washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Karl Manke, Michigan barber, takes pandemic haircut lawsuit to state Supreme Court

A now-famous Michigan barber is taking his case to cut hair during the coronavirus pandemic to the state Supreme Court , as the Justice Department weighs in on the side of other businesses suing against the strict COVID-19 lockdowns there .
Small businesses and Michigan Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer have been at odds for weeks over some of the most severe economic restrictions any state has imposed since the coronavirus pandemic swept across the U.S. this winter .
She began relaxing those restrictions this week .
The clashes led to peaceful protests in Lansing , one of which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barber Karl Manke clipping hair at the top of the state capitol ’ s steps .
Mr. Manke wielded his scissors at his Owosso barber shop Tuesday despite rulings against his operation by a state appeals court and an administrative law judge , according to his attorney .
But both orders should be stayed as Mr. Manke appeals both legal matters , one civil and one administrative , his attorney , David Kallman , said .
“ As an attorney , I have advised Karl that he needs to abide by the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elects to go ahead and cut hair while following proper sanitary and social distancing rules , then I ’ m going to defend him , ” Mr. Kallman said .
On May 29 , the Justice Department said it would support seven companies that filed a federal lawsuit against Ms. Whitmer .
The companies argue the restrictions had “ significantly impaired in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods.
” The department ’ s statement of concern in the case comes after Attorney General William Barr on April 27 asked federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
” The businesses are a real estate brokerage , a landscaping company , an automotive glass exporter , an engine oil and auto parts distributor , a jewelry store , a dentist , and a chain of car washes .
The owners say that while some similar enterprises have been allowed to stay open , they have not .
On May 22 , Ms. Whitmer extended Michigan ’ s closures until June 12 , although she has begun allowing some economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
She took that step one day after a state judge tossed a lawsuit from the Republican legislative majority that accused her of assuming excessive powers under the state ’ s Emergency Management Act .
Ms. Whitmer has “ issued over 100 executive orders that impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Michigan , significantly impairing in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods , ” the Justice Department said in announcing its support .
Several federal prosecutors called Ms. Whitmer ’ s slew of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear constitutional protections .
“ I have no doubt about the governor ’ s good intentions , but the executive orders arbitrarily discriminate by allowing some businesses to operate while similar businesses must close or limit their operations , ” said Matthew Schneider , the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan who oversees Mr. Barr ’ s April initiative .
“ Under the governor ’ s orders it ’ s OK to go to a hardware store and buy a jacket , but it ’ s a crime to go inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jacket without making an appointment , ” Mr. Schneider said .
“ That ’ s arbitrary.
” Mr. Manke is cutting hair by appointment and consequently his barber shop is avoiding long lines and any violations of social distancing requirements , Mr. Kallman said .
Nevertheless , shortly before the close of business Tuesday , a contempt motion was filed against Mr. Manke by the Michigan attorney general , Mr. Kallman said .
A county judge has scheduled a hearing on that motion for June 11 .

A now-famous Michigan barber is taking his case to cut hair during the coronavirus pandemic to the state Supreme Court, as the Justice Department weighs in on the side of other businesses suing against the strict COVID-19 lockdowns there.
Small businesses and Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have been at odds for weeks over some of the most severe economic restrictions any state has imposed since the coronavirus pandemic swept across the U.S. this winter.
She began relaxing those restrictions this week.
The clashes led to peaceful protests in Lansing, one of which, Operation Haircut last week, featured 77-year-old barber Karl Manke clipping hair at the top of the state capitol’s steps.
Mr. Manke wielded his scissors at his Owosso barber shop Tuesday despite rulings against his operation by a state appeals court and an administrative law judge, according to his attorney.
But both orders should be stayed as Mr. Manke appeals both legal matters, one civil and one administrative, his attorney, David Kallman, said.
“As an attorney, I have advised Karl that he needs to abide by the court’s decision, but if he elects to go ahead and cut hair while following proper sanitary and social distancing rules, then I’m going to defend him,” Mr. Kallman said.
On May 29, the Justice Department said it would support seven companies that filed a federal lawsuit against Ms. Whitmer. The companies argue the restrictions had “significantly impaired in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods.”
The department’s statement of concern in the case comes after Attorney General William Barr on April 27 asked federal prosecutors “to review state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The businesses are a real estate brokerage, a landscaping company, an automotive glass exporter, an engine oil and auto parts distributor, a jewelry store, a dentist, and a chain of car washes. The owners say that while some similar enterprises have been allowed to stay open, they have not.
On May 22, Ms. Whitmer extended Michigan’s closures until June 12, although she has begun allowing some economic activity to return in parts of the state. She took that step one day after a state judge tossed a lawsuit from the Republican legislative majority that accused her of assuming excessive powers under the state’s Emergency Management Act.
Ms. Whitmer has “issued over 100 executive orders that impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Michigan, significantly impairing in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods,” the Justice Department said in announcing its support.
Several federal prosecutors called Ms. Whitmer’s slew of executive orders arbitrary and thus infringing on clear constitutional protections.
“I have no doubt about the governor’s good intentions, but the executive orders arbitrarily discriminate by allowing some businesses to operate while similar businesses must close or limit their operations,” said Matthew Schneider, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan who oversees Mr. Barr’s April initiative.
“Under the governor’s orders it’s OK to go to a hardware store and buy a jacket, but it’s a crime to go inside a clothing store and buy the identical jacket without making an appointment,” Mr. Schneider said. “That’s arbitrary.”
Mr. Manke is cutting hair by appointment and consequently his barber shop is avoiding long lines and any violations of social distancing requirements, Mr. Kallman said.
Nevertheless, shortly before the close of business Tuesday, a contempt motion was filed against Mr. Manke by the Michigan attorney general, Mr. Kallman said. A county judge has scheduled a hearing on that motion for June 11.
• James Varney can be reached at jvarney@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Inside the Beltway: Hillary Clinton posts fake White House photo

It is an odd and telling political moment .
Former presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton and former White House advisor David Axelrod were among those who recently went to social media and shared an image of a darkened White House as riots raged in 147 cities around the nation .
They clearly suggested that President Trump was within , doing nothing to quell the crisis .
What appeared to be a damning photo turned out to have originated from the era when President Barack Obama was in charge .
“ So pervasive was that meme on social media that the Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberals know that , sorry , the slam dunk on Trump was actually an embarrassing rebound .
People even started saying Trump was ‘ hiding in his bunker ’ and the lights went out — until a CNN reporter pointed out the main lights always go out at 11 p.m. , ” wrote Washington Examiner media analyst Eddie Scarry , in a column for the New York Post .
“ It ’ s not as if this hasn ’ t happened before .
Recall the images of ‘ children in cages ’ that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , passed off as demonstrable proof that the Trump administration was taking a needlessly callous hard line in locking up illegal immigrants .
Those photos ended up being from 2014 , again , when Obama was president , ” said Mr. Scarry .
“ Anti-Trump liberals ( i.e .
Democrats and the media ) just have to find something — anything — wrong with the president , even if it means making it up , ” he noted .
Fans of President Trump often ponder how a record-breaking stock market was diminished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in just a few weeks once the coronavirus pandemic took hold of the nation and the world .
But wait .
Just a few weeks later and the stock market appears to be roaring back .
Roaring back .
Now how does that sound ?
Several reports now cite an emerging trend which suggests that Wall Street does not appear to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic and recent public unrest .
“ Mass protests across the U.S. have no impact on stocks .
What gives ?
” asks a Forbes headline .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ past the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest , ” says Investors Business Daily .
Well , yay .
There are now numbers to back up these observations .
“ This is record breaking .
The DOW is up more than 7,000 points in the last two months .
The increase is record shattering as the DOW has never gone up more in a two month period .
Liberals cheered as the markets plummeted in February and March after reaching another all-time high on February 12 , 2020 , of 29,551 .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they hoped would doom the Trump Presidency .
The coronavirus took down the economy and markets , ” wrote Jim Hoft , founder of the Gateway Pundit , a news and opinion site .
“ But things have changed .
Yes , not everyone is back at work due to crazy inhibitive government or corporate actions , but many Americans are at work again .
The signs of a recovery are everywhere despite the left ’ s riots around the country , ” he said .
And now , the numbers .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 18,592 .
This was the lowest the markets had been since before the President was elected .
But over the past two months , the DOW has gained back more than 7,000 points .
On Tuesday , June 2nd , the DOW closed at 25,743 , for an increase of more than 7,000 points ( 7,151 ) since March 23rd , ” Mr. Hoft explained .
“ Despite several issues of importance — national riots , Chinese relations , an ongoing pandemic — the stock market is primarily focused on a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global economic activities , ” Jim Paulsen , chief investment strategist at the Leuthold Group — an independent investment research firm in Minneapolis — told CNBC .
A new Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that 49 % of likely U.S. voters agree with President Trump and now say “ antifa ” movement should be designated a terrorist organization .
Thirty percent disagree , while 22 % are undecided .
“ Republicans ( 72 % ) are far more supportive of designating the ‘ antifa ’ movement a terrorist organization than Democrats ( 32 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either major party ( 43 % ) ” the pollster said .
The survey of 1,000 likely U.S. voters was conducted June 1-2 .
The dog ate their homework ?
No , protests were the culprit .
Students at the University of California at San Diego are calling upon school officials to alter their final grades because of the stress they have felt during recent public unrest .
“ Students Demand UCSD change finals grading system in light of recent police brutality and protests ” according to The Guardian , the on-campus publication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have launched an email drive to demand that the university adjust its grading policy , ” the publication said , citing a sample letter now in circulation , to be used by students as a template .
“ Please do not force students that are paralyzed by the current events to disengage in their political environment .
Please do not prioritize students ’ exams over their mental and emotional health .
Please do not force students to choose their testing and grades over their obligations to protect and care about human rights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyond it being inherently insensitive to force students , especially our black students , to hold the burden of maintaining their academic readiness in these horrific times , it is blatantly negligent to the severity of these events and their influence over one ’ s mental health and academic performance , ” the sample letter reads .
“ Universal pass/fail or universal pass ” appears to be the favorite grade modification according to the College Fix , an investigative news site that monitors trends at the nation ’ s institutes of higher learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to worry about proper social distancing in the region where they live .
• 32 % are ready to return to normal socializing when coronavirus cases in their state “ decline significantly ” .
• 29 % are “ ready right now ” to resume normal socializing .
• 26 % are ready to resume “ after there are no new cases ” in their state .
• 12 % will be ready “ after a vaccine is developed.
” Source : A Gallup poll of 3,916 U.S. adults conducted May 25-31 @

