france24--2020-06-01--Protesters and police clash in front of White House as curfews declared in major US cities

Law enforcement personnel clash with protesters rallying at the White House against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd , in Washington , D.C. , USA , May 31 , 2020 .
Police fired tear gas outside the White House late Sunday as major US cities were put under curfew to suppress rioting as protesters again took to the streets to voice fury at police brutality .
With the Trump administration branding instigators of six nights of rioting as domestic terrorists , there were more confrontations between protesters and police , and fresh outbreaks of looting .
Violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next to the White House , with authorities using teargas , pepper spray and flash bang grenades to disperse crowds who lit several large fires and damaged property .
The Associated Press estimated Monday that at least 4,400 people have so far been arrested in the protests .
The protests came as a response to the shocking recorded killing last Monday of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who stopped breathing after white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
The protests have turned into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement 's repeated use of lethal force against unarmed African Americans .
Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and is due to make his first appearance in court on Monday .
Three other officers with him have been fired but for now face no charges .
As the violence escalated , and hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House – with some throwing rocks and tugging at police barricades – secret service agents rushed President Donald Trump to a bunker .
Trump spent nearly an hour in the bunker , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House who was not authorised to discuss private matters and spoke on condition of anonymity .
The account was later confirmed by an administration official who also spoke on condition of anonymity .
The abrupt decision by the agents underscored the rattled mood inside the White House , where the chants from protesters in Lafayette Park could be heard all weekend , and Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers struggled to contain the crowds .
The protests have sparked one of the highest alerts on the White House complex since the September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the White House has been reinforced by the National Guard and additional personnel from the Secret Service and the US Park Police .
Trump , meanwhile , has continued his efforts to project strength , using a series of inflammatory tweets and delivering partisan attacks .
Local US leaders appealed to citizens to give constructive outlet to their rage over the death of George Floyd , while night-time curfews were imposed in cities including Washington , Los Angeles and Houston .
One closely watched protest was outside the state capitol in Minneapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where several thousand people gathered before marching down a highway .
`` We have black sons , black brothers , black friends , we do n't want them to die .
We are tired of this happening , this generation is not having it , we are tired of oppression , '' said Muna Abdi , a 31-year-old black woman who joined the protest .
`` I want to make sure he stays alive , '' she added in reference to her son , aged three .
Hundreds of police and National Guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At one point , some of the protesters who had reached a bridge were forced to scramble for cover when a truck drove at speed after having apparently breached a barricade .
The driver was later taken to hospital after the protesters hauled him from the vehicle , although there were no immediate reports of other casualties .
There were other large-scale protests in cities including New York and Miami .
Among those arrested for unlawful assembly on Saturday in New York was Mayor Bill de Blasio 's 25-year-old daughter Chiara , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said she was issued a `` desk appearance ticket '' and released .
Widespread violence has rocked many US cities in recent days , and looters ransacked stores in a neighbourhood of Philadelphia on Sunday .
In the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Monica , looting was reported at stores in a popular beachside shopping centre and along Rodeo Drive .
Officials in LA – a city still scarred by the 1992 riots over the police beating of Rodney King , an African American man , the year before – imposed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Please , use your discretion and go early , go home , stay home and help us make sure that those who want to change this conversation from being about racial justice to be about burning things and looting things , do n't win the day , '' the city 's Mayor Eric Garcetti said on CNN .
Minnesota 's Governor Tim Walz has mobilised all of the state 's National Guard troops – its largest mobilisation ever – to help restore order .
Police fired tear gas and stun grenades to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Minneapolis .
Walz extended a curfew for a third night on Sunday and praised police and guardsmen for holding down violence .
`` They did so in a professional manner .
They did so without a single loss of life and minimal property damage , '' he said .
`` Congratulations to our National Guard for the great job they did immediately upon arriving in Minneapolis , Minnesota , last night , '' President Donald Trump tweeted , adding that they `` should be used in other States before it is too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense said that around 5,000 National Guard troops had been mobilised in 15 states as well as the capital Washington , D.C. , with another 2,000 on standby .
The widespread resort to uniformed National Guards units is rare , and it evoked disturbing memories of the rioting in US cities in 1967 and 1968 in a turbulent time of protest over racial and economic disparities .
Trump blamed the extreme left for the violence , saying he planned to designate a group known as Antifa as a terrorist organisation .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly , '' added Attorney General Bill Barr .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said Trump , who has often urged police to use tough tactics , was not helping matters .
`` We are beyond a tipping point in this country , and his rhetoric only enflames that , '' she said on CBS .
Joe Biden , Trump 's likely Democratic opponent in November 's presidential election , visited the scene of one anti-racism protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain right now , but we must not allow this pain to destroy us , '' Biden tweeted , posting a picture of him speaking with an African American family at the site where protesters had gathered in Delaware late Saturday .
Floyd 's death has triggered protests beyond the United States , with hundreds rallying outside the US embassy in London in solidarity .
`` I 'm here because I 'm tired , I 'm fed up with it .
When does this stop ? ''
Doreen Pierre told AFP at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international Jadon Sancho marked one of his three goals for Borussia Dortmund against Paderborn by lifting his jersey to reveal a T-shirt bearing the words , `` Justice for George Floyd '' .

Police fired tear gas outside the White House late Sunday as major US cities were put under curfew to suppress rioting as protesters again took to the streets to voice fury at police brutality.
Law enforcement personnel clash with protesters rallying at the White House against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, D.C., USA, May 31, 2020.
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With the Trump administration branding instigators of six nights of rioting as domestic terrorists, there were more confrontations between protesters and police, and fresh outbreaks of looting.
Violent clashes erupted repeatedly in a small park next to the White House, with authorities using teargas, pepper spray and flash bang grenades to disperse crowds who lit several large fires and damaged property.
The Associated Press estimated Monday that at least 4,400 people have so far been arrested in the protests.
The protests came as a response to the shocking recorded killing last Monday of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who stopped breathing after white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The protests have turned into a nationwide wave of outrage over law enforcement's repeated use of lethal force against unarmed African Americans.
Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and is due to make his first appearance in court on Monday. Three other officers with him have been fired but for now face no charges.
As the violence escalated, and hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House – with some throwing rocks and tugging at police barricades – secret service agents rushed President Donald Trump to a bunker.
Trump spent nearly an hour in the bunker, according to a Republican close to the White House who was not authorised to discuss private matters and spoke on condition of anonymity. The account was later confirmed by an administration official who also spoke on condition of anonymity.
The abrupt decision by the agents underscored the rattled mood inside the White House, where the chants from protesters in Lafayette Park could be heard all weekend, and Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers struggled to contain the crowds.
The protests have sparked one of the highest alerts on the White House complex since the September 11 attacks in 2001, and security at the White House has been reinforced by the National Guard and additional personnel from the Secret Service and the US Park Police.
Trump, meanwhile, has continued his efforts to project strength, using a series of inflammatory tweets and delivering partisan attacks.
The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2020
Night-time curfews in major cities
Local US leaders appealed to citizens to give constructive outlet to their rage over the death of George Floyd, while night-time curfews were imposed in cities including Washington, Los Angeles and Houston.
One closely watched protest was outside the state capitol in Minneapolis's twin city of St. Paul, where several thousand people gathered before marching down a highway.
"We have black sons, black brothers, black friends, we don't want them to die. We are tired of this happening, this generation is not having it, we are tired of oppression," said Muna Abdi, a 31-year-old black woman who joined the protest.
"I want to make sure he stays alive," she added in reference to her son, aged three.
Hundreds of police and National Guard troops were deployed ahead of the protest.
At one point, some of the protesters who had reached a bridge were forced to scramble for cover when a truck drove at speed after having apparently breached a barricade.
The driver was later taken to hospital after the protesters hauled him from the vehicle, although there were no immediate reports of other casualties.
There were other large-scale protests in cities including New York and Miami.
Among some 350 people arrested for unlawful assembly in New York was Mayor Bill de Blasio's 25-year-old daughter Chiara, according to a police department source, who said she was issued a "desk appearance ticket" and released.
Stores ransacked
Widespread violence has rocked many US cities in recent days, and looters ransacked stores in a neighbourhood of Philadelphia on Sunday.
In the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Monica, looting was reported at stores in a popular beachside shopping centre and along Rodeo Drive.
Officials in LA – a city still scarred by the 1992 riots over the police beating of Rodney King, an African American man, the year before – imposed a curfew from 4pm Sunday until dawn.
"Please, use your discretion and go early, go home, stay home and help us make sure that those who want to change this conversation from being about racial justice to be about burning things and looting things, don't win the day," the city's Mayor Eric Garcetti said on CNN.
01:31
Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz has mobilised all of the state's National Guard troops – its largest mobilisation ever – to help restore order.
Police fired tear gas and stun grenades to clear streets of curfew violators Saturday night in Minneapolis.
Walz extended a curfew for a third night on Sunday and praised police and guardsmen for holding down violence. "They did so in a professional manner. They did so without a single loss of life and minimal property damage," he said.
"Congratulations to our National Guard for the great job they did immediately upon arriving in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last night," President Donald Trump tweeted, adding that they "should be used in other States before it is too late!".
02:06
The Department of Defense said that around 5,000 National Guard troops had been mobilised in 15 states as well as the capital Washington, D.C., with another 2,000 on standby.
The widespread resort to uniformed National Guards units is rare, and it evoked disturbing memories of the rioting in US cities in 1967 and 1968 in a turbulent time of protest over racial and economic disparities.
Trump blamed the extreme left for the violence, saying he planned to designate a group known as Antifa as a terrorist organisation.
"The violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly," added Attorney General Bill Barr.
'A nation in pain'
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said Trump, who has often urged police to use tough tactics, was not helping matters.
"We are beyond a tipping point in this country, and his rhetoric only enflames that," she said on CBS.
Joe Biden, Trump's likely Democratic opponent in November's presidential election, visited the scene of one anti-racism protest.
"We are a nation in pain right now, but we must not allow this pain to destroy us," Biden tweeted, posting a picture of him speaking with an African American family at the site where protesters had gathered in Delaware late Saturday.
Floyd's death has triggered protests beyond the United States, with hundreds rallying outside the US embassy in London in solidarity.
"I'm here because I'm tired, I'm fed up with it. When does this stop?" Doreen Pierre told AFP at the protest.
In Germany, England football international Jadon Sancho marked one of his three goals for Borussia Dortmund against Paderborn by lifting his jersey to reveal a T-shirt bearing the words, "Justice for George Floyd".
(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP)
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france24--2020-06-01--Protests in Minneapolis over George Floyd's death leave city in ruins

