usatoday--2020-06-10--Jacksonville, Florida, emerges as front-runner for Republican National Convention

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee is zeroing in on Jacksonville , Florida , as the new site for President Donald Trump to accept the party 's nomination , according to two sources briefed on plans of RNC officials .
The RNC backed out of Charlotte , North Carolina , last week after Gov .
Roy Cooper and Mayor Vi Lyles would n't commit to allowing a full convention amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The Washington Post first reported that Republicans `` tentatively settled '' on Jacksonville , citing three unnamed Republican officials .
The Republican National Convention is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will still hold some of the business meetings , RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said , but the committee is looking for another city for the `` celebration . ''
Host city ?
Republicans close to decision on new host city for Trump acceptance speech 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 reopening .
Republicans seek a `` full convention '' – one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arena full of supporters like he did four years ago in Cleveland .
In contrast , Democrats , whose convention is set for Aug. 17 to 20 in Milwaukee , are entertaining a `` virtual '' convention that would limit the number of people visiting the city .
Republicans scrambled to find a replacement and looked at other cities , including Nashville ; Oklahoma City ; Dallas ; Savannah , Georgia ; Orlando , Florida ; and Las Vegas for the event .
RNC officials toured several locations and planned to tour others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premature '' during an appearance on `` The Hugh Hewitt Show '' Wednesday , but she confirmed that the Florida city is the leader .
`` There ’ s a couple more things we need to do before we can announce that , but Jacksonville is absolutely in the front-running position , '' McDaniel said .
Party officials also have a strong interest in Nashville , a source familiar with the RNC 's search said , but they have n't gotten the needed cooperation from leaders to quickly organize the event .
Hurdles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hotel capacity and a sign-off from Trump .
`` That 's obviously the biggest concern we have – hotels in any city , '' McDaniel said .
`` One , we need to lock them up before everybody starts jumping in and trying to get hotel rooms .
We feel like they have a good allotment of hotel rooms .
They 're very inexpensive , which is good .
They 're going to be affordable .
They 're going to be a little further out if it ends up being there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the venue for Trump 's acceptance speech and perhaps speeches by other top Republicans .
“ I ’ m pretty sure that Jacksonville is the location , '' said state Sen. Joe Gruters , who chairs the Florida Republican Party , though stressing it 's `` not 100 % confirmed . ''
He said McDaniel visited Jacksonville this week , along with other top party officials .
“ You send the big dogs in to finalize it and say everything is OK , ” Gruters said .
Jacksonville rose to the top after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Curry , lobbied publicly for the convention as Democratic mayors from other cities raised cost and public health concerns .
Curry is the former chairman of the Florida Republican Party .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , a Republican ally of Trump , also pushed hard for the convention .
Unlike some of the other states that were in the hunt , Florida is a swing state that could prove critical in the election .
Hotel rooms are a challenge for an event that could bring tens of thousands of visitors into Jacksonville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city 's largest and most prominent hotels are `` booked solid '' during the convention dates , fueling more speculation about Jacksonville as the new location .
During the pandemic , Jacksonville is under an emergency order that limits businesses in how they can operate .
Venues such as auditoriums , as well as bars and pubs , must operate at 50 % capacity or below .
Duval County , where Jacksonville is located , has reported 1,824 confirmed coronavirus cases and 54 deaths related to the virus .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slight uptick as testing has increased .
DeSantis press secretary Cody McCloud said the convention is an RNC event and the decision rests with it .
`` Governor DeSantis has been pretty clear that Florida is open for business and we welcome the opportunity to host the Republican National Convention in August , '' McCloud said in a statement .
`` The governor has implemented a safe , smart , step-by-step approach to reopening the state and that effort is ongoing .
Tampa was the last Florida city to host a party convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critics in Jacksonville slammed the possibility of their home hosting the event as rumors swirled Tuesday .
“ NO RNC !
” some chanted at a protest that Curry attended over the death of George Floyd .
Jacksonville NAACP Branch President Isaiah Rumlin warned that the RNC coming to Jacksonville would discredit the progress Curry ’ s administration made through his decision to remove a Confederate statue from a city park this week .
Curry made the move before the protest .
“ Trump doesn ’ t need to come to Jacksonville .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Rumlin said .
“ Although the statues are gone , that ’ s just symbolic .
Racism is still going on .
”

Jacksonville, Florida, emerges as front-runner for Republican National Convention
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump may seek alternative RNC convention location President Donald Trump is weighing his options after threatening to pull the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina in August. Two Republican governors have offered up their states as alternatives. (May 27) AP
WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee is zeroing in on Jacksonville, Florida, as the new site for President Donald Trump to accept the party's nomination, according to two sources briefed on plans of RNC officials.
The RNC backed out of Charlotte, North Carolina, last week after Gov. Roy Cooper and Mayor Vi Lyles wouldn't commit to allowing a full convention amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Washington Post first reported that Republicans "tentatively settled" on Jacksonville, citing three unnamed Republican officials.
The Republican National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 24 to 27. Charlotte will still hold some of the business meetings, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said, but the committee is looking for another city for the "celebration."
Host city? Republicans close to decision on new host city for Trump acceptance speech
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 reopening. Republicans seek a "full convention" – one that would allow Trump to address an arena full of supporters like he did four years ago in Cleveland.
In contrast, Democrats, whose convention is set for Aug. 17 to 20 in Milwaukee, are entertaining a "virtual" convention that would limit the number of people visiting the city.
Republicans scrambled to find a replacement and looked at other cities, including Nashville; Oklahoma City; Dallas; Savannah, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; and Las Vegas for the event. RNC officials toured several locations and planned to tour others.
McDaniel called the Jacksonville news "premature" during an appearance on "The Hugh Hewitt Show" Wednesday, but she confirmed that the Florida city is the leader.
"There’s a couple more things we need to do before we can announce that, but Jacksonville is absolutely in the front-running position," McDaniel said.
Party officials also have a strong interest in Nashville, a source familiar with the RNC's search said, but they haven't gotten the needed cooperation from leaders to quickly organize the event.
Hurdles remain for Jacksonville, including an assurance of hotel capacity and a sign-off from Trump.
"That's obviously the biggest concern we have – hotels in any city," McDaniel said. "One, we need to lock them up before everybody starts jumping in and trying to get hotel rooms. We feel like they have a good allotment of hotel rooms. They're very inexpensive, which is good. They're going to be affordable. They're going to be a little further out if it ends up being there."
If chosen, Jacksonville would be the venue for Trump's acceptance speech and perhaps speeches by other top Republicans.
“I’m pretty sure that Jacksonville is the location," said state Sen. Joe Gruters, who chairs the Florida Republican Party, though stressing it's "not 100% confirmed."
He said McDaniel visited Jacksonville this week, along with other top party officials. “You send the big dogs in to finalize it and say everything is OK,” Gruters said.
Jacksonville rose to the top after the city's mayor, Republican Lenny Curry, lobbied publicly for the convention as Democratic mayors from other cities raised cost and public health concerns. Curry is the former chairman of the Florida Republican Party. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican ally of Trump, also pushed hard for the convention. Unlike some of the other states that were in the hunt, Florida is a swing state that could prove critical in the election.
Jacksonville Mayor offers to host GOP convention Jacksonville, Florida Mayor Lenny Curry says if the Republican National Convention needs a new location this summer, his city will be ready. President Trump has threatened to move the convention out of Charlotte, North Carolina. (May 27) AP
Hotel rooms are a challenge for an event that could bring tens of thousands of visitors into Jacksonville. First Coast News reported some of the city's largest and most prominent hotels are "booked solid" during the convention dates, fueling more speculation about Jacksonville as the new location.
During the pandemic, Jacksonville is under an emergency order that limits businesses in how they can operate. Venues such as auditoriums, as well as bars and pubs, must operate at 50% capacity or below.
Duval County, where Jacksonville is located, has reported 1,824 confirmed coronavirus cases and 54 deaths related to the virus. The number of reported cases in Florida is on a slight uptick as testing has increased.
DeSantis press secretary Cody McCloud said the convention is an RNC event and the decision rests with it.
"Governor DeSantis has been pretty clear that Florida is open for business and we welcome the opportunity to host the Republican National Convention in August," McCloud said in a statement. "The governor has implemented a safe, smart, step-by-step approach to reopening the state and that effort is ongoing.
Tampa was the last Florida city to host a party convention, the Republicans in 2012.
Trump critics in Jacksonville slammed the possibility of their home hosting the event as rumors swirled Tuesday.
“NO RNC!” some chanted at a protest that Curry attended over the death of George Floyd.
Jacksonville NAACP Branch President Isaiah Rumlin warned that the RNC coming to Jacksonville would discredit the progress Curry’s administration made through his decision to remove a Confederate statue from a city park this week. Curry made the move before the protest.
“Trump doesn’t need to come to Jacksonville. We don’t need him here,” Rumlin said. “Although the statues are gone, that’s just symbolic. Racism is still going on.”
Contributing: David Jackson, USA TODAY; Christopher Hong, Emily Bloch, Florida Times-Union; John Kennedy, Gannett Florida Capital Bureau


usatoday--2020-06-10--'The question is so troubling': Pompeo on defense over Trump administration's response to protests

WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday trumpeted the United States as a beacon of `` freedom '' and `` democratic values '' across the globe , but quickly found himself on the defensive over the Trump administration 's response to the nationwide protests at home sparked by the killing of George Floyd .
Pompeo lashed out at a reporter who pressed him on the White House 's decision to forcibly remove peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square , and how that squared with his condemnations of China for its sweeping crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Pompeo said , because it assumes a `` a moral equivalency between '' what happens in the United States and what happens in China and other authoritarian countries .
`` They repress their people , and they bludgeon their people , and they burn down their religious facilities , and they deny journalists – you all – a chance to ask a question of a secretary of state , '' Pompeo said .
Floyd ’ s death has put American diplomats in an awkward position , amid a backlash over boasts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands for action on human rights abuses abroad .
Take this example from the Democratic Republic of the Congo : “ Dear ambassador , your country is shameful , ” a prominent businessman there wrote in a tweet directed to Mike Hammer , the U.S. ambassador stationed in that country .
“ Proud America , which went through everything from segregation to the election of Barack Obama , still hasn ’ t conquered the demons of racism .
How many black people must be killed by white police officers before authorities react seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disturbed by Floyd 's death .
`` Law enforcement must be held accountable worldwide .
No one is above the law , '' he said .
In Hong Kong , Chief Executive Carrie Lam accused the United States of a “ double standard ” for blasting China 's attempts to stifle Hong Kong protests while taking a hard line on the protesters in the US .
And when the State Department 's chief spokeswoman accused the Chinese Communist Party of `` flagrantly '' violating the rights of the people of Hong Kong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-world retort : '' I ca n't breathe , '' Hua Chunying tweeted .
Those were among Floyd 's last words as the police officer held him down on the street .
Even America 's strongest allies have struggled to defend the U.S. and Trump 's rhetoric toward the protesters .
The most viral example came last week when Canada 's prime minister , Justin Trudeau , was asked for his reaction to Trump ’ s threat to use military troops against the protesters and the forcible clearing of Lafayette Square .
Trudeau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an awkward silence filling the air as he seemed literally speechless .
“ We all watch in horror and consternation ( at ) what ’ s going on in the United States , ” he finally responded .
Pompeo said American diplomats can be `` proud '' that they represent a country where officials are held accountable `` when something as tragic and as awful as what happened to George Floyd takes place '' and a `` wide-open '' debate can unfold about what reforms are needed in response .
Pompeo 's remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he unveiled the State Department 's annual report on religious freedom around the world .
The report outlines cases of government-sponsored religious persecution .
In the weeks since Floyd died , after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes while he gasped for air , thousands of Americans across the country have participated in protests demanding an end to racism and police brutality against African Americans .
President Donald Trump initially responded by calling violent protesters `` thugs '' and demanding that governors to `` dominate '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He even threatened to send in active-duty troops to respond to the protests .
Although the protests have been largely peaceful , there was some rioting and vandalism during the initial demonstrations over Floyd 's death .
Trump later labeled himself an ally of the protesters , although the White House has not outlined any specific proposal to address their demands .
And during a speech in which Trump called himself a `` law and order '' president , police outside the White House used smoke canisters , pepper balls and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the president walked to historic St. John 's Church .
As the protests continue to unfold , some law enforcement officers have attacked peaceful protesters , as well as reporters covering the events .
Pompeo cast himself as a champion of the free press when asked about incidents in which reporters have been arrested or assaulted by law enforcement officers .
`` I have worked for journalists to have the right to say whatever the heck they want to , '' he said .
Pompeo acknowledged that some foreign reporters based in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers during the protests and said he was working with their home countries to make sure those cases were investigated .
In one case , an Australian cameraman was assaulted near the White House , and that country 's ambassador immediately sought the State Department 's help in filing a complaint .
`` Those countries should know we will we will handle them in a completely appropriate way , '' Pompeo said .
The U.S. Park Police said on June 3 that two officers involved in that incident have been assigned to administrative @ @ @ @ @

'The question is so troubling': Pompeo on defense over Trump administration's response to protests
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: US will end Hong Kong 'special treatment' President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will sanction Chinese officials responsible for eroding the autonomy of Hong Kong and begin the process of ending Hong Kong's special trade benefits because of Beijing's moves to assert control over city. (May 29) AP
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday trumpeted the United States as a beacon of "freedom" and "democratic values" across the globe, but quickly found himself on the defensive over the Trump administration's response to the nationwide protests at home sparked by the killing of George Floyd.
Pompeo lashed out at a reporter who pressed him on the White House's decision to forcibly remove peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square, and how that squared with his condemnations of China for its sweeping crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
"The question is so troubling," Pompeo said, because it assumes a "a moral equivalency between" what happens in the United States and what happens in China and other authoritarian countries.
"They repress their people, and they bludgeon their people, and they burn down their religious facilities, and they deny journalists – you all – a chance to ask a question of a secretary of state," Pompeo said.
Floyd’s death has put American diplomats in an awkward position, amid a backlash over boasts of American exceptionalism and the Trump administration's demands for action on human rights abuses abroad. Take this example from the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
“Dear ambassador, your country is shameful,” a prominent businessman there wrote in a tweet directed to Mike Hammer, the U.S. ambassador stationed in that country. “Proud America, which went through everything from segregation to the election of Barack Obama, still hasn’t conquered the demons of racism. How many black people must be killed by white police officers before authorities react seriously?”
Hammer responded he was deeply disturbed by Floyd's death.
"Law enforcement must be held accountable worldwide. No one is above the law," he said.
In Hong Kong, Chief Executive Carrie Lam accused the United States of a “double standard” for blasting China's attempts to stifle Hong Kong protests while taking a hard line on the protesters in the US.
And when the State Department's chief spokeswoman accused the Chinese Communist Party of "flagrantly" violating the rights of the people of Hong Kong, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman issued a three-world retort:
"I can't breathe," Hua Chunying tweeted. Those were among Floyd's last words as the police officer held him down on the street.
Even America's strongest allies have struggled to defend the U.S. and Trump's rhetoric toward the protesters. The most viral example came last week when Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, was asked for his reaction to Trump’s threat to use military troops against the protesters and the forcible clearing of Lafayette Square.
Trudeau paused for a full 21 seconds, an awkward silence filling the air as he seemed literally speechless. “We all watch in horror and consternation (at) what’s going on in the United States,” he finally responded.
Pompeo said American diplomats can be "proud" that they represent a country where officials are held accountable "when something as tragic and as awful as what happened to George Floyd takes place" and a "wide-open" debate can unfold about what reforms are needed in response.
Pompeo's remarks came at a news conference in which he unveiled the State Department's annual report on religious freedom around the world. The report outlines cases of government-sponsored religious persecution.
In the weeks since Floyd died, after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes while he gasped for air, thousands of Americans across the country have participated in protests demanding an end to racism and police brutality against African Americans.
President Donald Trump initially responded by calling violent protesters "thugs" and demanding that governors to "dominate" the streets to quell the civil unrest. He even threatened to send in active-duty troops to respond to the protests. Although the protests have been largely peaceful, there was some rioting and vandalism during the initial demonstrations over Floyd's death.
Trump later labeled himself an ally of the protesters, although the White House has not outlined any specific proposal to address their demands. And during a speech in which Trump called himself a "law and order" president, police outside the White House used smoke canisters, pepper balls and other means to force protesters from the area before the president walked to historic St. John's Church.
As the protests continue to unfold, some law enforcement officers have attacked peaceful protesters, as well as reporters covering the events. Pompeo cast himself as a champion of the free press when asked about incidents in which reporters have been arrested or assaulted by law enforcement officers.
"I have worked for journalists to have the right to say whatever the heck they want to," he said.
Pompeo acknowledged that some foreign reporters based in Washington had been attacked by law enforcement officers during the protests and said he was working with their home countries to make sure those cases were investigated. In one case, an Australian cameraman was assaulted near the White House, and that country's ambassador immediately sought the State Department's help in filing a complaint.
"Those countries should know we will we will handle them in a completely appropriate way," Pompeo said. The U.S. Park Police said on June 3 that two officers involved in that incident have been assigned to administrative duties pending an investigation.


usatoday--2020-06-10--From coastal cities to rural towns, breadth of George Floyd protests – most peaceful – captured by d