NEWS AND OPINION:
WAIT, WHAT? THE STOCK MARKET SOARS
Fans of President Trump often ponder how a record-breaking stock market was diminished to a shadow of its former self in just a few weeks once the coronavirus pandemic took hold of the nation and the world. But wait. Just a few weeks later and the stock market appears to be roaring back. Roaring back. Now how does that sound? Several reports now cite an emerging trend which suggests that Wall Street does not appear to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic and recent public unrest.
“Mass protests across the U.S. have no impact on stocks. What gives?” asks a Forbes headline.
“The stock market continues to look past the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest,” says Investors Business Daily.
Well, yay. There are now numbers to back up these observations.
“This is record breaking. The DOW is up more than 7,000 points in the last two months. The increase is record shattering as the DOW has never gone up more in a two month period. Liberals cheered as the markets plummeted in February and March after reaching another all-time high on February 12, 2020, of 29,551. They were praying for a depression or recession which they hoped would doom the Trump Presidency. The coronavirus took down the economy and markets,” wrote Jim Hoft, founder of the Gateway Pundit, a news and opinion site.
“But things have changed. Yes, not everyone is back at work due to crazy inhibitive government or corporate actions, but many Americans are at work again. The signs of a recovery are everywhere despite the left’s riots around the country,” he said.
And now, the numbers.
“On March 23rd, the DOW closed at 18,592. This was the lowest the markets had been since before the President was elected. But over the past two months, the DOW has gained back more than 7,000 points. On Tuesday, June 2nd, the DOW closed at 25,743, for an increase of more than 7,000 points (7,151) since March 23rd,” Mr. Hoft explained.
“Despite several issues of importance — national riots, Chinese relations, an ongoing pandemic — the stock market is primarily focused on a single thing: the restart of U.S. and global economic activities,” Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist at the Leuthold Group — an independent investment research firm in Minneapolis — told CNBC.
ANTIFA: WHAT THE PUBLIC THINKS
A new Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that 49% of likely U.S. voters agree with President Trump and now say “antifa” movement should be designated a terrorist organization. Thirty percent disagree, while 22% are undecided.
“Republicans (72%) are far more supportive of designating the ‘antifa’ movement a terrorist organization than Democrats (32%), and voters not affiliated with either major party (43%)” the pollster said.
The survey of 1,000 likely U.S. voters was conducted June 1-2.
FACT-FINDING MISSION
Talk about a photo finish.
It is an odd and telling political moment. Former presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton and former White House advisor David Axelrod were among those who recently went to social media and shared an image of a darkened White House as riots raged in 147 cities around the nation. They clearly suggested that President Trump was within, doing nothing to quell the crisis.
What appeared to be a damning photo turned out to have originated from the era when President Barack Obama was in charge.
“So pervasive was that meme on social media that the Associated Press was moved to fact-check and let liberals know that, sorry, the slam dunk on Trump was actually an embarrassing rebound. People even started saying Trump was ‘hiding in his bunker’ and the lights went out — until a CNN reporter pointed out the main lights always go out at 11 p.m.,” wrote Washington Examiner media analyst Eddie Scarry, in a column for the New York Post.
“It’s not as if this hasn’t happened before. Recall the images of ‘children in cages’ that were all the rage heading into summer 2018, passed off as demonstrable proof that the Trump administration was taking a needlessly callous hard line in locking up illegal immigrants. Those photos ended up being from 2014, again, when Obama was president,” said Mr. Scarry.
“Anti-Trump liberals (i.e. Democrats and the media) just have to find something — anything — wrong with the president, even if it means making it up,” he noted.
IVY-COVERED HALLS
The dog ate their homework? No, protests were the culprit. Students at the University of California at San Diego are calling upon school officials to alter their final grades because of the stress they have felt during recent public unrest.
“Students Demand UCSD change finals grading system in light of recent police brutality and protests” according to The Guardian, the on-campus publication at the school.
“The students have launched an email drive to demand that the university adjust its grading policy,” the publication said, citing a sample letter now in circulation, to be used by students as a template.
“Please do not force students that are paralyzed by the current events to disengage in their political environment. Please do not prioritize students’ exams over their mental and emotional health. Please do not force students to choose their testing and grades over their obligations to protect and care about human rights,” the sample letter states.
“Beyond it being inherently insensitive to force students, especially our black students, to hold the burden of maintaining their academic readiness in these horrific times, it is blatantly negligent to the severity of these events and their influence over one’s mental health and academic performance,” the sample letter reads.
“Universal pass/fail or universal pass” appears to be the favorite grade modification according to the College Fix, an investigative news site that monitors trends at the nation’s institutes of higher learning.
POLL DU JOUR
• 46% of U.S. adults continue to worry about proper social distancing in the region where they live.
• 32% are ready to return to normal socializing when coronavirus cases in their state “decline significantly”.
• 29% are “ready right now” to resume normal socializing.
• 26% are ready to resume “after there are no new cases” in their state.
• 12% will be ready “after a vaccine is developed.”
Source: A Gallup poll of 3,916 U.S. adults conducted May 25-31.
• Kindly follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Mexico reports new one-day high of 1,092 coronavirus deaths

MEXICO CITY ( AP ) - The coronavirus toll in Mexico soared to a new daily high Wednesday , with the health department reporting 1,092 test-confirmed deaths - more than double the previous one-day record and in line with numbers in the United States and Brazil .
The announcement was an embarrassment for officials , who have consistently predicted that cases in Mexico were about to start leveling off .
The country began a gradual re-opening of industrial and business activity Monday .
Officials rushed to say that many of the new confirmed deaths had occurred days or even weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of delays in processing tests or other reasons .
But such delays have presumably been a constant reflected in every previous daily tally .
Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell did not cite any specific clearing of testing backlogs in previous days that would explain the Wednesday spike .
“ We have had a very substantial increase in mortality , ” López-Gatell said , ascribing the delay in reporting deaths to “ various reasons.
” Mexico has largely seen daily death tolls of 300 to 400 , after seeing the previous one-day high of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new confirmed cases rose by 3,912 , pushing Mexico ’ s total for the pandemic into six figures , at 101,238 .
But Mexico has performed very little testing - about 250,000 tests in a country 125 million people - and officials acknowledge that the actual number of cases is probably many times higher .

