talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-01--Independent Family Autopsy: George Floyd Died Of Asphyxiation

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) — 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 several minutes and ignored his cries of distress , the family ’ s attorneys said Monday .
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 , attorney Ben Crump said at a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differs from the official autopsy as described in a criminal complaint against the 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 the white officer ignored bystander shouts to get off him and Floyd ’ s cries that he couldn ’ t breathe .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look because they didn ’ t trust local authorities to produce an unbiased autopsy .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ 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 .
The officer who held his knee on Floyd ’ s neck , Derek Chauvin , has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter and is in custody in a state prison .
The other three officers on scene , like Chauvin , were fired the day after the incident but have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the remaining three officers to be arrested and for the charge against Chauvin to be upgraded to first-degree murder .
The head of the Minneapolis police union said in a letter to members that the officers were fired without due process and labor attorneys are fighting for their jobs .
Lt. Bob Kroll , the union president , also criticized city leadership , saying a lack of support is to blame for the days of sometimes violent protests .
When asked to respond , Mayor Jacob Frey said : “ For 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 .
Gov .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and pressed him to charge the other three officers .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — 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 several minutes and ignored his cries of distress, the family’s attorneys said Monday.
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, attorney Ben Crump said at a news conference.
The family’s autopsy differs from the official autopsy as described in a criminal complaint against the 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 the white officer 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.
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.
The officer who held his knee on Floyd’s neck, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter and is in custody in a state prison. The other three officers on scene, like Chauvin, were fired the day after the incident but have not been charged.
Crump on Monday called for the remaining three officers to be arrested and for the charge against Chauvin to be upgraded to first-degree murder.
The head of the Minneapolis police union said in a letter to members that the officers were fired without due process and labor attorneys are fighting for their jobs. Lt. Bob Kroll, the union president, also criticized city leadership, saying a lack of support is to blame for the days of sometimes violent protests.
When asked to respond, 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.
Gov. 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.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-01--Black Liberty University Alums Suggest Falwell Step Down After Blackface Tweet

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Nearly three dozen black alumni of Liberty University denounced school President Jerry Falwell Jr. on Monday , suggesting he step down after he mocked Virginia ’ s mask-wearing requirement by invoking the blackface scandal that engulfed the state ’ s governor last year .
In a letter to Falwell , shared with The Associated Press , 35 faith leaders and former student-athletes told Falwell that his past comments “ have repeatedly violated and misrepresented ” Christian principles .
They said they would stop urging students to attend Liberty , would no longer donate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of faith to avoid speaking at the school unless Falwell changes his behavior or steps aside .
“ You have belittled staff , students and parents , you have defended inappropriate behaviors of politicians , encouraged violence , and disrespected people of other faiths , ” they wrote , advising Falwell that “ your heart is in politics more than Christian academia or ministry.
” Falwell , a stalwart backer of President Donald Trump , is the son of the late evangelist the Rev .
Jerry Falwell , whose legacy the alumni @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ stop this infantile behavior.
” In response , Falwell said his comment about the blackface scandal was made in defense of Liberty students , including minorities , who would be affected by tuition assistance cuts proposed by Gov .
Ralph Northam , a Democrat .
Falwell said his involvement in politics was in the spirit of Jesus Christ , “ who was not silent about the establishment political folks of his era.
” “ All they need to do is read the Gospels — Jesus got involved in politics , ” Falwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , Falwell has jabbed repeatedly at Northam while downplaying the public health risks of the coronavirus .
Last week , Northam issued an order that masks be worn inside all retail stores , while using public transportation or in any other indoor place where people congregate .
The next day , Falwell tweeted that he was “ adamantly opposed ” to the mask mandate “ until I decided to design my own.
” With it , he posted a picture of a mask bearing a racist photo that appeared on Northam ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made public last year — sparked a scandal that nearly forced him from office .
The photo showed a person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan costume .
Falwell referred to Northam as “ Governor Blackface ” and then followed up with another tweet that said , in part : “ Just a way to shine a spotlight on the fact that Democrats are and always have been the real racists in this country.
” Monday ’ s letter was signed by more than 30 former students at Liberty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christian universities , including pastors with churches in Virginia , Tennessee and Michigan .
Current pro football player Walt Aikens and former pro football player Eric Green were also among the signatories .
“ While your tweet may have been in jest about Virginia ’ s Governor , it made light of our nation ’ s painful history of slavery and racism , ” the alumni wrote to Falwell .
They described the tweet as “ a microcosm of the past several years of divisive rhetoric ” that falls short of their faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter and son-in-law of the vice chairman of Liberty ’ s board of trustees , Virginia pastor Allen McFarland .
The rebuke came after an online instructor for Liberty , a black pastor who also teaches at Ithaca College , announced his resignation online in response to the tweet .
The alumni who wrote Monday ’ s letter also lauded their experience at the university and offered to meet with Falwell to “ provide counsel on ways for L.U .
to best move forward ” if he stays in office .
They asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately and make a public apology.
” The Virginia General Assembly in March passed a budget for the 2021-2022 biennium that eliminates a tuition assistance grant for online students at private colleges such as Liberty .
Existing students are grandfathered in , said Laura Osberger , spokeswoman for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia .
“ The governor ’ s intent was to harm Liberty , and to harm minority students and to harm low income students , ” Falwell said , linking the cuts to his tweet by saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be reminded of ( Northam ’ s ) racist past.
” Northam initially said he was in the yearbook photo and then denied it the next day , while acknowledging that he did wear blackface to a dance party that same year .
He faced swift , widespread calls to resign , but he resisted , saying he instead wanted to help heal the state ’ s lingering racial wounds and devote the rest of his term to promoting racial equality .
The governor and the university president sparred indirectly in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bigger hold in the U.S. and Falwell decided to “ welcome ” students back to campus after their spring break .
Northam quoted from scripture in urging Falwell to rethink that decision .
A spokesman for the governor said Monday that it was good to see ministers “ speaking out for civility ” and that Northam would not dignify the tweet with a response .
“ But I recall that Matthew ’ s gospel teaches us to ‘ beware of false prophets , who come to you in sheep ’ s clothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By their fruits you will know them , ' ” Northam ’ s chief communications officer , Grant Neely , wrote in an email .
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is solely responsible for this content .

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly three dozen black alumni of Liberty University denounced school President Jerry Falwell Jr. on Monday, suggesting he step down after he mocked Virginia’s mask-wearing requirement by invoking the blackface scandal that engulfed the state’s governor last year.
In a letter to Falwell, shared with The Associated Press, 35 faith leaders and former student-athletes told Falwell that his past comments “have repeatedly violated and misrepresented” Christian principles. They said they would stop urging students to attend Liberty, would no longer donate to the university, and would urge fellow people of faith to avoid speaking at the school unless Falwell changes his behavior or steps aside.
“You have belittled staff, students and parents, you have defended inappropriate behaviors of politicians, encouraged violence, and disrespected people of other faiths,” they wrote, advising Falwell that “your heart is in politics more than Christian academia or ministry.”
Falwell, a stalwart backer of President Donald Trump, is the son of the late evangelist the Rev. Jerry Falwell, whose legacy the alumni invoked in imploring the younger Falwell to “stop this infantile behavior.”
In response, Falwell said his comment about the blackface scandal was made in defense of Liberty students, including minorities, who would be affected by tuition assistance cuts proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat. Falwell said his involvement in politics was in the spirit of Jesus Christ, “who was not silent about the establishment political folks of his era.”
“All they need to do is read the Gospels — Jesus got involved in politics,” Falwell said in an interview.
In recent weeks, Falwell has jabbed repeatedly at Northam while downplaying the public health risks of the coronavirus. Last week, Northam issued an order that masks be worn inside all retail stores, while using public transportation or in any other indoor place where people congregate.
The next day, Falwell tweeted that he was “adamantly opposed” to the mask mandate “until I decided to design my own.” With it, he posted a picture of a mask bearing a racist photo that appeared on Northam’s medical yearbook page and — when made public last year — sparked a scandal that nearly forced him from office. The photo showed a person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan costume.
Falwell referred to Northam as “Governor Blackface” and then followed up with another tweet that said, in part: “Just a way to shine a spotlight on the fact that Democrats are and always have been the real racists in this country.”
Monday’s letter was signed by more than 30 former students at Liberty, one of the nation’s biggest Christian universities, including pastors with churches in Virginia, Tennessee and Michigan. Current pro football player Walt Aikens and former pro football player Eric Green were also among the signatories.
“While your tweet may have been in jest about Virginia’s Governor, it made light of our nation’s painful history of slavery and racism,” the alumni wrote to Falwell. They described the tweet as “a microcosm of the past several years of divisive rhetoric” that falls short of their faith’s ideals.
Signatories included a daughter and son-in-law of the vice chairman of Liberty’s board of trustees, Virginia pastor Allen McFarland.
The rebuke came after an online instructor for Liberty, a black pastor who also teaches at Ithaca College, announced his resignation online in response to the tweet.
The alumni who wrote Monday’s letter also lauded their experience at the university and offered to meet with Falwell to “provide counsel on ways for L.U. to best move forward” if he stays in office.
They asked him to “withdraw your racist tweet immediately and make a public apology.”
The Virginia General Assembly in March passed a budget for the 2021-2022 biennium that eliminates a tuition assistance grant for online students at private colleges such as Liberty. Existing students are grandfathered in, said Laura Osberger, spokeswoman for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
“The governor’s intent was to harm Liberty, and to harm minority students and to harm low income students,” Falwell said, linking the cuts to his tweet by saying that as a result, “people needed to be reminded of (Northam’s) racist past.”
Northam initially said he was in the yearbook photo and then denied it the next day, while acknowledging that he did wear blackface to a dance party that same year. He faced swift, widespread calls to resign, but he resisted, saying he instead wanted to help heal the state’s lingering racial wounds and devote the rest of his term to promoting racial equality.
The governor and the university president sparred indirectly in March, as the coronavirus began to take a bigger hold in the U.S. and Falwell decided to “welcome” students back to campus after their spring break. Northam quoted from scripture in urging Falwell to rethink that decision.
A spokesman for the governor said Monday that it was good to see ministers “speaking out for civility” and that Northam would not dignify the tweet with a response.
“But I recall that Matthew’s gospel teaches us to ‘beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them,'” Northam’s chief communications officer, Grant Neely, wrote in an email.
___
Rankin reported from Richmond, Va.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--Ex-Top Military Leader Was ‘Sickened’ To See Forces ‘Violently Clear Path’ For Trump Photo-Op

