westernjournal--2020-05-29--Here’s How You Can Help Stop Amazon from Silencing Conservatives

Big tech and their relationship with conservatives — which can best be described as “ Give us your money and your data , but don ’ t give us your opinions ” — is much in the news lately thanks to the fractious relationship between President Donald Trump and Twitter .
It goes much deeper than that , of course , and it ’ s all-pervasive : There isn ’ t a single big tech company that veers rightward or even toward moderation .
The Alliance Defending Freedom is one of the organizations that got the shaft from big tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group from its AmazonSmile donation program — in which a small amount of each purchase is donated to a nonprofit organization — after the Christian nonprofit was deemed a “ hate group.
” And who made that determination ?
The Southern Poverty Law Center , of course — the controversial left-wing donation mill that just happens to be a partner of Amazon ’ s and found that the organization ’ s traditional Christian beliefs were problematic .
“ In using the SPLC ’ s ‘ hate group ’ list to determine which charities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which customers can donate a percentage of their purchase to the nonprofit of their choosing ) , Amazon excludes peaceful conservative and religious charities .
The SPLC lumps these groups — including ADF — in with racist and violent groups such as the Ku Klux Klan , ” the ADF wrote in a May 18 post .
TRENDING : Bombshell : Klobuchar Refused To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case , Might Have Prevented Death “ Amazon customers have donated more than $ 150 million to nonprofits through AmazonSmile .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for funds to serve people in need , Amazon is allowing the SPLC ’ s subjective and widely criticized opinions to limit the charitable giving options of its customers.
” And yet , it feels like a losing battle for conservatives .
These tech giants are so massive , it ’ s impossible to avoid giving them the money or the data they crave .
What , then , do we do ?
If Amazon is “ partners with an organization committed to maligning beliefs that differ from its own and shutting down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SPLC , this isn ’ t just going to be a one-off .
Given the fact that the SPLC ’ s definition of what constitutes a “ hate group ” is a relatively broad one , it ’ s going to be organizations far less controversial than the ADF getting barred from the AmazonSmile program .
So , what can conservatives do ?
According to the ADF , it ’ s time for conservatives to demand that Amazon embrace “ viewpoint diversity.
” It ’ s not just the SPLC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for instance .
The tech giant has censored books by a psychologist who treated people for same-sex attraction .
“ Conversion therapy ” is considered controversial , even on the right — but if you want to read about it , you ’ re going to have a hard time finding any books promoting it on Amazon .
It ’ s curious to wonder what exactly this accomplished — arguably , by bringing attention to these books , they generated more sympathy and attention for proponents of “ conversion therapy ” than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it certainly demonstrated Amazon ’ s values .
Amazon says it ’ s all about “ access to a variety of viewpoints , including books that some customers may find objectionable , ” yet this seems to run entirely counter to that .
RELATED : Donna Brazile Gets Laughed at on 'The Five ' Over First Amendment Ignorance Fixing this isn ’ t exactly easy , but there are some ways the ADF says people can make a difference .
First , Amazon shareholders can start making some noise about the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon Investor Relations and encouraging the company to end its relationship with the SPLC .
While one conservative investor had introduced a proposal “ requesting a report on viewpoint discrimination , ” the resolution failed to pass Wednesday , according to Fox Business .
“ A large part of Amazon ’ s dynamic success is its integration with the global economy through partnerships with logistical service providers and independent content creators .
Any policy that discriminates against delivery partners , content creators , or customers based on social , political , or religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s innovative approach has unlocked , ” the proposal read .
“ The shareholders should be aware of the extent to which discrimination against social , political , or religious views by Amazon in its partnerships , content policies , and options for customer-selected charitable donations may jeopardize Amazon ’ s current market-dominance and may negatively affect important social dynamics beyond Amazon ’ s immediate business impact.
” If you ’ re not a shareholder , there ’ s still a petition you can sign asking Amazon to stop censoring conservative viewpoints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutes “ hate ” to agenda-driven groups like the SPLC .
The petition will be delivered to Amazon .
Alternatively , you can also stop shopping with them and write them a letter making it clear why you ’ re stopping .
After all , as the ADF pointed out , one of their leadership principles is “ Customer Obsession.
” And yet , they ’ re able to get away with acting like this toward roughly half their customer base .
It may be something small , especially when you consider the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube .
It would be a start , however , and a very important one .
The SPLC shouldn ’ t be an arbiter of what viewpoints big tech finds acceptable .
The sooner they ’ re decoupled from the process , the better and the fairer it ’ ll be .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Big tech and their relationship with conservatives — which can best be described as “Give us your money and your data, but don’t give us your opinions” — is much in the news lately thanks to the fractious relationship between President Donald Trump and Twitter.
It goes much deeper than that, of course, and it’s all-pervasive: There isn’t a single big tech company that veers rightward or even toward moderation.
The Alliance Defending Freedom is one of the organizations that got the shaft from big tech. In 2018, Amazon removed the group from its AmazonSmile donation program — in which a small amount of each purchase is donated to a nonprofit organization — after the Christian nonprofit was deemed a “hate group.”
And who made that determination? The Southern Poverty Law Center, of course — the controversial left-wing donation mill that just happens to be a partner of Amazon’s and found that the organization’s traditional Christian beliefs were problematic.
“In using the SPLC’s ‘hate group’ list to determine which charities can participate in AmazonSmile (a program in which customers can donate a percentage of their purchase to the nonprofit of their choosing), Amazon excludes peaceful conservative and religious charities. The SPLC lumps these groups — including ADF — in with racist and violent groups such as the Ku Klux Klan,” the ADF wrote in a May 18 post.
“Amazon customers have donated more than $150 million to nonprofits through AmazonSmile. At a time when charities are desperate for funds to serve people in need, Amazon is allowing the SPLC’s subjective and widely criticized opinions to limit the charitable giving options of its customers.”
And yet, it feels like a losing battle for conservatives. These tech giants are so massive, it’s impossible to avoid giving them the money or the data they crave. What, then, do we do?
If Amazon is “partners with an organization committed to maligning beliefs that differ from its own and shutting down debate,” as the ADF describes the SPLC, this isn’t just going to be a one-off.
Given the fact that the SPLC’s definition of what constitutes a “hate group” is a relatively broad one, it’s going to be organizations far less controversial than the ADF getting barred from the AmazonSmile program.
Should the SPLC be involved in deciding what constitutes a 'hate group?' Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 4% (19 Votes) No: 96% (426 Votes)
So, what can conservatives do? According to the ADF, it’s time for conservatives to demand that Amazon embrace “viewpoint diversity.”
It’s not just the SPLC’s involvement with AmazonSmile that should concern conservatives, for instance.
The tech giant has censored books by a psychologist who treated people for same-sex attraction. “Conversion therapy” is considered controversial, even on the right — but if you want to read about it, you’re going to have a hard time finding any books promoting it on Amazon.
It’s curious to wonder what exactly this accomplished — arguably, by bringing attention to these books, they generated more sympathy and attention for proponents of “conversion therapy” than they would have otherwise gotten — but it certainly demonstrated Amazon’s values.
Amazon says it’s all about “access to a variety of viewpoints, including books that some customers may find objectionable,” yet this seems to run entirely counter to that.
Fixing this isn’t exactly easy, but there are some ways the ADF says people can make a difference.
First, Amazon shareholders can start making some noise about the company’s relationship with the SPLC by contacting Amazon Investor Relations and encouraging the company to end its relationship with the SPLC.
While one conservative investor had introduced a proposal “requesting a report on viewpoint discrimination,” the resolution failed to pass Wednesday, according to Fox Business.
“A large part of Amazon’s dynamic success is its integration with the global economy through partnerships with logistical service providers and independent content creators. Any policy that discriminates against delivery partners, content creators, or customers based on social, political, or religious views obstructs the near-limitless potential that Amazon’s innovative approach has unlocked,” the proposal read.
“The shareholders should be aware of the extent to which discrimination against social, political, or religious views by Amazon in its partnerships, content policies, and options for customer-selected charitable donations may jeopardize Amazon’s current market-dominance and may negatively affect important social dynamics beyond Amazon’s immediate business impact.”
If you’re not a shareholder, there’s still a petition you can sign asking Amazon to stop censoring conservative viewpoints and stop outsourcing their decisions on what constitutes “hate” to agenda-driven groups like the SPLC. The petition will be delivered to Amazon.
Alternatively, you can also stop shopping with them and write them a letter making it clear why you’re stopping.
After all, as the ADF pointed out, one of their leadership principles is “Customer Obsession.” And yet, they’re able to get away with acting like this toward roughly half their customer base.
It may be something small, especially when you consider the kind of censorship underway at Twitter and YouTube.
It would be a start, however, and a very important one.
The SPLC shouldn’t be an arbiter of what viewpoints big tech finds acceptable. The sooner they’re decoupled from the process, the better and the fairer it’ll be.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-05-29--Tucker Carlson Said These 9 GOP Senators Should Lose Their Races

Should nine GOP senators lose their jobs because of their stance on visas for foreign workers ?
Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson says yes — and he wants every single one of them primaried .
The kerfuffle involves a letter sent to the president by the nine senators urging him to keep the H-2A and H-2B seasonal visas which allow companies to bring in workers for agricultural and non-agricultural work , respectively , the Daily Caller News Foundation reported .
Immigration hawks have been urging the president to scrap the visa programs , given the mass unemployment caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine — Sens .
Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , John Cornyn of Texas , Mike Crapo and James Risch of Idaho , Michael Rounds of South Dakota , Todd Young of Indiana , Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska , and James Lankford of Oklahoma — are urging the president to keep the programs .
TRENDING : Bombshell : Klobuchar Refused To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case , Might Have Prevented Death “ We write today to urge you to consider the important role non-immigrant temporary visa programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America , ” read the letter , sent Wednesday and first publicized by Michelle Hackman of The Wall Street Journal .
“ Any changes to these programs should be very narrowly tailored to prevent additional damage to the already struggling American small businesses who rely on the assistance made possible through these visas.
” The letter argues that the jobs provided by H-2A or H-2B visas wouldn ’ t be able to be filled by American workers .
“ Due to the temporary and seasonal nature of the work , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even now , who wish to work only on a temporary basis , ” the letter said .
“ Many of the jobs lost since March are not temporary or seasonal.
” On his Wednesday show , Carlson argued the letter reeked of corporate protectionism at the expense of American workers .
“ A huge number of American jobs are now occupied by foreign nationals , and not just the seasonal lettuce picking we hear so much about , those fabled jobs Americans just won ’ t do , ” Carlson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be thrilled to do and have , white-collar jobs , the kind your kids studied for in college but can ’ t get because some big company would rather pay foreigners a cheaper wage .
“ That is happening all over this country and has been for years .
It ’ s legal because Congress made it legal through H-1B visas and other guest worker programs — there are a lot of them.
” However , you have those nine GOP senators who want the programs to stay .
RELATED : Surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRILLIONS in Losses “ The senators would like to see foreign doctors , physicians , dentists , cybersecurity experts and many other categories of white-collar workers come , too , ” he said .
“ There ’ s certainly no shortage of Americans desperate to do these jobs .
So many of our doctors and dentists for example aren ’ t working right now but ‘ don ’ t worry , ’ say the senators .
All the Americans are getting generous unemployment benefits.
” Even though Carlson professed to like many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fervently rooting for their defeat anyway .
“ We are hoping that the next Republican primary , all nine of the people you are looking at right now will be defeated and replaced by people who care about unemployed Americans .
That is the very least we can expect and in fact we should demand it again and again.
” Good idea ?
On one hand , primarying is a fraught thing .
Even well-organized efforts to replace establishment types generally end badly ; the Justice Democrats ’ attempts to replace liberals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-profile victory in the person of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , but a lot of failures beyond that .
Less-organized attempts have yielded even worse results .
It sounds better in a segment on “ Tucker Carlson Tonight ” than it does in the real political world .
And , well , some of these senators aren ’ t going to be defeated at the primary level , at least not this time .
Sens .
Cornyn , Graham , Risch , Rounds and Sullivan are up for re-election this year ; good luck replacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on a single issue .
However , beyond the feasibility issues of primarying many of these people , Carlson ’ s argument is otherwise sound .
Again , this isn ’ t just seasonal picking jobs in the California fields .
These are jobs that could be filled by American workers that American workers want and that corporations are filling with lower-paid foreign workers .
You could make an argument — a weak one — when the unemployment rate was at record lows .
It ’ s now at record highs because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These Republican senators put corporations ahead of unemployed Americans .
There ’ s nothing wrong with a healthy corporate America , mind you , but not when it comes during a period of dire national emergency .
Trying to protect the H-2A and H-2B visas at a time like this isn ’ t defensible , not when real unemployment is close to 20 percent .
Perhaps they can ’ t be primaried , but these senators should be shamed for their decision .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

Should nine GOP senators lose their jobs because of their stance on visas for foreign workers?
Fox News’ Tucker Carlson says yes — and he wants every single one of them primaried.
The kerfuffle involves a letter sent to the president by the nine senators urging him to keep the H-2A and H-2B seasonal visas which allow companies to bring in workers for agricultural and non-agricultural work, respectively, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported.
Immigration hawks have been urging the president to scrap the visa programs, given the mass unemployment caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the GOP nine — Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, John Cornyn of Texas, Mike Crapo and James Risch of Idaho, Michael Rounds of South Dakota, Todd Young of Indiana, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, and James Lankford of Oklahoma — are urging the president to keep the programs.
“We write today to urge you to consider the important role non-immigrant temporary visa programs will play in aiding post-pandemic economic recovery in America,” read the letter, sent Wednesday and first publicized by Michelle Hackman of The Wall Street Journal.
“Any changes to these programs should be very narrowly tailored to prevent additional damage to the already struggling American small businesses who rely on the assistance made possible through these visas.”
Republican Sens. Graham, Cornyn, Crapo, Risch, Rounds, Young, Murkowski, Sullivan and Lankford write President Trump to urge him not to restrict temporary, work-based visas, which they say will help the economic recovery pic.twitter.com/BPDjcjUXyR — Michelle Hackman (@MHackman) May 27, 2020
The letter argues that the jobs provided by H-2A or H-2B visas wouldn’t be able to be filled by American workers.
“Due to the temporary and seasonal nature of the work, it is exceedingly difficult to find American workers, even now, who wish to work only on a temporary basis,” the letter said. “Many of the jobs lost since March are not temporary or seasonal.”
On his Wednesday show, Carlson argued the letter reeked of corporate protectionism at the expense of American workers.
“A huge number of American jobs are now occupied by foreign nationals, and not just the seasonal lettuce picking we hear so much about, those fabled jobs Americans just won’t do,” Carlson said. “But also many jobs that Americans would be thrilled to do and have, white-collar jobs, the kind your kids studied for in college but can’t get because some big company would rather pay foreigners a cheaper wage.
“That is happening all over this country and has been for years. It’s legal because Congress made it legal through H-1B visas and other guest worker programs — there are a lot of them.”
However, you have those nine GOP senators who want the programs to stay.
Should the H-2A and H-2B visas be canceled? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 89% (938 Votes) No: 11% (113 Votes)
“The senators would like to see foreign doctors, physicians, dentists, cybersecurity experts and many other categories of white-collar workers come, too,” he said.
“There’s certainly no shortage of Americans desperate to do these jobs. So many of our doctors and dentists for example aren’t working right now but ‘don’t worry,’ say the senators. All the Americans are getting generous unemployment benefits.”
Even though Carlson professed to like many of the senators, he said “we are fervently rooting for their defeat anyway.
“We are hoping that the next Republican primary, all nine of the people you are looking at right now will be defeated and replaced by people who care about unemployed Americans. That is the very least we can expect and in fact we should demand it again and again.”
Tucker Carlson just called for 9 GOP senators to be primaried: “We are hoping that the next Republican primary, all nine of the people you are looking at right now will be defeated and replaced by people who care about unemployed Americans.” pic.twitter.com/owkvRpcQwy — Scott Morefield (@SKMorefield) May 28, 2020
Good idea? On one hand, primarying is a fraught thing.
Even well-organized efforts to replace establishment types generally end badly; the Justice Democrats’ attempts to replace liberals with hardcore progressives has given them one high-profile victory in the person of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but a lot of failures beyond that. Less-organized attempts have yielded even worse results.
It sounds better in a segment on “Tucker Carlson Tonight” than it does in the real political world.
And, well, some of these senators aren’t going to be defeated at the primary level, at least not this time. Sens. Cornyn, Graham, Risch, Rounds and Sullivan are up for re-election this year; good luck replacing them on the ballot in short notice based on a single issue.
However, beyond the feasibility issues of primarying many of these people, Carlson’s argument is otherwise sound.
Again, this isn’t just seasonal picking jobs in the California fields.
These are jobs that could be filled by American workers that American workers want and that corporations are filling with lower-paid foreign workers.
You could make an argument — a weak one — when the unemployment rate was at record lows. It’s now at record highs because of the damage wrought by the coronavirus.
These Republican senators put corporations ahead of unemployed Americans. There’s nothing wrong with a healthy corporate America, mind you, but not when it comes during a period of dire national emergency.
Trying to protect the H-2A and H-2B visas at a time like this isn’t defensible, not when real unemployment is close to 20 percent. Perhaps they can’t be primaried, but these senators should be shamed for their decision.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
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westernjournal--2020-05-29--Lead Singer of Christian Rock Band Posts Shocking Confession: ‘I No Longer Believe in God’

We have plenty of phrases in the English language whose familiarity belies their depth .
“ Honesty is the best policy ” is one .
“ The truth will set you free ” is another .
Those sentences are worn from constant use , but they invoke a difficult reality : Sometimes knowing things is painful .
The truth about a situation can hurt .
But many still prefer to be honest about where they are instead of living what they believe to be a lie .