MEXICO CITY (AP) - The coronavirus toll in Mexico soared to a new daily high Wednesday, with the health department reporting 1,092 test-confirmed deaths - more than double the previous one-day record and in line with numbers in the United States and Brazil.
The announcement was an embarrassment for officials, who have consistently predicted that cases in Mexico were about to start leveling off. The country began a gradual re-opening of industrial and business activity Monday.
Officials rushed to say that many of the new confirmed deaths had occurred days or even weeks ago and were being announced now because of delays in processing tests or other reasons.
But such delays have presumably been a constant reflected in every previous daily tally. Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell did not cite any specific clearing of testing backlogs in previous days that would explain the Wednesday spike.
“We have had a very substantial increase in mortality,” López-Gatell said, ascribing the delay in reporting deaths to “various reasons.”
Mexico has largely seen daily death tolls of 300 to 400, after seeing the previous one-day high of 501 deaths May 26.
The number of new confirmed cases rose by 3,912, pushing Mexico’s total for the pandemic into six figures, at 101,238. But Mexico has performed very little testing - about 250,000 tests in a country 125 million people - and officials acknowledge that the actual number of cases is probably many times higher.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--George Floyd had coronavirus, medical examiner says

An autopsy released Wednesday showed that George Floyd , the black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer , had @ @ @ @ @ reported that the Hennepin County Medical Examiner said Mr. Floyd , whose death has sparked @ @ @ @ @ for the virus on April 3 .
An earlier autopsy report from the county said @ @ @ @ @ cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual , restraint , and neck compression.
” Mr. Floyd @ @ @ @ @ ’ t breathe ” as a policeman kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes @

An autopsy released Wednesday showed that George Floyd, the black man killed by a white Minneapolis police officer, had the coronavirus.
NBC News reported that the Hennepin County Medical Examiner said Mr. Floyd, whose death has sparked worldwide protests, tested positive for the virus on April 3.
The medical report by Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker said Mr. Floyd seemed to have been asymptomatic — as many people who catch the virus are — and that his lungs appeared healthy.
An earlier, preliminary autopsy report from the county said Mr. Floyd died from “cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.”
Mr. Floyd died saying “I can’t breathe” as a policeman kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes.
The full report Wednesday said Mr. Floyd had other “significant” conditions, including hypertension-related heart disease, fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use.
However, these were not listed under the cause of death.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Police: California man had hammer, not gun, when killed

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - A man suspected of stealing from a pharmacy in the San Francisco Bay Area amid national protests was fatally shot by officers who thought he was carrying a firearm in his waistband but actually had a hammer , police said Wednesday .
Details of the shooting were revealed even as some California counties and cities planned to end curfews after days of largely peaceful protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Sean Monterrosa , 22 , of San Francisco was the first confirmed death at the hands of law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Floyd ’ s death .
Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said officers were responding to calls involving a Walgreens early Tuesday when the shooting occurred .
The death prompted renewed calls against police brutality by critics at a brief news conference by Williams , saying it was exactly the kind of police action they were protesting .
“ The intent was to stop the looting and to arrest any perpetrators if necessary .
The officers reacted to a perceived threat , ” Williams said .
“ I would say that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to use force .
My condolences to his family ; it is a difficult thing to happen I understand that.
” Williams said police saw about a dozen people suspected of stealing in the parking lot of the store .
One of the cars rammed into a police vehicle and prompted a wild chase , he said .
At the same time , officers spotted Monterrosa near the building , with what appeared to be a weapon , he said .
“ This individual appeared to be running toward the black sedan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kneeling position , and placing his hands above his waist , revealing what appeared to be the butt of a handgun , ” Williams said .
An officer fired five times through a police car windshield , hitting Monterrosa once , Williams said .
Monterrosa had a 15-inch hammer tucked into the pocket of his sweatshirt , the chief said .
John Burris , an attorney for the family , said he is appalled police would shoot at a person who was on his knees with his hands raised .
“ This young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on his knees and appeared to be trying to surrender , ” Burris said , adding that he understands tensions have been high .
“ But one has to maintain control and you don ’ t get to arbitrarily shoot someone in a panic , just because the situation is excitable.
” .
The officer who shot Monterrosa is an 18-year veteran who has been placed on leave pending an investigation .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A man suspected of stealing from a pharmacy in the San Francisco Bay Area amid national protests was fatally shot by officers who thought he was carrying a firearm in his waistband but actually had a hammer, police said Wednesday.
Details of the shooting were revealed even as some California counties and cities planned to end curfews after days of largely peaceful protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Sean Monterrosa, 22, of San Francisco was the first confirmed death at the hands of law enforcement in California related to stealing from stores since Floyd’s death.
Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said officers were responding to calls involving a Walgreens early Tuesday when the shooting occurred.
The death prompted renewed calls against police brutality by critics at a brief news conference by Williams, saying it was exactly the kind of police action they were protesting.
“The intent was to stop the looting and to arrest any perpetrators if necessary. The officers reacted to a perceived threat,” Williams said. “I would say that it’s always a tragedy anytime an officer has to use force. My condolences to his family; it is a difficult thing to happen I understand that.”
Williams said police saw about a dozen people suspected of stealing in the parking lot of the store. One of the cars rammed into a police vehicle and prompted a wild chase, he said. At the same time, officers spotted Monterrosa near the building, with what appeared to be a weapon, he said.
“This individual appeared to be running toward the black sedan when suddenly he stopped, taking a kneeling position, and placing his hands above his waist, revealing what appeared to be the butt of a handgun,” Williams said.
An officer fired five times through a police car windshield, hitting Monterrosa once, Williams said. Monterrosa had a 15-inch hammer tucked into the pocket of his sweatshirt, the chief said.
John Burris, an attorney for the family, said he is appalled police would shoot at a person who was on his knees with his hands raised.
“This young man was shot multiple times while he was on his knees and appeared to be trying to surrender,” Burris said, adding that he understands tensions have been high. “But one has to maintain control and you don’t get to arbitrarily shoot someone in a panic, just because the situation is excitable.”.
The officer who shot Monterrosa is an 18-year veteran who has been placed on leave pending an investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Deputy fired in Tennessee after 'open fire' comment

JONESBOROUGH , Tenn. ( AP ) - A Tennessee county sheriff ’ s deputy was fired from his job after he said authorities should have “ opened fire ” on anyone who acted violently during protests against the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis , officials said .
Washington County Sheriff ’ s Deputy Matt Casura was fired Monday after initially being suspended without pay , news outlets reported .
Chief Deputy Leighta Laitinen said Casura ’ s comment went against the values and standards of the department .
Laitinen said Casura and other deputies should be “ mindful of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that conduct reflects on the Sheriff ’ s Office and how it can damage the trust of the community.
” Casura made the comment over the weekend on Facebook in a post about violent behavior by some people attending protests in Minnesota .
“ Open fire should have been issued on anyone participating , ” he said in the post , according to news reports .
By Saturday night , Casura had been suspended .
Laitinen said Casura was apologetic and understood his comment was made in “ poor taste.
” A phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee county sheriff’s deputy was fired from his job after he said authorities should have “opened fire” on anyone who acted violently during protests against the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, officials said.
Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Casura was fired Monday after initially being suspended without pay, news outlets reported.
Chief Deputy Leighta Laitinen said Casura’s comment went against the values and standards of the department.
Laitinen said Casura and other deputies should be “mindful of their conduct in private life, how that conduct reflects on the Sheriff’s Office and how it can damage the trust of the community.”
Casura made the comment over the weekend on Facebook in a post about violent behavior by some people attending protests in Minnesota. “Open fire should have been issued on anyone participating,” he said in the post, according to news reports.
By Saturday night, Casura had been suspended.
Laitinen said Casura was apologetic and understood his comment was made in “poor taste.” A phone listing for Casura could not be found.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Scottsdale police make more arrests in mall looting

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. ( AP ) - Scottsdale police have made more arrests in the looting of the city ’ s signature mall and recovered designer handbags , sunglasses and other luxury items .
Authorities said Wednesday another eight people have been arrested and more than $ 46,000 in merchandise from Scottsdale Fashion Square has been found .
The total number of arrests is now 20 with more expected .
Hundreds of people overwhelmed the upscale mall Saturday night and caused millions of dollars in theft and vandalism .
Numerous protesters demonstrating in Phoenix against the death of George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer have said the looters were not aligned with them .
Detectives have arrested 19-year-old Sky Black and 18-year-old Shemar Cooper .
Police say the couple used a Scottsdale vacation rental as a “ staging area ” before looting the mall .
They face charges of burglary and trafficking stolen property .
Three others in the rental who live in Tucson were cited and released on trespassing charges for entering the mall .
The remaining three arrests were for 30-year-old Maurianna Griffin , 21-year-old Robby Galarza and a 17-year-old boy for burglary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the suspects had an attorney to comment on their behalf .
Gov .
Doug Ducey criticized the city for failing to control the situation .
Scottsdale officials say they managed to contain the situation without anyone getting injured .