Mike Mullen , former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , decried President Trump for his surprise photo-op at St. John ’ s Episcopal Church amid mounting protests in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
In an op-ed published in The Atlantic on Tuesday , Mullen wrote that he was “ sickened ” to see federal police “ forcibly and violently clear a path ” through Lafayette Square to “ accommodate ” Trump ’ s church visit .
Mullen then wrote that although he ’ s been “ reticent ” to weigh in on issues regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the country has hit an “ inflection point ” where events in recent weeks make “ it impossible to remain silent.
” Mullen went on to rail against Trump for failing to respect the rights of protesters , who appeared to be a peaceful crowd in Washington D.C. Monday evening before federal police used tear gas and flash bangs to disperse them during the President ’ s remarks in the Rose Garden .
“ Whatever Trump ’ s goal in conducting his visit , he laid bare his disdain for the rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave succor to the leaders of other countries who take comfort in our domestic strife , and risked further politicizing the men and women of our armed forces , ” Mullen wrote .
“ There was little good in the stunt.
” After acknowledging that he ’ s a white man who “ can not claim perfect understanding of the fear and anger that African Americans feel , ” Mullen urged the public to support the “ solemn obligation ” of peaceful assembly before tearing into Trump ’ s call for governors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Guard .
“ I remain confident in the professionalism of our men and women in uniform .
They will serve with skill and with compassion , ” Mullen wrote .
“ They will obey lawful orders .
But I am less confident in the soundness of the orders they will be given by this commander in chief , and I am not convinced that the conditions on our streets , as bad as they are , have risen to the level that justifies a heavy reliance on military troops.
” Mullen added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” about members of the military being “ co-opted for political purposes.
” Mullen ’ s op-ed comes on the heels of Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , facing backlash after walking the streets of Washington , D.C. , in battle fatigues after curfew on Monday night .
Read Mullen ’ s op-ed in The Atlantic here .

Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, decried President Trump for his surprise photo-op at St. John’s Episcopal Church amid mounting protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
In an op-ed published in The Atlantic on Tuesday, Mullen wrote that he was “sickened” to see federal police “forcibly and violently clear a path” through Lafayette Square to “accommodate” Trump’s church visit.
Mullen then wrote that although he’s been “reticent” to weigh in on issues regarding Trump’s leadership in the past, the country has hit an “inflection point” where events in recent weeks make “it impossible to remain silent.”
Mullen went on to rail against Trump for failing to respect the rights of protesters, who appeared to be a peaceful crowd in Washington D.C. Monday evening before federal police used tear gas and flash bangs to disperse them during the President’s remarks in the Rose Garden.
“Whatever Trump’s goal in conducting his visit, he laid bare his disdain for the rights of peaceful protest in this country, gave succor to the leaders of other countries who take comfort in our domestic strife, and risked further politicizing the men and women of our armed forces,” Mullen wrote. “There was little good in the stunt.”
After acknowledging that he’s a white man who “cannot claim perfect understanding of the fear and anger that African Americans feel,” Mullen urged the public to support the “solemn obligation” of peaceful assembly before tearing into Trump’s call for governors to “dominate” protesters by activating the National Guard.
“I remain confident in the professionalism of our men and women in uniform. They will serve with skill and with compassion,” Mullen wrote. “They will obey lawful orders. But I am less confident in the soundness of the orders they will be given by this commander in chief, and I am not convinced that the conditions on our streets, as bad as they are, have risen to the level that justifies a heavy reliance on military troops.”
Mullen added that he’s “deeply worried” about members of the military being “co-opted for political purposes.”
Mullen’s op-ed comes on the heels of Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, facing backlash after walking the streets of Washington, D.C., in battle fatigues after curfew on Monday night.
Read Mullen’s op-ed in The Atlantic here.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--Sen. Tammy Duckworth, An Iraq War Vet, Expresses Alarm At Military Helicopters Over DC

Sen. Tammy Duckworth ( D-IL ) , an Iraq War veteran who lost both her legs in combat , expressed alarm on Tuesday over the federal government ’ s use of military helicopters to disperse protests in Washington , D.C. the night before .
Duckworth said on Twitter that she has witnessed similar scenes during her deployment in the Middle East .
“ When I was in Iraq , we flew Black Hawks in the fight against Al-Qaeda to protect our troops , ” said Duckworth , a former lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army .
“ In Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being used to intimidate peaceful protesters in our own nation ’ s capital instead.
” The brandishing of military muscle by the federal government against protesters continued later that night with Lakota and Black Hawk helicopters flying low and intimidating crowds calling for justice in cases of police brutality that took the lives of unarmed black people , like George Floyd who died in police custody last week .
Zolan Kanno-Youngs , a homeland security reporter for the New York Times , said the aircraft maneuvers were similar to situations in war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other side of the aisle , few GOP senators have been willing to come forward to formally condemn the photo-op President Trump staged as wafts of searing tear gas sent peaceful anti-racism demonstrators and churchgoers running from Lafayette Square on Monday as Trump delivered a televised address at the White House .
Aside from remarks by Sens .
Ben Sasse ( R-NE ) and Tim Scott ( R-SC ) , many of the President ’ s Republican colleagues in the Senate either bit their tongues , made mild reproaches , pleaded ignorance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question .
In other words , few Republicans have spoken out against the use of tear gas that was green-lighted by Attorney General William Barr shortly before Trump descended from his perch for a photo op at St. John ’ s Episcopal Church on Monday .

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), an Iraq War veteran who lost both her legs in combat, expressed alarm on Tuesday over the federal government’s use of military helicopters to disperse protests in Washington, D.C. the night before.
Duckworth said on Twitter that she has witnessed similar scenes during her deployment in the Middle East.
“When I was in Iraq, we flew Black Hawks in the fight against Al-Qaeda to protect our troops,” said Duckworth, a former lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. “In Donald Trump’s America, those same helicopters are being used to intimidate peaceful protesters in our own nation’s capital instead.”
When I was in Iraq, we flew Black Hawks in the fight against Al-Qaeda to protect our troops. In Donald Trump's America, those same helicopters are being used to intimidate peaceful protesters in our own nation’s capital instead. https://t.co/wLS3gE6qw6 — Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) June 2, 2020
The brandishing of military muscle by the federal government against protesters continued later that night with Lakota and Black Hawk helicopters flying low and intimidating crowds calling for justice in cases of police brutality that took the lives of unarmed black people, like George Floyd who died in police custody last week.
Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a homeland security reporter for the New York Times, said the aircraft maneuvers were similar to situations in war zones to scare off insurgents.
These are Lakota helicopters performing what’s known as a show of force, which is often conducted by low-flying jets in combat zones to scare away insurgents. A Black Hawk performed the maneuver minutes later. — Zolan Kanno-Youngs (@KannoYoungs) June 2, 2020
On the other side of the aisle, few GOP senators have been willing to come forward to formally condemn the photo-op President Trump staged as wafts of searing tear gas sent peaceful anti-racism demonstrators and churchgoers running from Lafayette Square on Monday as Trump delivered a televised address at the White House.
Aside from remarks by Sens. Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Tim Scott (R-SC), many of the President’s Republican colleagues in the Senate either bit their tongues, made mild reproaches, pleaded ignorance or otherwise dodged reporters when tossed the question.
In other words, few Republicans have spoken out against the use of tear gas that was green-lighted by Attorney General William Barr shortly before Trump descended from his perch for a photo op at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Monday.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--Former GOP Rep’s Son Arrested For Spray-Painting ‘BLM’ On  Trump Golf Club Sign