Jon Steingard of the Christian band Hawk Nelson is one of those people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world something that he ’ d been dealing with for some time , even though he knew it would change things irreversibly .
“ I ’ ve been terrified to post this for a while – but it feels like it ’ s time for me to be honest , ” he shared on Instagram on May 20 .
“ I hope this is not the end of the conversation , but the beginning.
” TRENDING : Bombshell : Klobuchar Refused To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case , Might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is encouraging to people who might feel the same but are as afraid to speak as I am .
I want to be open .
I want to be transparent with you all – and also open to having my heart changed in the future .
I am not looking for a debate at all – just a chance to share my story in the hopes some good can come from it .
I love you all.
” He posted a series of photos sharing a lengthy exposition that detailed his journey and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of doubts and questions that he has discussed with others and prayed about , but that ultimately he finds himself no longer believing .
“ After growing up in a Christian home , being a pastor ’ s kid , playing and singing in a Christian band , and having the word ‘ Christian ’ in front of most of the things in my life — I am now finding that I no longer believe in God , ” he wrote .
He explained his reasons for waiting to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide for his family .
“ The band isn ’ t playing shows or making new music at the moment , and we ’ ve all found other work and careers to focus on for the time being .
In order to make sure I ’ m able to keep providing for my family , that had to be the case before I could be totally honest – and that fact is one of the issues I have with the church and Christian culture in general.
” He also said that although he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( or lack thereof ) , he ’ s open to change .
“ I ’ m open to the idea that God is there , ” he wrote .
“ I ’ d prefer it if he was .
I suspect if he is there , he is very different than what I was taught .
I know my parents pray that God reveals himself to me .
If he ’ s there , I hope he does.
” After spilling out his heart , he got a wave of responses that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update that he posted on Wednesday that “ the love and support that I ’ ve felt has been humbling and overwhelming.
” RELATED : DNA Test Proves Phil Robertson of 'Duck Dynasty ' Has 45-Year-Old Daughter He Never Knew About “ Thousands of people from a wide range of belief and unbelief have reached out to let me know I ’ m loved , ” he continued .
“ How could I have expected that ?
How could I have asked for more ?
” “ … I have been inundated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories .
Stories of hurt and healing , of pain and release .
It ’ s clear that I ’ ve struck a nerve , and that many many many of you have felt what I feel .
We haven ’ t all landed in the same place , or reached the same conclusions .
But the struggle with the questions ?
That ’ s something we share.
” “ It seems to me that if the notion of God was clear and obvious , we would all believe exactly the same thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether gravity is real or not .
Anyone can on earth can look up at the moon and agree that it ’ s there .
No one has ever had a theological debate about the existence of lettuce.
” Steingard ’ s doubts and concerns are not new for Christianity or humankind .
Most Christians have struggled with some form of doubt in their walks : Some suffer momentary lapses and others deep valleys .
The Bible is full of faithful men and women who questioned : Some doubted even their own eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from God .
But in the end — and sometimes it takes some time — God brought them through .
Many commenters reached out to encourage Steingard or offer prayers for him after he shared his initial post .
One even suggested that what he is experiencing might actually be disillusionment with a certain expression of Christianity and not a complete rejection of its basic tenets .
Band members Daniel Biro , Micah Kuiper and David Niacaris have expressed their sentiments in a post on the Hawk Nelson Instagram account .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to inspire and encourage all people with the truth that God is FOR them and not against them , ” they posted on Wednesday .
“ In that message ’ s most simple and purest form , that THEY matter.
” “ So now we turn that truth towards one of our own .
That God is still FOR Jon & he still matters .
Why ?
Because that truth doesn ’ t change just because we question it.
” Regardless of what brand Steingard now uses to describe himself , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay close to his Christian friends , and has expressed a desire for truth .
“ My prayer in recent days has been ‘ God , if you ’ re there , please show up , ' ” he wrote .
“ I mean it sincerely .
So far , I don ’ t feel like I ’ ve been answered .
My door remains open.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

We have plenty of phrases in the English language whose familiarity belies their depth. “Honesty is the best policy” is one. “The truth will set you free” is another.
Those sentences are worn from constant use, but they invoke a difficult reality: Sometimes knowing things is painful. The truth about a situation can hurt. But many still prefer to be honest about where they are instead of living what they believe to be a lie.
Jon Steingard of the Christian band Hawk Nelson is one of those people. He felt a burden to tell the world something that he’d been dealing with for some time, even though he knew it would change things irreversibly.
“I’ve been terrified to post this for a while – but it feels like it’s time for me to be honest,” he shared on Instagram on May 20. “I hope this is not the end of the conversation, but the beginning.”
“I hope this is encouraging to people who might feel the same but are as afraid to speak as I am. I want to be open. I want to be transparent with you all – and also open to having my heart changed in the future. I am not looking for a debate at all – just a chance to share my story in the hopes some good can come from it. I love you all.”
He posted a series of photos sharing a lengthy exposition that detailed his journey and thinking. He expressed that he has a lot of doubts and questions that he has discussed with others and prayed about, but that ultimately he finds himself no longer believing.
“After growing up in a Christian home, being a pastor’s kid, playing and singing in a Christian band, and having the word ‘Christian’ in front of most of the things in my life — I am now finding that I no longer believe in God,” he wrote.
He explained his reasons for waiting to make a public statement, citing his desire to provide for his family.
“The band isn’t playing shows or making new music at the moment, and we’ve all found other work and careers to focus on for the time being. In order to make sure I’m able to keep providing for my family, that had to be the case before I could be totally honest – and that fact is one of the issues I have with the church and Christian culture in general.”
He also said that although he feels compelled to share his current beliefs (or lack thereof), he’s open to change.
“I’m open to the idea that God is there,” he wrote. “I’d prefer it if he was. I suspect if he is there, he is very different than what I was taught. I know my parents pray that God reveals himself to me. If he’s there, I hope he does.”
After spilling out his heart, he got a wave of responses that surprised him. He wrote in an update that he posted on Wednesday that “the love and support that I’ve felt has been humbling and overwhelming.”
“Thousands of people from a wide range of belief and unbelief have reached out to let me know I’m loved,” he continued. “How could I have expected that? How could I have asked for more?”
“… I have been inundated with your stories. Beautiful stories. Tragic stories. Stories of hurt and healing, of pain and release. It’s clear that I’ve struck a nerve, and that many many many of you have felt what I feel. We haven’t all landed in the same place, or reached the same conclusions. But the struggle with the questions? That’s something we share.”
“It seems to me that if the notion of God was clear and obvious, we would all believe exactly the same thing. We don’t argue over whether gravity is real or not. Anyone can on earth can look up at the moon and agree that it’s there. No one has ever had a theological debate about the existence of lettuce.”
Steingard’s doubts and concerns are not new for Christianity or humankind. Most Christians have struggled with some form of doubt in their walks: Some suffer momentary lapses and others deep valleys.
The Bible is full of faithful men and women who questioned: Some doubted even their own eyes and others straight up ran and hid from God. But in the end — and sometimes it takes some time — God brought them through.
Many commenters reached out to encourage Steingard or offer prayers for him after he shared his initial post. One even suggested that what he is experiencing might actually be disillusionment with a certain expression of Christianity and not a complete rejection of its basic tenets.
Band members Daniel Biro, Micah Kuiper and David Niacaris have expressed their sentiments in a post on the Hawk Nelson Instagram account.
“Our mission as Hawk Nelson has always been to inspire and encourage all people with the truth that God is FOR them and not against them,” they posted on Wednesday. “In that message’s most simple and purest form, that THEY matter.”
“So now we turn that truth towards one of our own. That God is still FOR Jon & he still matters. Why? Because that truth doesn’t change just because we question it.”
Regardless of what brand Steingard now uses to describe himself, he’s still on a journey, wants to stay close to his Christian friends, and has expressed a desire for truth.
“My prayer in recent days has been ‘God, if you’re there, please show up,'” he wrote. “I mean it sincerely. So far, I don’t feel like I’ve been answered. My door remains open.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-29--Arrest Made in George Floyd Case

Arrest Made in George Floyd Case

A Minnesota prosecutor has charged a police officer with third-degree murder and manslaughter in the restraint death of George Floyd .
Floyd is the handcuffed black man whose cries of “ I can ’ t breathe ” in a widely seen cellphone video set off days of violent protests in Minneapolis and around the country .
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Friday that he may yet bring more charges against the officer , Derek Chauvin .
Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington , meanwhile , said that state investigators had arrested Chauvin .
The white officer knelt on Floyd ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the video .
TRENDING : Bombshell : Klobuchar Refused To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case , Might Have Prevented Death Floyd can be seen gradually becoming motionless as Chauvin and three other officers ignored bystanders ’ shouts to get off him .
Floyd was pronounced dead at a Minneapolis hospital in an incident that began when police responded to a report of a man passing a counterfeit bill in a grocery store on Memorial Day .
