routinely are back in Nashville . ''
But Republican Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee , who has pushed for Nashville to host the convention , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be needed for the convention .
Republican Tennessee lawmakers have said they would consider footing the bill if Nashville ca n't or wo n't .
`` There has n't been a request for that , and I don ’ t expect there to be a request , '' Lee said .

Republicans close to decision on new host city for Trump and the Republican National Convention
Show Caption Hide Caption Ducey talks possibility of AZ hosting Republican National Convention Gov. Doug Ducey talks on June 4, 2020, about the possibility of the Republican National Convention coming to Arizona. Arizona Republic
WASHINGTON – Republicans are nearing a decision on a new city to host the party's convention, where they will nominate President Donald Trump for a second term.
RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Tuesday a decision will probably come "within the next week," as party officials continue to tour locations that could host the celebration instead of Charlotte, North Carolina, the original host city.
The RNC backed out of Charlotte last week, saying North Carolina officials could not guarantee full use of their facilities in late August over concerns about the coronavirus.
The Republican National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 24 to Aug. 27. McDaniel mentioned Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Tennessee as possibilities – in that order.
Among the cities believed to be in the hunt are Oklahoma City; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Savannah, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; Jacksonville Florida; Dallas; Nashville, Tennessee; Phoenix and Las Vegas. RNC officials have toured several of these cities over the last week and have trips on tap for Dallas and Phoenix.
With the exception of Nevada, each is led by a Republican governor who supports – and is lobbying for – their state's bid to become the new host even amid the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic mayors of multiple cities have expressed health and cost concerns with an event that could bring tens of thousands of visitors, however.
More: GOP, Democratic conventions face uncertainties around coronavirus, but delegates are still eager
In an interview on Fox News, McDaniel said Trump "really wanted" to have the event in Charlotte, but she accused North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat of playing "politics." Cooper and Charlotte's Democratic mayor, Vi Lyles, held off approving a plan for the convention, saying the state would maintain its pandemic-related ban on large gatherings until it is safe, and that they could not guarantee what the situation might look like in late August.
"The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August, so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings is a necessity," Cooper said.
Convention changes: Trump won't accept Republican nomination in Charlotte, RNC announces
“We really wanted to have it in North Carolina because [@realDonaldTrump] loves the people of North Carolina, and you have this Democrat governor who really, I think, has played politics and not given us guidelines to prevent us from holding the celebration.” -@GOPChairwoman pic.twitter.com/0j5X9l1YNe — GOP (@GOP) June 9, 2020
Republicans are seeking a "full convention" – one that would allow Trump to address an arena full of supporters like he did four years ago in Cleveland.
"But everybody is coming to the table," McDaniel said. "We have all types of states – Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Tennessee – that have come and said we want to host your convention. We've been traveling. We will have to make a decision probably within the next week as to where we're going to have this celebration."
In retreating from Charlotte, the RNC cited North Carolina's social-distancing rule that prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people in a room. The law remains in effect during the state's phased approach to reopen.
In contrast to Republicans, Democrats whose convention is set for Aug. 17 to Aug. 20 in Milwaukee, are openly entertaining a "virtual" convention that would limit the number of people visiting the city.
A virtual convention? Democrats weigh political challenges in the face of coronavirus
Trump's convention demand comes amid NC virus surge President Donald Trump’s demand for a full-capacity Republican convention in August is putting pressure on North Carolina health officials and local Republicans, as coronavirus cases surge in the host county and statewide. (May 26) AP
As Republicans seek a new convention host city, some mayors have expressed concerns about the coronavirus and also noted the potential financial toll for governments already strained by the pandemic. Local cooperation could be needed for police presence, road closures and other accommodations.
Jacksonville, Florida, Mayor Lenny Curry has been the most outspoken Republican city leader pushing for the event. Curry is former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, and Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Trump ally, has aggressively wooed RNC officials as well. Helping their cause, Florida is a crucial swing state in the 2020 election.