The teenage son of a former Republican congressman was arrested late Monday for allegedly tagging a sign at the Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter , Florida , with “ BLM.
” Thomas Joseph J. Rooney told police he ’ d done it “ because of unequal treatment in the justice system , ” local station WPTV first reported , citing Rooney ’ s arrest report .
“ BLM ” is short for “ Black Lives Matter.
” The 18-year-old ’ s dad , former Rep. Tom Rooney ( R-FL ) , told the station that his son would plead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the price for it.
” “ Hopefully he learns a lesson and moves forward in a positive way , ” Rooney said .
According to the probable cause affidavit for Thomas Rooney , a Trump National Golf Club security officer noticed someone spray painting the club ’ s sign and called police at around 10:50 p.m. Police caught up with Rooney at a traffic stop , saw that he matched the suspect ’ s description , and found a can of black spray paint in his car .
A booking record for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Jupiter made the arrest at 1:54 a.m and released Rooney a few hours later , at 6:39 a.m .
He faces a single misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief for property damage of $ 200 or less .

The teenage son of a former Republican congressman was arrested late Monday for allegedly tagging a sign at the Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida, with “BLM.”
Thomas Joseph J. Rooney told police he’d done it “because of unequal treatment in the justice system,” local station WPTV first reported, citing Rooney’s arrest report. “BLM” is short for “Black Lives Matter.”
The 18-year-old’s dad, former Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL), told the station that his son would plead guilty and that he would “pay the price for it.”
“Hopefully he learns a lesson and moves forward in a positive way,” Rooney said.
According to the probable cause affidavit for Thomas Rooney, a Trump National Golf Club security officer noticed someone spray painting the club’s sign and called police at around 10:50 p.m.
Police caught up with Rooney at a traffic stop, saw that he matched the suspect’s description, and found a can of black spray paint in his car.
A booking record for the congressman’s son shows that police in Jupiter made the arrest at 1:54 a.m and released Rooney a few hours later, at 6:39 a.m. He faces a single misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief for property damage of $200 or less.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--Kellyanne Conway Blasts Bishop Outraged Over Trump’s Church Photo Op

Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway backed up Trump ’ s decision to use tear gas to disperse protesters for a photo op in front of St. John ’ s Episcopal Church Monday night , and lashed out at the congregation ’ s bishop , who sharply criticized the move .
When asked for a response to D.C. Episcopal Bishop Rev .
Mariann Budde , who expressed outrage that the President had used her church as a “ prop , ” Conway criticized the presiding bishop for exercising what she saw as a kind of religious righteousness .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is not ‘ her Bible , ’ ” Conway said .
“ We don ’ t look into other people ’ s hearts and souls and discern and judge what their faith is.
” Harping on the same issue in separate remarks to the press Tuesday , Conway suggested that despite creating a scene with the intention of taking a photo , the tear-gassing event at the church Monday night that involved a photo being taken of Trump with a Bible in hand was not actually a “ photo op.
” Borrowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservatives with regard to the anti-racism protests of the past week , Conway said she would not allow “ arsonists and anarchists ” to dissuade her or others from “ practicing our religion ” — despite the fact that among those tear-gassed on Monday were members of the church .

Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway backed up Trump’s decision to use tear gas to disperse protesters for a photo op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church Monday night, and lashed out at the congregation’s bishop, who sharply criticized the move.
Kellyanne Conway blasts D.C. Bishop Mariann Budde: "That is not 'her church,' that is not 'her Bible.' We don't look into other people's hearts and souls and discern and judge what their faith is." pic.twitter.com/Z7m9boEjEA — TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) June 2, 2020
When asked for a response to D.C. Episcopal Bishop Rev. Mariann Budde, who expressed outrage that the President had used her church as a “prop,” Conway criticized the presiding bishop for exercising what she saw as a kind of religious righteousness.
“That is not ‘her church,’ that is not ‘her Bible,’” Conway said. “We don’t look into other people’s hearts and souls and discern and judge what their faith is.”
Harping on the same issue in separate remarks to the press Tuesday, Conway suggested that despite creating a scene with the intention of taking a photo, the tear-gassing event at the church Monday night that involved a photo being taken of Trump with a Bible in hand was not actually a “photo op.”
Kellyanne Conway denies that Trump's photo op in front of the church was in fact a photo op: "Is it a photo op because a photo was taken?" That is, in fact, the definition of a photo op. pic.twitter.com/UAUMX5mK6Q — The American Independent (@AmerIndependent) June 2, 2020
Borrowing rhetoric that has been used repeatedly by conservatives with regard to the anti-racism protests of the past week, Conway said she would not allow “arsonists and anarchists” to dissuade her or others from “practicing our religion” — despite the fact that among those tear-gassed on Monday were members of the church.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--Right-Wing Commentariat Cheers Trump’s ‘Domination’ Strategy Against Protesters

After calling on governors to “ dominate ” protesters in their cities Monday , President Trump put on a show .
After Bill Barr reportedly ordered authorities to aggressively clear peaceful protesters from in front of the White House with tear gas , Trump marched forth with senior administration and military officials in tow , for the already-infamous photo-op at St. John ’ s Church near the White House .
“ It ’ s a triumphant moment of hope over fear , ” said the recently resigned ambassador to Germany and interim national security adviser , Richard Grenell .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s show was a victory that followed on days of calls for a militaristic approach to the protests .
“ Hard to imagine any other @ POTUS having the guts to walk out of the White House like this : @ realDonaldTrump , ” former Wisconsin Gov .
Scott Walker swooned .
“ If they were peaceful protesters , there would be no need to use teargas , ” the conservative columnist Marc Thiessen said on Fox News .
“ It means they resisted.
” Later Monday evening , as Black Hawk helicopters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and top military brass toured the streets — which the Secretary of Defense referred to earlier in the day as a “ battlespace ” — some among the conservative commentariat and prominent Republican politicians cheered the display of military muscle .
“ Suddenly # Antifa and # BlackLivesMatter aren ’ t so tough because , instead of storekeepers and little old ladies , the cavalry showed up , ” Dinesh D ’ Souza , the conservative author , wrote under a picture of a helicopter laden with soldiers .
“ Paramilitary , meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s mayor Muriel Bowser won ’ t “ protect the Nation ’ s Capital , ” wrote Fox News commentator and Trump campaign adviser Harlan Hill , then the President , “ the Secret Service , and federal military police will.
” In the National Review on Tuesday , after the smoke cleared , editor Rich Lowery called for “ overwhelming force ” to deal with protesters across the country .
That matched a similar call from the pundit Buck Sexton on Saturday .
“ This isn ’ t going to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use overwhelming force against the bad guys , ” he wrote .
The photo-op Monday came a day after Trump pledged to declare “ antifa ” a terrorist group .
What that actually means is entirely unclear — the label stands for “ anti-fascist , ” which is an adjective , not a formal organization — but politicians and pundits took the opportunity to expound on some of their fantasies about military-style attack on the American left .
Noah Pollack , a contributor at The Washington Free Beacon , envisioned orange-jumpsuited antifa prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with Al-Qaeda terrorists , ” he reasoned .
And in a post that has since been removed from Twitter , Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) salivated at the idea .
“ Now that we clearly see Antifa as terrorists , can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East ?
” Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-AK ) , meanwhile , suggested there ought to be “ no quarter for insurrectionists , anarchists , rioters , and looters , ” once U.S. military forces took to the streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” put simply , would mean killing those arrested rather than affording them due process or even capturing them alive ; Cotton later backtracked , citing other examples of writers using the phrase metaphorically .
But in an earlier tweet before the teargas began to flow Monday , the Arkansas senator said that “ Anarchy , rioting , and looting needs to end tonight.
” “ If local law enforcement is overwhelmed and needs backup , let ’ s see how tough these Antifa terrorists are when they ’ re facing off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wrote .