The charges came after Minneapolis has been rocked by three days of protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the burning of a police precinct station on Thursday even after the governor called out the National Guard .
Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz on Friday acknowledged the “ abject failure ” of the response to this week ’ s violent protests .
Walz said the state would take over the response and that it ’ s time to show respect and dignity to those who are suffering .
Walz ’ s comments came after protesters torched a police station that officers abandoned during a third night of violence .
Livestream video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intentionally set fires activated smoke alarms and sprinklers .
Meanwhile , attorneys for the families of George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor are calling for an independent investigation of the actions leading to Floyd ’ s death .
They also want national reforms in response to the three deaths .
Attorney Ben Crump said during a news conference Friday that he ’ s asked to take custody of Floyd ’ s body for an independent autopsy .
He and attorney Lee Merritt said they want murder charges brought against each of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd ’ s arrest .
And they want the Minnesota attorney general to take over the investigation .
Crump says the families from Georgia , Kentucky and now Minnesota have all had to dispel narratives from law enforcement that their loved ones “ brought this upon themselves.
” They cited an initial report in Floyd ’ s case that said he threatened police and died of a medical condition .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our @ @ @

A Minnesota prosecutor has charged a police officer with third-degree murder and manslaughter in the restraint death of George Floyd.
Floyd is the handcuffed black man whose cries of “I can’t breathe” in a widely seen cellphone video set off days of violent protests in Minneapolis and around the country.
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Friday that he may yet bring more charges against the officer, Derek Chauvin.
Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington, meanwhile, said that state investigators had arrested Chauvin.
The white officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for at least eight minutes in the video.
UPDATE: Ex-police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter for the death of #GeorgeFloyd, says the prosecutor. The other 3 officers are under investigation pic.twitter.com/akOMvTgQLa — AJ+ (@ajplus) May 29, 2020
Floyd can be seen gradually becoming motionless as Chauvin and three other officers ignored bystanders’ shouts to get off him.
Floyd was pronounced dead at a Minneapolis hospital in an incident that began when police responded to a report of a man passing a counterfeit bill in a grocery store on Memorial Day.
Do you think the criminal charges brought against Chauvin are appropriate? Yes No
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The charges came after Minneapolis has been rocked by three days of protests, including looting, scores of fires and the burning of a police precinct station on Thursday even after the governor called out the National Guard.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Friday acknowledged the “abject failure” of the response to this week’s violent protests. Walz said the state would take over the response and that it’s time to show respect and dignity to those who are suffering.
Walz’s comments came after protesters torched a police station that officers abandoned during a third night of violence.
Livestream video showed protesters entering the building, where intentionally set fires activated smoke alarms and sprinklers.
Meanwhile, attorneys for the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor are calling for an independent investigation of the actions leading to Floyd’s death. They also want national reforms in response to the three deaths.
Attorney Ben Crump said during a news conference Friday that he’s asked to take custody of Floyd’s body for an independent autopsy.
He and attorney Lee Merritt said they want murder charges brought against each of the four Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd’s arrest. And they want the Minnesota attorney general to take over the investigation.
Crump says the families from Georgia, Kentucky and now Minnesota have all had to dispel narratives from law enforcement that their loved ones “brought this upon themselves.”
They cited an initial report in Floyd’s case that said he threatened police and died of a medical condition.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-05-29--CNN Crew Arrested During Live Broadcast

CNN Crew Arrested During Live Broadcast

A CNN crew was arrested by police Friday in Minneapolis , where rioting has filled the streets for three nights in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police .
Footage of the incident posted on YouTube shows police advancing toward a CNN crew , which contained correspondent Omar Jimenez , producer Bill Kirkos and photojournalist Leonel Mendez .
The incident took place near the Minneapolis Police Department ’ s Third Precinct police station , which had been set afire by protesters Thursday night .
The video clip begins with members of the Minneapolis State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN crew to detain an individual , putting the crew between a line of police and the person being taken to the ground .
Amid calls from a loudspeaker for individuals to disperse , a group of officers reached the CNN crew .
TRENDING : Bombshell : Klobuchar Refused To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case , Might Have Prevented Death Although Jimenez can be heard telling the police that the crew will move out of the officers ’ way , the video also shows that the crew did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can move back to where you ’ d like , ” Jimenez said .
“ We are live on the air at the moment.
” “ Put us back where you want us .
We were getting out of your way , so just let us know .
Wherever you ’ d want us , we will go , ” he added .
“ We were just getting out of your way when you were advancing through the intersection.
” Jimenez continued to report from the scene until he was handcuffed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American television reporter Omar Jimenez being led away by police officers , ” CNN anchor John Berman said back in CNN ’ s studio .
“ He clearly identified himself as a reporter , he was respectfully explaining to the state police that the CNN team was there and moving away as they would request , and then for some reason he was taken into police custody live on television.
” The CNN crew was taken to the city ’ s public safety building , but they were released roughly an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was pretty cordial after that happened , ” Jimenez said on the air later , according to Deadline , claiming the officer who arrested him said he was “ just following orders.
” “ They weren ’ t violent with me , we were having conversation about how crazy this week has been for every single part of the city .
A lot of these people are on edge , ” he said .
“ The one thing that gave me a little bit of comfort was that it happened on live TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about , let ’ s say what happened with George Floyd , there ’ s discussion that , what ’ s happening isn ’ t new , it ’ s being filmed .
That speaks to the power of having something that happens on camera .
You can have people speak up for you without you saying anything.
” Berman later quoted Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz as telling CNN president Jeff Zucker : “ It was totally unacceptable and inadvertent what happened .
… They clearly had the right to be there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , it is never acceptable for this to happen.
” Minneapolis State Patrol issued a statement on Twitter about the arrests .
“ In the course of clearing the streets and restoring order at Lake Street and Snelling Avenue , four people were arrested by State Patrol troopers , including three members of a CNN crew .
The three were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media , ” the tweet read .
CNN then claimed that the police were wrong .
“ This is not accurate – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live television , immediately as journalists .
We thank Minnesota @ GovTimWalz for his swift action this morning to aid in the release of our crew , ” the network ’ s communications division tweeted .
As CNN tried to spin the incident as police misconduct , some pushed back : In its reporting on the incident , CNN raised the issue of race , noting that Jimenez is black and Latino , while CNN reporter Josh Campbell , who is white , was not arrested .
Campbell was in the same area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the camera crew .
“ I identified myself … they said , ‘ OK , you ’ re permitted to be in the area , ' ” Campbell said .
“ I was treated much differently than [ Jimenez ] was.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A CNN crew was arrested by police Friday in Minneapolis, where rioting has filled the streets for three nights in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
Footage of the incident posted on YouTube shows police advancing toward a CNN crew, which contained correspondent Omar Jimenez, producer Bill Kirkos and photojournalist Leonel Mendez. The incident took place near the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct police station, which had been set afire by protesters Thursday night.
The video clip begins with members of the Minneapolis State Patrol running to a spot behind the CNN crew to detain an individual, putting the crew between a line of police and the person being taken to the ground.
Amid calls from a loudspeaker for individuals to disperse, a group of officers reached the CNN crew.
Although Jimenez can be heard telling the police that the crew will move out of the officers’ way, the video also shows that the crew did not immediately move away from its place.
“We can move back to where you’d like,” Jimenez said. “We are live on the air at the moment.”
“Put us back where you want us. We were getting out of your way, so just let us know. Wherever you’d want us, we will go,” he added. “We were just getting out of your way when you were advancing through the intersection.”
Jimenez continued to report from the scene until he was handcuffed and placed under arrest.
Do you think the CNN crew should have obeyed the police immediately? Yes No
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“That is an American television reporter Omar Jimenez being led away by police officers,” CNN anchor John Berman said back in CNN’s studio.
“He clearly identified himself as a reporter, he was respectfully explaining to the state police that the CNN team was there and moving away as they would request, and then for some reason he was taken into police custody live on television.”
The CNN crew was taken to the city’s public safety building, but they were released roughly an hour after they were arrested.
“Everyone was pretty cordial after that happened,” Jimenez said on the air later, according to Deadline, claiming the officer who arrested him said he was “just following orders.”
“They weren’t violent with me, we were having conversation about how crazy this week has been for every single part of the city. A lot of these people are on edge,” he said.
“The one thing that gave me a little bit of comfort was that it happened on live TV. When you talk within the community about, let’s say what happened with George Floyd, there’s discussion that, what’s happening isn’t new, it’s being filmed. That speaks to the power of having something that happens on camera. You can have people speak up for you without you saying anything.”
Berman later quoted Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as telling CNN president Jeff Zucker: “It was totally unacceptable and inadvertent what happened. … They clearly had the right to be there, we want the media to cover this, it is never acceptable for this to happen.”
Live now on CNN as reported by @JohnBerman: CNN president Jeff Zucker spoke to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz who apologized for State Police’s arrest of @OmarJimenez and our team. He is working to get them released. Walz said he takes full responsibility for what happened. — Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) May 29, 2020
Minneapolis State Patrol issued a statement on Twitter about the arrests.
“In the course of clearing the streets and restoring order at Lake Street and Snelling Avenue, four people were arrested by State Patrol troopers, including three members of a CNN crew. The three were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media,” the tweet read.
In the course of clearing the streets and restoring order at Lake Street and Snelling Avenue, four people were arrested by State Patrol troopers, including three members of a CNN crew. The three were released once they were confirmed to be members of the media. — MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) May 29, 2020
CNN then claimed that the police were wrong.
“This is not accurate – our CNN crew identified themselves, on live television, immediately as journalists. We thank Minnesota @GovTimWalz for his swift action this morning to aid in the release of our crew,” the network’s communications division tweeted.
This is not accurate – our CNN crew identified themselves, on live television, immediately as journalists. We thank Minnesota @GovTimWalz for his swift action this morning to aid in the release of our crew. https://t.co/3cvtsqbbWz — CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 29, 2020
As CNN tried to spin the incident as police misconduct, some pushed back:
Not accurate CNN, your own footage shows they were asked to move. You know how this works. Yes Omar was respectful. But in a riot situation when Police say move, you know very well, MOVE! Film from the side, not in front of their shields. They’re there to restore order, you air. — Snow White ⏳ (@SnowWhite7IAM) May 29, 2020
CNN is racist. They are making this arrest thing about racism when they were told to move from THE CENTER STAGING AREA as we watched it ALL!
But CNN correspondents say it’s bc Omar is black and Josh is white -but Josh was not in the MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION w a CNN CREW! #CNN — Informed Consent to Vaccinate (@Pied_Peter) May 29, 2020
In its reporting on the incident, CNN raised the issue of race, noting that Jimenez is black and Latino, while CNN reporter Josh Campbell, who is white, was not arrested.
Campbell was in the same area as Jimenez, but was not with the camera crew.
“I identified myself … they said, ‘OK, you’re permitted to be in the area,'” Campbell said. “I was treated much differently than [Jimenez] was.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-29--Looting Spreads to a New City in Wake of George Floyd Death

Looting ravaged St. Paul , Minnesota , on Thursday amid the spread of violence originally spawned by the death of George Floyd in nearby Minneapolis .
St. Paul police estimated 170 businesses were looted or damaged .
Police also reported that officers were pelted by rocks when they intervened to stop looting or protect businesses .
Rioters attacked a Target store , a CVS , a pawnshop and other businesses , according to a list curated by the Minnesota outlet Bring Me The News .
A different Target store had been at the center of looting in Minneapolis on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case , Might Have Prevented Death St. Paul ’ s damage came on the same day that a large group of protesters in Minneapolis breached and torched a police station , according to KSTP .
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said Thursday he had requested National Guard aid to help keep the peace , Minnesota Public Radio reported .
Videos posted to Twitter captured the emotions of the day .
WARNING : The videos below contain vulgar language and scenes of looting that some viewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Todd Axtell said the looting was “ unprecedented , ” and called upon parents to control their young adults and teenagers .
“ We won ’ t tolerate people being injured in this city .
We won ’ t tolerate buildings being burned down , ” Axtell said .
Axtell also warned looters that police will not simply let the violence go as if it never happened .
“ You may think you got away with something today , but we got a lot of cameras out there , ” Axtell said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantee we will take the law to the full extent to make sure you are held accountable for the crimes you commit in this city.
” Carter called for an end to the looting , noting that it did nothing to address the incident in Minneapolis that led to Lloyd ’ s death in police custody .
The unrest in St. Paul led to the evacuation of the state capitol building .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Looting ravaged St. Paul, Minnesota, on Thursday amid the spread of violence originally spawned by the death of George Floyd in nearby Minneapolis.
St. Paul police estimated 170 businesses were looted or damaged. Police also reported that officers were pelted by rocks when they intervened to stop looting or protect businesses.
Rioters attacked a Target store, a CVS, a pawnshop and other businesses, according to a list curated by the Minnesota outlet Bring Me The News. A different Target store had been at the center of looting in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
As Thursday turns to Friday, our officers continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with local, state, federal and fire partners to protect St. Paul. More than 170 businesses damaged or looted. Dozens of fires. Thankfully, no reports of serious injuries. Calm on the horizon. — Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) May 29, 2020
Officers continue to be hit with rocks and bottles thrown by people who are also breaking into buildings, looting and destroying property. — Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) May 28, 2020
St. Paul’s damage came on the same day that a large group of protesters in Minneapolis breached and torched a police station, according to KSTP.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said Thursday he had requested National Guard aid to help keep the peace, Minnesota Public Radio reported.
Videos posted to Twitter captured the emotions of the day.
WARNING: The videos below contain vulgar language and scenes of looting that some viewers may find disturbing:
St. Paul’s armed citizens not having any of that looting from the George Floyd riots .. sometimes you need to stand your ground and protect what’s yours .. stay safe #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #BlackOwned pic.twitter.com/Tnshk8mRgu — InstantMedia (@MediaIndustria1) May 29, 2020
Minneapolis rioters filmed looting Verizon store in St. Paul, ramming down door of Discount Tire shop with car on Thursday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/1IeRkamHFA — Chris Menahan ?? (@infolibnews) May 28, 2020
The @sppdmn St. Paul PD incites and inflicts violence on unarmed, peaceful protesters. Violently pepper spraying protesters because they gave them the finger is shameful. If you can’t hack being peacefully criticized, don’t put on the uniform. #BlackLivesMater #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/Abm8oeBAdG — Prof Zenkus (@anthonyzenkus) May 29, 2020
I’m arriving to scene in St Paul. The CVS on University Avenue and Snelling is already damaged. pic.twitter.com/BV6neuAgaG — Ricardo Lopez (@rljourno) May 28, 2020
St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell said the looting was “unprecedented,” and called upon parents to control their young adults and teenagers.
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“We won’t tolerate people being injured in this city. We won’t tolerate buildings being burned down,” Axtell said.
Axtell also warned looters that police will not simply let the violence go as if it never happened.
“You may think you got away with something today, but we got a lot of cameras out there,” Axtell said, according to KMSP. “I guarantee we will take the law to the full extent to make sure you are held accountable for the crimes you commit in this city.”
Carter called for an end to the looting, noting that it did nothing to address the incident in Minneapolis that led to Lloyd’s death in police custody.
Please stay home. Please do not come here to protest. Please keep the focus on George Floyd, on advancing our movement, and on preventing this from ever happening again. We can all be in that fight together. — Melvin Carter (@melvincarter3) May 28, 2020
The situation in our city right now is heartbreaking & rapidly devolving. I’m angry/ sad as anyone & pushing for the officers who killed George Floyd to be arrested ASAP. Destroying places we rely on for jobs, food & medicine won’t help us prevent it from happening again. — Melvin Carter (@melvincarter3) May 28, 2020
The unrest in St. Paul led to the evacuation of the state capitol building.
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westernjournal--2020-05-29--Twitter Hides Trump Tweet, Claiming It Is ‘Glorifying Violence’

As President Donald Trump lashed out early Friday at the lawless rioting sending Minneapolis into a tailspin , Twitter continued its battle with the president by hiding one of his tweets .
“ I can ’ t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City , Minneapolis , ” Trump tweeted after the third night of chaos erupted in Minnesota .
“ A total lack of leadership .
Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor , Jacob Frey , get his act together and bring the City under control , or I will send in the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he added , setting up the tweet that made Twitter flutter .
“ These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd , and I won ’ t let that happen .
Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way .
Any difficulty and we will assume control but , when the looting starts , the shooting starts .
Thank you !
” Trump wrote .
TRENDING : Bombshell : Klobuchar Refused To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which had slapped fact-checking labels on two Trump tweets earlier in the week , then struck back .
Twitter hid Trump ’ s tweet containing the word “ thugs , ” which meant that in order to read the tweet , users had to first read a message criticizing the post , which was not taken down .
“ This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence .
However , Twitter has determined that it may be in the public ’ s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later explained that it was not the word “ thugs ” that inspired its action .
“ This Tweet violates our policies regarding the glorification of violence based on the historical context of the last line , its connection to violence , and the risk it could inspire similar actions today , ” Twitter posted .
In 1967 , Miami Police Chief Walter Headley announced what a United Press International article from the time described as a “ crackdown on Negro slum hoodlums.
” RELATED : Clinton Piles on Trump over Minneapolis Tweets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Citizens' “ In declaring war on ‘ young hoodlums , from 15 to 21 , who have taken advantage of the civil rights campaign , ’ Headley said , ‘ we don ’ t mind being accused of police brutality , ' ” the outlet reported .
“ Headley said Miami hasn ’ t been troubled with racial disturbances and looting because he let the word filter down , ‘ When the looting starts , the shooting [ starts ] . '
” Twitter also blocked users from liking or replying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retweet it by adding their own comments .
Trump on Thursday had issued an executive order targeting social media companies for unfairly censoring certain users .
The executive order will remove what ’ s known as a liability shield that is applied to Twitter because it has been considered a “ neutral platform ” rather than an “ editor with a viewpoint.