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Scottsdale police have made more arrests in the looting of the city’s signature mall and recovered designer handbags, sunglasses and other luxury items.
Authorities said Wednesday another eight people have been arrested and more than $46,000 in merchandise from Scottsdale Fashion Square has been found. The total number of arrests is now 20 with more expected.
Hundreds of people overwhelmed the upscale mall Saturday night and caused millions of dollars in theft and vandalism. Numerous protesters demonstrating in Phoenix against the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer have said the looters were not aligned with them.
Detectives have arrested 19-year-old Sky Black and 18-year-old Shemar Cooper. Police say the couple used a Scottsdale vacation rental as a “staging area” before looting the mall. They face charges of burglary and trafficking stolen property.
Three others in the rental who live in Tucson were cited and released on trespassing charges for entering the mall.
The remaining three arrests were for 30-year-old Maurianna Griffin, 21-year-old Robby Galarza and a 17-year-old boy for burglary.
It was not immediately known if any of the suspects had an attorney to comment on their behalf.
Gov. Doug Ducey criticized the city for failing to control the situation. Scottsdale officials say they managed to contain the situation without anyone getting injured.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Man arrested for allegedly pointing gun at ATF agent

CHICAGO ( AP ) - A Chicago man is in federal custody after he allegedly pointed a gun at a federal agent while a child stood by his side , authorities said Wednesday .
Joseph Hammond was arrested early Wednesday after U.S Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosive agents responded to a call of an armed man firing shots on a Chicago street .
Prosecutors said agents drove toward Hammond , announcing themselves and instructing him to stop and show his hands .
Hammond , 33 , pointed a handgun with an extended magazine at one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep moving , ” according to the federal complaint .
He then picked up the child and ran .
He was later tracked down by agents and arrested .
Prosecutors say agents found a handgun and the extended magazine next to diapers and a sippy cup inside an open backpack Hammond was carrying .
They described the weapon as a loaded 10-mm semiautomatic Glock pistol .
Hammond , who has served time for murder and aggravated assault of a police officer , is charged with unlawful use of a firearm by a felon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Hammond has retained legal representation .

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago man is in federal custody after he allegedly pointed a gun at a federal agent while a child stood by his side, authorities said Wednesday.
Joseph Hammond was arrested early Wednesday after U.S Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive agents responded to a call of an armed man firing shots on a Chicago street.
Prosecutors said agents drove toward Hammond, announcing themselves and instructing him to stop and show his hands. Hammond, 33, pointed a handgun with an extended magazine at one of the agents and told him to “keep moving,” according to the federal complaint. He then picked up the child and ran. He was later tracked down by agents and arrested.
Prosecutors say agents found a handgun and the extended magazine next to diapers and a sippy cup inside an open backpack Hammond was carrying. They described the weapon as a loaded 10-mm semiautomatic Glock pistol.
Hammond, who has served time for murder and aggravated assault of a police officer, is charged with unlawful use of a firearm by a felon.
It wasn’t immediately known if Hammond has retained legal representation.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--'Enough is enough' Atlanta suburb protest brings large crowd

DECATUR , Ga. ( AP ) - Around 1,500 protesters gathered outside a Confederate monument in Decatur , Georgia , Wednesday as demonstrations continued throughout the state against racism , police brutality and the killing of George Floyd .
The march started Wednesday afternoon in Decatur Square , home to a Confederate monument built in 1908 and a “ contextualized ” marker explaining the racist history of the monument and the Civil War .
The marker reads , “ This monument and similar ones … were created to intimidate African Americans and limit their full participation in the social and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters in the square echoed that sentiment .
“ Enough is enough , ” Georgia State University student Chalèah Head said .
“ I ’ m the mother of a young black man .
How do I tell him he has to put his hand on the steering wheel when a cop come by because he doesn ’ t know whether they are going to shoot him or not.
” Head called for the Decatur rally on social media , stating she knew residents in her hometown would remain peaceful , The Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets of Decatur , marching through town and stopping traffic at intersections as police and sheriff ’ s deputies looked on .
They read the names of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor and other African Americans who they say have recently been killed unjustly by police .
Protests in Atlanta continued for the sixth consecutive day .
Organizers said they would sit down in the intersection of Marietta Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive at 8:50 p.m and demand an audience with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms .
Bottoms earlier announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday and Thursday and then at 8 p.m. on Friday , Saturday and Sunday .
All of the curfews end at sunrise .
“ They say they ’ re extending curfew because we ’ re throwing bottles .
Tonight , we ’ re not throwing no bottles .
We ’ re just sitting peacefully and asking the mayor to come talk to us , ” Jay Jarns told the AJC .

DECATUR, Ga. (AP) - Around 1,500 protesters gathered outside a Confederate monument in Decatur, Georgia, Wednesday as demonstrations continued throughout the state against racism, police brutality and the killing of George Floyd.
The march started Wednesday afternoon in Decatur Square, home to a Confederate monument built in 1908 and a “contextualized” marker explaining the racist history of the monument and the Civil War.
The marker reads, “This monument and similar ones … were created to intimidate African Americans and limit their full participation in the social and political life of their communities.”
The protesters in the square echoed that sentiment.
“Enough is enough,” Georgia State University student Chalèah Head said. “I’m the mother of a young black man. How do I tell him he has to put his hand on the steering wheel when a cop comes by because he doesn’t know whether they are going to shoot him or not?”
Head called for the Decatur rally on social media, stating she knew residents in her hometown would remain peaceful, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The crowd moved through the streets of Decatur, marching through town and stopping traffic at intersections as police and sheriff’s deputies looked on.
They read the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other African Americans who they say have recently been killed unjustly by police.
Protests in neighboring Atlanta, meanwhile, continued for the sixth consecutive day.
Organizers said they would sit down in the intersection of Marietta Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive at 8:50 p.m and demand an audience with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Bottoms earlier announced that curfews would start at 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and then at 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All of the curfews end at sunrise. Nearly everyone in the crowd downtown dispersed ahead of Wednesday’s curfew, and police and National Guard troops did not advance in a phalanx the way they did the night before.
“They say they’re extending curfew because we’re throwing bottles. Tonight, we’re not throwing no bottles. We’re just sitting peacefully and asking the mayor to come talk to us,” Jay Jarns told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The city experienced widespread vandalism and looting after a peaceful demonstration on Friday. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp authorized up to 3,000 National Guard troops to be deployed to cities across the state, and sent state police to reinforce law enforcement in Atlanta.
___
Mathurin reported from Atlanta.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Denver mayor marches with protesters after Floyd's death

DENVER ( AP ) - Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in downtown Denver on Wednesday for another round of demonstrations following the death of George Floyd .
They lay on their stomachs with their hands behind their backs for nearly nine minutes outside the Colorado Capitol .
Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into the handcuffed black man ’ s neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air .
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock joined the group and clapped as protesters chanted , “ Black lives matter.
” Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have been demonstrating peacefully and locked arms with protesters during a march through downtown .
Denver and cities across the country have been roiled by sometimes violent protests since Floyd ’ s death last week .
The latest gathering followed two relatively peaceful nights of demonstrations in Denver as the call for police reform shifted in part to proposed changes in the law .
Majority Democrats in Colorado ’ s Legislature introduced a measure Wednesday that would allow citizens to sue individual police officers in alleged misconduct cases .
Now , Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an individual capacity , and cities use taxpayer money to pay attorneys ’ fees and settlements reached in misconduct cases .
The bill also would require officers to wear body cameras , compile civilian demographic data in use-of-force cases and create a database of officers who have been fired in a bid to prevent them from being rehired by other law enforcement agencies .
The demographic data would be used in an annual report released to the public .

DENVER (AP) - Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in downtown Denver on Wednesday for another round of demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.
They lay on their stomachs with their hands behind their backs for nearly nine minutes outside the Colorado Capitol. Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into the handcuffed black man’s neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock joined the group and clapped as protesters chanted, “Black lives matter.” Hancock, who is black, thanked those who have been demonstrating peacefully and locked arms with protesters during a march through downtown.
Denver and cities across the country have been roiled by sometimes violent protests since Floyd’s death last week. The latest gathering followed two relatively peaceful nights of demonstrations in Denver as the call for police reform shifted in part to proposed changes in the law.
Majority Democrats in Colorado’s Legislature introduced a measure Wednesday that would allow people to sue individual police officers accused of misconduct. Now, Colorado law provides immunity to officers acting in an individual capacity, and cities use taxpayer money to pay attorneys’ fees and settlements reached in misconduct cases.
The bill also would require officers to wear body cameras, compile civilian demographic data in use-of-force cases and create a database of officers who have been fired in a bid to prevent them from being rehired by other law enforcement agencies. The demographic data would be used in an annual report released to the public.
During a virtual community meeting held to address concerns about Denver police as the protesters marched, chief Paul Pazen said he backed requiring officers to intervene if another officer was using excessive force, pointing to the inaction of the three Minneapolis officers who watched officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee to Floyd’s neck.
“If anyone would have said stop, if anyone would have said enough, then we wouldn’t know George Floyd’s name,” he said.
Pazen said the department was still investigating a driver who was seen speeding up and then apparently trying to run over a man after he fell off the hood of the driver’s vehicle during Denver’s first protest on Thursday.
A cellphone video shot by protester Anabel Escobar, 29, showed the vehicle speed away as other protesters chased it.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--House Democrats set June 10 hearing on racial profiling and police brutality

House Democrats announced a hearing on police brutality and racial profiling for next week .
“ Our nation needs Congress @ @ @ @ @ our moral moment – we must look at legislation to address laws that shield police @ @ @ @ @ .
We must address the structural conflicts of interest .
We must create a database @ @ @ @ @ officers lose the privilege of being an officers anywhere , not just in a given @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Karen Bass , Congressional Black Caucus chair and House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee chair , @ @ @ @ @ The House Judiciary Committee will look into the issues contributing to “ lost trust between @ @ @ @ @ they serve ” on June 10 .
The announcement comes after several days of nation @ @ @ @ @ the death of George Floyd in Minnesota .