After calling on governors to “dominate” protesters in their cities Monday, President Trump put on a show.
After Bill Barr reportedly ordered authorities to aggressively clear peaceful protesters from in front of the White House with tear gas, Trump marched forth with senior administration and military officials in tow, for the already-infamous photo-op at St. John’s Church near the White House.
“It’s a triumphant moment of hope over fear,” said the recently resigned ambassador to Germany and interim national security adviser, Richard Grenell.
To Trump’s supporters, Monday’s show was a victory that followed on days of calls for a militaristic approach to the protests.
“Hard to imagine any other @POTUS having the guts to walk out of the White House like this: @realDonaldTrump,” former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker swooned.
“If they were peaceful protesters, there would be no need to use teargas,” the conservative columnist Marc Thiessen said on Fox News. “It means they resisted.”
Later Monday evening, as Black Hawk helicopters rattled Washington, D.C. residents’ windows and top military brass toured the streets — which the Secretary of Defense referred to earlier in the day as a “battlespace” — some among the conservative commentariat and prominent Republican politicians cheered the display of military muscle.
“Suddenly #Antifa and #BlackLivesMatter aren’t so tough because, instead of storekeepers and little old ladies, the cavalry showed up,” Dinesh D’Souza, the conservative author, wrote under a picture of a helicopter laden with soldiers. “Paramilitary, meet the US military!”
If D.C.’s mayor Muriel Bowser won’t “protect the Nation’s Capital,” wrote Fox News commentator and Trump campaign adviser Harlan Hill, then the President, “the Secret Service, and federal military police will.”
In the National Review on Tuesday, after the smoke cleared, editor Rich Lowery called for “overwhelming force” to deal with rioters across the country.
That matched a similar call from the pundit Buck Sexton on Saturday. “This isn’t going to stop until the good guys are willing to use overwhelming force against the bad guys,” he wrote.
The photo-op Monday came a day after Trump pledged to declare “antifa” a terrorist group. What that actually means is entirely unclear — the label stands for “anti-fascist,” which is an adjective, not a formal organization — but politicians and pundits took the opportunity to expound on some of their fantasies about military-style attack on the American left.
Noah Pollack, a contributor at The Washington Free Beacon, envisioned orange-jumpsuited antifa prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. “We did it with Al-Qaeda terrorists,” he reasoned.
And in a post that has since been removed from Twitter, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) salivated at the idea.
“Now that we clearly see Antifa as terrorists, can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East?”
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK), meanwhile, suggested there ought to be “no quarter for insurrectionists, anarchists, rioters, and looters,” once U.S. military forces took to the streets.
The military term “no quarter,” put simply, would mean killing those arrested rather than affording them due process or even capturing them alive; Cotton later backtracked, citing other examples of writers using the phrase metaphorically.
But in an earlier tweet before the teargas began to flow Monday, the Arkansas senator said that “Anarchy, rioting, and looting needs to end tonight.”
“If local law enforcement is overwhelmed and needs backup, let’s see how tough these Antifa terrorists are when they’re facing off with the 101st Airborne Division,” he wrote.
The President was appreciative.
“100% Correct,” he responded. “Thank you Tom!”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--Barr Ordered Lafayette Square Clear-Out Right Before Trump’s Remarks

Attorney General Bill Barr reportedly asked law enforcement officials to push protesters out of Lafayette Square shortly before President Trump delivered an address at the White House amid protests nationwide in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
According to a Washington Post report on Tuesday , Barr made his decision late Sunday or early Monday to extend the perimeter around Lafayette Square by one block , citing two law enforcement officials .
A Justice Department official told the Post that the plan , which Barr played a part in deciding , was set to be executed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it came after Barr surveyed the scene in the afternoon and found that the perimeter had not been extended .
“ He conferred with them to check on the status and basically said : ‘ This needs to be done .
Get it done , ’ ” the Justice Department official told the Post , and adding that Barr “ assumed that any resistance from the protesters of being moved would be met with typical crowd-control measures.
” The Post ’ s report comes amid Trump being criticized for his photo-op in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church after federal police used tear gas and flash bangs to disperse a peaceful crowd outside the White House during his Rose Garden speech .
Barr is also facing backlash after strolling with Defense Secretary Mark Esper around downtown Washington , D.C. on Monday night in a publicity stunt after the city ’ s curfew went into effect at 7 p.m .
ET .

Attorney General Bill Barr reportedly asked law enforcement officials to push protesters out of Lafayette Square shortly before President Trump delivered an address at the White House amid protests nationwide in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
According to a Washington Post report on Tuesday, Barr made his decision late Sunday or early Monday to extend the perimeter around Lafayette Square by one block, citing two law enforcement officials.
A Justice Department official told the Post that the plan, which Barr played a part in deciding, was set to be executed in the afternoon. The same official said that it came after Barr surveyed the scene in the afternoon and found that the perimeter had not been extended.
“He conferred with them to check on the status and basically said: ‘This needs to be done. Get it done,’” the Justice Department official told the Post, and adding that Barr “assumed that any resistance from the protesters of being moved would be met with typical crowd-control measures.”
The Post’s report comes amid Trump being criticized for his photo-op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church after federal police used tear gas and flash bangs to disperse a peaceful crowd outside the White House during his Rose Garden speech.
Barr is also facing backlash after strolling with Defense Secretary Mark Esper around downtown Washington, D.C. on Monday night in a publicity stunt after the city’s curfew went into effect at 7 p.m. ET.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--State Of MN Files Civil Rights Charge Against Minneapolis Police Dept.

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) — The state of Minnesota filed a human rights complaint Tuesday against the Minneapolis Police Department in the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes , even after he stopped moving .
Gov .
Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the filing at a news conference Tuesday afternoon .
Widely seen bystander video showing Floyd ’ s death has sparked protests around the world .
The officer , Derek Chauvin , has been fired and charged with third-degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers involved were fired but have not been charged .
The department enforces the state ’ s human rights act , particularly as it applies to discrimination in employment , housing , education , public accommodations and public services .
Mediation is one of its first-choice tools , but the cases it files can lead to fuller investigations and sometimes end up in litigation .
The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities , even within the department itself .
Critics say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017 .
Arradondo himself was among five black officers who sued the police department in 2007 over alleged discrimination in promotions , pay , and discipline .
They said in their lawsuit that the department had a history of tolerating racism and discrimination .
The city eventually settled the lawsuit for $ 740,000 .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The state of Minnesota filed a human rights complaint Tuesday against the Minneapolis Police Department in the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes, even after he stopped moving.
Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the filing at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Widely seen bystander video showing Floyd’s death has sparked protests around the world. The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been fired and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers involved were fired but have not been charged.
The department enforces the state’s human rights act, particularly as it applies to discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations and public services. Mediation is one of its first-choice tools, but the cases it files can lead to fuller investigations and sometimes end up in litigation.
The Minneapolis Police Department has faced decades of allegations brutality and other discrimination against African Americans and other minorities, even within the department itself. Critics say its culture resists change, despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017.
Arradondo himself was among five black officers who sued the police department in 2007 over alleged discrimination in promotions, pay, and discipline. They said in their lawsuit that the department had a history of tolerating racism and discrimination. The city eventually settled the lawsuit for $740,000.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--GOP Sen. Sasse Blasts Trump For Using ‘The Word Of God’ As A ‘Political Prop’

Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-NE ) rebuked President Donald Trump on Tuesday for having police clear peaceful protesters out Lafayette Square near the White House with teargas so that he could stage a photo-op in front of St. John ’ s Episcopal Church .
“ There is no right to riot , no right to destroy others ’ property , and no right to throw rocks at police , ” Sasse said in a statement .
“ But there is a fundamental – a Constitutional – right to protest , and I ’ m against clearing out a peaceful protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of God as a political prop.
” Sen. Tim Scott ( R-SC ) , the lone black lawmaker in the Senate GOP caucus , was the only other Republican senator to denounce Trump ’ s actions .
“ It ’ s not something that I thought was helpful or what I would do , ” Scott told Politico correspondent Ben White on Tuesday .
“ I need to read the rest of the stories , ” he added .
“ But obviously , if your question is should you use tear gas to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go have a photo-op , the answer is no.
” On Monday , Trump took a short trek from the White House to the historic St. John ’ s Episcopal Church nearby so he could pose for photos of him waving around a Bible in front of the building , reportedly because he was upset by reports of him hiding from the protests .
Before Trump showed up at the church unannounced , the police cleared out the area by teargassing not only non-violent protesters , but also a priest and other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were part of a series of sweeping demonstrations against police brutality that ’ ve erupted in major cities across the country after the killing of a black man named George Floyd in Minneapolis , Minnesota .
Floyd died after Derek Chauvin , a white police officer , kneeled on his neck for nearly ten minutes during an arrest last week .
Trump has spared few words on the circumstances of Floyd ’ s death , focusing instead on the protests that have turned violent and attempting to portray himself as tough on crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military action .

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) rebuked President Donald Trump on Tuesday for having police clear peaceful protesters out Lafayette Square near the White House with teargas so that he could stage a photo-op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
“There is no right to riot, no right to destroy others’ property, and no right to throw rocks at police,” Sasse said in a statement. “But there is a fundamental – a Constitutional – right to protest, and I’m against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo-op that treats the Word of God as a political prop.”
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), the lone black lawmaker in the Senate GOP caucus, was the only other Republican senator to denounce Trump’s actions.
“It’s not something that I thought was helpful or what I would do,” Scott told Politico correspondent Ben White on Tuesday.
“I need to read the rest of the stories,” he added. “But obviously, if your question is should you use tear gas to clear a path so the President can go have a photo-op, the answer is no.”
On Monday, Trump took a short trek from the White House to the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church nearby so he could pose for photos of him waving around a Bible in front of the building, reportedly because he was upset by reports of him hiding from the protests.
Before Trump showed up at the church unannounced, the police cleared out the area by teargassing not only non-violent protesters, but also a priest and other people on the church property.
The protesters were part of a series of sweeping demonstrations against police brutality that’ve erupted in major cities across the country after the killing of a black man named George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd died after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, kneeled on his neck for nearly ten minutes during an arrest last week.
Trump has spared few words on the circumstances of Floyd’s death, focusing instead on the protests that have turned violent and attempting to portray himself as tough on crime by threatening “the thugs” with military action.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--Tiffany Trump Posts Instagram Blackout As Her Dad Calls For National Guard To ‘Dominate’

In a surprising move , President Trump ’ s daughter Tiffany joined the flurry of # BlackoutTuesday Instagram posts featuring @ @ @ @ @ mounting protests over George Floyd ’ s death .
The viral Instagram movement has largely @ @ @ @ @ a way to show solidarity with protests nationwide in the wake of Floyd ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the President ’ s youngest daughter joined in .
Tiffany Trump ’ s Instagram post @ @ @ @ @ # BlackoutTuesday and # JusticeForGeorgeFloyd as well as a quote by Helen Keller ( who @ @ @ @ @ as a surprise given the President ’ s plea to governors to “ dominate ” @ @ @ @ @ the National Guard to quell the violence that has emerged amid nationwide protests .
Her @ @ @ @ @ father faces backlash for his surprise photo-op in front of St. John ’ s Episcopal @ @ @ @ @ tear gas and flash bangs to disperse what appeared to be a peaceful crowd of @ @ @ @ @ .

In a surprising move, President Trump’s daughter Tiffany joined the flurry of #BlackoutTuesday Instagram posts featuring images of black squares amid mounting protests over George Floyd’s death.
The viral Instagram movement has largely become co-opted by celebrities as a way to show solidarity with protests nationwide in the wake of Floyd’s death.
On Tuesday, the President’s youngest daughter joined in.
Tiffany Trump’s Instagram post — which includes the hashtags #BlackoutTuesday and #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd as well as a quote by Helen Keller (who is white) — comes as a surprise given the President’s plea to governors to “dominate” protesters with force by activating the National Guard to quell the violence that has emerged amid nationwide protests.
Her post also comes as her father faces backlash for his surprise photo-op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church after federal police used tear gas and flash bangs to disperse what appeared to be a peaceful crowd of protesters outside the White House.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-02--Biden: Trump Is ‘Sweeping Away’ The ‘Guardrails’ Of Democracy

Former Vice President Joe Biden blasted President Trump on Tuesday for his recent efforts to silence nationwide anti-racism protests with the use of tear gas , flash grenades and military muscle — a move aimed , in part , at dominating peaceful demonstration , but mostly to boost Trump politically .
“ When peaceful protesters are dispersed by the order of the President from the doorstep of the people ’ s house , the White House — using tear gas and flash grenades — in order to stage a photo op at a noble church , we can be forgiven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in power than in principle , ” Biden said .
The Democratic presidential candidate condemned both the sweeping away of “ guardrails ” that have long protected democracy and President Trump ’ s intensifying use of force on demonstrators in remarks delivered at Philadelphia City Hall .
Ripping on the President for sowing deeper division , Biden said the country is “ crying out ” for better leadership .
“ Leadership that can unite us , leadership that brings us together , ” Biden said .
“ Leadership that can recognize pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a knee on their neck for a long time.
” The Trump-Pence campaign hurriedly took to Twitter to criticize Biden for reports that members of his campaign staff were making contributions to bailout funds for protesters .
The move capitalizes on recent racial inequality demonstrations to erect a new narrative about the President : a restorer of “ law and order ” amid “ rioters ” and “ mayhem.
” But Trump ’ s aggressive military tactics to silence peaceful protesters did not sit well with some Republicans , like Sen. Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mildly breaks with Trump .

Former Vice President Joe Biden blasted President Trump on Tuesday for his recent efforts to silence nationwide anti-racism protests with the use of tear gas, flash grenades and military muscle — a move aimed, in part, at dominating peaceful demonstration, but mostly to boost Trump politically.
“When peaceful protesters are dispersed by the order of the President from the doorstep of the people’s house, the White House — using tear gas and flash grenades — in order to stage a photo op at a noble church, we can be forgiven for believing that the President is more interested in power than in principle,” Biden said.
The Democratic presidential candidate condemned both the sweeping away of “guardrails” that have long protected democracy and President Trump’s intensifying use of force on demonstrators in remarks delivered at Philadelphia City Hall.
Trump "might also want to open the US Constitution once in a while. If he did, he'd find a thing called the First Amendment… the right of the people peaceably to assemble," Joe Biden says. "That's America… not using the American military to move against the American people." pic.twitter.com/UsPRWXc510 — CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 2, 2020
Ripping on the President for sowing deeper division, Biden said the country is “crying out” for better leadership.
“Leadership that can unite us, leadership that brings us together,” Biden said. “Leadership that can recognize pain and deep grief of communities that have had a knee on their neck for a long time.”
The Trump-Pence campaign hurriedly took to Twitter to criticize Biden for reports that members of his campaign staff were making contributions to bailout funds for protesters. The move capitalizes on recent racial inequality demonstrations to erect a new narrative about the President: a restorer of “law and order” amid “rioters” and “mayhem.” But Trump’s aggressive military tactics to silence peaceful protesters did not sit well with some Republicans, like Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE), who occasionally mildly breaks with Trump.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-03--Esper Claims He Didn’t Know Trump Was Taking Him To Photo-Op, Thought They Were Going To Vandalized

Esper Claims He Didn’t Know Trump Was Taking Him To Photo-Op, Thought They Were Going To Vandalized Bathroom

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on Wednesday night distanced himself from President Donald Trump ’ s infamous photo-op in front of St. John ’ s Episcopal Church on Monday .
Esper , who was part of Trump ’ s entourage at the photo-op , told NBC News that he had been under the impression that they were going to inspect a damaged bathroom nearby the church in Lafayette Square as a result of a protest against police brutality the night before .
“ I thought I was going to do two things : to see some damage and to talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief said of the , insisting that he “ wanted to see how much damage actually happened.
” Esper claimed he “ didn ’ t know where I was going ” when he and other Trump officials left the White House with the President for the unannounced visit to the church , before which the federal police had teargassed peaceful protesters in the square and even clergy at the church to clear Trump ’ s path .
Upon arriving at the church after a short walk from the White House , Trump posed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while holding up a Bible .
At no point during the visit did he actually enter the church ; the sole purpose of the photo-op was reportedly for Trump to project an image of toughness after hiding in a White House bunker from the protests all weekend .

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on Tuesday night distanced himself from President Donald Trump’s infamous photo-op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church on Monday.
Esper, who was part of Trump’s entourage at the photo-op, told NBC News that he had been under the impression that they were going to inspect a damaged bathroom nearby the church in Lafayette Square as a result of a protest against police brutality the night before.
“I thought I was going to do two things: to see some damage and to talk to the troops,” the Pentagon chief said, insisting that he “wanted to see how much damage actually happened.”
Esper claimed he “didn’t know where I was going” when he and other Trump officials left the White House with the President for the unannounced visit to the church, before which the federal police had teargassed peaceful protesters in the square and even clergy at the church to clear Trump’s path.
Upon arriving at the church after a short walk from the White House, Trump posed for photos in front of the building while holding up a Bible. At no point during the visit did he actually enter the church; the sole purpose of the photo-op was reportedly for Trump to project an image of toughness after hiding in a White House bunker from the protests on Friday.
Correction: This post originally said that Trump hid in the White House bunker all weekend. He was briefly in the bunker on Friday evening as protests raged outside the White House.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-03--Obama Urges Mayors To Review Use Of Force While Addressing George Floyd’s Death

Former President Barack Obama called on mayors to push for police reform policies during a town hall event on Wednesday addressing the death of George Floyd .
After saying that “ there wasn ’ t enough follow through ” regarding the reforms included in a report produced by his administration ’ s Task Force On 21st Century Policing , despite support from mayors and local elected officials , Obama urged every mayor nationwide to review use of force policies with community members and “ commit to report on planned reforms.
” “ What are the specific steps you can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his task force created in 2014 by executive order collected data on “ what works ” and “ what doesn ’ t ” when it comes to reducing incidents of police misconduct and violence .
Obama then argued that most of the reforms need to take place at the local level .
“ Let ’ s go ahead and start implementing those , ” Obama said .
“ So we need mayors , county executives , other who are in positions of power to say this is a priority.
” Although he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s remarks in the wake of Floyd ’ s death — which include his demand for governors to “ dominate ” protesters by activating the National Guard — Obama ’ s latest comments starkly contrasted Trump ’ s by arguing that the current crisis offered a chance for a political “ awakening .
”

Former President Barack Obama called on mayors to push for police reform policies during a town hall event on Wednesday addressing the death of George Floyd.
After saying that “there wasn’t enough follow through” regarding the reforms included in a report produced by his administration’s Task Force On 21st Century Policing, despite support from mayors and local elected officials, Obama urged every mayor nationwide to review use of force policies with community members and “commit to report on planned reforms.”
“What are the specific steps you can take?” Obama asked, before adding that his task force created in 2014 by executive order collected data on “what works” and “what doesn’t” when it comes to reducing incidents of police misconduct and violence.
Obama then argued that most of the reforms need to take place at the local level.
“Let’s go ahead and start implementing those,” Obama said. “So we need mayors, county executives, other who are in positions of power to say this is a priority.”
Although he didn’t directly address President Trump’s remarks in the wake of Floyd’s death — which include his demand for governors to “dominate” protesters by activating the National Guard — Obama’s latest comments starkly contrasted Trump’s by arguing that the current crisis offered a chance for a political “awakening.”
Watch Obama’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-03--NYT’s Publication Of Tom Cotton’s ‘Send In The Troops’ Op-Ed Sparks Swift Backlash

Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-AK ) published a seething op-ed titled “ Send in the Troops ” in the New York Times on Wednesday , which was met with swift criticism from readers who rebuked the newspaper for providing the senator with such a platform .
The piece applauds what many have called an appalling use of police force against law-abiding protesters .
Cotton condemned a spirit of “ lawlessness ” on America ’ s streets , arguing that what began as peaceful protest has been co-opted by bad actors and devolved into “ riots for the thrill-seeking rich as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately used the essay to advocate for the use of the Insurrection Act — a seldom-used power that would enable the President to activate the full power of the military to calm streets and presumably “ restore order.
” Although the comments section was not enabled on the op-ed , responses came in rapidly on Twitter .
A HuffPost reporter went so far as to describe the piece as “ openly authoritarian.
” The Columbia Journalism Review ’ s public editor for The New York Times suggested that the op-ed was fundamentally inaccurate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests that unfolded over the past week .
Former Pentagon speechwriter John Gans suggested it was the type of writing one would anticipate from a person eager to “ inherit Trumpism ” : The Times ’ opinion section has come under fire a number of times in recent months , especially around conservative columnist Bret Stephens ’ work .
According to the Times ’ website for tips and explainers about submitting an op-ed , the editors are “ interested in anything well-written with a fact-based viewpoint we believe readers will find worthwhile.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s requests for comment .

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK) published a seething op-ed titled “Send in the Troops” in the New York Times on Wednesday, which was met with swift criticism from readers who rebuked the newspaper for providing the senator with such a platform.
The piece applauds what many have called an appalling use of police force against law-abiding protesters.
Cotton condemned a spirit of “lawlessness” on America’s streets, arguing that what began as peaceful protest has been co-opted by bad actors and devolved into “riots for the thrill-seeking rich as well as other criminal elements.” Cotton ultimately used the essay to advocate for the use of the Insurrection Act — a seldom-used power that would enable the President to activate the full power of the military to calm streets and presumably “restore order.”
Although the comments section was not enabled on the op-ed, responses came in rapidly on Twitter.
A HuffPost reporter went so far as to describe the piece as “openly authoritarian.”
This is the most openly authoritarian piece of writing I've read from an American politician who has been in power during my lifetime.https://t.co/moJsEcQbRR — Zach Carter (@zachdcarter) June 3, 2020
The Columbia Journalism Review’s public editor for The New York Times suggested that the op-ed was fundamentally inaccurate in its description of the scenes from protests that unfolded over the past week.
I live within walking distance of Barclays Center and have seen a lot of activity related to protests in recent days. This is not what I saw… at all. The fallacy at the heart of this argument is equating all protesters with looting. https://t.co/x153MMR1wR pic.twitter.com/SumhoxE4yl — Gabriel Snyder (@gabrielsnyder) June 3, 2020
Former Pentagon speechwriter John Gans suggested it was the type of writing one would anticipate from a person eager to “inherit Trumpism”:
This is not an oped people who want to inherit cabinet positions write. It's an oped candidates who want to to inherit Trumpism write. "Send In the Troops" https://t.co/klcAoVoj9a — John Gans (@johngansjr) June 3, 2020
The Times’ opinion section has come under fire a number of times in recent months, especially around conservative columnist Bret Stephens’ work.
According to the Times’ website for tips and explainers about submitting an op-ed, the editors are “interested in anything well-written with a fact-based viewpoint we believe readers will find worthwhile.”
The Times did not respond to TPM’s requests for comment.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-03--Esper Abruptly Reverses Decision To Send Home Active-Duty Troops Deployed Around DC

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — In an abrupt reversal , Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday overturned an earlier Pentagon decision to send a couple hundred active-duty soldiers home from the Washington , D.C. , region , amid growing tensions with the White House over the military response to the protests .
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press that the reversal came after Esper attended a meeting at the White House , and after other internal Pentagon discussions .
It is unclear if Esper met with President Donald Trump .
McCarthy said he believes the change was based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region to respond to any protest problems if needed .
McCarthy said he received notice of the Pentagon order to send about 200 soldiers with the 82nd Airborne ’ s immediate response force home just after 10 a.m. Wednesday .
Hours later , the Pentagon notified him that Esper had reversed the decision .
The move to keep the troops in the region , however , comes as Pentagon leaders continue to insist they do not want to use active-duty forces to help quell the protests .
Earlier in the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump about sending troops to “ dominate ” the streets , telling reporters at a Pentagon news conference that he opposes using military forces for law enforcement in containing the current street protests .
Active-duty troops should be used in the U.S. “ only in the most urgent and dire of situations , ” He said , adding , “ We are not in one of those situations now.
” “ It is our intent at this point not to bring in active forces , we don ’ t think we need them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with The Associated Press .
“ But it ’ s prudent to have the reserve capability in the queue , on a short string.
” The AP reported earlier Wednesday that the 82nd Airborne soldiers would be the first to leave and would be returning home to Fort Bragg , N.C .
The remainder of the active-duty troops , who have all been kept at military bases outside the city in northern Virginia and Maryland , would get pulled home in the coming days if conditions allowed .
But then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a dynamic situation , ” said McCarthy , adding that the 82nd Airborne troops “ will stay over an additional 24 hours and it is our intent — we ’ re trying to withdraw them and get them back home.
” The active-duty troops have been available , but not used in response to the protests .
About 1,300 active-duty troops were brought in to the capital region early this week as protests turned violent .
The protests came in the aftermath of the death in Minnesota of a black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes .
The active-duty unit that will be last to remain on alert is the Army ’ s 3rd Infantry Regiment , which is normally most visible as the soldiers who stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier .
The troops , known as the Old Guard , are based close to D.C. at Fort Myer , Virginia , and have been on 30-minute alert status .
They would continue to be prepared to respond to any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for as long as needed .
Pentagon leaders have consistently said there continues to be no intent to use the active-duty forces in any law enforcement capacity .
They would be used to assist the National Guard or other forces .
So far , Indiana has sent about 300 National Guard troops to D.C. , Tennessee has sent about 1,000 and South Carolina has sent more than 400 .

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an abrupt reversal, Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday overturned an earlier Pentagon decision to send a couple hundred active-duty soldiers home from the Washington, D.C., region, amid growing tensions with the White House over the military response to the protests.
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press that the reversal came after Esper attended a meeting at the White House, and after other internal Pentagon discussions. It is unclear if Esper met with President Donald Trump. McCarthy said he believes the change was based on ensuring there is enough military support in the region to respond to any protest problems if needed.
McCarthy said he received notice of the Pentagon order to send about 200 soldiers with the 82nd Airborne’s immediate response force home just after 10 a.m. Wednesday. Hours later, the Pentagon notified him that Esper had reversed the decision.
The move to keep the troops in the region, however, comes as Pentagon leaders continue to insist they do not want to use active-duty forces to help quell the protests. Earlier in the day, Esper had tamped down threats from Trump about sending troops to “dominate” the streets, telling reporters at a Pentagon news conference that he opposes using military forces for law enforcement in containing the current street protests.
Active-duty troops should be used in the U.S. “only in the most urgent and dire of situations,” He said, adding, “We are not in one of those situations now.”
“It is our intent at this point not to bring in active forces, we don’t think we need them at this point,” McCarthy said in an interview with The Associated Press. “But it’s prudent to have the reserve capability in the queue, on a short string.”
The AP reported earlier Wednesday that the 82nd Airborne soldiers would be the first to leave and would be returning home to Fort Bragg, N.C. The remainder of the active-duty troops, who have all been kept at military bases outside the city in northern Virginia and Maryland, would get pulled home in the coming days if conditions allowed.
But then the Pentagon changed its plans.
“It’s a dynamic situation,” said McCarthy, adding that the 82nd Airborne troops “will stay over an additional 24 hours and it is our intent — we’re trying to withdraw them and get them back home.”
The active-duty troops have been available, but not used in response to the protests.
About 1,300 active-duty troops were brought in to the capital region early this week as protests turned violent. The protests came in the aftermath of the death in Minnesota of a black man, George Floyd, who died after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for several minutes.
The active-duty unit that will be last to remain on alert is the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, which is normally most visible as the soldiers who stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The troops, known as the Old Guard, are based close to D.C. at Fort Myer, Virginia, and have been on 30-minute alert status. They would continue to be prepared to respond to any emergency in the region within a half-hour for as long as needed.
Pentagon leaders have consistently said there continues to be no intent to use the active-duty forces in any law enforcement capacity. They would be used to assist the National Guard or other forces.
So far, Indiana has sent about 300 National Guard troops to D.C., Tennessee has sent about 1,000 and South Carolina has sent more than 400.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-03--West Virginia Governor ‘Jests’ That Obama Would Not Be Welcome In The State

West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice ( R ) said that any president would be welcome in the state , except “ maybe not Barack Obama , ” Wednesday while discussing his bid to host the Republican National Convention .
He stepped out of the briefing at one point to take a call with President Donald Trump , to whom he offered the state as a base for the convention .
Trump said Tuesday that the party is being “ forced ” to find another city instead of Charlotte , North Carolina to host , blaming Gov .
Roy Cooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to quell the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I wanted him to always know just how welcome he is in West Virginia , ” Justice said .
“ And any president , you know .
And we should absolutely welcome all — maybe not Barack Obama — but nevertheless , we ’ ll welcome any president , ” he added , laughing .
Justice added that Trump implied that he was going to go with another state to host the convention , saying that he knew even while he was pitching the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long shot.
” The governor tried to clean up his comment about Obama with a statement after the briefing , saying that his remark was in reference to the former president ’ s “ War on Coal ” while he was in office .
“ Everyone knows that President Obama made it a specific strategy to destroy our coal industry and power plants which , for more than a century , had been the lifeblood of West Virginia ’ s economy , ” he said , adding that it brought West Virginians “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to love everybody , and by that , I mean everybody , including President Obama , ” he continued .
“ But , at the end of the day , what happened to West Virginia during his time in the Oval Office will take us decades and decades to recover from , if ever.
” Justice isn ’ t the only one pitching his state as the new host for the RNC .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) , one of Trump ’ s most persistent adulators , tweeted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia on his mind ” when selecting the new spot .

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) said that any president would be welcome in the state, except “maybe not Barack Obama,” Wednesday while discussing his bid to host the Republican National Convention.
He stepped out of the briefing at one point to take a call with President Donald Trump, to whom he offered the state as a base for the convention. Trump said Tuesday that the party is being “forced” to find another city instead of Charlotte, North Carolina to host, blaming Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) restrictions in place to quell the coronavirus pandemic.
“I wanted him to always know just how welcome he is in West Virginia,” Justice said. “And any president, you know. And we should absolutely welcome all — maybe not Barack Obama — but nevertheless, we’ll welcome any president,” he added, laughing.
Justice added that Trump implied that he was going to go with another state to host the convention, saying that he knew even while he was pitching the idea that West Virginia was a “giant long shot.”
The governor tried to clean up his comment about Obama with a statement after the briefing, saying that his remark was in reference to the former president’s “War on Coal” while he was in office.
“Everyone knows that President Obama made it a specific strategy to destroy our coal industry and power plants which, for more than a century, had been the lifeblood of West Virginia’s economy,” he said, adding that it brought West Virginians “to our knees.”
“I want to love everybody, and by that, I mean everybody, including President Obama,” he continued. “But, at the end of the day, what happened to West Virginia during his time in the Oval Office will take us decades and decades to recover from, if ever.”
Justice isn’t the only one pitching his state as the new host for the RNC. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), one of Trump’s most persistent adulators, tweeted that he hoped the President would keep “Georgia on his mind” when selecting the new spot.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-03--White House Defends Use Of Force Against Protesters: ‘No Other Choice’

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday defended the use of chemical agents and projectiles used by law enforcement officials to clear crowds of racial justice demonstrators in Lafayette Square on Monday — a move that was widely criticized as an excessive use of force on a peaceful protest .
“ They had no other choice , ” McEnany responded when asked if law enforcement officials under the direction of Attorney General Bill Barr had overstepped in their attempts to forcibly remove protesters from the park in preparation for President Trump ’ s walk to a photo op at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those responsible for increasing the perimeter for Trump as he made his way to the church used the most “ minimal force ” possible , McEnany said .
Contrary to reports from the scene , McEnany described groups of “ rioters ” who had grown violent and were launching bricks and water bottles at police officers .
Protesters were given three warnings , the press secretary said , before members of the National Guard , park staff and other law enforcement officials escalated the encounter to an “ appropriate level , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projectiles to drive protesters away .
Among the crowds that day were families and children , rushing from the scene to make way for a moment that McEnany declared will be Trump ’ s very own “ Churchill ” moment — holding a Bible in front of a church at a time of national distress — much like a wartime president who assessed damage after World War II .

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday defended the use of chemical agents and projectiles used by law enforcement officials to clear crowds of racial justice demonstrators in Lafayette Square on Monday — a move that was widely criticized as an excessive use of force on a peaceful protest.
“They had no other choice,” McEnany responded when asked if law enforcement officials under the direction of Attorney General Bill Barr had overstepped in their attempts to forcibly remove protesters from the park in preparation for President Trump’s walk to a photo op at the St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Those responsible for increasing the perimeter for Trump as he made his way to the church used the most “minimal force” possible, McEnany said. Contrary to reports from the scene, McEnany described groups of “rioters” who had grown violent and were launching bricks and water bottles at police officers.
Protesters were given three warnings, the press secretary said, before members of the National Guard, park staff and other law enforcement officials escalated the encounter to an “appropriate level,” dispensing chemicals into the air and shooting projectiles to drive protesters away.
Among the crowds that day were families and children, rushing from the scene to make way for a moment that McEnany declared will be Trump’s very own “Churchill” moment — holding a Bible in front of a church at a time of national distress — much like a wartime president who assessed damage after World War II.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-03--Active-Duty Troops Deployed To DC Begin To Return To Home Bases

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Active-duty troops brought in to help if needed with the civil unrest in the nation ’ s capitol are beginning to return to their home base , after two days of more peaceful demonstrations in Washington , D.C. , senior defense officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday .
The officials said that about 200 soldiers with the 82nd Airborne ’ s immediate response force will be the first to leave on Wednesday , returning to their base at Fort Bragg , North Carolina .
The remainder of the active-duty troops , who have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city in northern Virginia and Maryland , will also get pulled home in the coming days if conditions allow , said the officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss imminent troop movements .
The active-duty troops were available , but were not used in response to the protests .
The departure of the troops comes as Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters Wednesday that current conditions do not warrant using military forces for law enforcement in containing the protests .
President Donald Trump has in recent days talked about using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. cities .
About 1,300 active-duty troops were brought in to the Capitol region early this week as protests turned violent , in the aftermath of the death in Minnesota of a black man , George Floyd , who died after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes .
The active-duty unit that will be last to remain on alert is the Army ’ s 3rd Infantry Regiment , which is normally most visible as the soldiers who stand at the Tomb of the Unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Old Guard , are based close to D.C. at Fort Myer , Virginia , and have been on 30-minute alert status .
So , they would continue to be prepared to respond to any emergency in the region within a half hour for as long as needed .
Pentagon leaders have consistently said there continues to be no intent to use the active-duty forces in any law enforcement capacity .
They would be used to assist the National Guard or other forces .
So far , Indiana has sent about 300 National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent about 1,000 and South Carolina has sent more than 400 .

WASHINGTON (AP) — Active-duty troops brought in to help if needed with the civil unrest in the nation’s capitol are beginning to return to their home base, after two days of more peaceful demonstrations in Washington, D.C., senior defense officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The officials said that about 200 soldiers with the 82nd Airborne’s immediate response force will be the first to leave on Wednesday, returning to their base at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The remainder of the active-duty troops, who have all been kept at military bases outside the city in northern Virginia and Maryland, will also get pulled home in the coming days if conditions allow, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss imminent troop movements. The active-duty troops were available, but were not used in response to the protests.
The departure of the troops comes as Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters Wednesday that current conditions do not warrant using military forces for law enforcement in containing the protests. President Donald Trump has in recent days talked about using the military to quell violent protests in U.S. cities.
About 1,300 active-duty troops were brought in to the Capitol region early this week as protests turned violent, in the aftermath of the death in Minnesota of a black man, George Floyd, who died after a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for several minutes.
The active-duty unit that will be last to remain on alert is the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, which is normally most visible as the soldiers who stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The troops, known as the Old Guard, are based close to D.C. at Fort Myer, Virginia, and have been on 30-minute alert status. So, they would continue to be prepared to respond to any emergency in the region within a half hour for as long as needed.
Pentagon leaders have consistently said there continues to be no intent to use the active-duty forces in any law enforcement capacity. They would be used to assist the National Guard or other forces.
So far, Indiana has sent about 300 National Guard troops to D.C., Tennessee has sent about 1,000 and South Carolina has sent more than 400.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-06-03--GOPers: Dem Warnings About Pandemic In-Person Voting Are ‘Suppressive’

Conservatives have finally found a form of voter suppression they won ’ t stand for : warnings from Democrats that voting in person during the pandemic could be dangerous to one ’ s health .
The issue came up repeatedly at Wednesday House hearing about the voting in the pandemic , which featured testimony from some of the most well-known figures in the battles over voting rights .
Some of the witnesses raised concerns about burdens that ID requirements and other logistical hurdles posed for voters who would prefer to vote by mail , given the current coronavirus outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the far-right group Judicial Watch , which has baselessly fanned the fears about voter fraud — said the real voter suppression was the “ inflammatory ” rhetoric about the risks of in-person voting during the pandemic .
He seemed to be referring to testimony from his fellow witness , Stacey Abrams , and to comments made by Rep. Steve Cohen ( D-TN ) , the chair of the House Judiciary subcommittee hosting the hearing .
“ To hear inflammatory rhetoric that you ’ re choosing your life over your vote , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ And it causes people to be nervous about voting .
That is as suppressive as anything I ’ ve heard , telling people they ’ re going to die or likely to die if they vote.
” Since the outbreak , voter advocates like Abrams , who leads the group Fair Fight Action , have pushed for easier access to absentee voting to cut down on the risk of COVID-19 transmission crowded polling places .
“ I advocate for mail-in balloting in the 2020 election in response to the COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the option to mail in their ballot rather than put their life at risk by standing in a crowded line , ” Abrams said Wednesday .
But they ’ ve also stressed that mail-in voting isn ’ t a silver bullet , and that in-person options still need to be available , particularly for voters with disabilities and others who might run into issues voting absentee .
Fitton , meanwhile , claimed that voting-by-mail was one of the least secure ways to vote ( second only to voting online , according to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want to be sure your vote is counted , the best way to do it is to show up in person.
” “ We see that people will exercise their First Amendment rights if they think it is important , ” Fitton later added .
“ Voting is important , and they will vote in person , and they should vote in person without being scared to death about doing it.
” Later on in the hearing , in response to questioning from Rep. Ben Cline ( R-VA ) , Fitton doubled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusing Democrats of “ confusing people ” in their efforts to loosen absentee ballot restrictions .
“ They can pursue mail-in ballots as appropriate if they need to , but we should be encouraging people to vote in person , that ’ s the best way to be sure that voters are secure and counted , ” Fitton said .
Fitton ’ s claim that the pandemic voting health concerns were being overhyped was echoed by Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA ) .
Collins pressed Abrams on how she described the fallout of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands waited in line to cast ballots in person after courts blocked efforts to delay the election and to expand the deadline for absentee voting .
Abrams , in her opening statement , cited a report connecting 71 COVID-19 cases to that election , and said that it was “ uncontroverted that crowded polling places pose a risk for voters.
” Collins challenged her on whether that risk was really “ uncontroverted.
” “ There may have been 71 cases , as you said , but there ’ s been no rise overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Stanford report concluding there was no surge in cases after the election .
“ And the question is of those 71 [ cases ] , can it be definitively determined that they [ caught it ] at the voting place ?
” Earlier in the hearing , Fitton likewise had called concerns about coronavirus ’ spread during the Wisconsin election “ overblown.
” As other witnesses noted during the hearing , the shift toward absentee voting isn ’ t just about protecting the individual voter ’ s health .
Poll workers tend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the most serious risks in contracting COVID-19 .
Scores of polling places have been closed across the country due to staffing issues related to the outbreak .
That , in turn , has compounded the need to keep in-person Election Day voting to a manageable level , through mail-in and early voting .
Rep. Jamie Raskin ( D-MD ) pushed back at Fitton ’ s skepticism toward the health risks of pandemic in-person voting .
“ Come on , get real .
To have Mr. Fitton come out here and say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraordinary and baffling to me .
I suppose no one in his family or no one he knows has been affected by COVID-19 , but the idea that it is overblown is just outrageous.
” Correction : A previous version story misattributed Fitton ’ s line about “ confusing ” voters to Rep. Ben Cline ( R-VA ) , who had asked the question prompting that comment from Fitton .

Conservatives have finally found a form of voter suppression they won’t stand for: warnings from Democrats that voting in person during the pandemic could be dangerous to one’s health.
The issue came up repeatedly at Wednesday House hearing about the voting in the pandemic, which featured testimony from some of the most well-known figures in the battles over voting rights.
Some of the witnesses raised concerns about burdens that ID requirements and other logistical hurdles posed for voters who would prefer to vote by mail, given the current coronavirus outbreak.
But Tom Fitton — the head of the far-right group Judicial Watch, which has baselessly fanned the fears about voter fraud — said the real voter suppression was the “inflammatory” rhetoric about the risks of in-person voting during the pandemic.
He seemed to be referring to testimony from his fellow witness, Stacey Abrams, and to comments made by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), the chair of the House Judiciary subcommittee hosting the hearing.
“To hear inflammatory rhetoric that you’re choosing your life over your vote, it’s just not appropriate,” Fitton said. “And it causes people to be nervous about voting. That is as suppressive as anything I’ve heard, telling people they’re going to die or likely to die if they vote.”
Since the outbreak, voter advocates like Abrams, who leads the group Fair Fight Action, have pushed for easier access to absentee voting to cut down on the risk of COVID-19 transmission crowded polling places.
“I advocate for mail-in balloting in the 2020 election in response to the COVID pandemic, that allows every eligible American the option to mail in their ballot rather than put their life at risk by standing in a crowded line,” Abrams said Wednesday.
But they’ve also stressed that mail-in voting isn’t a silver bullet, and that in-person options still need to be available, particularly for voters with disabilities and others who might run into issues voting absentee.
Fitton, meanwhile, claimed that voting-by-mail was one of the least secure ways to vote (second only to voting online, according to his comments) and that, “If you want to be sure your vote is counted, the best way to do it is to show up in person.”
“We see that people will exercise their First Amendment rights if they think it is important,” Fitton later added. “Voting is important, and they will vote in person, and they should vote in person without being scared to death about doing it.”
Later on in the hearing, in response to questioning from Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), Fitton doubled down on the line of attack, accusing Democrats of “confusing people” in their efforts to loosen absentee ballot restrictions.
“They can pursue mail-in ballots as appropriate if they need to, but we should be encouraging people to vote in person, that’s the best way to be sure that voters are secure and counted,” Fitton said.
Fitton’s claim that the pandemic voting health concerns were being overhyped was echoed by Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA).
Collins pressed Abrams on how she described the fallout of Wisconsin’s April election, where thousands waited in line to cast ballots in person after courts blocked efforts to delay the election and to expand the deadline for absentee voting.
Abrams, in her opening statement, cited a report connecting 71 COVID-19 cases to that election, and said that it was “uncontroverted that crowded polling places pose a risk for voters.”
Collins challenged her on whether that risk was really “uncontroverted.”
“There may have been 71 cases, as you said, but there’s been no rise overall,” Collins said, referring to a Stanford report concluding there was no surge in cases after the election. “And the question is of those 71 [cases], can it be definitively determined that they [caught it] at the voting place?”
Earlier in the hearing, Fitton likewise had called concerns about coronavirus’ spread during the Wisconsin election “overblown.”
As other witnesses noted during the hearing, the shift toward absentee voting isn’t just about protecting the individual voter’s health. Poll workers tend to be the types of seniors who face the most serious risks in contracting COVID-19. Scores of polling places have been closed across the country due to staffing issues related to the outbreak. That, in turn, has compounded the need to keep in-person Election Day voting to a manageable level, through mail-in and early voting.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) pushed back at Fitton’s skepticism toward the health risks of pandemic in-person voting.
“Come on, get real. To have Mr. Fitton come out here and say that concerns about COVID-19 are overblown is just extraordinary and baffling to me. I suppose no one in his family or no one he knows has been affected by COVID-19, but the idea that it is overblown is just outrageous.”
Correction: A previous version story misattributed Fitton’s line about “confusing” voters to Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), who had asked the question prompting that comment from Fitton.