” Conservatives have long insisted Twitter is biased against them .
“ The president will take action to ensure that big tech does not stifle free speech and that the rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and post are protected , ” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday .
On Tuesday , Trump had lashed out at Twitter after it claimed two of his tweets were “ unsubstantiated ” and slapped labels upon them claiming that its fact-checking found they crossed a line .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As President Donald Trump lashed out early Friday at the lawless rioting sending Minneapolis into a tailspin, Twitter continued its battle with the president by hiding one of his tweets.
“I can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis,” Trump tweeted after the third night of chaos erupted in Minnesota.
“A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right,” he added, setting up the tweet that made Twitter flutter.
“These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!” Trump wrote.
….These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
Twitter, which had slapped fact-checking labels on two Trump tweets earlier in the week, then struck back.
Twitter hid Trump’s tweet containing the word “thugs,” which meant that in order to read the tweet, users had to first read a message criticizing the post, which was not taken down.
“This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible,” the social media giant wrote.
Is Twitter biased against conservatives? Yes No
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The company later explained that it was not the word “thugs” that inspired its action.
“This Tweet violates our policies regarding the glorification of violence based on the historical context of the last line, its connection to violence, and the risk it could inspire similar actions today,” Twitter posted.
This Tweet violates our policies regarding the glorification of violence based on the historical context of the last line, its connection to violence, and the risk it could inspire similar actions today. https://t.co/sl4wupRfNH — Twitter Comms (@TwitterComms) May 29, 2020
In 1967, Miami Police Chief Walter Headley announced what a United Press International article from the time described as a “crackdown on Negro slum hoodlums.”
“In declaring war on ‘young hoodlums, from 15 to 21, who have taken advantage of the civil rights campaign,’ Headley said, ‘we don’t mind being accused of police brutality,'” the outlet reported.
“Headley said Miami hasn’t been troubled with racial disturbances and looting because he let the word filter down, ‘When the looting starts, the shooting [starts].'”
Twitter also blocked users from liking or replying to Trump’s post. Users could retweet it by adding their own comments.
Later Friday morning, Trump fired back:
Twitter is doing nothing about all of the lies & propaganda being put out by China or the Radical Left Democrat Party. They have targeted Republicans, Conservatives & the President of the United States. Section 230 should be revoked by Congress. Until then, it will be regulated! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
Twitter’s action drew howls of protest:
Opportunistic thugs are using a man’s murder as an excuse to be violent and destructive. This tweet warns them that if they don’t stop, there will be consequences. Twitter is beyond help now. — Idris ?????☠? (@idris_elphaba) May 29, 2020
The President is clearly being targeted by Twitter. So now we all know what we all thought: bias against Trump/Conservatives. They have been outed for all the world to see this election cycle, Facebook/Twitter/Google are all-in to elect Joe Biden. #twitter — Graham Ledger (@GrahamLedger) May 29, 2020
Trump on Thursday had issued an executive order targeting social media companies for unfairly censoring certain users.
The executive order will remove what’s known as a liability shield that is applied to Twitter because it has been considered a “neutral platform” rather than an “editor with a viewpoint.”
Conservatives have long insisted Twitter is biased against them.
“The president will take action to ensure that big tech does not stifle free speech and that the rights of all Americans to speak, tweet and post are protected,” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday.
On Tuesday, Trump had lashed out at Twitter after it claimed two of his tweets were “unsubstantiated” and slapped labels upon them claiming that its fact-checking found they crossed a line.
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westernjournal--2020-05-29--Windows Smashed at Far Away Statehouse as Another George Floyd Protest Turns Violent

Protesters angry over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody turned out for a demonstration in Columbus that began peacefully but turned violent , with windows smashed at the Ohio Statehouse and storefronts along surrounding downtown streets .
The crowd of around 400 people entered into a standoff with Columbus police Thursday night , blocking the intersection of key streets in the Ohio capital for hours , the Columbus Dispatch reported .
The demonstration began as a peaceful protest , but news outlets reported protesters began throwing objects like water bottles at officers , who responded by using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scuffle between a protester and an officer broke out around 9:45 p.m. , WCMH-TV reported .
Videos obtained by The Associated Press show people smashing the building ’ s windows .
TRENDING : Bombshell : Klobuchar Refused To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case , Might Have Prevented Death One person briefly entered an office through a broken window but retreated before troopers within the building could catch him , said Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Craig Cvetan .
WARNING : The video below contains vulgar language and images of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Windows were boarded up early Friday and workers were placing plywood over undamaged windows out of precaution .
Protesters smashed windows at Winan ’ s Chocolates + Coffees + Wine a couple blocks south of the Statehouse .
Franchise owners Monica and Miles Thomas estimated half the store ’ s chocolates were taken and three-quarters of its wine smashed or stolen .
Monica Thomas called the damage frustrating and disconnected with the reason people were protesting .
“ Stealing wine has nothing to do with what ’ s going on , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet before the protests turned violent Mayor Andrew Ginther asked residents to remain peaceful .
“ I understand why some residents are angry and taking to the streets .
I have said many times that racism exists across the country , state and right here in Columbus .
We are committed to addressing racism wherever we see it , ” Ginther ’ s tweet said .
Earlier Thursday , video showed the crowd marching down Broad Street and blocking High Street , two downtown arteries near the statehouse .
As they marched , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Say his name , ” followed by “ George Floyd.
” Protesters broke windows for several blocks along South High Street , including at the county courthouse and municipal court building .
A DGX store , a subsidiary of Dollar General , was broken into , along with windows at offices , other restaurants and a gym .
Protesters smashed a storefront at the Einstein Bros. Bagels shop across the street from the statehouse .
WBNS-TV reported that protesters said dramatic action was necessary to gain authorities ’ attention .
Franklin County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters ’ anger at Floyd ’ s death is being heard .
“ The people that hate bad cops more than anybody else are good cops , ” the sheriff said .
Floyd , a black man , was handcuffed and pleading for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck Monday .
His death has touched off protests across the country this week , including in Minneapolis itself , where protesters torched a police precinct Thursday night .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Protesters angry over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody turned out for a demonstration in Columbus that began peacefully but turned violent, with windows smashed at the Ohio Statehouse and storefronts along surrounding downtown streets.
The crowd of around 400 people entered into a standoff with Columbus police Thursday night, blocking the intersection of key streets in the Ohio capital for hours, the Columbus Dispatch reported.
The demonstration began as a peaceful protest, but news outlets reported protesters began throwing objects like water bottles at officers, who responded by using tear gas on the crowd.
A scuffle between a protester and an officer broke out around 9:45 p.m., WCMH-TV reported.
Videos obtained by The Associated Press show people smashing the building’s windows.
One person briefly entered an office through a broken window but retreated before troopers within the building could catch him, said Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Craig Cvetan.
WARNING: The video below contains vulgar language and images of looting that some people may find disturbing:
WATCH: Columbus protesters targeting the Ohio Statehouse just a little bit ago. State troopers responded from inside & Columbus PD came over from the nearby street. pic.twitter.com/4P7kRNVMv5 — Tyler Buchanan (@Tylerjoelb) May 29, 2020
Do you think those responsible for the rioting need to be arrested? Yes No
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Windows were boarded up early Friday and workers were placing plywood over undamaged windows out of precaution.
Protesters smashed windows at Winan’s Chocolates + Coffees + Wine a couple blocks south of the Statehouse. Franchise owners Monica and Miles Thomas estimated half the store’s chocolates were taken and three-quarters of its wine smashed or stolen.
Monica Thomas called the damage frustrating and disconnected with the reason people were protesting.
“Stealing wine has nothing to do with what’s going on,” she said.
In a Friday evening tweet before the protests turned violent Mayor Andrew Ginther asked residents to remain peaceful.
I understand why some residents are angry and taking to the streets. I have said many times that racism exists across the country, state and right here in Columbus. We are committed to addressing racism wherever we see it. — Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther) May 29, 2020
“I understand why some residents are angry and taking to the streets. I have said many times that racism exists across the country, state and right here in Columbus. We are committed to addressing racism wherever we see it,” Ginther’s tweet said.
Earlier Thursday, video showed the crowd marching down Broad Street and blocking High Street, two downtown arteries near the statehouse.
As they marched, protesters engaged in a call-and-response chant: “Say his name,” followed by “George Floyd.”
Demonstrators also chanted, “Black lives matter” and “I can’t breathe.”
Protesters broke windows for several blocks along South High Street, including at the county courthouse and municipal court building. A DGX store, a subsidiary of Dollar General, was broken into, along with windows at offices, other restaurants and a gym.
Absolute destruction at restaurant Latitude 41 in downtown Columbus. We’re following the aftermath of protests overnight on #GoodDayColumbus pic.twitter.com/RQs92KY8uP — Ciara Lucas (@CiaraVLucas) May 29, 2020
Protesters smashed a storefront at the Einstein Bros. Bagels shop across the street from the statehouse.