House Democrats announced a hearing on police brutality and racial profiling for next week.
“Our nation needs Congress to act. This is our moral moment – we must look at legislation to address laws that shield police officers from ever being accountable. We must address the structural conflicts of interest. We must create a database so that abusive law enforcement officers lose the privilege of being an officers anywhere, not just in a given precinct,” California Democrat Rep. Karen Bass, Congressional Black Caucus chair and House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee chair, said in a statement.
The House Judiciary Committee will look into the issues contributing to “lost trust between police departments and the communities they serve” on June 10.
The announcement comes after several days of nation wide protests and arrests following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Derek Chauvin, George Floyd death police officer, got medals for bravery, drew 17 complaints

NEW YORK — The Minneapolis police officer who used his knee to pin down George Floyd ’ s neck before his death was the most experienced of the four officers involved in the arrest , with a record that included medals for bravery and 17 complaints against him , including one for pulling a woman out of her car during a speeding stop .
New details about Derek Chauvin and the other now-fired officers emerged Wednesday after prosecutors upgraded Chauvin ’ s charge to second-degree murder and charged the others with aiding and abetting in a case that has convulsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality .
Heavily redacted personnel files show that Chauvin , a 19-year veteran of the force , was initially trained as a cook and served in the Army as a military police officer .
Eleven-year veteran and native Hmong speaker Tou Thao began as a community service officer and was the subject of six complaints .
The other two officers were relative newcomers to the department , including Thomas Lane , a former juvenile detention guard who did volunteer work with Somali refugees , and J. Alexander Kueng , who got his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college campus and a department store .
The files were notable for what they didn ’ t include .
Only one of the 17 complaints against Chauvin was detailed , none of the six against Thao were mentioned and there was no further detail about a 2017 excessive force lawsuit against Thao .
Records show that the 44-year-old Chauvin initially studied cooking before taking courses in law enforcement and doing two stints in the Army as a military police officer in the late 1990s , serving at Fort Benning , Georgia , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officer in 2001 and the lone reprimand in his file involved a 2007 incident when he was accused of pulling a woman out of her car after stopping her for going 10 mph ( 16 kph ) over the speed limit .
Investigators found it was not necessary for Chauvin to remove the woman from the car and noted that his squad car video was turned off during the stop .
But Chauvin was also singled out for bravery .
Files show he won two medals of valor , one in 2006 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect who pointed a shotgun at them , and another in 2008 for a domestic violence incident in which Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot a suspect in the stomach .
He also won medals of commendation in 2008 after he and his partner tackled a fleeing suspect who had a pistol in his hand , and in 2009 for single-handedly apprehending a group of gang members while working as an off-duty security guard at the El Nuevo Rodeo , a Minneapolis nightclub .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the club , Maya Santamaria , said Chauvin and Floyd both worked there as security guards at various times but that she wasn ’ t sure if they had known one another .
She said Chauvin was unnecessarily aggressive on nights when the club had a black clientele , quelling fights by dousing the crowd with pepper spray and calling in several police squad cars as backup , a tactic she called “ overkill.
” Chauvin ’ s wife , Kellie , a Laotian immigrant who became the first Hmong winner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divorce shortly after his arrest last week .
Before news of the upgraded charges , a lawyer for Chauvin said he was not making any statements .
Kueng ’ s lawyer said his client turned himself in .
Lane ’ s lawyer said he hadn ’ t seen the complaint or talked to his client .
Thao ’ s lawyer didn ’ t return calls .
Cellphone video of Floyd ’ s May 25 arrest showed Chauvin placing his left knee on Floyd ’ s neck with Lane holding Floyd ’ s legs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood between the officers and onlookers , according to charging documents .
That ’ s when Floyd repeatedly cried out “ I can ’ t breathe , “ Mama ” and “ please.
” At one point , he said “ I ’ m about to die.
” Nevertheless , Chauvin , Lane and Kueng didn ’ t move , according to the documents .
Moments later , Lane asked : “ should we roll him on his side ?
” Chauvin replied : “ No , staying put where we got him.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would experience excited delirium , a condition that can cause agitation , aggressiveness or sudden death , according to the complaint .
“ That ’ s why we have him on his stomach , ” Chauvin replied .
Despite his concerns , Lane didn ’ t do anything to help Floyd or to reduce the force being used on him , the complaint said .
Neither he , Kueng nor Chauvin moved .
Lane joined the police early last year as a 35-year-old cadet - much older than most rookies - and became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no complaints in his file during his short time on the force .
On employment forms , the University of Minnesota graduate said he had done volunteer work tutoring Somali youth and as a mentor helping at-risk elementary school students with reading and homework.
” Kueng , at 26 the youngest of the four officers , was also a recent recruit to the police force .
He completed his year ’ s probation just three months before the Floyd arrest .
His personnel file , which notes that he speaks , reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any commendations or disciplinary actions during his short time on the force .
Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota , where he worked part-time as part of the campus security force .
He also worked nearly three years as a theft-prevention officer at Macy ’ s .
Thao joined the police force part-time in 2008 while attending community college .
Before that , he worked as a security guard , a supermarket stocker and trainer at McDonald ’ s .
City records show six complaints were filed against Thao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in the records released Wednesday .
There also was no mention of a 2017 federal lawsuit accusing him and another officer of excessive force .
According to the lawsuit , Lamar Ferguson claimed that in 2014 , Thao and his partner stopped him and beat him up while he was on his way to his girlfriend ’ s house .
The lawsuit was settled for $ 25,000 .
• Richmond reported from Madison , Wisconsin .
Associated Press writers Amy Forliti in Minneapolis and Scott Bauer in Madison and researcher Rhonda Shafner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Bernard Condon, Todd Richmond, Michael R. Sisak