WASHINGTON – Since President Donald Trump 's election , mass demonstrations have largely been concentrated in major cities .
The Women ’ s March , for example , has drawn massive crowds in Washington , D.C. , and other metropolitan areas in the past three years .
In 2018 , thousands took to the streets to support the special counsel investigation on Russia .
But the death of George Floyd , a black man whose neck was pinned to the ground under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer , sparked the most widespread mass demonstrations in recent memory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , crowds large and small – from rural towns , to suburbs , to big coastal cities – gathered to protest racial injustice and police brutality against African Americans .
The vast majority – 80 % – appeared to be peaceful , according to new research that contradicts the emphasis the White House has often put on the instances of looting and rioting .
As of Tuesday , more than 970 protests had taken place in about 400 cities and towns across the country , according to research conducted by the marketing firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago and Oxford .
Where they are : Tracking protests across the USA in the wake of George Floyd 's death '' The numbers and the breadth are actually pretty impressive , '' said Chris Jackson , senior vice president at Ipsos .
`` We 're seeing these protests happening in all 50 states .
...
It 's not just the big cities ; it 's towns across the board .
And the large majority of these protests have been peaceful protests . ''
Trump , who has described himself as a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical of the protesters and has urged authorities to `` dominate '' the streets , including in discussions with governors in which he accused them of being `` weak '' in their responses .
Researchers scraped social media feeds to identify where protests were occurring on a given day and then cross-referenced them against news reports , satellite imagery and Google Street View for verification .
Researches also used cellphone aggregate data to find large gatherings of people .
Jackson said gatherings that were not captured on social media were n't included in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think this is necessarily the total of everything that 's happened .
...
This is the best picture we can get in this period in time , '' Jackson said , adding that the data will continue to change as protests continue .
A separate analysis by USA TODAY , which relied on local news coverage , found widespread demonstrations in more than 1,000 places across all 50 states .
Surprisingly , Jackson said , protests were occurring even in solidly or moderately conservative places where police abuse of black people is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nebraska , Montana , Wyoming and the Dakotas – predominantly white and solidly red states that do n't normally deal with issues involving racial injustice – each saw a handful of largely peaceful demonstrations .
Nebraska may be mostly white , but it has one of the fastest-growing foreign born populations , said Sergio Wals , who teaches at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln ’ s political science department and its Institute for Ethnic Studies .
The local school ’ s English Language Learning Program teaches children from families representing about 150 different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests in Lincoln and other parts of the state may reflect the growing diversity .
But many people were also just moved by the brutality they saw in the video of Floyd being held down by officers , Wals said .
“ Whomever watched those painful eight minutes and 46 seconds , that ’ s just the trigger , that ’ s just the tipping point for a lot of people , ” he said .
Also poignant , he added , was a televised scene during the protests in Lincoln when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the steps of the Capitol for nine minutes .
“ That was a very powerful image of a glimpse of change we might just be about to see , ” Wals said .
More : Republican Sen. Mitt Romney joins George Floyd protest near White House : 'We need to stand up and say that black lives matter' Protests were widespread in Southern states such as Louisiana , Alabama and Mississippi , where the issue of race has long been at the forefront .
But states such as Virginia and West Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , urban centers .
The protests are a reflection of how much has changed in a relatively short time .
In 2014 , only about 4 in 10 people saw the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson , Missouri , and Eric Garner in New York as indicative of broader problems in policing .
Today , nearly 7 in 10 Americans said Floyd 's death reflects broader issues , according to a Washington Post-Schar School poll .
`` This is just the culmination of a lot of history , '' said Tamara Herold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council at the University of Nevada , Las Vegas .
`` It 's tied to the larger issue of racism which affects all of our political and government systems . ''
Protests over Floyd 's death continued as his funeral was held Tuesday .
Derek Chauvin , the white officer who held his knee on Floyd 's neck , is facing a second-degree murder charge .
Three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting .
National media coverage has largely focused on major cities , where peaceful protests were marred by looting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of arrests .
In Minneapolis , USA TODAY reporters witnessed small groups , dressed in black , carrying shields and wearing knee pads , destroy property and threaten journalists who photographed them .
In Washington , D.C. , tensions rose between the federal and municipal governments over how to police the protests , as Trump discussed deploying active-duty forces .
Thousands – among the largest crowds seen since protests began in May – took to the streets on Saturday , simultaneously marching and protesting in different parts of the nation 's capital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely peaceful , although hundreds were arrested .
A police officer who was captured on video shoving a woman is facing assault and other charges .
More than 300 miles north , in Buffalo , police officers were suspended and charged with second-degree assault after a viral video showed them pushing a 75-year-old man to the ground .
Terry Madonna , director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania , called the protests “ the largest we ’ ve had in modern history.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the dominant aspect of American politics is police and police reform.
” Herold , the director of the Crowd Management Research Council , said the scope is reminiscent of the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s but it ’ s difficult to compare .
The size , location and other details of the past events were not documented the way today ’ s actions are , she said .
Herold sees some factors not present in past movements that likely contributed to the size and scope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , for example , more people are unemployed or working from home , making it easier for them to participate .
People are also wearing masks .
Those who study the dynamics of crowds say a sense of anonymity encourages more violent or disruptive behavior .
Herold said that could contribute to the fact that about one in five of the recent protests had observable violence or damage , according to Ipsos .
“ I think this number is a little bit higher than you would anticipate , ” Herold said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are peaceful .
Very few ever involve violence.
” The top battleground states of Pennsylvania , Michigan , Wisconsin and Florida that will likely decide the 2020 presidential election saw protests not only in their largest cities but also in more conservative parts of the states .
“ If there was a rock-ribbed Republican area in Michigan , it ’ s West Michigan , ” said David Dulio , director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University .
But on Sunday , more than 400 people marched in Holland to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Silence is violence , ” read the sign of one protester , a white woman who joined others in front of Holland ’ s city hall .
Other parts of Western Michigan where there were protests included Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo , one of the areas recently targeted by a liberal group hoping to weaken Trump ’ s support with seniors and small-town , rural voters .
The ads in American Bridge ’ s “ Swing County Project , ” feature voters who backed Trump in 2016 and now support Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dulio said communities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are becoming more diverse and Michigan is mirroring most of the country in its breadth of protests .
But , he added , the members of the congressional delegation who represent swing districts are being pressured by Republicans to say whether they back calls to “ defund the police.
” “ That ’ s something that they ’ re going to have to confront , ” Dulio said .
“ I think it was significant that Joe Biden said he ’ s not on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats some cover.
” More : Joe Biden comes out against 'defund the police ' push amid mounting attacks from Trump after George Floyd protests Jackson , of Ipsos , said it 's too early to tell whether the protests will lead to a boost in turnout this fall .
`` You can also make the argument that people participating in these protests are so disillusioned that they do n't show up , '' he said .
In Pennsylvania , where the Republican speaker of the House this week called for a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are moving so quickly that it ’ s hard to know what will happen next , Madonna said .
“ We ’ re going through a period of tremendous change , ” he said .
“ How it all works out right now is anybody ’ s guess.
” Perceptions change : Americans ' views of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue , survey finds