WBNS-TV reported that protesters said dramatic action was necessary to gain authorities’ attention. Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin told the station that protesters’ anger at Floyd’s death is being heard.
“The people that hate bad cops more than anybody else are good cops,” the sheriff said.
Floyd, a black man, was handcuffed and pleading for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck Monday. His death has touched off protests across the country this week, including in Minneapolis itself, where protesters torched a police precinct Thursday night.
[jwplayer 1gS4JDUS]
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westernjournal--2020-05-29--Crowd Cheers as Minneapolis Police Station Burns

Cheering protesters torched a Minneapolis police station as three days of violent protests spread to nearby St. Paul and angry demonstrations flared across the U.S over the death of George Floyd , a handcuffed black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck .
A police spokesman confirmed late Thursday that staff had evacuated the 3rd Precinct station , the focus of many of the protests , “ in the interest of the safety of our personnel ” shortly after 10 p.m. Livestream video showed the protesters entering the building , where fire alarms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set .
Protesters could be seen setting fire to a Minneapolis Police Department jacket .
Late Thursday , President Donald Trump blasted the “ total lack of leadership ” in Minneapolis .
“ Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way .
Any difficulty and we will assume control but , when the looting starts , the shooting starts , ” he said on Twitter .
Trump , who called protesters in Minneapolis “ thugs , ” drew another warning from Twitter for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform ’ s rules about “ glorifying violence.
” TRENDING : Bombshell : Klobuchar Refused To Prosecute Officer at Center of George Floyd Case , Might Have Prevented Death A visibly tired and frustrated Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made his first public appearance of the night at City Hall near 2 a.m. Friday and took responsibility for evacuating the precinct , saying it had become too dangerous for officers there .
As Frey continued , a reporter cut across loudly with a question : “ What ’ s the plan here ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded .
Then he added : “ There is a lot of pain and anger right now in our city .
I understand that … What we have seen over the past several hours and past couple of nights here in terms of looting is unacceptable.
” He defended the city ’ s lack of engagement with looters — only a handful of arrests across the first two nights of violence — and said , “ We are doing absolutely everything that we can to keep the peace.
” He said National Guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help stem looting , including banks , grocery stores and pharmacies .
On Friday morning , the Minnesota State Patrol arrested a CNN television crew as they reported on the unrest in Minneapolis .
While live on air , CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was handcuffed and led away .
A producer and a photojournalist for CNN were also led away in handcuffs .
The Minnesota State Patrol said the journalists were among four people arrested as troopers were “ clearing the streets and restoring order , ” and they were released after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Twitter that the arrests were “ a clear violation of their First Amendment rights.
” Thick smoke rose over the city as fires burned Friday morning .
Firefighters worked to contain a number of fires as National Guard troops blocked access to streets where businesses had been damaged .
They marched side by side and block by block as they expanded a perimeter around a heavily damaged area .
Protests first erupted Tuesday , a day after Floyd ’ s death in a confrontation with police captured on widely seen citizen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded as Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against him .
As minutes passed , Floyd slowly stopped talking and moving .
The 3rd Precinct covers the portion of south Minneapolis where Floyd was arrested .
Walz earlier Thursday activated the National Guard at the Minneapolis mayor ’ s request .
The Guard tweeted minutes after the precinct burned that it had activated more than 500 soldiers across the metro area .
A couple dozen Guard members , armed with assault-style rifles , blocked a street Friday morning near a Target store that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Guard said a “ key objective ” was to make sure fire departments could respond to calls , and said in a follow-up tweet it was “ here with the Minneapolis Fire Department ” to assist .
But no move was made to put out the 3rd Precinct fire .
Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Tyner said fire crews could not safely respond to fires at the precinct station and some surrounding buildings .
Earlier Thursday , dozens of businesses across the Twin Cities boarded up their windows and doors in an effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcing it was temporarily closing two dozen area stores .
Minneapolis shut down nearly its entire light-rail system and all bus service through Sunday out of safety concerns .
In St. Paul , clouds of smoke hung in the air as police armed with batons and wearing gas masks and body armor kept a watchful eye on protesters along one of the city ’ s main commercial corridors , where firefighters also sprayed water onto a series of small fires .
At one point , officers stood in line in front of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who were also smashing windows of other businesses .
Hundreds of demonstrators returned Thursday to the Minneapolis neighborhood at the center of the violence , where the nighttime scene veered between an angry protest and a street party .
At one point , a band playing in a parking lot across from the 3rd Precinct broke into a punk version of Bob Marley ’ s “ Redemption Song.
” Nearby , demonstrators carried clothing mannequins from a looted Target and threw them onto a burning car .
Later , a building fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thousands of peaceful demonstrators marched through the streets calling for justice .
Floyd ’ s death has deeply shaken Minneapolis and sparked protests in cities across the U.S. Local leaders have repeatedly urged demonstrators to avoid violence .
“ Please stay home .
Please do not come here to protest .
Please keep the focus on George Floyd , on advancing our movement and on preventing this from ever happening again , ” tweeted St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter , who is black .
Erika Atson , 20 , was among thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in downtown Minneapolis , where organizers had called for a peaceful protest .
Atson , who is black , described seeing her 14- and 11-year-old brothers tackled by Minneapolis police years ago because officers mistakenly presumed the boys had guns .
She said she had been at “ every single protest ” since Floyd ’ s death and worried about raising children who could be vulnerable in police encounters .
“ We don ’ t want to be here fighting against anyone .
We don ’ t want anyone to be hurt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any damages , ” she said .
“ We just want the police officer to be held accountable.
” The group marched peacefully for three hours before another confrontation with police broke out , though details were scarce .
After calling in the Guard , Walz urged widespread changes in the wake of Floyd ’ s death .
“ It is time to rebuild .
Rebuild the city , rebuild our justice system and rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they ’ re charged to protect , ” Walz said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Longfellow neighborhood , where protesters converged on the precinct station of the police who arrested Floyd .
In a strip mall across the street from the 3rd Precinct station , the windows in nearly every business had been smashed , from the large Target department store at one end to the Planet Fitness gym at the other .
Only the 24-hour laundromat appeared to have escaped unscathed .
“ WHY US ?
” demanded a large expanse of red graffiti scrawled on the wall of the Target .
A Wendy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond recognition .
Among the casualties of the overnight fires : a six-story building under construction that was to provide nearly 200 apartments of affordable housing .
“ We ’ re burning our own neighborhood , ” said a distraught Deona Brown , a 24-year-old woman standing with a friend outside the precinct station , where a small group of protesters were shouting at a dozen or so police officers in riot gear .
“ This is where we live , where we shop , and they destroyed it.
” No officers could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What that cop did was wrong , but I ’ m scared now , ” Brown said .
Others in the crowd saw something different in the wreckage .
Protesters destroyed property “ because the system is broken , ” said a young man who identified himself only by his nickname , Cash , and who said he had been in the streets during the violence .
He dismissed the idea that the destruction would hurt residents of the largely black neighborhood .
“ They ’ re making money off of us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the destroyed stores .
He laughed when asked if he had joined in the looting or violence .
“ I didn ’ t break anything.
” The protests that began Wednesday night and extended into Thursday were more violent than Tuesday ’ s , which included skirmishes between officers and protesters but no widespread property damage .
Protests have also spread to other U.S. cities .
In New York City , protesters defied New York ’ s prohibition on public gatherings Thursday , clashing with police , while demonstrators blocked traffic in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day earlier , demonstrators had taken to the streets in Los Angeles and Memphis .
In Louisville , Kentucky , police confirmed that at least seven people had been shot Thursday night as protesters demanded justice for Breonna Taylor , a black woman who was fatally shot by police in her home in March .
Anger over the killing also has spread in Africa , where the head of the African Union Commission on Friday rejected “ continuing discriminatory practices against black citizens of the USA.
” In a series of tweets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elimination ” of all forms of racism in the U.S .
In Mississippi , Petal Mayor Hal Marx resisted calls to resign following his remarks about Floyd ’ s death .
The Republican on Twitter asked “ Why in the world would anyone choose to become a police officer in our society today ?
” and in a follow-up tweet said he “ didn ’ t see anything unreasonable.
” Amid the violence in Minneapolis , a man was found fatally shot Wednesday night near a pawn shop , possibly by the owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to about 30 intentionally set blazes on Wednesday , and multiple fire trucks were damaged by rocks and other projectiles , the fire department said .
No one was hurt by the blazes .
The city on Thursday released a transcript of the 911 call that brought police to the grocery store where Floyd was arrested .
The caller described someone paying with a counterfeit bill , with workers rushing outside to find the man sitting on a van .
The caller described the man as “ awfully drunk and he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the 911 operator whether the man was “ under the influence of something , ” the caller said : “ Something like that , yes .
He is not acting right.
” Police said Floyd matched the caller ’ s description of the suspect .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office and the FBI in Minneapolis said Thursday they were conducting “ a robust criminal investigation ” into the death .
Trump has said he had asked an investigation to be expedited .
The FBI is also investigating whether Floyd ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officer who kneeled on Floyd ’ s neck , was fired Tuesday with three other officers involved in the arrest .
The next day , the mayor called for Chauvin to be criminally charged .
He also appealed for the activation of the National Guard .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Cheering protesters torched a Minneapolis police station as three days of violent protests spread to nearby St. Paul and angry demonstrations flared across the U.S over the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck.
A police spokesman confirmed late Thursday that staff had evacuated the 3rd Precinct station, the focus of many of the protests, “in the interest of the safety of our personnel” shortly after 10 p.m.
Livestream video showed the protesters entering the building, where fire alarms blared and sprinklers ran as blazes were set. Protesters could be seen setting fire to a Minneapolis Police Department jacket.
Late Thursday, President Donald Trump blasted the “total lack of leadership” in Minneapolis. “Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” he said on Twitter.
Trump, who called protesters in Minneapolis “thugs,” drew another warning from Twitter for his rhetoric, saying it violated the platform’s rules about “glorifying violence.”
A visibly tired and frustrated Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made his first public appearance of the night at City Hall near 2 a.m. Friday and took responsibility for evacuating the precinct, saying it had become too dangerous for officers there. As Frey continued, a reporter cut across loudly with a question: “What’s the plan here?”
“With regard to?” Frey responded. Then he added: “There is a lot of pain and anger right now in our city. I understand that … What we have seen over the past several hours and past couple of nights here in terms of looting is unacceptable.”
He defended the city’s lack of engagement with looters — only a handful of arrests across the first two nights of violence — and said, “We are doing absolutely everything that we can to keep the peace.” He said National Guard members were being stationed in locations to help stem looting, including banks, grocery stores and pharmacies.
On Friday morning, the Minnesota State Patrol arrested a CNN television crew as they reported on the unrest in Minneapolis. While live on air, CNN reporter Omar Jimenez was handcuffed and led away. A producer and a photojournalist for CNN were also led away in handcuffs.
Have protesters taken things too far? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (43 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
The Minnesota State Patrol said the journalists were among four people arrested as troopers were “clearing the streets and restoring order,” and they were released after being confirmed to be media members. CNN said on Twitter that the arrests were “a clear violation of their First Amendment rights.”
Thick smoke rose over the city as fires burned Friday morning. Firefighters worked to contain a number of fires as National Guard troops blocked access to streets where businesses had been damaged. They marched side by side and block by block as they expanded a perimeter around a heavily damaged area.
Protests first erupted Tuesday, a day after Floyd’s death in a confrontation with police captured on widely seen citizen video. In the video, Floyd pleaded as Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against him. As minutes passed, Floyd slowly stopped talking and moving.
The 3rd Precinct covers the portion of south Minneapolis where Floyd was arrested.
Walz earlier Thursday activated the National Guard at the Minneapolis mayor’s request. The Guard tweeted minutes after the precinct burned that it had activated more than 500 soldiers across the metro area.
A couple dozen Guard members, armed with assault-style rifles, blocked a street Friday morning near a Target store that has sustained heavy damage by looters.
The Guard said a “key objective” was to make sure fire departments could respond to calls, and said in a follow-up tweet it was “here with the Minneapolis Fire Department” to assist. But no move was made to put out the 3rd Precinct fire. Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Tyner said fire crews could not safely respond to fires at the precinct station and some surrounding buildings.
Earlier Thursday, dozens of businesses across the Twin Cities boarded up their windows and doors in an effort to prevent looting, with Minneapolis-based Target announcing it was temporarily closing two dozen area stores. Minneapolis shut down nearly its entire light-rail system and all bus service through Sunday out of safety concerns.
In St. Paul, clouds of smoke hung in the air as police armed with batons and wearing gas masks and body armor kept a watchful eye on protesters along one of the city’s main commercial corridors, where firefighters also sprayed water onto a series of small fires. At one point, officers stood in line in front of a Target, trying to keep out looters, who were also smashing windows of other businesses.
Hundreds of demonstrators returned Thursday to the Minneapolis neighborhood at the center of the violence, where the nighttime scene veered between an angry protest and a street party.
At one point, a band playing in a parking lot across from the 3rd Precinct broke into a punk version of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” Nearby, demonstrators carried clothing mannequins from a looted Target and threw them onto a burning car. Later, a building fire erupted nearby.
But elsewhere in Minneapolis, thousands of peaceful demonstrators marched through the streets calling for justice.
Floyd’s death has deeply shaken Minneapolis and sparked protests in cities across the U.S. Local leaders have repeatedly urged demonstrators to avoid violence.
“Please stay home. Please do not come here to protest. Please keep the focus on George Floyd, on advancing our movement and on preventing this from ever happening again,” tweeted St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who is black.
Erika Atson, 20, was among thousands of people who gathered outside government offices in downtown Minneapolis, where organizers had called for a peaceful protest.
Atson, who is black, described seeing her 14- and 11-year-old brothers tackled by Minneapolis police years ago because officers mistakenly presumed the boys had guns. She said she had been at “every single protest” since Floyd’s death and worried about raising children who could be vulnerable in police encounters.
“We don’t want to be here fighting against anyone. We don’t want anyone to be hurt. We don’t want to cause any damages,” she said. “We just want the police officer to be held accountable.”
The group marched peacefully for three hours before another confrontation with police broke out, though details were scarce.
After calling in the Guard, Walz urged widespread changes in the wake of Floyd’s death.
“It is time to rebuild. Rebuild the city, rebuild our justice system and rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they’re charged to protect,” Walz said.
Much of the Minneapolis violence occurred in the Longfellow neighborhood, where protesters converged on the precinct station of the police who arrested Floyd.
In a strip mall across the street from the 3rd Precinct station, the windows in nearly every business had been smashed, from the large Target department store at one end to the Planet Fitness gym at the other. Only the 24-hour laundromat appeared to have escaped unscathed.
“WHY US?” demanded a large expanse of red graffiti scrawled on the wall of the Target. A Wendy’s restaurant across the street was charred almost beyond recognition.
Among the casualties of the overnight fires: a six-story building under construction that was to provide nearly 200 apartments of affordable housing.
“We’re burning our own neighborhood,” said a distraught Deona Brown, a 24-year-old woman standing with a friend outside the precinct station, where a small group of protesters were shouting at a dozen or so police officers in riot gear. “This is where we live, where we shop, and they destroyed it.”
No officers could be seen beyond the station.
“What that cop did was wrong, but I’m scared now,” Brown said.
Others in the crowd saw something different in the wreckage.
Protesters destroyed property “because the system is broken,” said a young man who identified himself only by his nickname, Cash, and who said he had been in the streets during the violence. He dismissed the idea that the destruction would hurt residents of the largely black neighborhood.
“They’re making money off of us,” he said angrily of the owners of the destroyed stores. He laughed when asked if he had joined in the looting or violence. “I didn’t break anything.”
The protests that began Wednesday night and extended into Thursday were more violent than Tuesday’s, which included skirmishes between officers and protesters but no widespread property damage.
Protests have also spread to other U.S. cities. In New York City, protesters defied New York’s prohibition on public gatherings Thursday, clashing with police, while demonstrators blocked traffic in downtown Denver and downtown Columbus. A day earlier, demonstrators had taken to the streets in Los Angeles and Memphis.
In Louisville, Kentucky, police confirmed that at least seven people had been shot Thursday night as protesters demanded justice for Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was fatally shot by police in her home in March.
Anger over the killing also has spread in Africa, where the head of the African Union Commission on Friday rejected “continuing discriminatory practices against black citizens of the USA.” In a series of tweets, Moussa Faki Mahamat urged the “total elimination” of all forms of racism in the U.S.
In Mississippi, Petal Mayor Hal Marx resisted calls to resign following his remarks about Floyd’s death. The Republican on Twitter asked “Why in the world would anyone choose to become a police officer in our society today?” and in a follow-up tweet said he “didn’t see anything unreasonable.”
Amid the violence in Minneapolis, a man was found fatally shot Wednesday night near a pawn shop, possibly by the owner, authorities said.
Fire crews responded to about 30 intentionally set blazes on Wednesday, and multiple fire trucks were damaged by rocks and other projectiles, the fire department said. No one was hurt by the blazes.
The city on Thursday released a transcript of the 911 call that brought police to the grocery store where Floyd was arrested. The caller described someone paying with a counterfeit bill, with workers rushing outside to find the man sitting on a van.
The caller described the man as “awfully drunk and he’s not in control of himself.” Asked by the 911 operator whether the man was “under the influence of something,” the caller said: “Something like that, yes. He is not acting right.”
Police said Floyd matched the caller’s description of the suspect.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in Minneapolis said Thursday they were conducting “a robust criminal investigation” into the death. Trump has said he had asked an investigation to be expedited.
The FBI is also investigating whether Floyd’s civil rights were violated.
Chauvin, the officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck, was fired Tuesday with three other officers involved in the arrest. The next day, the mayor called for Chauvin to be criminally charged. He also appealed for the activation of the National Guard.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.