Trump is expected to be in Dallas on Thursday for a campaign fundraiser, giving party leaders a chance to tour the third largest city in Texas.
More: Texas GOP says it would welcome Republican National Convention if NC falters
In Orlando, the Democratic mayor of Orange County, Florida, Jerry Demings, voiced opposition to the convention, citing significant cost consideration as a "big unknown." Demings is married to U.S. Rep. Val Demings, D-Florida, who is among the contenders presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is considering as a running mate.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper, a Democrat, said the city has "no money available from us for hosting this event" and and that its current health protocols would not allow an indoor gathering of that size.
"Of course, we are not surprised that anybody would want to be here, any national convention" Cooper said. "We look forward to the day when conventions routinely are back in Nashville."
But Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who has pushed for Nashville to host the convention, said he doesn't expect state dollars would be needed for the convention. Republican Tennessee lawmakers have said they would consider footing the bill if Nashville can't or won't.
"There hasn't been a request for that, and I don’t expect there to be a request," Lee said.
Contributing: David Jackson, USA TODAY. Natalie Allison, The Tennessean.
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-06-09--Nation's largest police union says it doesn't 'want to protect bad cops' as calls for reform mount

The president of the nation 's largest police union said he was open to a plan for tracking officer misconduct as recommended in legislation proposed by congressional Democrats , but maintained that any agreement hinged on providing officers the right to defend themselves against potentially wrongful allegations .
`` We do n't want to protect bad cops , '' Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes told USA TODAY .
`` We all felt that there are a lot of areas that we could build on .
Due process ( for officers ) is a very big point with us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be at the table working at improving the criminal justice system . ''
But Yoes said that increasing calls for dramatic funding reductions or the dismantling of entire police agencies do not promote needed `` order '' in a nation still reeling from weekslong protests following the brutal death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , who was pinned under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer .
George Floyd 's funeral : His death rocked the world .
He will be buried Tuesday .
`` Picture a society that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Yoes , who took part in Monday 's White House meeting on law enforcement reforms .
`` There needs to be order in our lives . ''
Despite the troubling images of excessive police force from Minneapolis to Buffalo , where an elderly man was pushed to the ground last week and seriously injured by officers , Yoes defended American police as well prepared and `` better trained '' than at any other time in the country .
`` We have never in the history of law enforcement had a better trained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yoes said .
The union chief rejected recent claims by community advocates and law enforcement analysts that collective bargaining agreements had made it increasingly difficult to discipline bad officers , ratcheting up tensions in some communities .
Derek Chauvin , the former Minneapolis officer charged with second degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd 's death , had a long history of complaints from the public before his deadly encounter with Floyd .
Jonathan Smith , executive director of the Washington Lawyers ' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs , said a proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform . ''
`` Far too often , an officer moves from Department to Department and their history does not follow them , '' said Smith , who also served as special litigation chief in the Justice Department 's Civil Rights Division .
But Smith said it was a `` red herring '' for the FOP to condition the creation of a registry on provisions for officer defense .
`` In every jurisdiction , police have a right to present a defense , '' Smith said .
`` It is usually embodied in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service commission statute or rules . ''
'Defund the police ' : What does it mean and why some say 'reform ' is not enough Smith said it was unclear whether sustained national protest would diminish the labor 's substantial power .
`` My guess is that they have a direct line into the White House and the Justice Department and they are exercising their muscle , '' Smith said .
`` They may have less influence with city councils and mayors in some cities . ''
In Florida , a local FOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brevard County Sheriff 's Office pending an internal affairs investigation into the `` unprofessionalism '' of a Facebook post aimed at recruiting recently disciplined officers in Buffalo and Atlanta .
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey described the posts by the officeras `` despicable '' and `` disgusting . ''
Yoes said the FOP , whose members number more than 300,000 officers , was quick to condemn the actions of Chauvin and three other officers charged in Floyd 's death , saying the nation was `` justifiably horrified '' by the death and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers .
`` We can not allow this to define our profession , and the nation 's 800,000 police officers who are making a difference in their communities , '' Yoes said .
Yet Yoes , a captain in the St. Charles Parish , Louisiana , Sheriff 's Office , acknowledged that the recent upheaval has underscored an immediate need to more thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of officer candidates before they are hired .
`` Unions have a role , and that role is to represent people in law enforcement , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we are bound to represent them . ''
Public perceptions : Views of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue , survey finds Although Yoes defended the overall performance of officers , he also conceded that police have been increasingly asked to take on responsibilities for social ills that have little to do with law enforcement .
Large numbers of daily calls for service involve police encounters with the mentally ill and emotionally disturbed .
County jails , Yoes said , have become de facto institutions for the mentally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill inmates in Chicago , Los Angeles and New York jails .
Cook County , Illinois , Sheriff Tom Dart has referred to the `` criminalization '' of mental illness as a `` national disgrace . ''
Isolated , scared : The plight of juveniles locked up during the coronavirus pandemic More recently , Yoes said , officers have been thrust into the midst of the coronavirus pandemic to enforce state shutdown orders that have criminalized activities that would not have drawn a police response under normal circumstances , including breaking up church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits .
`` They showed up everyday and exposed themselves to the threat of COVID-19 , '' Yoes said , adding that 117 officers have succumbed to the virus .
`` Disparaging every law enforcement officer is an injustice . ''
Yoes said labor is largely in agreement with some recent proposals including a ban on the use of chokeholds .
But he said that ban should exclude instances when deadly force may be required , such as when an officer is fighting for life , as outlined in the National Consensus Policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , released in 2017 , was a collaboration involving 11 groups including the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police , the nation 's largest group of police chiefs .
Among other flashpoints in the recent scrutiny of police has centered on the use of surplus equipment provided by the military .
Tear gas vs. Pepper spray : Debate over methods used to clear protesters from Lafayette Square turns political The equipment transfer program was halted by the Obama administration following the high-profile use of battlefield-style equipment during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson , Missouri .
That program was re-started in 2017 by the Trump administration , but Democratic lawmakers have now called for reviving limits on such equipment transfers .
Yoes said that he was not ready to endorse a new prohibition on such gear , saying there is `` a need for hardened equipment . ''
`` I know this equipment has been beneficial and has saved lives , '' he said .
Fact check : Police did destroy a medic area during protests in Asheville , North Carolina

Nation's largest police union says it doesn't 'want to protect bad cops' as calls for reform mount
Show Caption Hide Caption Slew of police kneel with protesters More than 50 Fayetteville, North Carolina police officers in tactical gear knelt with demonstrators at a peaceful protest against the killing of George Floyd. Humankind, USA TODAY
The president of the nation's largest police union said he was open to a plan for tracking officer misconduct as recommended in legislation proposed by congressional Democrats, but maintained that any agreement hinged on providing officers the right to defend themselves against potentially wrongful allegations.
"We don't want to protect bad cops," Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes told USA TODAY. "We all felt that there are a lot of areas that we could build on. Due process (for officers) is a very big point with us. ... We very much want to be at the table working at improving the criminal justice system."
But Yoes said that increasing calls for dramatic funding reductions or the dismantling of entire police agencies do not promote needed "order" in a nation still reeling from weekslong protests following the brutal death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who was pinned under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer.
George Floyd's funeral: His death rocked the world. He will be buried Tuesday.
"Picture a society that doesn't have the police," said Yoes, who took part in Monday's White House meeting on law enforcement reforms. "There needs to be order in our lives."
Despite the troubling images of excessive police force from Minneapolis to Buffalo, where an elderly man was pushed to the ground last week and seriously injured by officers, Yoes defended American police as well prepared and "better trained" than at any other time in the country.
"We have never in the history of law enforcement had a better trained workforce than we have today," Yoes said.
The union chief rejected recent claims by community advocates and law enforcement analysts that collective bargaining agreements had made it increasingly difficult to discipline bad officers, ratcheting up tensions in some communities. Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis officer charged with second degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd's death, had a long history of complaints from the public before his deadly encounter with Floyd.
Jonathan Smith, executive director of the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, said a proposed officer discipline registry represented an "important reform."
"Far too often, an officer moves from Department to Department and their history does not follow them," said Smith, who also served as special litigation chief in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. But Smith said it was a "red herring" for the FOP to condition the creation of a registry on provisions for officer defense.
"In every jurisdiction, police have a right to present a defense," Smith said. "It is usually embodied in either a collective bargaining agreement or public service commission statute or rules."
'Defund the police': What does it mean and why some say 'reform' is not enough
Smith said it was unclear whether sustained national protest would diminish the labor's substantial power.
"My guess is that they have a direct line into the White House and the Justice Department and they are exercising their muscle," Smith said. "They may have less influence with city councils and mayors in some cities."
In Florida, a local FOP chapter president was suspended with pay from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office pending an internal affairs investigation into the "unprofessionalism" of a Facebook post aimed at recruiting recently disciplined officers in Buffalo and Atlanta.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey described the posts by the officeras "despicable" and "disgusting."
Yoes said the FOP, whose members number more than 300,000 officers, was quick to condemn the actions of Chauvin and three other officers charged in Floyd's death, saying the nation was "justifiably horrified" by the death and the "appalling" conduct of the officers.
"We cannot allow this to define our profession, and the nation's 800,000 police officers who are making a difference in their communities," Yoes said.
Yet Yoes, a captain in the St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, Sheriff's Office, acknowledged that the recent upheaval has underscored an immediate need to more thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of officer candidates before they are hired.
"Unions have a role, and that role is to represent people in law enforcement," he said. "We don't hire, but we are bound to represent them."
Public perceptions: Views of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue, survey finds
Although Yoes defended the overall performance of officers, he also conceded that police have been increasingly asked to take on responsibilities for social ills that have little to do with law enforcement.
Large numbers of daily calls for service involve police encounters with the mentally ill and emotionally disturbed. County jails, Yoes said, have become de facto institutions for the mentally ill, noting large populations of mentally ill inmates in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York jails.
Cook County, Illinois, Sheriff Tom Dart has referred to the "criminalization" of mental illness as a "national disgrace."
Isolated, scared: The plight of juveniles locked up during the coronavirus pandemic
More recently, Yoes said, officers have been thrust into the midst of the coronavirus pandemic to enforce state shutdown orders that have criminalized activities that would not have drawn a police response under normal circumstances, including breaking up church services and funeral gatherings that exceeded mandated limits.
"They showed up everyday and exposed themselves to the threat of COVID-19," Yoes said, adding that 117 officers have succumbed to the virus. "Disparaging every law enforcement officer is an injustice."
Yoes said labor is largely in agreement with some recent proposals including a ban on the use of chokeholds. But he said that ban should exclude instances when deadly force may be required, such as when an officer is fighting for life, as outlined in the National Consensus Policy on Use of Force.
The document, released in 2017, was a collaboration involving 11 groups including the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the nation's largest group of police chiefs.
Among other flashpoints in the recent scrutiny of police has centered on the use of surplus equipment provided by the military.
Tear gas vs. Pepper spray: Debate over methods used to clear protesters from Lafayette Square turns political
The equipment transfer program was halted by the Obama administration following the high-profile use of battlefield-style equipment during the response to the 2014 riots in Ferguson, Missouri. That program was re-started in 2017 by the Trump administration, but Democratic lawmakers have now called for reviving limits on such equipment transfers.
Yoes said that he was not ready to endorse a new prohibition on such gear, saying there is "a need for hardened equipment."
"I know this equipment has been beneficial and has saved lives," he said.
Fact check: Police did destroy a medic area during protests in Asheville, North Carolina
Contributing: Florida Today