NEW YORK — The Minneapolis police officer who used his knee to pin down George Floyd’s neck before his death was the most experienced of the four officers involved in the arrest, with a record that included medals for bravery and 17 complaints against him, including one for pulling a woman out of her car during a speeding stop.
New details about Derek Chauvin and the other now-fired officers emerged Wednesday after prosecutors upgraded Chauvin’s charge to second-degree murder and charged the others with aiding and abetting in a case that has convulsed the nation with protests over race and police brutality.
Heavily redacted personnel files show that Chauvin, a 19-year veteran of the force, was initially trained as a cook and served in the Army as a military police officer. Eleven-year veteran and native Hmong speaker Tou Thao began as a community service officer and was the subject of six complaints. The other two officers were relative newcomers to the department, including Thomas Lane, a former juvenile detention guard who did volunteer work with Somali refugees, and J. Alexander Kueng, who got his start in law enforcement by patrolling his college campus and a department store.
The files were notable for what they didn’t include. Only one of the 17 complaints against Chauvin was detailed, none of the six against Thao were mentioned and there was no further detail about a 2017 excessive force lawsuit against Thao.
Records show that the 44-year-old Chauvin initially studied cooking before taking courses in law enforcement and doing two stints in the Army as a military police officer in the late 1990s, serving at Fort Benning, Georgia, and in Germany.
Chauvin became a Minneapolis police officer in 2001 and the lone reprimand in his file involved a 2007 incident when he was accused of pulling a woman out of her car after stopping her for going 10 mph (16 kph) over the speed limit. Investigators found it was not necessary for Chauvin to remove the woman from the car and noted that his squad car video was turned off during the stop.
But Chauvin was also singled out for bravery. Files show he won two medals of valor, one in 2006 for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect who pointed a shotgun at them, and another in 2008 for a domestic violence incident in which Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot a suspect in the stomach.
He also won medals of commendation in 2008 after he and his partner tackled a fleeing suspect who had a pistol in his hand, and in 2009 for single-handedly apprehending a group of gang members while working as an off-duty security guard at the El Nuevo Rodeo, a Minneapolis nightclub.
Since his arrest, the former owner of the club, Maya Santamaria, said Chauvin and Floyd both worked there as security guards at various times but that she wasn’t sure if they had known one another. She said Chauvin was unnecessarily aggressive on nights when the club had a black clientele, quelling fights by dousing the crowd with pepper spray and calling in several police squad cars as backup, a tactic she called “overkill.”
Chauvin’s wife, Kellie, a Laotian immigrant who became the first Hmong winner of the Mrs. Minnesota pageant, filed for divorce shortly after his arrest last week.
Before news of the upgraded charges, a lawyer for Chauvin said he was not making any statements. Kueng’s lawyer said his client turned himself in. Lane’s lawyer said he hadn’t seen the complaint or talked to his client. Thao’s lawyer didn’t return calls.
Cellphone video of Floyd’s May 25 arrest showed Chauvin placing his left knee on Floyd’s neck with Lane holding Floyd’s legs and Kueng holding his back while Thao stood between the officers and onlookers, according to charging documents.
That’s when Floyd repeatedly cried out “I can’t breathe, “Mama” and “please.” At one point, he said “I’m about to die.” Nevertheless, Chauvin, Lane and Kueng didn’t move, according to the documents.
Moments later, Lane asked: “should we roll him on his side?”
Chauvin replied: “No, staying put where we got him.”
Lane said he was worried Floyd would experience excited delirium, a condition that can cause agitation, aggressiveness or sudden death, according to the complaint.
“That’s why we have him on his stomach,” Chauvin replied.
Despite his concerns, Lane didn’t do anything to help Floyd or to reduce the force being used on him, the complaint said. Neither he, Kueng nor Chauvin moved.
Lane joined the police early last year as a 35-year-old cadet - much older than most rookies - and became a full-fledged officer last December. He had no complaints in his file during his short time on the force.
On employment forms, the University of Minnesota graduate said he had done volunteer work tutoring Somali youth and as a mentor helping at-risk elementary school students with reading and homework.”
Kueng, at 26 the youngest of the four officers, was also a recent recruit to the police force. He completed his year’s probation just three months before the Floyd arrest. His personnel file, which notes that he speaks, reads and writes Russian, did not include any commendations or disciplinary actions during his short time on the force.
Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he worked part-time as part of the campus security force. He also worked nearly three years as a theft-prevention officer at Macy’s.
Thao joined the police force part-time in 2008 while attending community college. Before that, he worked as a security guard, a supermarket stocker and trainer at McDonald’s.
City records show six complaints were filed against Thao, but there was no mention of that in the records released Wednesday. There also was no mention of a 2017 federal lawsuit accusing him and another officer of excessive force. According to the lawsuit, Lamar Ferguson claimed that in 2014, Thao and his partner stopped him and beat him up while he was on his way to his girlfriend’s house. The lawsuit was settled for $25,000.
• Richmond reported from Madison, Wisconsin. Associated Press writers Amy Forliti in Minneapolis and Scott Bauer in Madison and researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--AP FACT CHECK: Trump denies tear gas use despite evidence

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - President Donald Trump and some of his supporters are claiming authorities did not use tear gas against people in a crackdown outside the White House this week .
There ’ s evidence they did .
Law enforcement officials shy away from describing crowd-dispersing chemical tools as tear gas ; it evokes police gassing citizens or the horrors of war .
But giving those tools a more antiseptic name does not change the reality on the ground .
Federal institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the common term for riot-control agents .
Whether the common or formal term is used , the effects on people are the same .
Those effects were well documented when authorities forcefully cleared a crowd from outside the White House before Trump walked to St. John ’ s Church across Lafayette Park on Monday to be photographed holding a Bible .
“ They didn ’ t use tear gas , ” Trump said Wednesday on Fox News Radio .
The U.S. Park Police denied using tear gas , yet acknowledged deploying a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other scientific organizations list as one form of tear gas .
Authorities , who came from more than a half-dozen agencies besides the Park Police , set loose several wafting compounds , causing people to cough and gag as they scattered , their eyes red and streaming in some cases .
They displayed the results of exposure to tear gas - tears , for example .
“ Tear gas is anything that makes you cry , ” said Dr. Lynn Goldman , dean of the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd dispersal .
“ Pepper spray is a tear gas .
But there are all kinds of other ones , too.
” Compounds that are listed as riot-control agents make people temporarily unable to function by irritating their eyes , mouth , throat , lungs and skin , the CDC says .
They are “ sometimes referred to as ‘ tear gas , ’ ” says a CDC fact sheet .
The Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents also uses tear gas as an informal umbrella term for riot-control agents and cites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unrest near the White House , officers shot plastic balls with pepper powder from what looked like souped-up paintball guns , and dispersed other compounds in a stinging fog .
The book also says riot-control agents are “ popularly referred to as ‘ tear gas ’ or ‘ pepper spray.
’ ” It says they may be combined with an explosive substance in grenades , released in a smoke of particles from handheld devices or sprayed in a solution .
The disabling effects of tear gas are designed to be short-lived , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may lead to long-term effects such as eye problems including scarring , glaucoma , and cataracts , and may possibly cause breathing problems such as asthma.
” An Army research institute paper in 2009 cites riot-control agents and tear gas interchangeably .
It says tear gas is something of a misnomer , because the agents tend not to be gaseous and modern compounds can affect a wider variety of organs as well as the eyes , lungs and digestive tract that are historically the targets of tear gas .
Dr. Sven-Eric Jordt researches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his lab at the Duke University School of Medicine ’ s Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program .
He said newer compounds , which may have been used in the “ pepper ball ” projectiles deployed at the protest , might or might not fit a traditional definition of tear gas but are as potent and come with scant research on their safety .
Any difference is semantic , he said .
“ There ’ s been very little research on tear gas being done in the United States , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the use levels that are deployed now.
” Jordt said the two main categories of crowd-clearing irritants - known as CS and OC - both activate the pain-sensing nervous system sharply , which in turn can make the body more susceptible to a virus .
“ I ’ m just very concerned this might increase the likelihood of infection ” in the coronavirus pandemic , he said , or trigger more extreme reactions in people who have the virus but are not showing symptoms .
“ To use these highly irritating agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ It ’ s really shocking that it is used to that extent.
” EDITOR ’ S NOTE - A look at the veracity of claims by political figures .

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump and some of his supporters are claiming authorities did not use tear gas against people in a crackdown outside the White House this week. There’s evidence they did.
Law enforcement officials shy away from describing crowd-dispersing chemical tools as tear gas; it evokes police gassing citizens or the horrors of war. But giving those tools a more antiseptic name does not change the reality on the ground.
Federal institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense have listed tear gas as the common term for riot-control agents. Whether the common or formal term is used, the effects on people are the same.
Those effects were well documented when authorities forcefully cleared a crowd from outside the White House before Trump walked to St. John’s Church across Lafayette Park on Monday to be photographed holding a Bible.
“They didn’t use tear gas,” Trump said Wednesday on Fox News Radio. The U.S. Park Police denied using tear gas, yet acknowledged deploying a pepper compound, which the CDC and other scientific organizations list as one form of tear gas.
Authorities, who came from more than a half-dozen agencies besides the Park Police, set loose several wafting compounds, causing people to cough and gag as they scattered, their eyes red and streaming in some cases. They displayed the results of exposure to tear gas - tears, for example.
“Tear gas is anything that makes you cry,” said Dr. Lynn Goldman, dean of the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, speaking of chemicals used in crowd dispersal. “Pepper spray is a tear gas. But there are all kinds of other ones, too.”
Compounds that are listed as riot-control agents make people temporarily unable to function by irritating their eyes, mouth, throat, lungs and skin, the CDC says. They are “sometimes referred to as ‘tear gas,’” says a CDC fact sheet.
The Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents also uses tear gas as an informal umbrella term for riot-control agents and cites pepper spray as one kind. In the unrest near the White House, officers shot plastic balls with pepper powder from what looked like souped-up paintball guns, and dispersed other compounds in a stinging fog.
The book also says riot-control agents are “popularly referred to as ‘tear gas’ or ‘pepper spray.’” It says they may be combined with an explosive substance in grenades, released in a smoke of particles from handheld devices or sprayed in a solution.
The disabling effects of tear gas are designed to be short-lived, but the CDC says prolonged exposure “may lead to long-term effects such as eye problems including scarring, glaucoma, and cataracts, and may possibly cause breathing problems such as asthma.”
An Army research institute paper in 2009 cites riot-control agents and tear gas interchangeably. It says tear gas is something of a misnomer, because the agents tend not to be gaseous and modern compounds can affect a wider variety of organs as well as the eyes, lungs and digestive tract that are historically the targets of tear gas.
Dr. Sven-Eric Jordt researches tear gas agents and chemical exposure injuries in his lab at the Duke University School of Medicine’s Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program.
He said newer compounds, which may have been used in the “pepper ball” projectiles deployed at the protest, might or might not fit a traditional definition of tear gas but are as potent and come with scant research on their safety. Any difference is semantic, he said.
“There’s been very little research on tear gas being done in the United States,” he said, and “no research backing up the use levels that are deployed now.”
Jordt said the two main categories of crowd-clearing irritants - known as CS and OC - both activate the pain-sensing nervous system sharply, which in turn can make the body more susceptible to a virus. “I’m just very concerned this might increase the likelihood of infection” in the coronavirus pandemic, he said, or trigger more extreme reactions in people who have the virus but are not showing symptoms.
“To use these highly irritating agents on protesters is not a good idea,” he said. “It’s really shocking that it is used to that extent.”
___
EDITOR’S NOTE - A look at the veracity of claims by political figures.
___
Find AP Fact Checks at http://apnews.com/APFactCheck
Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Colorado resort files lawsuit against railroad for 2018 fire