Maureen Groppe and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

From coastal cities to rural towns, breadth of George Floyd protests – most peaceful – captured by data
Show Caption Hide Caption Voices from outside George Floyd's memorial service in Minneapolis People share their feelings as they pay their respects to the life of George Floyd outside his family's memorial service in Minneapolis. Jasper Colt, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Since President Donald Trump's election, mass demonstrations have largely been concentrated in major cities. The Women’s March, for example, has drawn massive crowds in Washington, D.C., and other metropolitan areas in the past three years. In 2018, thousands took to the streets to support the special counsel investigation on Russia.
But the death of George Floyd, a black man whose neck was pinned to the ground under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, sparked the most widespread mass demonstrations in recent memory. Despite the threat of a global pandemic, crowds large and small – from rural towns, to suburbs, to big coastal cities – gathered to protest racial injustice and police brutality against African Americans.
The vast majority – 80% – appeared to be peaceful, according to new research that contradicts the emphasis the White House has often put on the instances of looting and rioting.
As of Tuesday, more than 970 protests had taken place in about 400 cities and towns across the country, according to research conducted by the marketing firm Ipsos and teams from the Universities of Chicago and Oxford.
Where they are: Tracking protests across the USA in the wake of George Floyd's death
"The numbers and the breadth are actually pretty impressive," said Chris Jackson, senior vice president at Ipsos. "We're seeing these protests happening in all 50 states. ... It's not just the big cities; it's towns across the board. And the large majority of these protests have been peaceful protests."
Trump, who has described himself as a "law-and-order" president, has been sharply critical of the protesters and has urged authorities to "dominate" the streets, including in discussions with governors in which he accused them of being "weak" in their responses.
Using data to track protests
Researchers scraped social media feeds to identify where protests were occurring on a given day and then cross-referenced them against news reports, satellite imagery and Google Street View for verification.
Researchers also used cellphone aggregate data to find large gatherings of people. Jackson said gatherings that were not captured on social media weren't included in their data.
"I don't think this is necessarily the total of everything that's happened. ... This is the best picture we can get in this period in time," Jackson said, adding that the data will continue to change as protests continue.
A separate analysis by USA TODAY, which relied on local news coverage, found widespread demonstrations in more than 1,000 places across all 50 states.
'Tipping point' even in predominantly white states
Surprisingly, Jackson said, protests were occurring even in solidly or moderately conservative places where police abuse of black people isn't a typical rallying cry. For example, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas – predominantly white and solidly red states that don't normally deal with issues involving racial injustice – each saw a handful of largely peaceful demonstrations.
Nebraska may be mostly white, but it has one of the fastest-growing foreign born populations, said Sergio Wals, who teaches at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s political science department and its Institute for Ethnic Studies. The local school’s English Language Learning Program teaches children from families representing about 150 different countries and 125 different languages.
The protests in Lincoln and other parts of the state may reflect the growing diversity. But many people were also just moved by the brutality they saw in the video of Floyd being held down by officers, Wals said.
Widespread demonstrations: George Floyd protests reach even small cities as America confronts systemic racism
“Whomever watched those painful eight minutes and 46 seconds, that’s just the trigger, that’s just the tipping point for a lot of people,” he said.
Also poignant, he added, was a televised scene during the protests in Lincoln when a top state patrol officer knelt with protesters on the steps of the Capitol for nine minutes.
“That was a very powerful image of a glimpse of change we might just be about to see,” Wals said.
More: Republican Sen. Mitt Romney joins George Floyd protest near White House: 'We need to stand up and say that black lives matter'
Protests were widespread in Southern states such as Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, where the issue of race has long been at the forefront. But states such as Virginia and West Virginia also saw protests far from more liberal, urban centers.
The protests are a reflection of how much has changed in a relatively short time. In 2014, only about 4 in 10 people saw the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in New York as indicative of broader problems in policing. Today, nearly 7 in 10 Americans said Floyd's death reflects broader issues, according to a Washington Post-Schar School poll.
"This is just the culmination of a lot of history," said Tamara Herold, director of the Crowd Management Research Council at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "It's tied to the larger issue of racism which affects all of our political and government systems."
Protests continue
Protests over Floyd's death continued as his funeral was held Tuesday. Derek Chauvin, the white officer who held his knee on Floyd's neck, is facing a second-degree murder charge. Three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting.
National media coverage has largely focused on major cities, where peaceful protests were marred by looting, vandalism, burning cars and thousands of arrests.
In Minneapolis, USA TODAY reporters witnessed small groups, dressed in black, carrying shields and wearing knee pads, destroy property and threaten journalists who photographed them.
In Washington, D.C., tensions rose between the federal and municipal governments over how to police the protests, as Trump discussed deploying active-duty forces. Thousands – among the largest crowds seen since protests began in May – took to the streets on Saturday, simultaneously marching and protesting in different parts of the nation's capital.
In New York City, protests were largely peaceful, although hundreds were arrested. A police officer who was captured on video shoving a woman is facing assault and other charges. More than 300 miles north, in Buffalo, police officers were suspended and charged with second-degree assault after a viral video showed them pushing a 75-year-old man to the ground.
Historical comparison
Terry Madonna, director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, called the protests “the largest we’ve had in modern history.”
“Right now,” he said, “the dominant aspect of American politics is police and police reform.”
Herold, the director of the Crowd Management Research Council, said the scope is reminiscent of the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s but it’s difficult to compare. The size, location and other details of the past events were not documented the way today’s actions are, she said.
Herold sees some factors not present in past movements that likely contributed to the size and scope of the recent protests. Because of the pandemic, for example, more people are unemployed or working from home, making it easier for them to participate.
People are also wearing masks. Those who study the dynamics of crowds say a sense of anonymity encourages more violent or disruptive behavior.
Herold said that could contribute to the fact that about one in five of the recent protests had observable violence or damage, according to Ipsos.
“I think this number is a little bit higher than you would anticipate,” Herold said. “Most demonstrations, most protests, are peaceful. Very few ever involve violence.”
Protests in swing states
The top battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Florida that will likely decide the 2020 presidential election saw protests not only in their largest cities but also in more conservative parts of the states.
“If there was a rock-ribbed Republican area in Michigan, it’s West Michigan,” said David Dulio, director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University.
But on Sunday, more than 400 people marched in Holland to call for an end to police brutality.
“Silence is violence,” read the sign of one protester, a white woman who joined others in front of Holland’s city hall.
Other parts of Western Michigan where there were protests included Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, one of the areas recently targeted by a liberal group hoping to weaken Trump’s support with seniors and small-town, rural voters.
The ads in American Bridge’s “Swing County Project,” feature voters who backed Trump in 2016 and now support Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Dulio said communities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are becoming more diverse and Michigan is mirroring most of the country in its breadth of protests. But, he added, the members of the congressional delegation who represent swing districts are being pressured by Republicans to say whether they back calls to “defund the police.”
“That’s something that they’re going to have to confront,” Dulio said. “I think it was significant that Joe Biden said he’s not on board with that. Maybe that gives those Democrats some cover.”
More: Joe Biden comes out against 'defund the police' push amid mounting attacks from Trump after George Floyd protests
Jackson, of Ipsos, said it's too early to tell whether the protests will lead to a boost in turnout this fall.
"You can also make the argument that people participating in these protests are so disillusioned that they don't show up," he said.
In Pennsylvania, where the Republican speaker of the House this week called for a special session to address police violence, events are moving so quickly that it’s hard to know what will happen next, Madonna said.
“We’re going through a period of tremendous change,” he said. “How it all works out right now is anybody’s guess.”
Perceptions change: Americans' views of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue, survey finds
Contributing: Trevor Hughes and Ryan Miller


usatoday--2020-06-10--Secret Service for Trump Jr.'s Mongolia trip to hunt rare sheep cost $76,000, watchdog says

The Secret Service protection for Donald Trump Jr. 's trip in August 2019 to Mongolia , where he reportedly hunted a rare breed of sheep , cost taxpayers $ 76,859.36 , according to documents published Wednesday by a Washington ethics watchdog .
The first set of Security Service documents obtained by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington through a Freedom of Information Act request put the cost of protection for President Donald Trump 's eldest son 's eight-day trip at about $ 17,000 .
CREW appealed that response to its request , saying it undercounted the actual cost .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA TODAY that the president 's son personally paid for `` 100 % '' of the trip , other than the protective detail .
In May , Secret Service Deputy Director Leonza Newsome informed CREW in a letter that its appeal was granted and that a new search uncovered `` an additional document containing costs '' regarding the trip .
Newsome said an updated report on the expenses related to air travel was included .
CREW 's analysis of the documents revealed the cost of the trip was nearly $ 60,000 more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secret Service payments show how much taxpayer money directly funded Don Jr. ’ s trip , and show that the cost was much steeper than the agency originally admitted , '' CREW said in its report .
`` As a son of the president , Donald Trump Jr. is entitled to Secret Service protection and should be protected , but taxpayers deserve to know how much they are paying to facilitate his trophy hunting and interactions with major political donors and foreign leaders . ''
ProPublica reported in December that Trump Jr. `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` coveted and rare permit '' to hunt and kill an argali sheep .
The U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service lists the argali as a threatened species when found in Kyrgyzstan , Mongolia and Tajikistan and an endangered one when found outside those countries .
The nonprofit news organization said the permit was granted retroactively Sept. 2 after he had already shot and killed one of the threatened animals .
Mongolia issued a total of 86 hunting permits for the argali during last year 's hunting season , according to ProPublica .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement from the Ministry of Nature , Environment and Tourism called ProPublica 's reporting `` factually inaccurate '' and said Trump Jr. `` was in fact participating in an important aspect of the Mongolian Government ’ s conservation program for the endangered Argali Sheep . ''
It said the hunting permit had been granted to a `` local Mongolian hunting company '' in January 2019 , then sold to an international hunting organization .
The head of the ministry told a Mongolian news outlet in December there was `` nothing illegal '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach Post , which is part of the USA TODAY Network , reported Mongolia 's foreign minister and ambassador to the United States visited the Trump family 's Mar-a-Lago resort in April 2019 .
Trump Jr. was at Mar-a-Lago at the same time , celebrating Easter with his family .
In its report , CREW said it is `` still investigating other aspects of the trip , including whether the State Department was involved , and whether Don Jr. was granted a permit from the Interior Department to bring back the sheep carcass @ @