An improvised barricade on fire during a protest against the death in Minneapolis of African American George Floyd , on May 31 , 2020 .
Residents in Minneapolis this weekend woke up to scenes of devastation as demonstrators protesting the killing of George Floyd , an unarmed black man by a white police officer , had left the city in ruins after putting several buildings on fire and looted offices .
FRANCE 24 reports .
“ It ’ s just very , very sad .
It ’ s very devastating , it ’ s not just like an inconvenience , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Fran Ankle , a shocked Minneapolis resident , said as she witnessed the damage to her neighbourhood in light of the violent protests .
Levi Boucher , a youth development specialist who works in the Migizi neighbourhood community centre , found her offices burned to the ground .
“ This is my office , this is the hardest place to look at , ” she said as she showed FRANCE 24 around her former workplace .
“ It ’ s a very deep feeling of hurt .
To look at it burned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers have gathered to try to clean up among the rubble .
To watch the full report , please click on the player above .

ON THE GROUND
Residents in Minneapolis this weekend woke up to scenes of devastation as demonstrators protesting the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man by a white police officer, had left the city in ruins after putting several buildings on fire and looted offices. FRANCE 24 reports.
An improvised barricade on fire during a protest against the death in Minneapolis of African American George Floyd, on May 31, 2020.
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“It’s just very, very sad. It’s very devastating, it’s not just like an inconvenience, it’s like a death,” Fran Ankle, a shocked Minneapolis resident, said as she witnessed the damage to her neighbourhood in light of the violent protests.
Levi Boucher, a youth development specialist who works in the Migizi neighbourhood community centre, found her offices burned to the ground. “This is my office, this is the hardest place to look at,” she said as she showed FRANCE 24 around her former workplace.
“It’s a very deep feeling of hurt. To look at it burned,” she said.
Hundreds of volunteers have gathered to try to clean up among the rubble.
To watch the full report, please click on the player above.
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france24--2020-06-01--Pro- and anti-Bolsonaro rallies erupt in Brazil as Covid-19 cases pass 500,000

Brazil 's President Jair Bolsonaro rides a horse during a meeting with supporters protesting in his favour , amid the coronavirus disease outbreak , in Brasilia , Brazil , on May 31 , 2020 .
President Jair Bolsonaro rallied alongside supporters on Sunday as others protested against the Brazilian leader , saying he is not taking the virus threat seriously .
The demonstrations came as the US said it had sent Brazil 2 million doses of hydroxychloroquine , a controversial unproven drug touted by US President Donald Trump for use against Covid-19 .
Brazil is Latin America 's hotspot for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500,000 cases and a death toll of nearly 28,000 , the world 's fourth-highest after the United States , Britain and Italy .
But Bolsonaro met a tightly packed throng of supporters outside the government palace in the capital Brasilia .
The crowd chanted , `` Myth !
myth !
myth ! ''
– echoing the president 's dismissal of the virus pandemic .
Protected by bodyguards , he approached the crowd without touching them , although he did pick up two children and put them on his shoulders and briefly mounted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delight .
Brazil 's health crisis has merged with a political crisis , as the far-right president has openly clashed with local authorities that insist on lockdown measures .
Pro-government rallies have intensified as Bolsonaro also faces a court-ordered investigation into abuse of power that could lead to his impeachment .
Bolsonaro , often described as the `` Trump of the Tropics '' , got help from the real Donald Trump on Sunday in the form of 2 million doses of the antimalarial medicine hydroxychloroquine ( HCQ ) to fight Covid-19 .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has been used to treat malaria and some autoimmune disorders for decades .
However there is currently no evidence showing that HCQ can be used either to treat or prevent the novel coronavirus – and there are fears that it may worsen patient outcomes .
Like Trump , Bolsonaro is an HCQ advocate and has even fired two health ministers who clashed with him over his desire to expand its use .
The United States will also soon be sending 1,000 ventilators to Brazil , the White House said .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most populous city , Bolsonaro supporters fought with counter-demonstrators .
Some 500 protesters , mostly dressed in black and wearing facemasks , marched carrying banners with slogans like , `` We are for Democracy '' and `` Against Fascism '' , facing off with a smaller group of pro-Bolsonaro activists .
The march was organised by football club fan groups , especially Corinthians , which during the final years of Brazil 's 1964-1985 military dictatorship period , led by superstar Socrates , was active in the civil rights movement .
Riot police failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired teargas in an attempt to break up the fracas .
Brazil 's Covid-19 caseload represents half of the more than 1 million cases recorded in Latin America and the Caribbean , according to an AFP toll published Sunday based on official data .
Peru on Sunday reported 8,800 new Covid-19 infections , setting a new daily record for the country , where the death toll is now at 4,506 .
Neighbouring Chile , meanwhile , reported 57 more fatalities , a new 24-hour record that brings that country 's death toll to @ @