DURANGO , Colo. ( AP ) - An insurance company representing a Colorado resort filed a lawsuit against the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for damage costs associated with an extended wildfire .
Purgatory Resort ’ s insurance provider submitted the claim shortly before the end of a two-year statute of limitations , The Durango Herald reports .
The filing by Granite State Insurance Co. of New York claims the ski resort in Durango sustained financial losses after it was forced to shut down as a result of the wildfire .
The fire began in June 2018 and burned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 84 square miles ( 218 square kilometers ) primarily in the Hermosa Creek watershed .
The fire started about 10 miles ( 16 kilometers ) north of Durango near the railroad ’ s tracks .
Federal officials determined the railroad caused the fire when a coal-burning locomotive emitted a cinder in an area experiencing extreme drought .
The insurance company claims that shortly before the blaze the railroad fired a significant portion of its pop car crew , which follows the train and puts out fires , replacing the workers with “ less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s property and business were damaged as a result of the 416 Fire , including but not limited to , smoke and ash flows , loss of business revenue , diminished property values and economic harm , ” the lawsuit says .
Granite State and Purgatory Resort did not immediately return requests for additional comment .
The railroad also did not respond to a request for comment .
In other cases stemming from the fire , a federal court judge this week threw out the railroad ’ s motion to dismiss a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lawsuit on behalf of residents and businesses affected by the first fire has been delayed .

DURANGO, Colo. (AP) - An insurance company representing a Colorado resort filed a lawsuit against the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for damage costs associated with an extended wildfire.
Purgatory Resort’s insurance provider submitted the claim shortly before the end of a two-year statute of limitations, The Durango Herald reports.
The filing by Granite State Insurance Co. of New York claims the ski resort in Durango sustained financial losses after it was forced to shut down as a result of the wildfire.
The fire began in June 2018 and burned nearby for nearly two months, consuming 84 square miles (218 square kilometers) primarily in the Hermosa Creek watershed.
The fire started about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Durango near the railroad’s tracks.
Federal officials determined the railroad caused the fire when a coal-burning locomotive emitted a cinder in an area experiencing extreme drought.
The insurance company claims that shortly before the blaze the railroad fired a significant portion of its pop car crew, which follows the train and puts out fires, replacing the workers with “less experienced” personnel.
“Purgatory’s property and business were damaged as a result of the 416 Fire, including but not limited to, smoke and ash flows, loss of business revenue, diminished property values and economic harm,” the lawsuit says.
Granite State and Purgatory Resort did not immediately return requests for additional comment. The railroad also did not respond to a request for comment.
In other cases stemming from the fire, a federal court judge this week threw out the railroad’s motion to dismiss a U.S. government lawsuit against the company, while a lawsuit on behalf of residents and businesses affected by the first fire has been delayed.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Hogan: Maryland National Guard members guarding monuments

ANNAPOLIS , Md .
( AP ) - Members of Maryland ’ s National Guard are in the District of Columbia only to patrol monuments and have not been involved in altercations with protesters in the nation ’ s capital , Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan said Wednesday .
At a news conference , Hogan said Secretary of Defense Mark Esper called him to request that guard members come to the District of Columbia because he did not want to use active-duty military during protests in the capital .
Esper said Wednesday that he opposes using military troops to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary of defense called me directly and asked , ” Hogan said .
“ He did not want to utilize the military , and I agree with that .
I ’ m very much opposed to calling up the active-duty military.
” Hogan emphasized that Maryland National Guard members have not been involved in altercations with protesters .
“ They are specifically not involved in any of the things with the protesters , ” Hogan said .
“ They ’ re on a specific mission , spread out , standing at monuments.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his administration reached out to Democratic District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser , “ and she approved of that mission.
” Michael Ricci , a spokesperson for Hogan , said earlier this week that 116 Maryland National Guard members were stationed on the National Mall to support U.S. Capitol Police .
Hogan began a news conference Wednesday on the state ’ s response to the coronavirus by addressing the death of George Floyd last week in Minnesota .
Floyd was an African American man who died after a police officer pressed a knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I want to begin by taking a moment to address the senseless murder of George Floyd , which has served as yet another reminder that we still have a long way to go to live up to our nation ’ s highest ideals , ” Hogan said .
Hogan noted the protests in cities around the country , including Baltimore .
“ I ’ m incredibly proud that during this difficult time , the people of Baltimore city have set an example for the rest of America , ” Hogan said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maryland National Guard .
“ But most importantly , I want to thank the residents of Baltimore , who are showing the power of a strong , compassionate , and united community .
”

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Members of Maryland’s National Guard are in the District of Columbia only to patrol monuments and have not been involved in altercations with protesters in the nation’s capital, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said Wednesday.
At a news conference, Hogan said Secretary of Defense Mark Esper called him to request that guard members come to the District of Columbia because he did not want to use active-duty military during protests in the capital. Esper said Wednesday that he opposes using military troops to contain the ongoing street protests.
“The secretary of defense called me directly and asked,” Hogan said. “He did not want to utilize the military, and I agree with that. I’m very much opposed to calling up the active-duty military.”
Hogan emphasized that Maryland National Guard members have not been involved in altercations with protesters.
“They are specifically not involved in any of the things with the protesters,” Hogan said. “They’re on a specific mission, spread out, standing at monuments.”
Hogan, a Republican, also said his administration reached out to Democratic District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, “and she approved of that mission.”
Michael Ricci, a spokesperson for Hogan, said earlier this week that 116 Maryland National Guard members were stationed on the National Mall to support U.S. Capitol Police.
Hogan began a news conference Wednesday on the state’s response to the coronavirus by addressing the death of George Floyd last week in Minnesota. Floyd was an African American man who died after a police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes.
“I want to begin by taking a moment to address the senseless murder of George Floyd, which has served as yet another reminder that we still have a long way to go to live up to our nation’s highest ideals,” Hogan said.
Hogan noted the protests in cities around the country, including Baltimore.
“I’m incredibly proud that during this difficult time, the people of Baltimore city have set an example for the rest of America,” Hogan said, thanking local officials, police and the Maryland National Guard. “But most importantly, I want to thank the residents of Baltimore, who are showing the power of a strong, compassionate, and united community.”


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--Republican National Convention officials scramble for alternate sites to Charlotte