Secret Service for Trump Jr.'s Mongolia trip to hunt rare sheep cost $76,000, watchdog says
Show Caption Hide Caption Donald Trump Jr. gets headed on 'The View' promoting his new book Donald Trump, Jr. appeared on 'The View' to promote his new book 'Triggered,' but argued with hosts including Joy Behar and Meghan McCain. USA TODAY
The Secret Service protection for Donald Trump Jr.'s trip in August 2019 to Mongolia, where he reportedly hunted a rare breed of sheep, cost taxpayers $76,859.36, according to documents published Wednesday by a Washington ethics watchdog.
The first set of Security Service documents obtained by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington through a Freedom of Information Act request put the cost of protection for President Donald Trump's eldest son's eight-day trip at about $17,000. CREW appealed that response to its request, saying it undercounted the actual cost.
A source close to Trump Jr. told USA TODAY that the president's son personally paid for "100%" of the trip, other than the protective detail.
In May, Secret Service Deputy Director Leonza Newsome informed CREW in a letter that its appeal was granted and that a new search uncovered "an additional document containing costs" regarding the trip. Newsome said an updated report on the expenses related to air travel was included.
CREW's analysis of the documents revealed the cost of the trip was nearly $60,000 more than the original disclosure indicated.
"These Secret Service payments show how much taxpayer money directly funded Don Jr.’s trip, and show that the cost was much steeper than the agency originally admitted," CREW said in its report. "As a son of the president, Donald Trump Jr. is entitled to Secret Service protection and should be protected, but taxpayers deserve to know how much they are paying to facilitate his trophy hunting and interactions with major political donors and foreign leaders."
ProPublica reported in December that Trump Jr. "received special treatment" and obtained a "coveted and rare permit" to hunt and kill an argali sheep. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the argali as a threatened species when found in Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Tajikistan and an endangered one when found outside those countries.
Rare sheep hunt: Mongolian ambassador visited Mar-a-Lago before Trump Jr. got coveted permit
The nonprofit news organization said the permit was granted retroactively Sept. 2 after he had already shot and killed one of the threatened animals. Mongolia issued a total of 86 hunting permits for the argali during last year's hunting season, according to ProPublica.
Mongolian officials contested that account. A statement from the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism called ProPublica's reporting "factually inaccurate" and said Trump Jr. "was in fact participating in an important aspect of the Mongolian Government’s conservation program for the endangered Argali Sheep."
It said the hunting permit had been granted to a "local Mongolian hunting company" in January 2019, then sold to an international hunting organization.
The head of the ministry told a Mongolian news outlet in December there was "nothing illegal" about Trump Jr.'s hunt.
Trump Jr. met privately with Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga, ProPublica reported, citing unnamed officials.
The Palm Beach Post, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, reported Mongolia's foreign minister and ambassador to the United States visited the Trump family's Mar-a-Lago resort in April 2019. Trump Jr. was at Mar-a-Lago at the same time, celebrating Easter with his family.
In its report, CREW said it is "still investigating other aspects of the trip, including whether the State Department was involved, and whether Don Jr. was granted a permit from the Interior Department to bring back the sheep carcass."
'Dream hunt': Auction includes hunt with Donald Trump Jr. Bidding starts at $10,000


usatoday--2020-06-11--House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls for Confederate statues to be removed from Capitol Building

WASHINGTON – As government and industry leaders across the country are moving away from associations with the Confederacy , Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has called for the removal of 11 Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol Building .
`` The statues in the Capitol should embody our highest ideals as Americans , expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation .
Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals , '' Pelosi , D-Calif. , said in a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rep. Zoe Lofgren , D-Calif. , who lead the Joint Committee on the Library that oversees the National Statuary Hall Collection .
Earlier in the day , President Donald Trump said he would not consider renaming military bases that are currently named after Confederate generals , in a split from Pentagon leaders who said earlier his week they would be open to discussing the idea .
`` Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with .
Respect our Military ! ''
Trump tweeted .
Statues in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are gifted by the 50 states , a process that usually begins with a resolution in that state putting forth an individual and their qualifications for being honored .
The process for replacing a statue also includes a resolution in the legislature of the state .
A state 's request to replace a statue can be approved or denied by the Joint Committee on the Library .
Statues in the collection are of deceased individuals `` illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services , '' according to the Architect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Military ! '
: Trump says he wo n't consider renaming military bases named for Confederate generals Pelosi named the statues of President of the Confederate States Jefferson Davis and Vice President of the Confederacy Alexander Stephens as among the 11 statues she wants removed .
She noted portions of Stephens ' 1861 `` Cornerstone Speech , '' in which he outlined reasons for seceding from the union .
He said ideals of the U.S. based in racial equality were an `` error '' and defended the institution of slavery .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposite idea ; its foundations are laid , its corner-stone rests , upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man ; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition , '' Pelosi quoted from Stephens ' speech in the letter .
Confederate flag prohibited : NASCAR announces ban on Confederate flags from all races , events and properties It 's not the first time Pelosi has asked for the statues in the Capitol Statuary Hall collection to be removed ; in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Paul Ryan to do the same after the `` Unite the Right '' rally that ended in violence and tragedy in Charlottesville , Virginia .
`` While I believe it is imperative that we never forget our history lest we repeat it , I also believe that there is no room for celebrating the violent bigotry of the men of the Confederacy in the hallowed halls of the United States Capitol or in places of honor across the country , '' Pelosi said in her letter Wednesday .
Lofgren said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Indeed , what the Confederate statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection represent is anathema to who we are as a Congress and a country .
`` I agree that the Joint Committee and Architect of the Capitol should expediently remove these symbols of cruelty and bigotry from the halls of the Capitol .
I stand ready , and call on the Chair of the Joint Committee to swiftly approve the removal of these statues .
The Capitol building belongs to the American people and can not serve as a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that tears at the fabric of our nation , the very poison that these statues embody.
” Renewed calls to remove memorials of Confederate figures come as the nation sees massive protests against racial inequality and police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd , a black man who was pinned down by a Minneapolis police officer as he cried he could not breathe .
In some places , officials have announced plans to remove memorials .
The Marine Corps last week banned the display of the Confederate battle flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Navy .
Also on Wednesday , NASCAR banned the Confederate flag at events and on its properties .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls for Confederate statues to be removed from Capitol Building
Show Caption Hide Caption Confederate monuments are being taken down or defaced by protesters Historical Confederate monuments are being taken down and defaced from protests over the death of George Floyd. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – As government and industry leaders across the country are moving away from associations with the Confederacy, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has called for the removal of 11 Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol Building.
"The statues in the Capitol should embody our highest ideals as Americans, expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation. Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals," Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a letter to Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., who lead the Joint Committee on the Library that oversees the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump said he would not consider renaming military bases that are currently named after Confederate generals, in a split from Pentagon leaders who said earlier his week they would be open to discussing the idea.
"Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with. Respect our Military!" Trump tweeted.
The statues which fill the halls of Congress should reflect our highest ideals as Americans. Today, I am once again calling for the removal from the U.S. Capitol of the 11 statues representing Confederate soldiers and officials. These statues pay homage to hate, not heritage. — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) June 10, 2020
Statues in the Statuary Hall collection of the Capitol are gifted by the 50 states, a process that usually begins with a resolution in that state putting forth an individual and their qualifications for being honored. The process for replacing a statue also includes a resolution in the legislature of the state. A state's request to replace a statue can be approved or denied by the Joint Committee on the Library.
Statues in the collection are of deceased individuals "illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services," according to the Architect of the Capitol guidelines.
'Respect our Military!': Trump says he won't consider renaming military bases named for Confederate generals
Pelosi named the statues of President of the Confederate States Jefferson Davis and Vice President of the Confederacy Alexander Stephens as among the 11 statues she wants removed. She noted portions of Stephens' 1861 "Cornerstone Speech," in which he outlined reasons for seceding from the union. He said ideals of the U.S. based in racial equality were an "error" and defended the institution of slavery.
“Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its corner-stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition," Pelosi quoted from Stephens' speech in the letter.
Confederate flag prohibited: NASCAR announces ban on Confederate flags from all races, events and properties
It's not the first time Pelosi has asked for the statues in the Capitol Statuary Hall collection to be removed; in 2017, she called on then-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to do the same after the "Unite the Right" rally that ended in violence and tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia.
"While I believe it is imperative that we never forget our history lest we repeat it, I also believe that there is no room for celebrating the violent bigotry of the men of the Confederacy in the hallowed halls of the United States Capitol or in places of honor across the country," Pelosi said in her letter Wednesday.
Lofgren said in a statement she agrees with Pelosi's request: "Indeed, what the Confederate statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection represent is anathema to who we are as a Congress and a country.
"I agree that the Joint Committee and Architect of the Capitol should expediently remove these symbols of cruelty and bigotry from the halls of the Capitol. I stand ready, and call on the Chair of the Joint Committee to swiftly approve the removal of these statues. The Capitol building belongs to the American people and cannot serve as a place of honor for the hatred and racism that tears at the fabric of our nation, the very poison that these statues embody.”
Renewed calls to remove memorials of Confederate figures come as the nation sees massive protests against racial inequality and police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a black man who was pinned down by a Minneapolis police officer as he cried he could not breathe. In some places, officials have announced plans to remove memorials.
The Marine Corps last week banned the display of the Confederate battle flag, a move followed on Tuesday by the Navy. Also on Wednesday, NASCAR banned the Confederate flag at events and on its properties.


usatoday--2020-06-12--Jacksonville chosen to host Trump's Republican National Convention acceptance speech

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee announced Thursday it has officially settled on Jacksonville , Florida , as the new location for its convention to nominate President Donald Trump for re-election .
`` Not only does Florida hold a special place in President Trump ’ s heart as his home state , but it is crucial in the path to victory in 2020 .
We look forward to bringing this great celebration and economic boon to the Sunshine State in just a few short months , '' RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement .
The move comes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles , both Democrats , would not commit to hosting the convention in full as originally planned amid the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing measures still in place as the state takes a phased reopening approach .
Social distancing ?
: Pence posts , then deletes , tweet with photo of Trump campaign staffers not wearing masks or distancing Trump railed against Cooper on Twitter earlier this month for `` not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised . ''
The Republican National Convention is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold some of the business meetings , McDaniel said , but the committee chose Jacksonville to replace it for the `` celebration . ''
Officials had said earlier this week that Jacksonville was a front-runner to host the convention after scrambling to replace Charlotte and touring several other cities .
McDaniel said hotel room space was a concern for any city that was considered .
At your own risk : Tickets for Trump campaign rally include liability disclaimer about possible exposure to coronavirus Jacksonville rose to the top after the city 's mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the convention as Democratic mayors from other cities raised cost and public health concerns .
Curry is the former chairman of the Florida Republican Party .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , a Republican ally of Trump , also pushed hard for the convention .
Unlike some of the other states that were in the hunt , Florida is a swing state that could prove critical in the election .
`` Florida is honored to host this special event where we will celebrate the re-nomination of President Donald J. Trump , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Jacksonville is a great city that will showcase Florida ’ s energy , facilities , entrepreneurship and commitment to bring together the delegates of the Republican Party at a historic time in our nation ’ s history . ''
Trump : GOP 'forced to seek another state ' to host the Republican National Convention During the pandemic , Jacksonville is under an emergency order that limits businesses in how they can operate .
Venues such as auditoriums , as well as bars and pubs , must operate at 50 % capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacksonville is located , has reported more than 1,800 confirmed coronavirus cases and 57 deaths related to the virus .
The number of reported cases in Florida is on a slight uptick as testing has increased .
Jacksonville NAACP Branch President Isaiah Rumlin warned ahead of the RNC 's announcement that the convention coming to Jacksonville would discredit the progress Curry ’ s administration made through his decision to remove a Confederate statue from a city park this week .
“ Trump doesn ’ t need to come to Jacksonville .
We don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rumlin said .
“ Although the statues are gone , that ’ s just symbolic .
Racism is still going on.
” Democrats , whose convention is set for Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee , are entertaining a `` virtual '' convention that would limit the number of people visiting the city .

Jeanine Santucci and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY

Jacksonville chosen to host Trump's Republican National Convention acceptance speech
Show Caption Hide Caption 2020 Republican National Convention is moving to Jacksonville, Florida The Republican National Committee announced it has picked Jacksonville, Florida, as the location for its convention. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee announced Thursday it has officially settled on Jacksonville, Florida, as the new location for its convention to nominate President Donald Trump for re-election.
"Not only does Florida hold a special place in President Trump’s heart as his home state, but it is crucial in the path to victory in 2020. We look forward to bringing this great celebration and economic boon to the Sunshine State in just a few short months," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.
The move comes after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, both Democrats, would not commit to hosting the convention in full as originally planned amid the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing measures still in place as the state takes a phased reopening approach.
Political conventions won't look the same due to COVID-19 Political conventions are full of pomp and circumstance and geared towards firing up voters, but this year will look dramatically different. USA TODAY, Wochit
Social distancing?: Pence posts, then deletes, tweet with photo of Trump campaign staffers not wearing masks or distancing
Trump railed against Cooper on Twitter earlier this month for "not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised."
The Republican National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 24-27. Charlotte will still hold some of the business meetings, McDaniel said, but the committee chose Jacksonville to replace it for the "celebration."
Officials had said earlier this week that Jacksonville was a front-runner to host the convention after scrambling to replace Charlotte and touring several other cities. McDaniel said hotel room space was a concern for any city that was considered.
At your own risk: Tickets for Trump campaign rally include liability disclaimer about possible exposure to coronavirus
Jacksonville rose to the top after the city's mayor, Republican Lenny Curry, lobbied publicly for the convention as Democratic mayors from other cities raised cost and public health concerns. Curry is the former chairman of the Florida Republican Party. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican ally of Trump, also pushed hard for the convention. Unlike some of the other states that were in the hunt, Florida is a swing state that could prove critical in the election.
"Florida is honored to host this special event where we will celebrate the re-nomination of President Donald J. Trump," DeSantis said in the RNC's statement. "Jacksonville is a great city that will showcase Florida’s energy, facilities, entrepreneurship and commitment to bring together the delegates of the Republican Party at a historic time in our nation’s history."
Trump: GOP 'forced to seek another state' to host the Republican National Convention
During the pandemic, Jacksonville is under an emergency order that limits businesses in how they can operate. Venues such as auditoriums, as well as bars and pubs, must operate at 50% capacity or below.
Duval County, where Jacksonville is located, has reported more than 1,800 confirmed coronavirus cases and 57 deaths related to the virus. The number of reported cases in Florida is on a slight uptick as testing has increased.
We are thrilled to hold @realDonaldTrump's acceptance of the Republican nomination in the great city of Jacksonville!
Not only is Florida his home state, it is crucial to victory.
We look forward to bringing this great celebration and economic boon to the Sunshine State! — Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) June 12, 2020
Jacksonville NAACP Branch President Isaiah Rumlin warned ahead of the RNC's announcement that the convention coming to Jacksonville would discredit the progress Curry’s administration made through his decision to remove a Confederate statue from a city park this week.
“Trump doesn’t need to come to Jacksonville. We don’t need him here,” Rumlin said. “Although the statues are gone, that’s just symbolic. Racism is still going on.”
Democrats, whose convention is set for Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee, are entertaining a "virtual" convention that would limit the number of people visiting the city.
Democratic National Committee spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa said the RNC's convention is being planned "for an audience of one: Donald Trump's ego."
"More than 113,000 Americans have died and millions have lost their jobs all because Donald Trump has been hiding in his bunker and leaving the American people to grapple with his ineptitude. Now, Trump and Republicans have decided to handle their convention planning the same way they've handled the entire coronavirus crisis: prioritize Trump's ego over Americans' health and safety. While Donald Trump refuses to listen to health experts because he only cares about himself, Democrats will follow science and prioritize the health and safety of the American people," Hinojosa said.


usatoday--2020-06-12--Confederate generals' names would be stripped from Pentagon facilities under Senate measure

WASHINGTON – The names of Confederate generals would be stripped from bases , building , planes , ships and even streets within three years under a sweeping amendment approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee that represents a direct challenge to President Donald Trump 's assertion that the names would remain .
A committee would be established under the measure , described Thursday to USA TODAY by Senate aides familiar with the amendment , to identify military assets that bear names honoring the Confederacy .
The aides were not authorized to offer details of the measure publicly .
The committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapidly moving series of moves to address the legacy of the Confederacy in the military and across the country .
The issue of race in the military took on new urgency after the death of George Floyd , a black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck .
Senior military officials increasingly have been speaking out about racial discrimination within the ranks since Floyd 's death .
Action to address racial issues began to accelerate after the military was criticized for its role in clearing mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a photo opportunity .
In just over a week , the Marine Corps and Navy announced a ban on the display of the Confederate battle flag .
Late Monday , Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy indicated their willingness to rename bases that honor Confederate generals .
By Wednesday , Trump had rejected even considering such a move in a series of tweets , citing the history of the bases .
On Thursday , he took aim at the amendment 's sponsor , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, disparaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senators won ’ t fall for this !
” Trump tweeted .
Top on the list would be 10 Army forts across the South that bear the names of Confederate generals , including the sprawling bases of Fort Bragg in North Carolina , and Fort Hood in Texas .
But the measure would likely affect other services as well .
The Navy , for example , has a guided-missile cruiser , the USS Chancelorsville , that celebrates a Confederate victory in the Civil War .
And its scope would also require removal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has buildings named for Gen. Robert E. Lee , who once was superintendent of the school .
Warren 's amendment is part of the defense authorization bill , and was approved behind closed doors .
Sen. Jim Inhofe , R-Okla. , the committee chairman , told reporters that he would seek to diminish the impact of the amendment before it becomes law .
Some veterans groups have reacted with dismay to Trump 's opposition to removing vestiges of the Confederacy within the military .
Will Goodwin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group VoteVets , said it was unconscionable to ask black Americans to train and go to war for a nation that still honors racist Confederate generals .
`` I mean that ’ s an insane thing to ask of people , '' he said .
The Veterans of Foreign Wars remained neutral on the issue on Thursday , saying it is focused on the everyday health and welfare of troops .
“ The naming of military installations is a matter for the Department of Defense , '' said Terrence Hayes , a VFW @ @

Tom Vanden Brook and Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY

Confederate generals' names would be stripped from Pentagon facilities under Senate measure
Show Caption Hide Caption Congress debates removal of Confederate statues At least 12 figures in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall Collection honor men who gave their allegiance to the Confederacy during the Civil War. The House Speaker wants the statues removed, but there's debate on how that can be done. (June 11) AP
WASHINGTON – The names of Confederate generals would be stripped from bases, building, planes, ships and even streets within three years under a sweeping amendment approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee that represents a direct challenge to President Donald Trump's assertion that the names would remain.
A committee would be established under the measure, described Thursday to USA TODAY by Senate aides familiar with the amendment, to identify military assets that bear names honoring the Confederacy. The aides were not authorized to offer details of the measure publicly.
The committee's action is the latest in a rapidly moving series of moves to address the legacy of the Confederacy in the military and across the country.
Confederates toppled, Columbus beheaded: Protesters rip down controversial statues
The issue of race in the military took on new urgency after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck. Senior military officials increasingly have been speaking out about racial discrimination within the ranks since Floyd's death.
Action to address racial issues began to accelerate after the military was criticized for its role in clearing mostly peaceful protesters from Trump's path to a photo opportunity. In just over a week, the Marine Corps and Navy announced a ban on the display of the Confederate battle flag.
Late Monday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy indicated their willingness to rename bases that honor Confederate generals.
By Wednesday, Trump had rejected even considering such a move in a series of tweets, citing the history of the bases. On Thursday, he took aim at the amendment's sponsor, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., disparaging her.
"Hopefully our great Republican Senators won’t fall for this!” Trump tweeted.
More: 10 military bases named after Confederate generals
Top on the list would be 10 Army forts across the South that bear the names of Confederate generals, including the sprawling bases of Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and Fort Hood in Texas. But the measure would likely affect other services as well. The Navy, for example, has a guided-missile cruiser, the USS Chancelorsville, that celebrates a Confederate victory in the Civil War.
And its scope would also require removal of Confederate names from streets and facilities. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has buildings named for Gen. Robert E. Lee, who once was superintendent of the school.
Warren's amendment is part of the defense authorization bill, and was approved behind closed doors. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., the committee chairman, told reporters that he would seek to diminish the impact of the amendment before it becomes law.
Some veterans groups have reacted with dismay to Trump's opposition to removing vestiges of the Confederacy within the military.
Will Goodwin, director of government relations at the group VoteVets, said it was unconscionable to ask black Americans to train and go to war for a nation that still honors racist Confederate generals.
"I mean that’s an insane thing to ask of people," he said.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars remained neutral on the issue on Thursday, saying it is focused on the everyday health and welfare of troops.
“The naming of military installations is a matter for the Department of Defense," said Terrence Hayes, a VFW spokesman.


usatoday--2020-06-11--Sen. Rand Paul filing bill to ban no-knock warrants following Breonna Taylor death

LOUISVILLE , Ky. – U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is filing legislation to prohibit police officers across the country from using no-knock warrants like the one that led to the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor .
The measure will be named after Taylor , a 26-year-old unarmed black woman whose fatal shooting by three Louisville police officers has fueled national protests .
Paul confirmed on Thursday that he is drafting the proposal , which he is calling the `` Justice for Breonna Taylor Act . ''
`` After talking with Breonna Taylor 's family , I 've come to the conclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get rid of no-knock warrants , '' Paul said .
`` This bill will effectively end no-knock raids in the United States . ''
Under the bill , federal law enforcement officers would be required to provide notice of their authority and purpose before they could execute a warrant .
The legislation also would require the same of any state or local law enforcement agency that receives funds from the U.S. Department of Justice .
Paul , a Kentucky Republican , began crafting the bill after talking with activists and members of Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meeting , Paul , a libertarian-leaning senator , spoke out against the use of no-knock search warrants and the militarization of police departments .
He said during that conversation that police officers sometimes follow bad policies .
Tamika Palmer , Taylor 's mother , told The Courier Journal on Thursday she is grateful the senator took her family 's concerns seriously enough to file a measure in Congress .
`` I think it 's just the beginning , but I 'm definitely satisfied , '' she said .
`` I definitely think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Taylor was shot eight times by plainclothes detectives March 13 while they were conducting a narcotics investigation .
Court records show police obtained a no-knock warrant before using a battering ram to enter Taylor 's apartment around 1 a.m. Police say they announced their presence before entering , but neighbors and Taylor 's boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , who was in the apartment , dispute that .
Walker fired once , striking one officer .
He later said he thought intruders were breaking in .
The warrant showed Taylor was not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no narcotics were found in her apartment .
`` No one should lose their life in pursuit of a crime without a victim , and 'no-knock ' warrants should be forbidden , '' Paul told The Courier Journal in May .
`` Let ’ s hope the investigation provides justice . ''
Paul 's bill arrives as local leaders are looking to pass a similar prohibition on no-knock warrants in Louisville in the wake of Taylor 's fatal shooting .
The Louisville Metro Council is poised to take a vote Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the controversial police practice across the city .
Mayor Greg Fischer , a Democrat who has come under intense pressure to fire the three officers who shot Taylor , had already suspended the practice .
The mayor announced previously that no-knock warrants must now have the approval of the chief of police or a designee before being submitted to a judge .
The U.S. Supreme Court has said judges may allow police to search without knocking when they have a reasonable suspicion that under the “ particular circumstances ” of the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But critics have argued no-knock warrants put officers and civilians in danger , especially given that many states have adopted so-called stand your ground laws .
`` This is definitely the time to turn the pressure up , '' Louisville attorney Lonita Baker , who is representing the Taylor family , said in an interview Thursday .
`` People are paying attention and legislators are paying attention locally , state level and nationally .
We need to get all of the reform in while they 're listening . ''
Paul is known to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fourth Amendment rights in Congress .
He expressed concern that local law enforcement is becoming too militarized during the 2013 protests in Ferguson , Missouri , over the shooting of a black teenager .
Paul 's move comes about a week after he faced criticism for blocking a historic anti-lynching bill sponsored by a bipartisan group of black lawmakers .
The senator argued he was looking to strengthen the bill .

Phillip M. Bailey and Tessa Duvall, Louisville Courier Journal

Sen. Rand Paul filing bill to ban no-knock warrants following Breonna Taylor death
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is filing legislation to prohibit police officers across the country from using no-knock warrants like the one that led to the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor.
The measure will be named after Taylor, a 26-year-old unarmed black woman whose fatal shooting by three Louisville police officers has fueled national protests.
Paul confirmed on Thursday that he is drafting the proposal, which he is calling the "Justice for Breonna Taylor Act."
"After talking with Breonna Taylor's family, I've come to the conclusion that it's long past time to get rid of no-knock warrants," Paul said. "This bill will effectively end no-knock raids in the United States."
Under the bill, federal law enforcement officers would be required to provide notice of their authority and purpose before they could execute a warrant.
Breonna Taylor shooting: Louisville police release incident report. It's nearly blank
'They saved me': How protesters protected a lone cop, a moment captured in powerful photos
The legislation also would require the same of any state or local law enforcement agency that receives funds from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Paul, a Kentucky Republican, began crafting the bill after talking with activists and members of Taylor's family earlier this week.
During the meeting, Paul, a libertarian-leaning senator, spoke out against the use of no-knock search warrants and the militarization of police departments. He said during that conversation that police officers sometimes follow bad policies.
Tamika Palmer, Taylor's mother, told The Courier Journal on Thursday she is grateful the senator took her family's concerns seriously enough to file a measure in Congress.
"I think it's just the beginning, but I'm definitely satisfied," she said. "I definitely think it will help families after mine."
Taylor was shot eight times by plainclothes detectives March 13 while they were conducting a narcotics investigation.
Court records show police obtained a no-knock warrant before using a battering ram to enter Taylor's apartment around 1 a.m. Police say they announced their presence before entering, but neighbors and Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, who was in the apartment, dispute that.
Walker fired once, striking one officer. He later said he thought intruders were breaking in.
The officers returned fire, killing Taylor.
The warrant showed Taylor was not the main subject of the narcotics investigation, and no narcotics were found in her apartment.
"No one should lose their life in pursuit of a crime without a victim, and 'no-knock' warrants should be forbidden," Paul told The Courier Journal in May. "Let’s hope the investigation provides justice."
Paul's bill arrives as local leaders are looking to pass a similar prohibition on no-knock warrants in Louisville in the wake of Taylor's fatal shooting.
The Louisville Metro Council is poised to take a vote Thursday night that would limit, or even ban, the controversial police practice across the city.
Mayor Greg Fischer, a Democrat who has come under intense pressure to fire the three officers who shot Taylor, had already suspended the practice.
The mayor announced previously that no-knock warrants must now have the approval of the chief of police or a designee before being submitted to a judge.
The U.S. Supreme Court has said judges may allow police to search without knocking when they have a reasonable suspicion that under the “particular circumstances” of the case, the targets could destroy evidence.
But critics have argued no-knock warrants put officers and civilians in danger, especially given that many states have adopted so-called stand your ground laws.
"This is definitely the time to turn the pressure up," Louisville attorney Lonita Baker, who is representing the Taylor family, said in an interview Thursday.
"People are paying attention and legislators are paying attention locally, state level and nationally. We need to get all of the reform in while they're listening."
Paul is known to be one of the fiercest defenders of Fourth Amendment rights in Congress.
He expressed concern that local law enforcement is becoming too militarized during the 2013 protests in Ferguson, Missouri, over the shooting of a black teenager.
Paul's move comes about a week after he faced criticism for blocking a historic anti-lynching bill sponsored by a bipartisan group of black lawmakers. The senator argued he was looking to strengthen the bill.
Follow Phillip M. Bailey on Twitter at @phillipmbailey.


usatoday--2020-06-11--Some Republicans split with Trump, support removing Confederate statues and renaming military bases

WASHINGTON – Not every Republican on Capitol Hill is joining President Donald Trump 's call to preserve Confederate heritage .
While the president this week decried efforts to rechristen U.S. military bases named for Confederate generals , the Senate Armed Services Committee Wednesday decided to add a bipartisan provision to the Pentagon 's annual spending bill that would begin the process of renaming those installations .
`` If we 're going to have bases throughout the United States , I think it should be with the names of individuals who fought for our country , '' South Dakota GOP Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the committee , told reporters Thursday on Capitol Hill .
`` This is the right time for it .
And I think it sends the right message . ''
In addition , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called for the removal of 11 Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol Building .
The request was made in a letter addressed to a special panel created to oversee the 100 statues states send for display in the Capitol .
Each states gets two statues .
`` The statues in the Capitol should embody our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are and who we aspire to be as a nation , '' she wrote .
`` Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals . ''
Several Republican lawmakers asked about Pelosi 's request said any decision to remove the statues should either come from the states or by changing the law that permits their display .
But a few said they would not object to such a change .
`` Not opposed to it , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confederate monuments , statues and other honorifics have become a flash point following massive , nationwide rallies against racial injustice and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who was pinned down by a police officer in Minneapolis as he gasped for survival .
On Tuesday , the Navy announced that Adm. Mike Gilday , the chief of naval operations , plans to ban display of the Confederate battle flag from public workspaces on bases , ships , aircraft and submarines .
Last week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confederate battle flag .
On Wednesday , NASCAR banned the presence of Confederate flags from all events , races and properties effective immediately .
More : Richmond is taking down Confederate statues : Is this the end for other Confederate memorials ?
That follows declarations by several cities around the country , including Richmond , Virginia , which served as the capital of the Confederacy , to begin the process of dismantling its monuments to secessionist leaders .
Defenders of Confederate symbols – including Trump – say it 's part of history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a tweet Thursday , Trump criticized the move to rename army bases and its chief sponsor , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, while urging GOP senators not to `` fall for this . ''
Trump has not commented on the recent call to remove the Confederate statues from the Capitol Building .
But he has a history of defending such monuments .
Following a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in August 2017 where white supremacists protested the taking down of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee 's statue , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the monument was a `` very , very important statue . ''
`` So this week , it ’ s Robert E. Lee , I noticed that ( Confederate Gen. ) Stonewall Jackson ’ s coming down , '' he told reporters .
`` I wonder , is it George Washington next week ?
And is it Thomas Jefferson the week after .
You know , you really do have to ask yourself , where does it stop ?
Some Republican senators from southern states were reluctant to endorse the change .
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee .
“ I do not think we ought to rewrite history , '' Alexander told reporters when asked about renaming bases .
`` I think it ’ s always appropriate to review the people and the places that we honor to see if they fit the context of the times in which we live.
” Anger over some memorials have prompted some demonstrators to remove statues themselves of not only Confederate leaders but also Christopher Columbus who many say should be remembered as a violent colonizer responsible for countless deaths of indigenous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blasted a `` cancel culture '' that seeks to `` completely erase our culture and our history '' including the destruction and removal of statues .
`` Just up the Mall is the Washington Monument , '' he said , referring to the honorific bestowed upon the nation 's first president who also owned slaves .
`` Are we going to tear it down ?
Are we going to rename it the Obelisk of Wokeness ? ''
The Capitol has 11 Confederate statues , four of which are in the process of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent them there .
Missouri GOP Sen. Roy Blunt , who chairs the panel in charge of overseeing the statues , said even a move to hide them in storage without states ' say `` would violate the agreement with the states , which is contractual and legislative in nature . ''
Sen. James Lankford , R-Okla. , favors letting states make the call on which statues to display at the Capitol but he said he 's no fan of trumpeting Confederate icons .
`` I 've been pretty outspoken on things like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be named after Confederate leaders and generals , '' he said .
`` You 've got a role model issue there .
Same thing ( with ) military bases . ''
And Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said he 's not against renaming bases or removing statues as long as procedures are followed .
`` I 'm fine with doing that , '' he told reporters Thursday .
`` For a lot of reasons , I do n't have some personal affinity to the Confederacy , which is a rebellion against the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has to be through the right process . ''

Some Republicans split with Trump, support removing Confederate statues and renaming military bases
Show Caption Hide Caption Marine Corps bans public display of the confederate flag The Marine Corps announced on June 5 that it is banning public display of the confederate flag. It is the first military branch to do so. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Not every Republican on Capitol Hill is joining President Donald Trump's call to preserve Confederate heritage.
While the president this week decried efforts to rechristen U.S. military bases named for Confederate generals, the Senate Armed Services Committee Wednesday decided to add a bipartisan provision to the Pentagon's annual spending bill that would begin the process of renaming those installations.
"If we're going to have bases throughout the United States, I think it should be with the names of individuals who fought for our country," South Dakota GOP Sen. Mike Rounds, a senior member of the committee, told reporters Thursday on Capitol Hill. "This is the right time for it. And I think it sends the right message."
In addition, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called for the removal of 11 Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol Building. The request was made in a letter addressed to a special panel created to oversee the 100 statues states send for display in the Capitol. Each states gets two statues.
"The statues in the Capitol should embody our highest ideals as Americans, expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation," she wrote. "Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals."
Several Republican lawmakers asked about Pelosi's request said any decision to remove the statues should either come from the states or by changing the law that permits their display. But a few said they would not object to such a change.
More: 10 military bases named after Confederate generals
"Not opposed to it," said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Confederate monuments, statues and other honorifics have become a flash point following massive, nationwide rallies against racial injustice and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was pinned down by a police officer in Minneapolis as he gasped for survival.
On Tuesday, the Navy announced that Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of naval operations, plans to ban display of the Confederate battle flag from public workspaces on bases, ships, aircraft and submarines. Last week, the Marine Corps banned the display of the Confederate battle flag.
On Wednesday, NASCAR banned the presence of Confederate flags from all events, races and properties effective immediately.
More: Richmond is taking down Confederate statues: Is this the end for other Confederate memorials?
That follows declarations by several cities around the country, including Richmond, Virginia, which served as the capital of the Confederacy, to begin the process of dismantling its monuments to secessionist leaders.
Defenders of Confederate symbols – including Trump – say it's part of history, a nod to heritage not racism.
In a tweet Thursday, Trump criticized the move to rename army bases and its chief sponsor, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., while urging GOP senators not to "fall for this."
Seriously failed presidential candidate, Senator Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren, just introduced an Amendment on the renaming of many of our legendary Military Bases from which we trained to WIN two World Wars. Hopefully our great Republican Senators won’t fall for this! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 11, 2020
Trump has not commented on the recent call to remove the Confederate statues from the Capitol Building. But he has a history of defending such monuments.
Following a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in August 2017 where white supremacists protested the taking down of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's statue, the president told reporters in New York City that the monument was a "very, very important statue."
"So this week, it’s Robert E. Lee, I noticed that (Confederate Gen.) Stonewall Jackson’s coming down," he told reporters. "I wonder, is it George Washington next week? And is it Thomas Jefferson the week after. You know, you really do have to ask yourself, where does it stop?
Some Republican senators from southern states were reluctant to endorse the change. Among them was GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee.
“I do not think we ought to rewrite history," Alexander told reporters when asked about renaming bases. "I think it’s always appropriate to review the people and the places that we honor to see if they fit the context of the times in which we live.”
Anger over some memorials have prompted some demonstrators to remove statues themselves of not only Confederate leaders but also Christopher Columbus who many say should be remembered as a violent colonizer responsible for countless deaths of indigenous Americans.
Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton blasted a "cancel culture" that seeks to "completely erase our culture and our history" including the destruction and removal of statues.
"Just up the Mall is the Washington Monument," he said, referring to the honorific bestowed upon the nation's first president who also owned slaves. "Are we going to tear it down? Are we going to rename it the Obelisk of Wokeness?"
The Capitol has 11 Confederate statues, four of which are in the process of being removed and replaced by the states that sent them there. Missouri GOP Sen. Roy Blunt, who chairs the panel in charge of overseeing the statues, said even a move to hide them in storage without states' say "would violate the agreement with the states, which is contractual and legislative in nature."
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., favors letting states make the call on which statues to display at the Capitol but he said he's no fan of trumpeting Confederate icons.
More: Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledges support for Christopher Columbus statue in Manhattan
"I've been pretty outspoken on things like schools. I don't think schools should be named after Confederate leaders and generals," he said. "You've got a role model issue there. Same thing (with) military bases."
And Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said he's not against renaming bases or removing statues as long as procedures are followed.
"I'm fine with doing that," he told reporters Thursday. "For a lot of reasons, I don't have some personal affinity to the Confederacy, which is a rebellion against the United States of America. I just think it has to be through the right process."
Contributing: Ryan Miller, Jeanine Santucci


usatoday--2020-06-11--GOP Ohio state senator suggests 'colored' people get COVID-19 from not washing their hands

GOP lawmaker asks if minorities get COVID-19 from not washing hands Republican Ohio state senator Steve Huffman asked if the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus more often because they do n't wash their hands as much .

GOP lawmaker asks if minorities get COVID-19 from not washing hands
Republican Ohio state senator Steve Huffman asked if the "colored population" gets coronavirus more often because they don't wash their hands as much.
Wochit