President Jair Bolsonaro rallied alongside supporters on Sunday as others protested against the Brazilian leader, saying he is not taking the virus threat seriously. The demonstrations came as the US said it had sent Brazil 2 million doses of hydroxychloroquine, a controversial unproven drug touted by US President Donald Trump for use against Covid-19.
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro rides a horse during a meeting with supporters protesting in his favour, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Brasilia, Brazil, on May 31, 2020.
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Brazil is Latin America's hotspot for the deadly pandemic, with more than 500,000 cases and a death toll of nearly 28,000, the world's fourth-highest after the United States, Britain and Italy.
But Bolsonaro met a tightly packed throng of supporters outside the government palace in the capital Brasilia. The crowd chanted, "Myth! myth! myth!" – echoing the president's dismissal of the virus pandemic.
Protected by bodyguards, he approached the crowd without touching them, although he did pick up two children and put them on his shoulders and briefly mounted a police horse, to the crowd's delight.
- Estarei onde o povo estiver. pic.twitter.com/iJJ4ASKOW7 — Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) May 31, 2020
Brazil's health crisis has merged with a political crisis, as the far-right president has openly clashed with local authorities that insist on lockdown measures.
Pro-government rallies have intensified as Bolsonaro also faces a court-ordered investigation into abuse of power that could lead to his impeachment.
Bolsonaro, often described as the "Trump of the Tropics", got help from the real Donald Trump on Sunday in the form of 2 million doses of the antimalarial medicine hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to fight Covid-19.
Trump is an outspoken fan of HCQ, which has been used to treat malaria and some autoimmune disorders for decades.
However there is currently no evidence showing that HCQ can be used either to treat or prevent the novel coronavirus – and there are fears that it may worsen patient outcomes.
Like Trump, Bolsonaro is an HCQ advocate and has even fired two health ministers who clashed with him over his desire to expand its use.
The United States will also soon be sending 1,000 ventilators to Brazil, the White House said.
Sao Paulo street fighting
On the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil's most populous city, Bolsonaro supporters fought with counter-demonstrators.
Some 500 protesters, mostly dressed in black and wearing facemasks, marched carrying banners with slogans like, "We are for Democracy" and "Against Fascism", facing off with a smaller group of pro-Bolsonaro activists.
The march was organised by football club fan groups, especially Corinthians, which during the final years of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship period, led by superstar Socrates, was active in the civil rights movement.
Riot police failed to keep the rival groups apart and fired teargas in an attempt to break up the fracas.
Brazil's Covid-19 caseload represents half of the more than 1 million cases recorded in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to an AFP toll published Sunday based on official data.
Peru on Sunday reported 8,800 new Covid-19 infections, setting a new daily record for the country, where the death toll is now at 4,506. Neighbouring Chile, meanwhile, reported 57 more fatalities, a new 24-hour record that brings that country's death toll to 1,054.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-06-01--More than a dozen people killed after tropical storm Amanda lashes El Salvador, Guatemala

A woman walk in front of damaged cars during floods caused by Tropical Storm Amanda , in San Salvador , El Salvador May 31 , 2020 .
Tropical Storm Amanda , the first named storm of the season in the Pacific , killed at least 14 people as it lashed El Salvador and Guatemala on Sunday amid flooding and power outages .
El Salvador 's President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency for 15 days to cope with the effects of the storm , which weakened later in the day as it moved into Guatemala .
The fatalities were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Mario Duran said , warning that the death toll could rise .
Amanda knocked down trees , triggered flash floods and landslides , caused power outages , and damaged about 200 homes , the head of the Civil Protection Service William Hernandez said .
One person is still missing , senior government official Carolina Recinos added .
San Salvador Mayor Ernesto Muyshondt said half of those killed died in the capital .
`` We are experiencing an unprecedented situation : one top-level emergency on top of another serious one , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About 4,200 people sought refuge in government-run shelters after losing their homes or being forced to leave because they were in high-risk areas , Muyshondt added .
In some flooded areas , soldiers worked alongside emergency personnel to rescue people .
`` We lost everything , we 've been left with nowhere to live , '' said Isidro Gomez , a resident of hard-hit southeastern San Salvador , after a nearby river overflowed and destroyed his home .
Another victim , Mariano Ramos , said that at dawn residents of his San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mud and water .
An elderly man died in the area , officials said .
El Salvador 's Environment Ministry warned residents of the `` high probability '' of multiple landslides that could damage buildings and injure or kill people .
Nearly 90 percent of El Salvador , population 6.6 million , is considered vulnerable to flooding and landslides due to its geography .
In neighboring Guatemala , officials said roads had been blocked by at least five landslides and some flooding was reported , but no evacuations were underway .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Guatemalan officials warned that heavy rain would continue , with swollen rivers and possible `` landslides affecting highways ... and flooding in coastal areas . ''

Tropical Storm Amanda, the first named storm of the season in the Pacific, killed at least 14 people as it lashed El Salvador and Guatemala on Sunday amid flooding and power outages.
A woman walk in front of damaged cars during floods caused by Tropical Storm Amanda, in San Salvador, El Salvador May 31, 2020.
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El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency for 15 days to cope with the effects of the storm, which weakened later in the day as it moved into Guatemala.
The fatalities were all recorded in El Salvador, interior minister Mario Duran said, warning that the death toll could rise.
Amanda knocked down trees, triggered flash floods and landslides, caused power outages, and damaged about 200 homes, the head of the Civil Protection Service William Hernandez said.
One person is still missing, senior government official Carolina Recinos added.
San Salvador Mayor Ernesto Muyshondt said half of those killed died in the capital.
"We are experiencing an unprecedented situation: one top-level emergency on top of another serious one," he said, referring to the coronavirus pandemic.
About 4,200 people sought refuge in government-run shelters after losing their homes or being forced to leave because they were in high-risk areas, Muyshondt added.
In some flooded areas, soldiers worked alongside emergency personnel to rescue people.
"We lost everything, we've been left with nowhere to live," said Isidro Gomez, a resident of hard-hit southeastern San Salvador, after a nearby river overflowed and destroyed his home.
Another victim, Mariano Ramos, said that at dawn residents of his San Salvador neighborhood were slammed by an avalanche of mud and water. An elderly man died in the area, officials said.
El Salvador's Environment Ministry warned residents of the "high probability" of multiple landslides that could damage buildings and injure or kill people.
Nearly 90 percent of El Salvador, population 6.6 million, is considered vulnerable to flooding and landslides due to its geography.
In neighboring Guatemala, officials said roads had been blocked by at least five landslides and some flooding was reported, but no evacuations were underway.
Even though Amanda weakened to tropical depression status, Guatemalan officials warned that heavy rain would continue, with swollen rivers and possible "landslides affecting highways ... and flooding in coastal areas."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-01--Notre-Dame Cathedral renovations play catch-up as lockdown eases, square reopens

The square in front of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris was reopened Sunday for the first time since the fire that destroyed its roof on April 15 , 2019 .
French renovation teams aim complete work on Notre-Dame Cathedral in time for the fifth anniversary of its 2019 fire despite the Covid-19 lockdown , the project leader said on Sunday , as admirers were allowed back into the adjoining square .
Casual passersby and faithful alike flocked to the Parvis de Notre-Dame as the square reopened with the partial lifting of lockdown restrictions .
The coronavirus pandemic `` has unquestionably delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the army general put in charge of the mammoth rebuilding programme .
But the goal remains to reopen for religious services in April 2024 , Georgelin said , standing in front of the closed-off cathedral grounds .
`` There 's no reason to believe it can not be met – we 'll have to find a way to catch up . ''
Paris officials on Sunday removed the tall metal barriers surrounding the square , offering visitors a close-up look at the gothic monument for the first time since the devastating fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's almost a form of rebirth today , '' Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo , wearing a face mask , said in a short address to journalists while visiting the site with the cathedral 's rector Patrick Chauvet .
`` Notre-Dame is the soul of Paris ...
It 's a site that does n't fail to impress you , '' she said .
The square began to fill up under sunny afternoon skies as word of the unexpected reopening spread .
`` Notre-Dame is our symbol , more than the Eiffel Tower , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We wanted to see how it had changed . ''
The monumental facade and arched entrances remain blocked , however , behind beige security barriers as workers prepare to resume restoration work as France 's coronavirus lockdown is lifted .
The plaza was closed off shortly after the blaze on April 15 , 2019 , that nearly destroyed the 12th-century church , which millions of people watched live on TV worldwide .
The fire completely consumed the oak beams and more than 300 tons of lead panelling in the roof , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they melted .
Heavy concentrations of the metal settled on the square and nearby streets that proved particularly difficult to remove , sparking fears that residents could be exposed to poisoning .
Several schools were closed for weeks as workers decontaminated classrooms and playgrounds , and restoration work was halted after authorities demanded face masks and other protective gear for workers .
But the regional ARS health authority gave its approval Friday for reopening the site , which will be cleaned regularly as the renovation work slowly resumes .
Despite the delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his goal of restoring Notre-Dame to its former glory by 2024 .
The fire that engulfed the 850-year-old building destroyed its spire and much of the roof .
While the final renovation cost remains uncertain , an appeal for funds has raised close to €1 billion .
Workers must still remove a tangled web of metal scaffolding that fused in the blaze , which erupted while the cathedral was undergoing restoration work on the roof .
The metal tubes must be cleared so that a more durable temporary roof can be installed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain , and actual restoration work might not begin until next year .

French renovation teams aim complete work on Notre-Dame Cathedral in time for the fifth anniversary of its 2019 fire despite the Covid-19 lockdown, the project leader said on Sunday, as admirers were allowed back into the adjoining square.
The square in front of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris was reopened Sunday for the first time since the fire that destroyed its roof on April 15, 2019.
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Casual passersby and faithful alike flocked to the Parvis de Notre-Dame as the square reopened with the partial lifting of lockdown restrictions.
The coronavirus pandemic "has unquestionably delayed the work", said Jean-Louis Georgelin, the army general put in charge of the mammoth rebuilding programme.
But the goal remains to reopen for religious services in April 2024, Georgelin said, standing in front of the closed-off cathedral grounds. "There's no reason to believe it cannot be met – we'll have to find a way to catch up."
Paris officials on Sunday removed the tall metal barriers surrounding the square, offering visitors a close-up look at the gothic monument for the first time since the devastating fire more than 14 months ago.
"It's almost a form of rebirth today," Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, wearing a face mask, said in a short address to journalists while visiting the site with the cathedral's rector Patrick Chauvet.
"Notre-Dame is the soul of Paris... It's a site that doesn't fail to impress you," she said.
A very small thing, of course, but the parvis of #NotreDame has reopened to the public for the first time since the fire on 15 April 2019. pic.twitter.com/FOx17n5oAY — Agnes C. Poirier (@AgnesCPoirier) May 31, 2020
The square began to fill up under sunny afternoon skies as word of the unexpected reopening spread.
"Notre-Dame is our symbol, more than the Eiffel Tower," said Stephanie Cadillon, a librarian. "We wanted to see how it had changed."
The monumental facade and arched entrances remain blocked, however, behind beige security barriers as workers prepare to resume restoration work as France's coronavirus lockdown is lifted.
The plaza was closed off shortly after the blaze on April 15, 2019, that nearly destroyed the 12th-century church, which millions of people watched live on TV worldwide.
The fire completely consumed the oak beams and more than 300 tons of lead panelling in the roof, spewing toxic lead particles into the air as they melted.
Heavy concentrations of the metal settled on the square and nearby streets that proved particularly difficult to remove, sparking fears that residents could be exposed to poisoning.
Several schools were closed for weeks as workers decontaminated classrooms and playgrounds, and restoration work was halted after authorities demanded face masks and other protective gear for workers.
But the regional ARS health authority gave its approval Friday for reopening the site, which will be cleaned regularly as the renovation work slowly resumes.
Despite the delays, President Emmanuel Macron reiterated last month his goal of restoring Notre-Dame to its former glory by 2024.
The fire that engulfed the 850-year-old building destroyed its spire and much of the roof. While the final renovation cost remains uncertain, an appeal for funds has raised close to €1 billion.
Workers must still remove a tangled web of metal scaffolding that fused in the blaze, which erupted while the cathedral was undergoing restoration work on the roof.
The metal tubes must be cleared so that a more durable temporary roof can be installed to protect the cathedral's priceless artworks from rain, and actual restoration work might not begin until next year.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-01--'America is suffocating': Country at tipping point as protests spread

IN THE PAPERS , Monday , June 1 : Newspapers see the United States at a breaking point as the twin crises of police violence and the coronavirus outbreak `` put America 's deep racial inequalities in stark relief '' , as The New York Times puts it .
Israeli papers draw a parallel between the killing of George Floyd and the killing of an unarmed Palestinian man by Israeli police .
And SpaceX astronauts rocketed to the ISS with a dinosaur .
There 's a sense that the United States has reached a tipping point after protests over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
The Washington Post writes that the `` US is at a precipice '' while The New York Times headlines `` Twin crises and surging anger convulse the US '' .
The latter paper writes that there are `` parallel plagues ravaging America : The coronavirus .
And police killings of black men and women '' .
For many editorialists and cartoonists , US President Donald Trump is fanning the flames of these crises .
Australian David Rowe depicts him as the Roman emperor Nero looking out at his burning empire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a miracle .
I told them the virus would disappear when it warmed up . ''
Brian Adcock of the UK 's Independent , meanwhile , recreates the scene that caused George Floyd ’ s death .
He shows Donald Trump kneeling on the neck of American democracy , with Uncle Sam saying `` I can ’ t breathe '' .
Many cartoons are using that theme of suffocation .
One from pan-Arab paper Al Araby Al Jadeed shows the gloved hand of a police officer strangling the statue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America is suffocating . ''
Meanwhile , papers in Israel are drawing a parallel between the killing of George Floyd and the killing of Eyad Hallaq , an unarmed and autistic Palestinian man who was shot on Saturday by Israeli border police .
Haaretz opinion writer Gideon Levy writes : `` In the United States ... they shoot black people , whose blood is cheap , and in Israel they shoot Palestinians , whose blood is even cheaper . ''
Not all Israeli papers support this comparison .
An editor for the right-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Jerusalem ... did not take place on racial background , but in the context of a nationalist conflict '' .
He ’ s worried that what he calls a `` blackwashing of Palestinian terror '' could be used to justify attacks on Israelis .
And finally , if you were watching this weekend 's SpaceX rocket launch you may have noticed an extra , sparkly pink and blue passenger riding alongside the US astronauts .
That sequined dinosaur is Tremor the Apatosaurus !
The two astronauts said the toy was chosen by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space — an escape many of us here on Earth are wishing we had right now .

IN THE PAPERS, Monday, June 1: Newspapers see the United States at a breaking point as the twin crises of police violence and the coronavirus outbreak "put America's deep racial inequalities in stark relief", as The New York Times puts it. Israeli papers draw a parallel between the killing of George Floyd and the killing of an unarmed Palestinian man by Israeli police. And SpaceX astronauts rocketed to the ISS with a dinosaur.
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There's a sense that the United States has reached a tipping point after protests over the death of George Floyd spread nationwide this weekend. The Washington Post writes that the "US is at a precipice" while The New York Times headlines "Twin crises and surging anger convulse the US". The latter paper writes that there are "parallel plagues ravaging America: The coronavirus. And police killings of black men and women".
For many editorialists and cartoonists, US President Donald Trump is fanning the flames of these crises. Australian David Rowe depicts him as the Roman emperor Nero looking out at his burning empire. He's thinking to himself: "It’s a miracle. I told them the virus would disappear when it warmed up."
Brian Adcock of the UK's Independent, meanwhile, recreates the scene that caused George Floyd’s death. He shows Donald Trump kneeling on the neck of American democracy, with Uncle Sam saying "I can’t breathe".
Many cartoons are using that theme of suffocation. One from pan-Arab paper Al Araby Al Jadeed shows the gloved hand of a police officer strangling the statue of liberty. The caption reads: "America is suffocating."
Meanwhile, papers in Israel are drawing a parallel between the killing of George Floyd and the killing of Eyad Hallaq, an unarmed and autistic Palestinian man who was shot on Saturday by Israeli border police. Haaretz opinion writer Gideon Levy writes: "In the United States... they shoot black people, whose blood is cheap, and in Israel they shoot Palestinians, whose blood is even cheaper."
Not all Israeli papers support this comparison. An editor for the right-wing Israel Hayom writes that "the shooting in Jerusalem... did not take place on racial background, but in the context of a nationalist conflict". He’s worried that what he calls a "blackwashing of Palestinian terror" could be used to justify attacks on Israelis.
And finally, if you were watching this weekend's SpaceX rocket launch you may have noticed an extra, sparkly pink and blue passenger riding alongside the US astronauts. That sequined dinosaur is Tremor the Apatosaurus! The two astronauts said the toy was chosen by their sons to make the journey into space — an escape many of us here on Earth are wishing we had right now.
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france24--2020-06-01--Iran says scientist jailed in US expected to return home within days

Abbas Mousavi , spokesman for Iran 's Foreign Ministry , during a press conference in Tehran on May 28 , 2019 .
Iran ’ s foreign ministry said Monday that Sirous Asgari , a scientist jailed in the United States , is set to return to the Islamic republic within days .
” Dr .
Sirous Asgari ’ s case has been closed in America and he will probably return to the country in the next two or three days , ” ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency .
” That is , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he added .
A US court accused Asgari in 2016 of stealing trade secrets while on an academic visit to Ohio but he was acquitted of the charges in November .
Iran ’ s foreign ministry said last month that Asgari had contracted the novel coronavirus while in US custody .
The scientist told British newspaper The Guardian in March that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency was keeping him in a detention centre in Louisiana without basic sanitation and refusing to let him return to Iran despite his exoneration .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nationals behind bars and have recently called for them to be released amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Iran is battling what is the Middle East ’ s deadliest outbreak , while the US has reported the highest total number of virus deaths worldwide .
Iran is holding at least five Americans and the US has 15 Iranians in detention , according to a list compiled by AFP based on official statements and media reports .

Iran’s foreign ministry said Monday that Sirous Asgari, a scientist jailed in the United States, is set to return to the Islamic republic within days.
Abbas Mousavi, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, during a press conference in Tehran on May 28, 2019.
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”Dr. Sirous Asgari’s case has been closed in America and he will probably return to the country in the next two or three days,” ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency.
”That is, if no issues or obstacles come up,” he added.
A US court accused Asgari in 2016 of stealing trade secrets while on an academic visit to Ohio but he was acquitted of the charges in November.
Iran’s foreign ministry said last month that Asgari had contracted the novel coronavirus while in US custody.
The scientist told British newspaper The Guardian in March that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency was keeping him in a detention centre in Louisiana without basic sanitation and refusing to let him return to Iran despite his exoneration.
Both countries hold a number of each other’s nationals behind bars and have recently called for them to be released amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Iran is battling what is the Middle East’s deadliest outbreak, while the US has reported the highest total number of virus deaths worldwide.
Iran is holding at least five Americans and the US has 15 Iranians in detention, according to a list compiled by AFP based on official statements and media reports.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-31--Michael Jordan joins sports icons worldwide to show solidarity for George Floyd

Moenchengladbach 's French forward Marcus Thuram takes a knee in solidarity during a match in Moenchengladbach , Germany on May 31 , 2020 .
NBA legend Michael Jordan on Sunday joined other international sports stars to protest the “ ingrained racism ” demonstrated in the killing of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes .
“ I am deeply saddened , truly pained and plain angry , ” Jordan said as protests over Floyd ’ s death on May 25 spawned violence and looting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country .
” We have had enough , ” added Jordan , who was famously reluctant to comment on social issues during his basketball playing career .
Floyd died after now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
” We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability , ” Jordan said .
Jordan joined a chorus of voices from the NBA , NFL and other US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the demands went far beyond America .
English footballer Jadon Sancho joined symbolic demonstrations of protests across German pitches on Sunday by lifting his jersey after scoring to reveal a T-shirt with the handwritten message “ Justice for George Floyd ” on the front .
Sancho was shown a yellow card for his gesture , which came after he scored the second goal for Borussia Dortmund against Paderborn on Sunday .
Earlier , Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring in Borussia Mönchengladbach ’ s win over Union Berlin .
The Gladbach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then dropped his left knee to the ground and rested his right arm on his right thigh as he bowed his head in reflection .
He spent five seconds in this position before getting up again to continue .
“ No explanation needed , ” Gladbach said on Twitter with a picture of Thuram kneeling .
It evoked memories of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the American national anthem before games to protest police brutality and racial inequality amid the Black Lives Matter movement .
The 22-year-old Thuram , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal , made no comment on his gesture after the game .
“ He got to the point , ” Gladbach coach Marco Rose said .
“ He made a sign against racism , one we all completely support of course .
I believe that everyone fully supports it , that everyone has the same thoughts he does.
” Thuram is the son of French World Cup winner Lilian Thuram , an outspoken anti-racism campaigner .

NBA legend Michael Jordan on Sunday joined other international sports stars to protest the “ingrained racism” demonstrated in the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes.
Moenchengladbach's French forward Marcus Thuram takes a knee in solidarity during a match in Moenchengladbach, Germany on May 31, 2020.
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“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan said as protests over Floyd’s death on May 25 spawned violence and looting across the US. ”I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country.
”We have had enough,” added Jordan, who was famously reluctant to comment on social issues during his basketball playing career.
Floyd died after now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
”We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability,” Jordan said.
Jordan joined a chorus of voices from the NBA, NFL and other US sports demanding change for black Americans, but the demands went far beyond America.
Protesters in London, Britain, May 31, 2020 REUTERS - JOHN SIBLEY
European footballers seek 'Justice for George Floyd'
English footballer Jadon Sancho joined symbolic demonstrations of protests across German pitches on Sunday by lifting his jersey after scoring to reveal a T-shirt with the handwritten message “Justice for George Floyd” on the front.
Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho displays a "Justice for George Floyd" shirt on May 31, 2020. © Lars Baron POOL/AFP
Sancho was shown a yellow card for his gesture, which came after he scored the second goal for Borussia Dortmund against Paderborn on Sunday.
Earlier, Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s win over Union Berlin. The Gladbach forward scored in the first half and then dropped his left knee to the ground and rested his right arm on his right thigh as he bowed his head in reflection. He spent five seconds in this position before getting up again to continue.
“No explanation needed,” Gladbach said on Twitter with a picture of Thuram kneeling.
It evoked memories of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the American national anthem before games to protest police brutality and racial inequality amid the Black Lives Matter movement.
The 22-year-old Thuram, who also scored Gladbach’s third goal, made no comment on his gesture after the game.
“He got to the point,” Gladbach coach Marco Rose said. “He made a sign against racism, one we all completely support of course. I believe that everyone fully supports it, that everyone has the same thoughts he does.”
Thuram is the son of French World Cup winner Lilian Thuram, an outspoken anti-racism campaigner.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Artist Christo, famed for wrapping landmarks in cloth, dies at 84

The artist known as Christo , who made his name transforming landmarks such as Germany 's Reichstag by covering them @ @ @ @ @ died on Sunday aged 84 , his official Facebook page announced .
Christo Vladimirov Javacheff @ @ @ @ @ his home in New York City , the statement said .
The Bulgarian-born artist worked @ @ @ @ @ Jeanne-Claude until her death in 2009 .
`` Christo lived his life to the fullest @ @ @ @ @ what seemed impossible but realizing it , '' said a statement from his office .
@ @ @ @ @ artwork brought people together in shared experiences across the globe , and their work lives @ @ @ @ @ memories . ''
In accordance with Christo 's wishes , the statement added , a @ @ @ @ @ l'Arc de Triomphe , Wrapped '' , would be completed .
The event is on @ @ @ @ @ September 18 in 2021 .

The artist known as Christo, who made his name transforming landmarks such as Germany's Reichstag by covering them with reams of cloth, died on Sunday aged 84, his official Facebook page announced.
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Christo Vladimirov Javacheff died of natural causes at his home in New York City, the statement said.
Christo passed away today, on May 31, 2020, at his home in New York City. Christo and Jeanne-Claude have always made clear that their artworks in progress be continued after their deaths. L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (Project for Paris) is still on track for Sept. 18–Oct. 3, 2021. pic.twitter.com/xHPURw60w2 — Christo and Jeanne-Claude (@ChristoandJC) May 31, 2020
The Bulgarian-born artist worked in collaboration with his wife Jeanne-Claude until her death in 2009.
"Christo lived his life to the fullest, not only dreaming up what seemed impossible but realizing it," said a statement from his office.
"Christo and Jeanne-Claude's artwork brought people together in shared experiences across the globe, and their work lives on in our hearts and memories."
In accordance with Christo's wishes, the statement added, a work in progress, "l'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped", would be completed. The event is on schedule to be shown from September 18 in 2021.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-01--China reports highest number of new Covid-19 cases in nearly 3 weeks

People wearing face masks are seen on a bus following an outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease , in Shanghai @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .
China reported the highest daily increase in coronavirus cases in nearly three @ @ @ @ @ discovered on May 31 , as the number of so-called imported cases jumped in southwestern @ @ @ @ @ Health Commission ( NHC ) said in a statement on Monday that all the new @ @ @ @ @ , 11 of which were reported in Sichuan .
China reported two confirmed cases on @ @ @ @ @ which were imported .
Chinese state television reported that the Sichuan cases came on a @ @ @ @ @ another six asymptomatic cases were found on the same flight .
China does not count @ @ @ @ @ infections .
The NHC also reported 16 new asymptomatic cases on the mainland for May @ @ @ @ @ a day earlier .
The total number of confirmed cases in mainland China now stands @ @ @ @ @ death toll remains at 4,634 .

China reported the highest daily increase in coronavirus cases in nearly three weeks with 16 new infections discovered on May 31, as the number of so-called imported cases jumped in southwestern Sichuan province.
People wearing face masks are seen on a bus following an outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease, in Shanghai, China, May 31, 2020.
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The National Health Commission (NHC) said in a statement on Monday that all the new cases involved travellers from overseas, 11 of which were reported in Sichuan. China reported two confirmed cases on May 29, both of which were imported.
Chinese state television reported that the Sichuan cases came on a flight from Egypt, and another six asymptomatic cases were found on the same flight. China does not count asymptomatic cases as confirmed Covid-19 infections.
The NHC also reported 16 new asymptomatic cases on the mainland for May 31, compared with three a day earlier.
The total number of confirmed cases in mainland China now stands at 83,017, while the death toll remains at 4,634.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-01--Trump vows to send US military in cities if needed to quell protests

U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as he stands in front of St. John 's Episcopal Church across from the White House after walking there for a photo opportunity during ongoing protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody , at the White House in Washington , U.S. , June 1 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump said on Monday he was deploying thousands of heavily armed soldiers and law enforcement to stop violence in the U.S. capital and vowed to do the same in other cities if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the streets .
As Trump spoke in the Rose Garden of the White House , live television images showed police firing tear gas to dispel demonstrators in Lafayette Park , across the street .
`` Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled , '' Trump said .
`` If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents , then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , largely peaceful during the day but turning violent after dark , have erupted over the death of George Floyd , a 46-year-old African American who died in Minneapolis police custody after being pinned beneath a white officer 's knee for nearly nine minutes .
A second autopsy ordered by Floyd 's family and released on Monday found that his death was a homicide by `` mechanical asphyxiation , '' meaning some physical force interfered with his oxygen supply .
The report says three officers contributed to Floyd 's death .
The Hennepin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its autopsy findings that also said Floyd 's death was a homicide caused by asphyxiation .
The county report added that Floyd suffered cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained by police and that he had arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease , fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use .
The new findings emerged after Trump spoke to the governors earlier in the day .
`` You have to dominate , '' he told them in a private call obtained by Reuters .
`` If you don ’ t dominate , you ’ re wasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run over you , you ’ re going to look like a bunch of jerks . ''
Trump said the federal government was going to clamp down `` very strong '' on the violence .
National Guard troops were deployed near the White House early Monday evening .
Dozens of cities across the United States remain under curfews at levels not seen since riots that broke out following the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr .
The National Guard deployed in 23 states and Washington , D.C. One person was killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police and National Guard troops returned fire while trying to disperse a crowd .
Police in Chicago fielded some 10,000 calls for looting , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said .
The unrest , which erupted as the country was easing sweeping lockdowns to stop the spread of the coronavirus , began with peaceful protests over Floyd 's death .
Derek Chauvin , a since-fired 44-year-old officer , has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
On Monday , dozens of people paid their respects to Floyd outside Cup Foods , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left flowers and signs honoring Floyd .
A little girl wrote , “ I ’ ll fight with you , ” in aqua blue chalk in the road .
`` This is therapeutic .
My heart was real heavy this morning so I came down extra early and when I got here , the heaviness lifted , ” said Diana Jones , 40 , the mother of four children .
“ This right here let ’ s me know that things are going to be OK. ” Terrence Floyd , the victim 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to get educated , vote and not destroy their own communities .
`` Let 's do this another way , '' he said .
Floyd 's death was the latest to prompt an outcry over racism in law enforcement .
It reignited outrage across a politically and racially divided country that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , with African Americans accounting for a disproportionately high number of cases .
The U.S. Justice Department has directed the Bureau of Prisons to send riot-control teams to Miami and Washington , D.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a department official told reporters .
Department investigators are interviewing people arrested during protests who might face federal charges for such offenses as crossing state lines to incite violence , the official said .
Many cities affected by the unrest are allowing some businesses to reopen after more than two months of stay-at-home orders to stem a pandemic that has killed more than 104,000 people and left 40 million others jobless .
Trump has condemned the killing of Floyd and promised justice but has described protesters as `` thugs . ''
Critics accuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-election in November , of stoking conflict and racial tension when he should be uniting the nation and addressing underlying issues .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden met with black community leaders in a church and said he would create a police oversight board within his first 100 days in the White House if elected .

President Donald Trump said on Monday he was deploying thousands of heavily armed soldiers and law enforcement to stop violence in the US capital and vowed to do the same in other cities if mayors and governors failed to regain control of the streets.
US President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as he stands by St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House after walking there for a photo opportunity during ongoing protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, Washington, USA, June 1, 2020.
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As Trump spoke in the Rose Garden of the White House, live television images showed police firing tear gas to dispel demonstrators in Lafayette Park, across the street.
"Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled," Trump said. "If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them."
The demonstrations, largely peaceful during the day but turning violent after dark, have erupted over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American who died in Minneapolis police custody after being pinned beneath a white officer's knee for nearly nine minutes.
A second autopsy ordered by Floyd's family and released on Monday found that his death was a homicide by "mechanical asphyxiation", meaning some physical force interfered with his oxygen supply. The report says three officers contributed to Floyd's death.
‘You have to dominate’
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner on Monday released details of its autopsy findings that also said Floyd's death was a homicide caused by asphyxiation. The county report added that Floyd suffered cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained by police and that he had arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use.
The new findings emerged after Trump spoke to the governors earlier in the day.
"You have to dominate," he told them in a private call obtained by Reuters. "If you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time – they’re going to run over you, you’re going to look like a bunch of jerks."
Trump said the federal government was going to clamp down "very strong" on the violence. National Guard troops were deployed near the White House early Monday evening.
Dozens of cities across the United States remain under curfews at levels not seen since riots that broke out following the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The National Guard were deployed in 23 states and Washington, D.C..
One person was killed in Louisville, Kentucky, overnight where police and National Guard troops returned fire while trying to disperse a crowd. And two people were killed during protests in the Chicago suburb of Cicero, authorities said, but provided no details.
Officer charged with third-degree murder
The unrest, which erupted as the country was easing sweeping lockdowns to stop the spread of the coronavirus, began with peaceful protests over Floyd's death.
Derek Chauvin, a since-fired 44-year-old officer, has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
01:45
On Monday, dozens of people paid their respects to Floyd outside Cup Foods, the scene of his death. Visitors left flowers and signs honouring Floyd. A little girl wrote, “I’ll fight with you”, in aqua blue chalk on the road.
"This is therapeutic. My heart was real heavy this morning, so I came down extra early and when I got here, the heaviness lifted,” said Diana Jones, 40, the mother of four children. “This right here lets me know that things are going to be OK.”
Terrence Floyd, the victim's brother, told the gathering he wanted people to get educated, vote and not destroy their own communities. "Let's do this another way," he said.
He's using the American military against the American people.
He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets.
For a photo.
For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him. But I mean it when I say this: we can only do it together. https://t.co/G1yE67q9Nz — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 2, 2020
'Using the American military against the American people’
Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who had met with anti-racism protesters on Sunday, took to Twitter to express his fury at Trump’s response to the protests.
“He’s using the American military against the American people,” Biden tweeted.
“He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo,” Biden wrote, referring to Trump’s decision to use law enforcement – including military police — to clear protesters from outside the White House so he could pose for photographs at a riot-damaged church nearby.
Floyd's death was the latest to prompt an outcry over racism in law enforcement. It reignited outrage across a politically and racially divided country that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with African Americans accounting for a disproportionately high number of cases.
The US Justice Department has directed the Bureau of Prisons to send riot-control teams to Miami and Washington, D.C., to help manage the protests, a department official told reporters.
Department investigators are interviewing people arrested during protests who might face federal charges for such offences as crossing state lines to incite violence, the official said.
Many cities affected by the unrest are allowing some businesses to reopen after more than two months of stay-at-home orders to stem a pandemic that has killed more than 104,000 people and left 40 million others jobless.
Trump has condemned the killing of Floyd and promised justice but has described protesters as "thugs".
Critics accuse the Republican president, who is seeking re-election in November, of stoking conflict and racial tension when he should be uniting the nation and addressing underlying issues.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden met with black community leaders in a church and said he would create a police oversight board within his first 100 days in the White House if elected.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP, REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-01--Independent autopsy finds George Floyd died of asphyxiation

People react as Terrence Floyd , the brother of George Floyd , who was killed by an ex-police officer on May 25 , visits a makeshift memorial honouring his deceased brother at the spot where he was taken into custody in Minneapolis , Minnesota , US on June 1 , 2020 .
An autopsy commissioned for George Floyd ’ s family found that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression when a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyd 's neck for almost nine minutes and ignored his cries of distress , the family ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a doctor who also examined Eric Garner ’ s body found the compression cut off blood to Floyd ’ s brain , and weight on his back made it hard to breathe , the family 's attorney Ben Crump said .
He called for the third-degree murder charge against ex-officer Derek Chauvin to be upgraded to first-degree murder and for three other ex-officers present at the scene to be charged .
The family ’ s autopsy differs from the official autopsy as described in a criminal complaint against the ex-officer .
That autopsy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with underlying health issues and potential intoxicants in Floyd ’ s system , but also said it found nothing “ to support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation ” .
Floyd , a black man who was in handcuffs at the time , died after Chauvin , who is white , ignored bystander shouts to get off him and Floyd 's cries that he could n't breathe .
His death , captured on citizen video , sparked days of protests in Minneapolis that have spread to cities around America .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details about intoxicants , and toxicology results can take weeks .
In the 911 call that drew police , the caller described the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as “ awfully drunk and he ’ s not in control of himself ” .
Crump said last week that he was commissioning the family 's own autopsy .
Floyd ’ s family , like the families of other black men killed by police , wanted an independent look because they didn ’ t trust local authorities to produce an unbiased autopsy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Baden and Allecia Wilson .
Baden is the former chief medical examiner of New York City , who was hired to conduct an autopsy of Eric Garner , a black man who died in 2014 after New York police placed him in a chokehold and he pleaded that he could not breathe .
Baden also conducted an independent autopsy of Michael Brown , an 18-year-old shot by police in Ferguson , Missouri .
He said Brown 's autopsy , requested by the teen 's family , didn ’ t reveal signs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim by police that a struggle between Brown and the officer led to the shooting .
Chauvin , who was also charged with manslaughter , is being held in a state prison .
The other three officers on scene , like Chauvin , were fired the day after the incident but have not been charged .
The head of the Minneapolis police union said in a letter to members that the officers were fired without due process and labour attorneys are fighting for their jobs .
Lieutenant Bob Kroll , the union president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lack of support is to blame for the days of sometimes violent protests .
When asked to respond , Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said : “ For a man who complains so frequently about a lack of community trust and support for the police department , Bob Kroll remains shockingly indifferent to his role in undermining that trust and support . ''
Frey said Kroll 's opposition to reform and lack of empathy for the community has undermined trust in the police .
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Sunday that Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any prosecutions in Floyd 's death .
Local civil rights activists have said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman does n't have the trust of the black community .
They have protested outside his house , and pressed him to charge the other three officers .
Freeman remains on the case .
In Minneapolis on Monday , Floyd ’ s brother , Terrence , made an emotional plea for peace at the site of where Chauvin pinned Floyd to the pavement by putting his knee on the handcuffed man ’ s neck for nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switch it up ya ’ ll .
Let ’ s switch it up .
Do this peacefully , please , '' Terrence Floyd said .
The crowd chanted , “ What ’ s his name ?
George Floyd !
” and “ One down , three to go !
” in reference to the four officers involved in Floyd 's arrest .
The gathering was part rally and part impromptu eulogy as Floyd urged people to stop the violence and use their power at the ballot box .

An autopsy commissioned for George Floyd’s family found that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression when a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes and ignored his cries of distress, the family’s attorneys said Monday.
People react as Terrence Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, who was killed by an ex-police officer on May 25, visits a makeshift memorial honouring his deceased brother at the spot where he was taken into custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US on June 1, 2020.
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The autopsy by a doctor who also examined Eric Garner’s body found the compression cut off blood to Floyd’s brain, and weight on his back made it hard to breathe, the family's attorney Ben Crump said. He called for the third-degree murder charge against ex-officer Derek Chauvin to be upgraded to first-degree murder and for three other ex-officers present at the scene to be charged.
The family’s autopsy differs from the official autopsy as described in a criminal complaint against the ex-officer. That autopsy included the effects of being restrained, along with underlying health issues and potential intoxicants in Floyd’s system, but also said it found nothing “to support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation”.
Floyd, a black man who was in handcuffs at the time, died after Chauvin, who is white, ignored bystander shouts to get off him and Floyd's cries that he couldn't breathe. His death, captured on citizen video, sparked days of protests in Minneapolis that have spread to cities around America.
The official autopsy last week provided no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results can take weeks. In the 911 call that drew police, the caller described the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as “awfully drunk and he’s not in control of himself”.
Crump said last week that he was commissioning the family's own autopsy. Floyd’s family, like the families of other black men killed by police, wanted an independent look because they didn’t trust local authorities to produce an unbiased autopsy.
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The family's autopsy was conducted by Michael Baden and Allecia Wilson. Baden is the former chief medical examiner of New York City, who was hired to conduct an autopsy of Eric Garner, a black man who died in 2014 after New York police placed him in a chokehold and he pleaded that he could not breathe.
Baden also conducted an independent autopsy of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old shot by police in Ferguson, Missouri. He said Brown's autopsy, requested by the teen's family, didn’t reveal signs of a struggle, casting doubt on a claim by police that a struggle between Brown and the officer led to the shooting.
Chauvin, who was also charged with manslaughter, is being held in a state prison. The other three officers on scene, like Chauvin, were fired the day after the incident but have not been charged.
The head of the Minneapolis police union said in a letter to members that the officers were fired without due process and labour attorneys are fighting for their jobs. Lieutenant Bob Kroll, the union president, also criticised city leadership, saying a lack of support is to blame for the days of sometimes violent protests.
When asked to respond, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said: “For a man who complains so frequently about a lack of community trust and support for the police department, Bob Kroll remains shockingly indifferent to his role in undermining that trust and support." Frey said Kroll's opposition to reform and lack of empathy for the community has undermined trust in the police.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Sunday that Attorney General Keith Ellison would take the lead in any prosecutions in Floyd's death. Local civil rights activists have said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman doesn't have the trust of the black community. They have protested outside his house, and pressed him to charge the other three officers. Freeman remains on the case.
George Floyd's brother appeals for peace
In Minneapolis on Monday, Floyd’s brother, Terrence, made an emotional plea for peace at the site of where Chauvin pinned Floyd to the pavement by putting his knee on the handcuffed man’s neck for nearly nine minutes.
“Let’s switch it up ya’ll. Let’s switch it up. Do this peacefully, please," Terrence Floyd said.
The crowd chanted, “What’s his name? George Floyd!” and “One down, three to go!” in reference to the four officers involved in Floyd's arrest.
The gathering was part rally and part impromptu eulogy as Floyd urged people to stop the violence and use their power at the ballot box.
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
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france24--2020-06-01--One week after George Floyd's death, the US awakens to cities in shambles

California police watch as tear gas is deployed during demonstrations in Santa Monica on May 31 , 2020 , in the aftermath of George Floyd 's death .
A week after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police and following six straight days of unrest , America began a new week on Monday with neighbourhoods in shambles , urban streets barricaded and political leaders struggling to control an outpouring of rage over police killings .
Despite curfews in major cities across the US and the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops over the past week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Protesters hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at police in Philadelphia , set a fire near the White House and were hit with tear gas and pepper spray in Austin , Texas , as well as in other cities .
Seven Boston police officers were hospitalised .
Police officers and National Guard troops enforcing a curfew in Louisville , Kentucky , killed a man early on Monday when they returned fire after someone in a large group fired first , police said .
In Indianapolis , two people were reported dead in bursts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding to the deaths recorded in Detroit and Minneapolis .
In some cities , thieves smashed their way into stores and ran off with as much as they could carry , leaving shop owners , many of them just beginning to reopen their businesses after the coronavirus shutdowns , to clean up their shattered stores .
In other places , police tried to calm tensions by kneeling in solidarity with demonstrators .
The Associated Press estimated Monday that at least 4,400 people have so far been arrested in the protests .
The demonstrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd , a black man who pleaded for air as a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes , including several minutes after Floyd became unresponsive .
'They keep killing our people' Tensions with police had already been running high after two white men were arrested in May in the February shooting death of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and after Louisville police shot medical worker Breonna Taylor to death in her own home in March .
“ They keep killing our people .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Mahira Louis , 15 , who was at a Boston protest with her mother on Sunday leading chants of , “ George Floyd , say his name !
” The upheaval has unfolded amid the gloom and economic ruin caused by the coronavirus , which has killed more than 100,000 Americans and sent unemployment soaring to levels not seen since the Great Depression .
The outbreak has hit minorities especially hard , not just in infections and deaths but in job losses and economic stress .
The scale of the coast-to-coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the civil rights and Vietnam War eras .
At least 4,400 people have been arrested for such offences as stealing , blocking highways and breaking curfew , according to a count compiled by The Associated Press .
More than 1,000 protest near White House At the White House , the scene of three days of demonstrations , police fired tear gas and stun grenades Sunday into a crowd of more than 1,000 chanting protesters across the street in Lafayette Park .
The crowd ran , piling up road signs and plastic barriers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby .
Some pulled an American flag from a building and threw it into the flames .
A building in the park with bathrooms and a maintenance office was burned down .
The district 's entire National Guard – roughly 1,700 soldiers – was called in to help control the protests , according to Pentagon officials .
As the unrest grew , President Donald Trump retweeted conservative commentator Buck Sexton , who called for the use of “ overwhelming force ” against the demonstrators .
Trump spent much of the weekend using Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and order ” and tougher action by police against protesters around the country .
Former vice president Joe Biden , the presumed Democratic presidential nominee , quietly visited the site of protests in his hometown of Wilmington , Delaware , and talked to demonstrators .
`` We are a nation in pain right now , but we must not allow this pain to destroy us , '' Biden later tweeted , posting a picture of him speaking with an African American family at the site where protesters had gathered in Delaware late Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday calling on white people to shoulder the responsibility of ending America ’ s systemic racism .
He planned to venture out again on Monday to meet with community leaders in Wilmington 'Maybe this country will get the memo' In Salt Lake City , an activist leader condemned the destruction of property but said broken buildings shouldn ’ t be mourned on the same level as black men like Floyd .
“ Maybe this country will get the memo that we are sick of police murdering unarmed black men , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter in Utah .
“ Maybe the next time a white police officer decides to pull the trigger he will picture cities burning.
” Thousands marched peacefully in Phoenix , Arizona and Albuquerque , New Mexico as well as other cities , with some also calling for an end to the fires , vandalism and theft , saying the destruction weakens legitimate calls for justice and reform .
In downtown Atlanta , authorities fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators .
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said two officers had been fired and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed police surrounding a car on Saturday and using stun guns on the man and woman inside .
In Los Angeles , a police SUV accelerated into several protesters in a street , knocking two people to the ground .
Videos posted to social media showed New York police vehicles ramming into a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn .
'We 're not done' The officer who pinned Floyd to the pavement has been charged with third-degree murder in Minneapolis , but protesters are demanding the three other officers at the scene also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re not done , ” said Darnella Wade , an organiser for Black Lives Matter in neighbouring St. Paul , where thousands gathered peacefully in front of the state capitol .
`` They sent us the military , and we only asked them for arrests.
” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz brought in thousands of National Guard troops on Saturday to help quell the violence that had damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings in Minneapolis over days of protests .
In tweets on Sunday , US President Donald Trump accused `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media of fueling the violence while Attorney General William Barr pointed the finger at “ far-left extremist ” groups without offering evidence for their assertions .

A week after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police and following six straight days of unrest, America began a new week on Monday with neighbourhoods in shambles, urban streets barricaded and political leaders struggling to control an outpouring of rage over police killings.
California police watch as tear gas is deployed during demonstrations in Santa Monica on May 31, 2020, in the aftermath of George Floyd's death.
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Despite curfews in major cities across the US and the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops over the past week, demonstrations descended into violence again on Sunday. Protesters hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at police in Philadelphia, set a fire near the White House and were hit with tear gas and pepper spray in Austin, Texas, as well as in other cities. Seven Boston police officers were hospitalised.
Police officers and National Guard troops enforcing a curfew in Louisville, Kentucky, killed a man early on Monday when they returned fire after someone in a large group fired first, police said. In Indianapolis, two people were reported dead in bursts of downtown violence over the weekend, adding to the deaths recorded in Detroit and Minneapolis.
In some cities, thieves smashed their way into stores and ran off with as much as they could carry, leaving shop owners, many of them just beginning to reopen their businesses after the coronavirus shutdowns, to clean up their shattered stores.
In other places, police tried to calm tensions by kneeling in solidarity with demonstrators. The Associated Press estimated Monday that at least 4,400 people have so far been arrested in the protests.
The demonstrations were sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who pleaded for air as a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes, including several minutes after Floyd became unresponsive.
'They keep killing our people'
Tensions with police had already been running high after two white men were arrested in May in the February shooting death of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and after Louisville police shot medical worker Breonna Taylor to death in her own home in March.
“They keep killing our people. I’m so sick and tired of it,” said Mahira Louis, 15, who was at a Boston protest with her mother on Sunday leading chants of, “George Floyd, say his name!”
The upheaval has unfolded amid the gloom and economic ruin caused by the coronavirus, which has killed more than 100,000 Americans and sent unemployment soaring to levels not seen since the Great Depression. The outbreak has hit minorities especially hard, not just in infections and deaths but in job losses and economic stress.
The scale of the coast-to-coast protests has rivaled the historic demonstrations of the civil rights and Vietnam War eras. At least 4,400 people have been arrested for such offences as stealing, blocking highways and breaking curfew, according to a count compiled by The Associated Press.
More than 1,000 protest near White House
At the White House, the scene of three days of demonstrations, police fired tear gas and stun grenades Sunday into a crowd of more than 1,000 chanting protesters across the street in Lafayette Park.
The crowd ran, piling up road signs and plastic barriers to light a raging fire in a street nearby. Some pulled an American flag from a building and threw it into the flames. A building in the park with bathrooms and a maintenance office was burned down.
The district's entire National Guard – roughly 1,700 soldiers – was called in to help control the protests, according to Pentagon officials.
As the unrest grew, President Donald Trump retweeted conservative commentator Buck Sexton, who called for the use of “overwhelming force” against the demonstrators. Trump spent much of the weekend using Twitter as a bullhorn to urge “law and order” and tougher action by police against protesters around the country.
Former vice president Joe Biden, the presumed Democratic presidential nominee, quietly visited the site of protests in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, and talked to demonstrators. "We are a nation in pain right now, but we must not allow this pain to destroy us," Biden later tweeted, posting a picture of him speaking with an African American family at the site where protesters had gathered in Delaware late Saturday.
Biden also delivered a well-received address on Friday calling on white people to shoulder the responsibility of ending America’s systemic racism. He planned to venture out again on Monday to meet with community leaders in Wilmington
'Maybe this country will get the memo'
In Salt Lake City, an activist leader condemned the destruction of property but said broken buildings shouldn’t be mourned on the same level as black men like Floyd.
“Maybe this country will get the memo that we are sick of police murdering unarmed black men,” said Lex Scott, founder of Black Lives Matter in Utah. “Maybe the next time a white police officer decides to pull the trigger he will picture cities burning.”
Thousands marched peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico as well as other cities, with some also calling for an end to the fires, vandalism and theft, saying the destruction weakens legitimate calls for justice and reform.
In downtown Atlanta, authorities fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said two officers had been fired and three placed on desk duty after video showed police surrounding a car on Saturday and using stun guns on the man and woman inside.
In Los Angeles, a police SUV accelerated into several protesters in a street, knocking two people to the ground. Videos posted to social media showed New York police vehicles ramming into a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn.
'We're not done'
The officer who pinned Floyd to the pavement has been charged with third-degree murder in Minneapolis, but protesters are demanding the three other officers at the scene also be prosecuted. All four were fired.
“We’re not done,” said Darnella Wade, an organiser for Black Lives Matter in neighbouring St. Paul, where thousands gathered peacefully in front of the state capitol. "They sent us the military, and we only asked them for arrests.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz brought in thousands of National Guard troops on Saturday to help quell the violence that had damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings in Minneapolis over days of protests.
In tweets on Sunday, US President Donald Trump accused "Antifa" (anti-fascist activists) and the media of fueling the violence while Attorney General William Barr pointed the finger at “far-left extremist” groups without offering evidence for their assertions.
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
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