Officials planning the Republican National Convention were left scrambling after President Trump said this week that they ’ re looking for alternate sites for the massive event amid an escalating spat with North Carolina ’ s Democratic governor .
The Republican National Committee said Wednesday that the celebration surrounding Mr. Trump ’ s nomination will be held elsewhere even as the party holds out hope that they can still conduct some convention business in Charlotte in August .
“ It would be light speed to put a convention together this quickly in a city .
I think it could still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough , ” said Jason Thompson , a Republican National Committee member from Georgia .
“ I don ’ t know why any state wouldn ’ t want to have a convention with all the revenue that comes in.
” The convention was scheduled to take place Aug. 24-27 in Charlotte , but organizers had been in a back-and-forth this past week with Gov .
Roy Cooper , who has expressed public safety concerns about holding such a large-scale during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
A major overhaul to such a massive event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a herculean undertaking even if the party ’ s nomination of an incumbent president is ultimately a formality .
The president late Tuesday said they are now being forced to seek another state to play host , saying Mr. Cooper and state officials refused to guarantee the full use of the Spectrum Center .
“ Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode , and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised , ” Mr. Trump tweeted .
The president has been itching for a return to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on hold during the pandemic .
Mr. Cooper said the state has been committed to holding a safe convention but that planners never agreed to scale things down to accommodate public safety concerns .
North Carolina is currently in “ phase two ” of its recovery plan and indoor gatherings of more than 10 people are not allowed .
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel responded that Mr. Cooper hadn ’ t given them enough guidance on what a “ scaled down ” event would look like .
An RNC official said Wednesday that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be held in a another city but that some convention business could still be held in Charlotte if Mr. Cooper relaxes the restrictions .
Other possible locations include Nashville , Las Vegas , Orlando or Jacksonville in Florida , and Georgia .
Mr. Thompson floated Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as a possible site , though he said he ’ s not even sure they would need something that big .
The stadium , home to the Atlanta Falcons , has a capacity of more than 70,000 .
“ Maybe even an outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , UV light and everything — might not be the worst thing in the world , ” he said .
“ Heck , there ’ s probably high school football stadiums that could do it.
” The RNC had said their definition of a “ full convention ” would entail 19,000 delegates , alternate delegates , staff , volunteers , elected officials , and guests inside the Spectrum Center in Charlotte .
North Carolina Lt. Gov .
Dan Forest , a Republican , estimated that the convention would bring about $ 160 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when businesses are still struggling to recover from coronavirus-related shutdowns .
“ Gov .
Cooper has delivered a clear message that North Carolina is not open for business , and the repercussions to jobs and livelihoods will be long-lasting , ” Mr. Forest said Wednesday .
Mr. Forest is running for governor against Mr. Cooper in the fall election .
North Carolina is also a key battleground state in the race for the White House , and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is up for reelection in one of the most closely watched Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors , including Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee , Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , and Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp , said they would welcome the event to their states .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine was more cautious Wednesday , saying the virus is not yet fully tamed .
“ I don ’ t know where we ’ ll be several months from now , but this would not be something that we think that we would volunteer to do , ” Mr. DeWine , a Republican , said on Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a real problem , particularly those that are inside.
” The White House referred questions about convention planning to the RNC .
Democrats already pushed their convention in Milwaukee from July to August over coronavirus concerns and are crafting contingency plans for parts of it to be held virtually .
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said Wednesday that Mr. Trump and Republicans are “ abandoning ” North Carolina and that they haven ’ t worked with the state to put together an event with proper health guidelines .
“ That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ They are not about ego gratification .
They are not about you , Mr. President — they are about the people .
”

Officials planning the Republican National Convention were left scrambling after President Trump said this week that they’re looking for alternate sites for the massive event amid an escalating spat with North Carolina’s Democratic governor.
The Republican National Committee said Wednesday that the celebration surrounding Mr. Trump’s nomination will be held elsewhere even as the party holds out hope that they can still conduct some convention business in Charlotte in August.
“It would be light speed to put a convention together this quickly in a city. I think it could still be done, but it’s tough,” said Jason Thompson, a Republican National Committee member from Georgia. “I don’t know why any state wouldn’t want to have a convention with all the revenue that comes in.”
The convention was scheduled to take place Aug. 24-27 in Charlotte, but organizers had been in a back-and-forth this past week with Gov. Roy Cooper, who has expressed public safety concerns about holding such a large-scale during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
A major overhaul to such a massive event in less than three months’ time is a herculean undertaking even if the party’s nomination of an incumbent president is ultimately a formality.
The president late Tuesday said they are now being forced to seek another state to play host, saying Mr. Cooper and state officials refused to guarantee the full use of the Spectrum Center.
“Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised,” Mr. Trump tweeted.
The president has been itching for a return to his large-scale campaign-style rallies that have been put on hold during the pandemic.
Mr. Cooper said the state has been committed to holding a safe convention but that planners never agreed to scale things down to accommodate public safety concerns.
North Carolina is currently in “phase two” of its recovery plan and indoor gatherings of more than 10 people are not allowed.
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel responded that Mr. Cooper hadn’t given them enough guidance on what a “scaled down” event would look like.
An RNC official said Wednesday that the celebration of Mr. Trump’s nomination will be held in a another city but that some convention business could still be held in Charlotte if Mr. Cooper relaxes the restrictions.
Other possible locations include Nashville, Las Vegas, Orlando or Jacksonville in Florida, and Georgia.
Mr. Thompson floated Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as a possible site, though he said he’s not even sure they would need something that big. The stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons, has a capacity of more than 70,000.
“Maybe even an outside venue. I mean, considering COVID-19, UV light and everything — might not be the worst thing in the world,” he said. “Heck, there’s probably high school football stadiums that could do it.”
The RNC had said their definition of a “full convention” would entail 19,000 delegates, alternate delegates, staff, volunteers, elected officials, and guests inside the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, a Republican, estimated that the convention would bring about $160 million to the state economy at a time when businesses are still struggling to recover from coronavirus-related shutdowns.
“Gov. Cooper has delivered a clear message that North Carolina is not open for business, and the repercussions to jobs and livelihoods will be long-lasting,” Mr. Forest said Wednesday.
Mr. Forest is running for governor against Mr. Cooper in the fall election.
North Carolina is also a key battleground state in the race for the White House, and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is up for reelection in one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.
Some Republican governors, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, said they would welcome the event to their states.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was more cautious Wednesday, saying the virus is not yet fully tamed.
“I don’t know where we’ll be several months from now, but this would not be something that we think that we would volunteer to do,” Mr. DeWine, a Republican, said on Fox News. “These mass gatherings are just a real problem, particularly those that are inside.”
The White House referred questions about convention planning to the RNC.
Democrats already pushed their convention in Milwaukee from July to August over coronavirus concerns and are crafting contingency plans for parts of it to be held virtually.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said Wednesday that Mr. Trump and Republicans are “abandoning” North Carolina and that they haven’t worked with the state to put together an event with proper health guidelines.
“That is what conventions are about,” he said. “They are not about ego gratification. They are not about you, Mr. President — they are about the people.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-06-03--9-month-old among virus-related deaths reported in Kentucky

FRANKFORT , Ky. ( AP ) - A 9-month-old who tested positive for COVID-19 was among eight more people whose deaths were related to the coronavirus in Kentucky , Gov .
Andy Beshear announced Wednesday .
The latest deaths raised the statewide death toll to 450 since the pandemic began .
In announcing the infant ’ s death , Beshear said : “ Far too often , people think that it ’ s something that only happens to medically compromised seniors .
This is a reminder of how deadly this virus can be .
How precious all of our lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s public health commissioner , said it ’ s not conclusive that the infant from Hopkins County died as a direct result of COVID-19 .
The state ’ s reporting methodology is to list her death as a coronavirus-related death since she tested positive for the virus .
“ It is possible that COVID did directly contribute to the death , ” he said .
“ It ’ s also possible that it did not .
It may be one of those things we never come to find out for sure.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also included a 48-year-old man from Shelby County , Stack said .
The man tested positive for the virus but did not have any preexisting medical conditions that officials were aware of , he said .
Stack stressed the importance of wearing masks , following social distancing rules and adhering to other health guidelines as people increasingly venture out as the economy reopens .
The Democratic governor also announced 265 more coronavirus cases in Kentucky , raising the statewide total to more than 10,400 .
More than 3,280 Kentuckians have recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was up from other days , but it could be due to daily fluctuations or increased testing , including in long-term care facilities , Beshear said .
But it ’ s something officials are watching closely , he said .
“ I don ’ t think this 265 is a cause for alarm , though it is at least a reminder … that this virus is still out there and spreading , ” he said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For some , especially older adults and those with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , even death .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A 9-month-old who tested positive for COVID-19 was among eight more people whose deaths were related to the coronavirus in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday.
The latest deaths raised the statewide death toll to 450 since the pandemic began.
In announcing the infant’s death, Beshear said: “Far too often, people think that it’s something that only happens to medically compromised seniors. This is a reminder of how deadly this virus can be. How precious all of our lives are.”
Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, said it’s not conclusive that the infant from Hopkins County died as a direct result of COVID-19. The state’s reporting methodology is to list her death as a coronavirus-related death since she tested positive for the virus.
“It is possible that COVID did directly contribute to the death,” he said. “It’s also possible that it did not. It may be one of those things we never come to find out for sure.”
The state’s latest virus-related deaths also included a 48-year-old man from Shelby County, Stack said. The man tested positive for the virus but did not have any preexisting medical conditions that officials were aware of, he said.
Stack stressed the importance of wearing masks, following social distancing rules and adhering to other health guidelines as people increasingly venture out as the economy reopens.
The Democratic governor also announced 265 more coronavirus cases in Kentucky, raising the statewide total to more than 10,400. More than 3,280 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
The new number of cases was up from other days, but it could be due to daily fluctuations or increased testing, including in long-term care facilities, Beshear said.
But it’s something officials are watching closely, he said.
“I don’t think this 265 is a cause for alarm, though it is at least a reminder … that this virus is still out there and spreading,” he said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, even death.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak