vox--2020-05-30--Thousands of Americans across the US are peacefully marching against police violence

Across the country , Americans are taking to the streets again to protest the deaths of black people perpetrated by US law enforcement .
These citizens are using their constitutional rights — “ peaceably to assemble , and to petition the government for a redress of grievances ” — to express their frustration and discontent at the longstanding racial injustices of the US criminal justice system .
It is one of the few remedies available to them because , too often , police officers who take the lives of black people don ’ t face any professional or criminal consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , with the risk to their health coming not only from aggressive law enforcement but also the unprecedented public health threat of Covid-19 , to register their anger at their country ’ s institutional racism .
Most of them are doing so peacefully .
However , that is often not the story being told on television news networks or social media .
Instead , instances of destructive or violent protest — usually against private property , not people , though there was one report of a man being shot and killed near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dominant storyline .
Pictures and videos of fires and physical violence might be of most interest to news producers or politicians who wish to deflect attention away from the underlying problem of police brutality .
Scenes of police exerting force against protesters are also dramatic .
But in different ways , by focusing on specific conflicts rather than the problems that led to them , these images rob the protests of their context .
They are not the whole story .
Those violent demonstrators could redirect attention away from the structural inequities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place — even though these incidents are not yet fully understood .
State and local officials in Minnesota said on Saturday morning that many of the people arrested during the protests did not actually live in the area .
We are still learning the exact nature of the story unfolding right in front of our eyes .
That ’ s why it is useful to stay focused on what we do know : police violence is a longstanding and disturbingly intractable problem in American society , and the many people who peacefully demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have their grievances heard and understood .
They should not have to answer for the actions of the few just because violence attracts the media ’ s attention , and because political leaders find that violence useful fodder to move the conversation away from the pervasive injustices undergirding the American state .
Because while the protests will end , police violence against black Americans will not .
The white now-former police officer who killed George Floyd in Minneapolis has been arrested for murder .
The white vigilantes who killed Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one has yet been held accountable for the police killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville ; the police officers who killed Eric Garner and Tamir Rice were never charged with a crime .
History tells us that when a law enforcement officer takes the life of a civilian , they rarely face criminal or professional repercussions .
That is the fundamental injustice that Americans across the nation are coming out to protest — and most of them are doing it peacefully .
Take a look .
Every day at Vox , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

Across the country, Americans are taking to the streets again to protest the deaths of black people perpetrated by US law enforcement.
These citizens are using their constitutional rights — “peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” — to express their frustration and discontent at the longstanding racial injustices of the US criminal justice system. It is one of the few remedies available to them because, too often, police officers who take the lives of black people don’t face any professional or criminal consequences for their actions.
Many Americans turned out, with the risk to their health coming not only from aggressive law enforcement but also the unprecedented public health threat of Covid-19, to register their anger at their country’s institutional racism. Most of them are doing so peacefully.
However, that is often not the story being told on television news networks or social media. Instead, instances of destructive or violent protest — usually against private property, not people, though there was one report of a man being shot and killed near a protest in Detroit — have become the dominant storyline.
Pictures and videos of fires and physical violence might be of most interest to news producers or politicians who wish to deflect attention away from the underlying problem of police brutality. Scenes of police exerting force against protesters are also dramatic. But in different ways, by focusing on specific conflicts rather than the problems that led to them, these images rob the protests of their context. They are not the whole story.
Those violent demonstrators could redirect attention away from the structural inequities that motivated the protests in the first place — though these incidents are not yet fully understood. State and local officials in Minnesota said on Saturday morning that many of the people arrested during the protests did not actually live in the area. We are still learning the exact nature of the story unfolding right in front of our eyes.
That’s why it is useful to stay focused on what we do know: police violence is a longstanding and disturbingly intractable problem in American society, and the many people who peacefully demonstrated their distress at that reality deserve to have their grievances heard and understood. They should not have to answer for the actions of the few just because violence attracts the media’s attention, and because political leaders find that violence useful fodder to move the conversation away from the pervasive injustices undergirding the American state.
Because while the protests will end, police violence against black Americans will not. The white now-former police officer who killed George Floyd in Minneapolis has been arrested for murder. The white vigilantes who killed Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia have been charged as well. But no one has yet been held accountable for the police killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville; the police officers who killed Eric Garner and Tamir Rice were never charged with a crime. History tells us that when a law enforcement officer takes the life of a civilian, they rarely face criminal or professional repercussions.
That is the fundamental injustice that Americans across the nation are coming out to protest — and most of them are doing it peacefully. Take a look.
Washington, DC
New York
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Boston, Massachusetts
Atlanta, Georgia
Houston, Texas
Bloomington, Indiana
St. Louis, Missouri
Denver, Colorado
Louisville, Kentucky
Detroit, Michigan
Las Vegas, Nevada
San Jose, California
Los Angeles, California
Oakland, California


vox--2020-05-30--Trump’s policies have enabled police violence against black Americans

The police violence currently being protested in dozens of cities around the United States predates President Donald Trump by decades — so do the sentiments that fuel it , by at least 401 years , to the start of American slavery .
But since his inauguration , Trump and his administration have worked to solidify a place for police violence in American life through both rhetoric and policy .
My colleague Matt Yglesias explained how on Twitter — noting that the president ’ s first attorney general , Jeff Sessions , who was accused of perpetuating racist systems before and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 that the administration would no longer pursue civil rights lawsuits or investigations related to accusations of police misconduct .
Such work was aggressively pursued by the Obama administration , and resulted in at least 15 consent decrees — arrangements under which local governments consent to federal oversight in order to bring their policing in line with federal civil rights laws .
Sessions was notably against these decrees ; in a speech about one of the last to be put in place , with Chicago , the former attorney general said , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t just unjustified — it is an insult.
” Refusing to pursue new decrees has left local governments struggling to improve their police forces on their own — and has allowed those unwilling to do so to continue ignoring violations of rights and other issues .
But the federal government has stepped in to aggravate a problem highlighted by the protests following Michael Brown ’ s killing in Ferguson , Missouri : the militarization of the police force .
Again reversing an Obama-era policy , Trump signed an executive order in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and use surplus military equipment like grenade launchers , tactical vehicles , and bayonets either for free or with the use of federal dollars .
As Amanda Taub explained for Vox in 2014 , the use of military equipment on the streets of Ferguson worsened an already tense situation as officers — not all of whom had received proper training on the use of the military equipment they were employing — who looked like “ invading armies ” performed their work using fear and force rather than community-building techniques .
Frustration with such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the country right now .
It is harsh tactics that led to the killing of George Floyd , the Minneapolis , Minnesota man who died after an officer placed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds .
Trump , however , has actively encouraged police to use forceful , even military-style tactics in the course of their work .
Speaking to law enforcement officials in New York in 2017 , Trump said , “ please , don ’ t be too nice , ” when arresting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somebody in the car and you ’ re protecting their head , you know , the way you put their hand over , like , don ’ t hit their head and they ’ ve just killed somebody , ” the president said during that address .
“ Don ’ t hit their head .
I said , you can take the hand away , okay ?
” And he has continued delivering such rhetoric .
Saturday , he praised what he characterized as rough tactics by Secret Service officials working to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests , writing on Twitter , “ whenever someone got too frisky or out of line , [ the Secret Service ] would quickly come down on them , hard - didn ’ t know what hit them.
” “ Nobody came close to breaching the fence , ” the president wrote .
“ If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs , and most ominous weapons , I have ever seen .
That ’ s when people would have been really badly hurt , at least.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were eagerly awaiting a chance to inflict violence on peaceful protests , tweeting , “ Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action .
‘ We put the young ones on the front line , sir , they love it , and good practice.
’ ” It is distressing to see the president advocating for the sort of law enforcement response that so many in the US are arguing is problematic , and that tens of thousands have demanded be declared unacceptable in recent days .
But it is clear the president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harsh police tactics as a problem .
The Trump administration has shown law enforcement can operate with impunity If there is something wrong with law enforcement in the US , the Trump administration has seemed to suggest , it is that there are too many restrictions placed on police without enough plaudits given to them .
The current attorney general , William Barr , has vocally wondered why communities — particularly the communities of color that most frequently suffer the often deadly consequences of police brutality — don ’ t respect officers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities not inclined to show “ the respect and support that law enforcement deserves ” have their police protection taken away from them .
In his actions , Trump has gone beyond giving law enforcement the sort of support Barr advocated for — he has in fact , given them carte blanche to act lawfully or lawlessly as they see fit .
For instance , when a Trump ally and former sheriff , Joe Arpaio , was convicted of criminal contempt of court following his refusal to follow a federal order meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pardoned him .
Troops convicted of ( and under investigation for ) war crimes have been pardoned as well .
Separate from concerns the president has allowed unfairly violent and sometimes racist behavior are the reminders that one justice system exists for those like Floyd and another for those connected to Trump .
The president has suggested he ’ ll pardon his friend and former campaign adviser Roger Stone , despite Stone having been found guilty of lying to Congress , tampering with a witness , and obstructing an official proceeding .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Adviser Michael Flynn should he face legal consequences for admitting to lying to the FBI , Barr ’ s Department of Justice dropped its case against Flynn .
Although such actions do not necessarily perpetuate racist or overly harsh policing , they certainly add to the frustration many feel : that the police are not there for them , and there is little point to seeing justice through ; that the president of the United States has no respect or use for the process of law , and that he believes aggressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the most effective .
In isolation , comments like Barr ’ s or Trump ’ s New York speech reflect a sort of ignorance or refusal to accept that there are issues with policing in the US .
But in totality , it is clear that the Trump administration ’ s actions have actively created an atmosphere in which more dangerous , less just , and unconstitutional policing can flourish .
Floyd ’ s death emerged from this atmosphere , and the protests are a reaction not just to that killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s words and policies that allowed it — as well as to the unjust policing of the past .
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

The police violence currently being protested in dozens of cities around the United States predates President Donald Trump by decades — so do the sentiments that fuel it, by at least 401 years, to the start of American slavery.
But since his inauguration, Trump and his administration have worked to solidify a place for police violence in American life through both rhetoric and policy.
My colleague Matt Yglesias explained how on Twitter — noting that the president’s first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, who was accused of perpetuating racist systems before and during his tenure, announced in February 2017 that the administration would no longer pursue civil rights lawsuits or investigations related to accusations of police misconduct.
Such work was aggressively pursued by the Obama administration, and resulted in at least 15 consent decrees — arrangements under which local governments consent to federal oversight in order to bring their policing in line with federal civil rights laws.
Sessions was notably against these decrees; in a speech about one of the last to be put in place, with Chicago, the former attorney general said, “Micromanaging the CPD through a federal court isn’t just unjustified — it is an insult.”
Refusing to pursue new decrees has left local governments struggling to improve their police forces on their own — and has allowed those unwilling to do so to continue ignoring violations of rights and other issues.
But the federal government has stepped in to aggravate a problem highlighted by the protests following Michael Brown’s killing in Ferguson, Missouri: the militarization of the police force.
Again reversing an Obama-era policy, Trump signed an executive order in August 2017 allowing police departments to obtain and use surplus military equipment like grenade launchers, tactical vehicles, and bayonets either for free or with the use of federal dollars.
As Amanda Taub explained for Vox in 2014, the use of military equipment on the streets of Ferguson worsened an already tense situation as officers — not all of whom had received proper training on the use of the military equipment they were employing — who looked like “invading armies” performed their work using fear and force rather than community-building techniques.
Frustration with such tactics is apparent in the protests happening around the country right now. It is harsh tactics that led to the killing of George Floyd, the Minneapolis, Minnesota man who died after an officer placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
Trump, however, has actively encouraged police to use forceful, even military-style tactics in the course of their work. Speaking to law enforcement officials in New York in 2017, Trump said, “please, don’t be too nice,” when arresting people.
“When you guys put somebody in the car and you’re protecting their head, you know, the way you put their hand over, like, don’t hit their head and they’ve just killed somebody,” the president said during that address. “Don’t hit their head. I said, you can take the hand away, okay?”
And he has continued delivering such rhetoric. Saturday, he praised what he characterized as rough tactics by Secret Service officials working to secure the White House amid the police brutality protests, writing on Twitter, “whenever someone got too frisky or out of line, [the Secret Service] would quickly come down on them, hard - didn’t know what hit them.”
“Nobody came close to breaching the fence,” the president wrote. “If they had they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen. That’s when people would have been really badly hurt, at least.”
He also suggested members of the service were eagerly awaiting a chance to inflict violence on peaceful protests, tweeting, “Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action. ‘We put the young ones on the front line, sir, they love it, and good practice.’”
It is distressing to see the president advocating for the sort of law enforcement response that so many in the US are arguing is problematic, and that tens of thousands have demanded be declared unacceptable in recent days. But it is clear the president and members of his administration do not see harsh police tactics as a problem.
The Trump administration has shown law enforcement can operate with impunity
If there is something wrong with law enforcement in the US, the Trump administration has seemed to suggest, it is that there are too many restrictions placed on police without enough plaudits given to them.
The current attorney general, William Barr, has vocally wondered why communities — particularly the communities of color that most frequently suffer the often deadly consequences of police brutality — don’t respect officers. And he has suggested that perhaps those communities not inclined to show “the respect and support that law enforcement deserves” have their police protection taken away from them.
In his actions, Trump has gone beyond giving law enforcement the sort of support Barr advocated for — he has in fact, given them carte blanche to act lawfully or lawlessly as they see fit.
For instance, when a Trump ally and former sheriff, Joe Arpaio, was convicted of criminal contempt of court following his refusal to follow a federal order meant to protect immigrants from racial profiling, Trump pardoned him. Troops convicted of (and under investigation for) war crimes have been pardoned as well.
Separate from concerns the president has allowed unfairly violent and sometimes racist behavior are the reminders that one justice system exists for those like Floyd and another for those connected to Trump.
The president has suggested he’ll pardon his friend and former campaign adviser Roger Stone, despite Stone having been found guilty of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness, and obstructing an official proceeding. And amid speculation Trump would pardon former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn should he face legal consequences for admitting to lying to the FBI, Barr’s Department of Justice dropped its case against Flynn.
Although such actions do not necessarily perpetuate racist or overly harsh policing, they certainly add to the frustration many feel: that the police are not there for them, and there is little point to seeing justice through; that the president of the United States has no respect or use for the process of law, and that he believes aggressive, and even racially motivated, tactics to be the most effective.
In isolation, comments like Barr’s or Trump’s New York speech reflect a sort of ignorance or refusal to accept that there are issues with policing in the US. But in totality, it is clear that the Trump administration’s actions have actively created an atmosphere in which more dangerous, less just, and unconstitutional policing can flourish. Floyd’s death emerged from this atmosphere, and the protests are a reaction not just to that killing, but to the Trump administration’s words and policies that allowed it — as well as to the unjust policing of the past.


vox--2020-05-30--SpaceX finally sent humans to space. What happens next?

SpaceX ’ s Crew Dragon Demo-2 is off to a roaring start .
After a delayed launch earlier in the week , the spacecraft lifted off at 3:22 pm ET on Saturday .
It left the planet , and entered Earth ’ s orbit where it will later dock with the International Space Station ( ISS ) , beginning a new era of commercial space tourism and exploration — all with the help of mercurial billionaire Elon Musk .
If all goes as planned , the Crew Dragon capsule , which rides on the top of SpaceX ’ s Falcon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip to the ISS .
The capsule is designed to fly mostly autonomously , but astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will take the controls while in Earth ’ s orbit to test out its manual capabilities .
Docking with the ISS , however , is supposed to be completely autonomous , which is a new feature of the upgraded capsule .
A second version of the capsule , the Cargo Dragon , is designed to use this automated docking for seamless deliveries to the ISS .
After docking , the astronauts will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few months — the exact timing is not yet decided — before getting back in the Crew Dragon and returning to Earth .
Watch the launch and flight below : As smoothly as the Saturday launch went , the mission ’ s success was not a certainty .
Originally planned for Wednesday , that launch was canceled due to weather , and SpaceX ’ s program has suffered a few setbacks in its years-long quest to send people into space , including a few rocket launch failures .
On Friday , a prototype @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire test .
Meanwhile , the new mission is called Crew Dragon Demo-2 , because the Crew Dragon Demo-1 spacecraft exploded during a test in 2019 .
Before its failure , however , Demo-1 did make a successful uncrewed test flight to the ISS .
Assuming the rest of the mission goes according to plan , Crew Dragon Demo-2 will represent the biggest step yet toward the next phrase of space travel , where vessels owned by private companies , rather than government bodies , send astronauts and paying tourists into orbital space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involve space exploration , including trips back to the moon and on to Mars .
It will also show us the true potential of the space tourism industry .
Space tourism isn ’ t completely new .
Seven people have paid their way into orbital space , though none since 2009 .
They took rockets through the Russian space program , but it looks like the American companies will lead the way in the future of commercial space travel .
Other US-based private companies founded by billionaires , like Richard Branson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blue Origin , are hoping to offer trips into suborbital space as early as this year .
Both companies hope to go further , with Virgin Galactic dreaming of “ Earth orbiting hotels ” and Blue Origin envisioning flying people “ to Earth orbit and beyond.
” Aside from the historic nature of a private space company sending a crewed mission into orbital space for the first time ever , NASA was particularly excited about this SpaceX launch , because it signals its return to sending people into space from American soil .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ program in 2011 , NASA astronauts have been forced to buy seats on Russian rockets to get to space .
Having the SpaceX option available means cheaper seats and , of course , national pride .
By partnering with private companies like SpaceX and Boeing for its Commercial Crew program — giving them billions in government funding to build their own vessels — NASA still saves billions of dollars over its old model , a purely government-run space flight program that hired private companies to manufacture its equipment .
“ The ownership of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find new sources of revenue to further increase their return on investment , ” Casey Dreier , chief advocate and senior space policy adviser for The Planetary Society , told Recode .
“ This seems to have worked , as we see that both Boeing and SpaceX are developing crew vehicles at a cost savings we haven ’ t seen in the modern era.
” Now that it ’ s launched humans into orbit , it seems clear that SpaceX has a significant lead over its competitors in the commercial space industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for several years before successfully launching its own rockets , then building a successful business sending satellites into orbit and delivering supplies to the ISS over nearly 100 launches .
SpaceX was also able to create a partially reusable rocket that can return itself to Earth and land on a drone barge — which also went off without a hitch on Saturday .
Reusing the rockets cuts the cost of each launch significantly for SpaceX and , therefore , lowers the price for its customers .
The shift from a publicly funded space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflected in everything from Crew Dragon ’ s interior to its astronauts ’ exterior .
Sleek touchscreens have replaced the dials and switches that dominated the NASA shuttle cockpits , and the astronauts are wearing cool , new-look spacesuits specially designed for SpaceX by a movie costume designer .
Notably , astronauts Behnken and Hurley rode out to the Crew Dragon Demo-2 in white Teslas emblazoned with NASA logos .
Then , of course , there ’ s Elon Musk , who founded SpaceX in 2002 and has since become a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erratic behavior over the years has drawn controversy and negative attention to the companies he runs — including , for Tesla , a $ 20 million fine from the Securities and Exchange Commission — but he behaved himself on the scene of his ship ’ s historical launch .
“ This is the culmination of a dream , ” Musk told CBS ahead of the launch .
“ This is a dream come true.
” Mars and the Moon : The next steps for privately operated spaceflight With this crucial first crewed flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s next ?
What will the future of commercialized space travel look like ?
Will Mars be covered with Tesla ads ?
Will Earth stores sell real moon rocks ?
Will Jupiter be populated with Amazon warehouses ?
Should we book moon hotel reservations now to beat the rush ?
All we know for sure now is that commercial space travel does have a future , and experts are optimistic about what it holds .
“ NASA ’ s Commercial Crew Program with SpaceX and Boeing is restoring American launch capability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing facility that orbits our planet every 90 minutes , ” Mary Lynne Dittmar , president and CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration , told Recode .
“ The ISS is a critical testbed for a huge range of technologies needed for humans to venture deeper out into space , to the Moon and beyond to Mars.
” But they also stress that private companies aren ’ t doing this alone .
Space tourism is currently an option only for the very rich .
Few people can afford the current $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on one of SpaceX ’ s rockets .
Governments , however , have deeper pockets .
SpaceX could not have achieved its recent success without NASA ’ s funding , and that will likely also be necessary as the limits of space travel continue to be pushed .
“ Commercializing space , particularly with humans , is still very tenuous , ” Dreier , from the Planetary Society , said .
“ It ’ s important here to remember that this ‘ commercial ’ program has the government as its primary customer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ orbit is still unknown.
” The economics of space travel will also have an effect on space research .
As Dreier explained , private investment in space might prioritize certain kinds of missions over others , leaving science-driven missions with no obvious financial return to continue to rely on public funding .
Ariel Ekblaw , the founder and lead of MIT Media Lab ’ s Space Exploration Initiative , offered a more specific interpretation of what the future of commercial space travel might look like .
“ I view this very much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re seeing for commercial activity in low Earth orbit , ” Ekblaw told Recode .
To that end , companies like Bigelow and Axiom have proposed building their own commercial space stations .
Spacecraft built by SpaceX , Virgin Galactic , Blue Origin , Boeing , and others may be the primary mode of transportation to them .
Looking beyond low Earth orbit is NASA ’ s Artemis Program , which hopes to put humans back on the Moon by 2024 .
NASA recently gave SpaceX , Blue Origin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human lunar landing systems .
There ’ s also the possibility that businesses will be , well , businesses , putting money over making space accessible to all .
One of the goals at MIT Media Lab ’ s Space Exploration Initiative involves democratizing access to space exploration by encouraging and helping people from all disciplines to do or send their work into space .
“ The public should have some voice in this , ” Ekblaw said .
“ Space really is one of the most ultimate examples of the commons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the way in which we ’ re going about commercialization in low Earth orbit.
” And , of course , there ’ s that crewed mission to Mars , largely seen as the next frontier in human space exploration and Musk ’ s impetus for starting SpaceX in the first place .
Ekblaw thinks that will happen in our lifetime .
“ I do still see NASA and space agencies as having a major role in that achievement , ” Ekblaw said .
“ But the technology for transportation to get us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Musk or Jeff Bezos.
” Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Demo-2 is off to a roaring start. After a delayed launch earlier in the week, the spacecraft lifted off at 3:22 pm ET on Saturday. It left the planet and entered Earth’s orbit, where it will later dock with the International Space Station (ISS), beginning a new era of commercial space tourism and exploration — all with the help of mercurial billionaire Elon Musk.
If all goes as planned, the Crew Dragon capsule, which rides on the top of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, will make a 19-hour trip to the ISS. The capsule is designed to fly mostly autonomously, but astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will take the controls while in Earth’s orbit to test out its manual capabilities. Docking with the ISS, however, is supposed to be completely autonomous, which is a new feature of the upgraded capsule. A second version of the capsule, the Cargo Dragon, is designed to use this automated docking for seamless deliveries to the ISS. After docking, the astronauts will live on the space station for a few months — the exact timing is not yet decided — before getting back in the Crew Dragon and returning to Earth.
Watch the launch and flight below:
As smoothly as the Saturday launch went, the mission’s success was not a certainty. Originally planned for Wednesday, that launch was canceled due to weather, and SpaceX’s program has suffered a few setbacks in its years-long quest to send people into space, including a few rocket launch failures. On Friday, a prototype of its Starship exploded during an engine fire test. Meanwhile, the new mission is called Crew Dragon Demo-2, because the Crew Dragon Demo-1 spacecraft exploded during a test in 2019. Before its failure, however, Demo-1 did make a successful uncrewed test flight to the ISS.
Assuming the rest of the mission goes according to plan, Crew Dragon Demo-2 will represent the biggest step yet toward the next phase of space travel, where vessels owned by private companies, rather than government bodies, send astronauts and paying tourists into orbital space. Part of this exciting future could involve space exploration, including trips back to the moon and on to Mars. It will also show us the true potential of the space tourism industry.
Space is billionaires’ newest playground
Space tourism isn’t completely new. Seven people have paid their way into orbital space, though none since 2009. They took rockets through the Russian space program, but it looks like the American companies will lead the way in the future of commercial space travel. Other US-based private companies founded by billionaires, like Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, are hoping to offer trips into suborbital space as early as this year. Both companies hope to go further, with Virgin Galactic dreaming of “Earth orbiting hotels” and Blue Origin envisioning flying people “to Earth orbit and beyond.”
Aside from the historic nature of a private space company sending a crewed mission into orbital space for the first time ever, NASA was particularly excited about this SpaceX launch because it signals its return to sending people into space from American soil. Since the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, NASA astronauts have been forced to buy seats on Russian rockets to get to space. Having the SpaceX option available means cheaper seats and, of course, national pride. By partnering with private companies like SpaceX and Boeing for its Commercial Crew program — giving them billions in government funding to build their own vessels — NASA still saves billions of dollars over its old model, a purely government-run space flight program that hired private companies to manufacture its equipment.
“The ownership of the intellectual property also incentivizes the companies to find new sources of revenue to further increase their return on investment,” Casey Dreier, chief advocate and senior space policy adviser for The Planetary Society, told Recode. “This seems to have worked, as we see that both Boeing and SpaceX are developing crew vehicles at a cost savings we haven’t seen in the modern era.”
Now that it’s launched humans into orbit, it seems clear that SpaceX has a significant lead over its competitors in the commercial space industry. This is after the company foundered for several years before successfully launching its own rockets, then building a successful business sending satellites into orbit and delivering supplies to the ISS over nearly 100 launches. SpaceX was also able to create a partially reusable rocket that can return itself to Earth and land on a drone barge — which also went off without a hitch on Saturday. Reusing the rockets cuts the cost of each launch significantly for SpaceX and, therefore, lowers the price for its customers.
The shift from a publicly funded space program to a privately led one is reflected in everything from Crew Dragon’s interior to its astronauts’ exterior. Sleek touchscreens have replaced the dials and switches that dominated the NASA shuttle cockpits, and the astronauts are wearing cool, new-look spacesuits specially designed for SpaceX by a movie costume designer. Notably, astronauts Behnken and Hurley rode out to the Crew Dragon Demo-2 in white Teslas emblazoned with NASA logos.
Then, of course, there’s Elon Musk, who founded SpaceX in 2002 and has since become a bit of a madman celebrity. Musk’s erratic behavior over the years has drawn controversy and negative attention to the companies he runs — including, for Tesla, a $20 million fine from the Securities and Exchange Commission — but he behaved himself on the scene of his ship’s historical launch.
“This is the culmination of a dream,” Musk told CBS ahead of the launch. “This is a dream come true.”
Mars and the Moon: The next steps for privately operated spaceflight
With this crucial first crewed flight achieved, the question now becomes: what’s next? What will the future of commercialized space travel look like? Will Mars be covered with Tesla ads? Will Earth stores sell real moon rocks? Will Jupiter be populated with Amazon warehouses? Should we book moon hotel reservations now to beat the rush?
All we know for sure now is that commercial space travel does have a future, and experts are optimistic about what it holds.
“NASA’s Commercial Crew Program with SpaceX and Boeing is restoring American launch capability to the ISS, which is an amazing facility that orbits our planet every 90 minutes,” Mary Lynne Dittmar, president and CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration, told Recode. “The ISS is a critical testbed for a huge range of technologies needed for humans to venture deeper out into space, to the Moon and beyond to Mars.”
But they also stress that private companies aren’t doing this alone. Space tourism is currently an option only for the very rich. Few people can afford the current $55 million price tag for a seat on one of SpaceX’s rockets. Governments, however, have deeper pockets. SpaceX could not have achieved its recent success without NASA’s funding, and that will likely also be necessary as the limits of space travel continue to be pushed.
“Commercializing space, particularly with humans, is still very tenuous,” Dreier, from the Planetary Society, said. “It’s important here to remember that this ‘commercial’ program has the government as its primary customer. The market for human spaceflight in Earth orbit is still unknown.”
The economics of space travel will also have an effect on space research. As Dreier explained, private investment in space might prioritize certain kinds of missions over others, leaving science-driven missions with no obvious financial return to continue to rely on public funding.
Ariel Ekblaw, the founder and lead of MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative, offered a more specific interpretation of what the future of commercial space travel might look like.
“I view this very much as part of a broader ecosystem of development that we’re seeing for commercial activity in low Earth orbit,” Ekblaw told Recode.
To that end, companies like Bigelow and Axiom have proposed building their own commercial space stations. Spacecraft built by SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, Boeing, and others may be the primary mode of transportation to them.
Looking beyond low Earth orbit is NASA’s Artemis Program, which hopes to put humans back on the Moon by 2024. NASA recently gave SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Dynetics $1 billion to create human lunar landing systems. There’s also the possibility that businesses will be, well, businesses, putting money over making space accessible to all. One of the goals at MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative involves democratizing access to space exploration by encouraging and helping people from all disciplines to do or send their work into space.
“The public should have some voice in this,” Ekblaw said. “Space really is one of the most ultimate examples of the commons for humanity, so we should be thoughtful in the way in which we’re going about commercialization in low Earth orbit.”
And, of course, there’s that crewed mission to Mars, largely seen as the next frontier in human space exploration and Musk’s impetus for starting SpaceX in the first place. Ekblaw thinks that will happen in our lifetime.
“I do still see NASA and space agencies as having a major role in that achievement,” Ekblaw said. “But the technology for transportation to get us there may very well come from Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos.”


vox--2020-05-30--Watch: Killer Mike urges protesters to “plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize”

Rapper Killer Mike gave an emotional speech Friday urging Atlanta protesters to focus on organizing and voting out public officials they oppose .
In his remarks , the musician and activist acknowledged the pain and anger that people were experiencing , as thousands marched to condemn the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd in cities across the country .
“ I watched a white officer assassinate a black man , and I know that tore your heart out , and I know it ’ s crippling , ” Killer Mike said at a press conference held by Atlanta Mayor Keisha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why protests might turn destructive .
“ That ’ s why children are burning [ things ] to the ground , they don ’ t know what else to do , ” he said .
“ I am duty-bound to be here to simply say : That it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy.
” Killer Mike , who noted that he was the son of an Atlanta police officer , called on protesters to take the fight to the ballot box , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their political impact .
“ It is your duty to fortify your own house , so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization , ” he said .
“ It is time to beat up prosecutors you don ’ t like at the voting booth.
” You can watch his full remarks below .
Killer Mike ’ s comments took place as protests unfolded in Atlanta and more than 20 other cities across the country on Friday evening .
Protesters are calling for justice for Floyd ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd by his neck , Derek Chauvin , has been charged with third-degree murder , but activists are pushing for all four officers who were involved to be held accountable .
According to WSB-TV in Atlanta , the protests in the city were predominately peaceful for much of the day , though protesters damaged police cars and broke down the doors of the city ’ s CNN headquarters later in the evening .
“ I hope we find a way out of it , because I don ’ t have the answers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do know : we must plot , we must plan , we must strategize , we must organize , and mobilize.
” Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

Rapper Killer Mike gave an emotional speech Friday urging Atlanta protesters to focus on organizing and voting out public officials they oppose.
In his remarks, the musician and activist acknowledged the pain and anger that people were experiencing, as thousands marched to condemn the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd in cities across the country.
“I watched a white officer assassinate a black man, and I know that tore your heart out, and I know it’s crippling,” Killer Mike said at a press conference held by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms.
He noted he could see why protests might turn destructive.
“That’s why children are burning [things] to the ground, they don’t know what else to do,” he said. “I am duty-bound to be here to simply say: That it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy.”
Killer Mike, who noted that he was the son of an Atlanta police officer, called on protesters to take the fight to the ballot box, and use tools like the census to increase their political impact. “It is your duty to fortify your own house, so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization,” he said. “It is time to beat up prosecutors you don’t like at the voting booth.”
You can watch his full remarks below.
Killer Mike’s comments took place as protests unfolded in Atlanta and more than 20 other cities across the country on Friday evening. Protesters are calling for justice for Floyd’s killing: The officer who pinned down Floyd by his neck, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder, but activists are pushing for all four officers who were involved to be held accountable.
According to WSB-TV in Atlanta, the protests in the city were predominately peaceful for much of the day, though protesters damaged police cars and broke down the doors of the city’s CNN headquarters later in the evening.
“I hope we find a way out of it, because I don’t have the answers,” Killer Mike said. “But I do know: we must plot, we must plan, we must strategize, we must organize, and mobilize.”


vox--2020-05-30--“Directly at us”: Louisville law enforcement shoots reporters with pepper bullets

On Friday night , video footage captured a law enforcement officer shooting journalists covering the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor protests in Louisville , Kentucky , with what appear to be pepper balls — continuing a disturbing trend of unwarranted assaults on press covering the uprisings .
WAVE 3 ’ s Kaitlin Rust was live on television that night reporting on the unrest in the city , part of a nationwide movement in the wake of Floyd ’ s death .
As Rust covered the standoff between protesters and police , she screamed and then yelled she was “ getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show the officer shooting right at the reporting crew .
They were aiming “ at us , like directly at us , ” Rust told the station ’ s anchors .
The unidentified officer shooting the pepper-ball launcher gave no reason why he shot at Rust and her camera crew .
Hours later , Louisville Metro Police apologized to WAVE 3 for the incident .
The force ’ s special adviser , Jessie Halladay , told CNN the shooting shouldn ’ t have occurred and that it ’ s still unclear who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s possible the officer formed part of the city ’ s police force or a member of a special response team .
Louisville authorities will now further review the video of the episode and see if disciplinary action is required .
Media keeps getting targeted during the protests There ’ s a growing , troubling trend of having media outlets and individual reporters specifically targeted throughout the uprisings .
Early on Thursday morning , CNN ’ s Omar Jimenez and his crew were arrested live on air in Minneapolis without cause .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s president and the state ’ s governor , Jimenez and his team were released .
The governor apologized and took full responsibility .
On Friday night in Washington , DC , demonstrators targeted Fox News journalists for covering the uprising outside the White House .
In the video , someone chants “ fuck Fox News ” at the crew as they approach a police officer requesting help .
And in Atlanta on Friday night , protesters damaged the front of CNN Center , including breaking glass and the logo .
Some even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside .
Those actions prompted Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to lambast the vandalism during a press conference : “ You have defaced the CNN building .
Ted Turner started CNN in Atlanta , 40 years ago because he believed in who we are as a city.
” If the demonstrations persist throughout the country — as it appears they will — it ’ s more than likely similar incidents against journalists and media outlets will continue , too .
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

On Friday night, video footage captured a law enforcement officer shooting journalists covering the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor protests in Louisville, Kentucky, with what appear to be pepper balls — continuing a disturbing trend of unwarranted assaults on press covering the uprisings.
WAVE 3’s Kaitlin Rust was live on television that night reporting on the unrest in the city, part of a nationwide movement in the wake of Floyd’s death.
As Rust covered the standoff between protesters and police, she screamed and then yelled she was “getting shot.” The camera operator then turned to show the officer shooting right at the reporting crew. They were aiming “at us, like directly at us,” Rust told the station’s anchors.
The unidentified officer shooting the pepper-ball launcher gave no reason why he shot at Rust and her camera crew.
Meanwhile in #Louisville, a cop is seen here shooting rubber bullets at a reporter from @wave3news.
Just not even trying to respect the press now, I see pic.twitter.com/4g9Du9wC8r — Jay Scott Smith (@JayScottSmith) May 30, 2020
Hours later, Louisville Metro Police apologized to WAVE 3 for the incident. The force’s special adviser, Jessie Halladay, told CNN the shooting shouldn’t have occurred and that it’s still unclear who launched the supposed pepper bullets. It’s possible the officer formed part of the city’s police force or a member of a special response team.
Louisville authorities will now further review the video of the episode and see if disciplinary action is required.
Media keeps getting targeted during the protests
There’s a growing, troubling trend of having media outlets and individual reporters specifically targeted throughout the uprisings.
Early on Thursday morning, CNN’s Omar Jimenez and his crew were arrested live on air in Minneapolis without cause. After a quick call between CNN’s president and the state’s governor, Jimenez and his team were released. The governor apologized and took full responsibility.
Minnesota police arrest CNN reporter and camera crew as they report from protests in Minneapolis https://t.co/IY0H1Lc77E pic.twitter.com/s9XmwVfabP — New Day (@NewDay) May 29, 2020
On Friday night in Washington, DC, demonstrators targeted Fox News journalists for covering the uprising outside the White House. In the video, someone chants “fuck Fox News” at the crew as they approach a police officer requesting help.
This is wrong. I don't give a damn if you don't like what they report. Don't attack, harass, or physically intimidate reporters. Not Fox News. Not CNN. Not any of them. https://t.co/tIjUjwEa1n — Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) May 30, 2020
And in Atlanta on Friday night, protesters damaged the front of CNN Center, including breaking glass and the logo. Some even entered the building and did further damage inside.
Those actions prompted Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to lambast the vandalism during a press conference: “You have defaced the CNN building. Ted Turner started CNN in Atlanta, 40 years ago because he believed in who we are as a city.”
If the demonstrations persist throughout the country — as it appears they will — it’s more than likely similar incidents against journalists and media outlets will continue, too.


vox--2020-05-31--Minnesota governor and mayors blame out-of-state agitators for violence and destruction

Governors and mayors in states across the country where protests flared Friday night say a small number of demonstrators , and in some cases out-of-state agitators , are responsible for escalating the events with violence and property damage .
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the protesters “ are coming in largely from outside of the city , from outside of the region , to prey on everything we have built over the last several decades.
” St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said every person who was arrested in the city Friday night was from out of state .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Carter later had to walk back his comments , saying he later learned the arrest data was “ inaccurate.
” But he wasn ’ t the only official in the state who blamed the violence on outsiders .
“ Last night is a mockery of pretending this is about George Floyd ’ s death or inequities or historical traumas to communities of color , ” said Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz on Saturday .
He estimated as much as 80 percent of those destroying property in the cities were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that officials made 40 arrests Friday night in the Twin Cities primarily for burglary , breaking curfew and destruction of property , and that the local jail log showed people booked from Illinois , Florida , Michigan , Missouri , and Alaska .
Other local reports put the number between 36 and 69 — and note their investigations into the matter do not support the assertions of local officials .
According to reporting by Theo Keith at Minneapolis ’ s Fox 9 , 84 percent of those arrested had local addresses ; Brandon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 reports 86 percent of those arrested Friday night ( and Saturday morning ) were local .
John Elder , a spokesperson for the Minneapolis police department , told both outlets his department has found that arrested people often give false addresses , and that preliminary investigations have revealed arrest records in other states for a number of those currently in custody .
Walz has promised the data analyzed by state officials to arrive at the conclusions shared during the conference will be made public .
It ’ s not yet clear whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Concerns over violence come as Minnesota prepares to increase National Guard presence Officials ’ comments came as the state prepares to deploy the full Minnesota National Guard , which law enforcement has said would be the first time such action has been taken since World War II .
Seven hundred soldiers had already been deployed in the cities and another 1,000 are expected .
Thousands of demonstrators have protested peacefully in the Twin Cities since Monday , when Floyd was killed by former police officer Derek Chauvin during an arrest in Minneapolis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported suspicions Floyd passed a counterfeit $ 20 bill , which was recorded and shared widely on social media .
Chauvin knelt on Floyd ’ s neck , holding him to the ground , as he struggled and yelled , “ I can ’ t breathe.
” Onlookers begged Chauvin and three other former officers on the scene to relent as Floyd became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead .
Protesters in Minneapolis and around the country have marched peacefully following Floyd ’ s death , chanting some of Floyd ’ s final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathe , ” and holding signs demanding an end to police brutality .
But in many cities , protests have devolved into violent clashes with police who have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters , burning and breaking into buildings , and destroying police cars .
A top public safety official in Minneapolis estimated Saturday that tens of thousands of people have been involved in the protests that have overwhelmed local police forces .
During large protests like those unfolding in Minneapolis , it ’ s not uncommon for actors with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments .
As Jason Johnson , a politics and journalism professor at Morgan State University , argued , anarchists and “ opportunistic criminals ” often take advantage of these moments to break into stores or sow chaos .
They are usually dwarfed by peaceful protesters who march to demand action against longstanding issues with racial bias from police and can be differentiated from people he described as “ revolutionaries ” who target places like police precincts and big-box stores that can be symbols of oppression .
Fires can also be started by police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot for hours after they ’ ve been launched , and who have thrown emergency flares .
The protests over Floyd ’ s death have once again sparked conversation over what is the right way to protest and what will actually cause change .
However they proceed , protesters in Minneapolis and elsewhere will likely continue to take to the streets to express pent-up anger over long-term racial disparities in treatment from law enforcement as systemic problems persist .
Update , May 31 , 1 am ET : This article has been updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s comments revising his earlier assertion on out-of-state arrests .
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

Governors and mayors in states across the country where protests flared Friday night say a small number of demonstrators, and in some cases out-of-state agitators, are responsible for escalating the events with violence and property damage.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the protesters “are coming in largely from outside of the city, from outside of the region, to prey on everything we have built over the last several decades.”
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said every person who was arrested in the city Friday night was from out of state. “We don’t know these folks,” he said.
Carter later had to walk back his comments, saying he later learned the arrest data was “inaccurate.” But he wasn’t the only official in the state who blamed the violence on outsiders.
“Last night is a mockery of pretending this is about George Floyd’s death or inequities or historical traumas to communities of color,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Saturday. He estimated as much as 80 percent of those destroying property in the cities were not locals.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter: "Every single person we arrested last night, I'm told, was from out of state." pic.twitter.com/VxvZ8ayZRF — NBC News (@NBCNews) May 30, 2020
The Star Tribune reported that officials made 40 arrests Friday night in the Twin Cities primarily for burglary, breaking curfew and destruction of property, and that the local jail log showed people booked from Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, and Alaska.
Other local reports put the number between 36 and 69 — and note their investigations into the matter do not support the assertions of local officials.
According to reporting by Theo Keith at Minneapolis’s Fox 9, 84 percent of those arrested had local addresses; Brandon Stahl of the city’s KARE 11 reports 86 percent of those arrested Friday night (and Saturday morning) were local. John Elder, a spokesperson for the Minneapolis police department, told both outlets his department has found that arrested people often give false addresses, and that preliminary investigations have revealed arrest records in other states for a number of those currently in custody.
Walz has promised the data analyzed by state officials to arrive at the conclusions shared during the conference will be made public. It’s not yet clear whether such data could explain the discrepancy.
Concerns over violence come as Minnesota prepares to increase National Guard presence
Officials’ comments came as the state prepares to deploy the full Minnesota National Guard, which law enforcement has said would be the first time such action has been taken since World War II. Seven hundred soldiers had already been deployed in the cities and another 1,000 are expected.
Thousands of demonstrators have protested peacefully in the Twin Cities since Monday, when Floyd was killed by former police officer Derek Chauvin during an arrest in Minneapolis. Chauvin handcuffed and pinned Floyd down over reported suspicions Floyd passed a counterfeit $20 bill, with the incident recorded and shared widely on social media. Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck, holding him to the ground, as he struggled and yelled, “I can’t breathe.” Onlookers begged Chauvin and three other former officers on the scene to relent as Floyd became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.
Protesters in Minneapolis and around the country have marched peacefully following Floyd’s death, chanting some of Floyd’s final words, “I can’t breathe,” and holding signs demanding an end to police brutality.
But in many cities, protests have devolved into violent clashes with police who have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters, burning and breaking into buildings, and destroying police cars. A top public safety official in Minneapolis estimated Saturday that tens of thousands of people have been involved in the protests that have overwhelmed local police forces.
During large protests like those unfolding in Minneapolis, it’s not uncommon for actors with different agendas to take advantage of chaotic moments.
As Jason Johnson, a politics and journalism professor at Morgan State University, argued, anarchists and “opportunistic criminals” often take advantage of these moments to break into stores or sow chaos.
They are usually dwarfed by peaceful protesters who march to demand action against longstanding issues with racial bias from police and can be differentiated from people he described as “revolutionaries” who target places like police precincts and big-box stores that can be symbols of oppression. Fires can also be started by police, whose tear gas canisters can remain hot for hours after they’ve been launched, and who have thrown emergency flares.
The protests over Floyd’s death have once again sparked conversation over what is the right way to protest and what will actually cause change. However they proceed, protesters in Minneapolis and elsewhere will likely continue to take to the streets to express pent-up anger over long-term racial disparities in treatment from law enforcement as systemic problems persist.
Update, May 31, 1 am ET: This article has been updated with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s comments revising his earlier assertion on out-of-state arrests.


vox--2020-05-31--Scenes from Saturday night’s protests across the country

Nationwide protests over police violence after the death of George Floyd continued to escalate Saturday night .
At least 25 cities imposed curfews to try to keep protests , some of which became violent , off the streets .
States called up their National Guards .
In cities around the country , police fired rubber bullets and tear gas .
Some protesters threw glass bottles , stones , and bricks .
Floyd died in Minneapolis on Monday after a police officer , who was charged with murder on Friday , pinned Floyd ’ s neck to the ground with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded for air .
Across the country , Floyd ’ s death has become a symbol of police violence and inequality .
And the protests are playing out against the backdrop of a pandemic that has disproportionately affected black Americans .
Many protests started out peacefully .
But as the night continued , violence erupted from both protestors and police — and in some cases , the police violence was unprovoked , according to reporters on the scene .
A police SUV drove into a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn Videos widely circulated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department SUV driving into a crowd of protesters .
Mayor Bill de Blasio offered only mild condemnation , saying , “ It is a troubling video , and I wish they hadn ’ t done that , but we have to be clear ... they were being surrounded by a violent crowd , ” according to Gloria Pazmino , a reporter for NY1 .
In Washington , DC , some protesters attempted to scale barricades surrounding the White House .
Police fired clouds of tear gas and rubber bullets .
Police also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — without provocation in at least one case , according to MSNBC ’ s Ali Velshi : In Denver , police fired tear gas as protestors threw fireworks , according to Denver Post reporter Saja Hindi : The Geneva Convention bans tear gas in international warfare , although it ’ s explicitly allowed in domestic policing situations ; in the short term , it causes painful symptoms , and “ we don ’ t know much about the long-term effects , especially in civilian exposure , ” a tear gas expert told Vox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis and New York In Minneapolis , a photographer for local news organization WCCO was struck by a rubber bullet , forced onto the ground by police , and arrested , according to the news outlet .
Police also fired tear gas at journalists who had identified themselves as media , according to LA Times reporter Molly Hennessy-Fiske : These aren ’ t the first arrests of journalists during the ongoing protests : CNN ’ s Omar Jimenez was arrested on live TV earlier in the week .
Every day at Vox , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

Share All sharing options for: Scenes from Saturday night’s protests across the country
Nationwide protests over police violence, after the death of George Floyd, continued to escalate Saturday night. At least 25 cities imposed curfews to try to keep protests, some of which became violent, off the streets. States called up their National Guards. In cities around the country, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas. Some protesters threw glass bottles, stones, and bricks.
Floyd died in Minneapolis on Monday after a police officer, who was charged with murder on Friday, pinned Floyd’s neck to the ground with his knee for nearly 9 minutes while Floyd pleaded for air. Across the country, Floyd’s death has become a symbol of police violence and inequality. And the protests are playing out against the backdrop of a pandemic that has disproportionately affected black Americans.
Many protests started out peacefully. But as the night continued, violence erupted from both protesters and police — and in some cases, the police violence was unprovoked, according to reporters on the scene.
A police SUV drove into a crowd of protesters in Brooklyn
Videos widely circulated on social media showed a New York Police Department SUV driving into a crowd of protesters. Mayor Bill de Blasio offered only mild condemnation, saying, “It is a troubling video, and I wish they hadn’t done that, but we have to be clear ... they were being surrounded by a violent crowd,” according to Gloria Pazmino, a reporter for NY1.
Here is the overhead... pic.twitter.com/US6Qqhkz3O — Rob Bennett @ (@rob_bennett) May 31, 2020
Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and other projectiles
In Washington, DC, some protesters attempted to scale temporary security barricades set up in front of the White House. Police fired clouds of tear gas and rubber bullets.
Back in the medic area, protesters are screaming, “it burns!” Volunteer medics are washing out wounds. Offering people milk and water mixed with antacids for their burning throat and eyes. #DC pic.twitter.com/Bx8Nc8S7Xg — Marissa J. Lang (@Marissa_Jae) May 31, 2020
Police also fired tear gas at protesters in Minneapolis — without provocation in at least one case, according to MSNBC’s Ali Velshi:
WATCH: @AliVelshi reports from Minneapolis as police fire tear gas toward protesters: “There has been no provocation ... The police pulled into this intersection unprovoked.” pic.twitter.com/OEUXdPg73O — MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 31, 2020
In Denver, police fired tear gas as protesters threw fireworks, according to Denver Post reporter Saja Hindi:
Cops responding with A LOT of tear gas. pic.twitter.com/GXYE0JfvHZ — Saja Hindi (@BySajaHindi) May 31, 2020
In Cincinnati:
Police break up gathering at Clifton and McMillan. Using tear gas. pic.twitter.com/bqBVdfE0R9 — Albert Cesare (@AlbertCesare) May 31, 2020
In San Antonio:
Breaking — Another round of tear gas is being deployed on Alamo Street in San Antonio. pic.twitter.com/yNziNHYnAS — Silvia Foster-Frau (@SilviaElenaFF) May 31, 2020
In Tampa, Florida:
For those still up and curious: The situation at University Mall doesn’t appear to be letting up anytime soon. The stream of cars and cops into its parking lot is near constant, as is the tear gas. #TampaProtest pic.twitter.com/690ltQbTml — Josh Fiallo (@ByJoshFiallo) May 31, 2020
In Los Angeles:
"We're getting hit by tear gas!" Live coverage from field reporters from @ABC7 in Los Angeles as protests rage through the luxury stores of Rodeo Drive.
LIVE UPATES: https://t.co/xJQvixJr2S pic.twitter.com/xw9ZO9yFYN — Good Morning America (@GMA) May 31, 2020
In Dallas:
Dallas cops let loose with tear gas on the kneeling protesters nearby the DART station on Elm St. after warning them they would make arrests if they don’t move out of the street. Protesters attempting to kick it back but this stuff sucks. #DallasProtest pic.twitter.com/t15dfUGFk2 — Dom (@DomDiFurio) May 31, 2020
The Geneva Convention bans tear gas in international warfare, although it’s explicitly allowed in domestic policing situations; in the short term, it causes painful symptoms, and “we don’t know much about the long-term effects, especially in civilian exposure,” a tear gas expert told Vox in 2014.
Police arrested journalists in Minneapolis and New York
In Minneapolis, a photographer for local news organization WCCO was struck by a rubber bullet, forced onto the ground by police, and arrested, according to the news outlet. Police also fired tear gas at journalists who had identified themselves as media, according to LA Times reporter Molly Hennessy-Fiske:
Minnesota State Patrol just fired tear gas at reporters and photographers at point blank range. pic.twitter.com/r7X6J7LKo8 — Molly Hennessy-Fiske (@mollyhf) May 31, 2020
In Brooklyn, police arrested a Huffington Post reporter:
Confirmed that this is @huffpost reporter @letsgomathias getting arrested — I didn’t catch when they first apprehended him but it was incredibly violent. His press badge is clearly visible. pic.twitter.com/ob3FvEzkiK — Phoebe Leila Barghouty (@PLBarghouty) May 31, 2020
These aren’t the first arrests of journalists during the ongoing protests: CNN’s Omar Jimenez was arrested on live TV earlier in the week.


vox--2020-05-31--Mayor Bill de Blasio’s defense of the NYPD’s handling of protests revives old tensions

A video of a New York City Police Department van driving into a group of protesters has ignited questions about the NYPD ’ s response to the demonstrations , and whether the city ’ s leadership — specifically Mayor Bill de Blasio — has the ability and will to hold the police force accountable .
Protests over the police killing of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , engulfed New York City for another night on Saturday , and some turned in violent , with reports of both protester and police aggression .
But the police response to some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists and elected officials , like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) .
In particular , outrage has centered on a video showing a police van driving into protesters .
In the clip , protesters surround an NYPD van and push a barricade up to its bumper , with some protesters flinging objects — what looked like water bottles and traffic cones — at the van .
Another police van pulls up and begins to slowly make its way through the crowd , while the other all of a sudden accelerates , sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if anyone was injured .
De Blasio , addressing the protests Saturday night , called the scene “ a very tense one.
” “ And imagine what it would be like , you ’ re just trying to do your job and then you see hundreds of people converging upon you .
I ’ m not gon na blame officers who are trying to deal with an absolutely impossible situation , ” de Blasio said Saturday .
“ The folks who were converging on that police car did the wrong thing to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I wish the officers had found a different approach .
But let ’ s begin at the beginning .
The protesters in that video did the wrong thing to surround them , surround that police car , period.
” De Blasio ’ s initial comments drew criticism , and though he tempered his remarks the next day , he now faces pressure from both police and protesters .
The mayor ’ s response was a reminder of the sometimes tenuous relationship he ’ s had with both cops and criminal justice advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ softened his stance , but his more moderate tone may have come too late De Blasio walked back the comments slightly at a Sunday morning press conference , saying he did not “ ever want to see that again ” and announcing an independent investigation into the incident , to “ look at the actions of those officers and see what was done and why it was done and what could be done differently.
” That investigation will be led by the city ’ s chief lawyer , James Johnson , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Investigations Commissioner Margaret Garnett .
The findings are expected in June .
( New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo later Sunday announced that Attorney General Letitia James would also investigate . )
At Sunday ’ s press conference , de Blasio defended the police ’ s handling of the protests this weekend overall .
“ We saw tremendous restraint overall from the NYPD .
There are always going to be some incidents we don ’ t like , ” he said .
“ I saw a lot of restraint under very , very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep saying , to anyone who is protesting for change , do not take your anger out on the individual officer in front of you.
” NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea , who took over as the top cop late last year , also backed up the police , although with far more forceful language .
On Sunday morning , he told reporters that peaceful protests had been “ hijacked ” by a small number of agitators .
Shea said he did not like what he saw in the van video , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairly and I urge you to also : There are protests and there are mobs.
” Earlier in the day , Shea posted a lengthy Twitter thread that said what NYPD cops had endured in 2020 was “ unprecedented.
” “ In no small way , I want you to know that I ’ m extremely proud of the way you ’ ve comported yourselves in the face of such persistent danger , disrespect , and denigration , ” he wrote .
“ What we saw in New York City last night and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest of any kind .
It was not about civil disobedience .
It was not about demonstrating against police brutality.
” There is no question that some protests escalated into violence and destruction .
Banks in downtown Manhattan had their windows smashed , and some businesses were looted .
The outside of St. Patrick ’ s Cathedral was graffitied .
Protesters set cop cars aflame , damaging 47 vehicles , according to police officials .
Shea said nearly 350 people had been arrested , and more than 30 officers were injured .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters who might have been hurt or injured in some of the chaos of the protests , or of those wounded by officers .
De Blasio largely blamed outside agitators for much of the mayhem , calling them “ people who came to do violence in a systematic organized fashion .
That is a different reality we need to grapple with.
” But he did not go into greater detail .
His failure to do so , and to fully acknowledge and condemn what seemed like clear examples of the NYPD ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharp criticism of the mayor .
“ Considering that these protests are linked to policing , and communities who feel like there ’ s no accountability for misconduct even when documented ... .these types of broad overarching comments may be the absolute worst that could be made at this time , ” Jumaane Williams , New York City ’ s public advocate , tweeted .
Ocasio-Cortez , who represents constituents from the Bronx and Queens , called de Blasio ’ s comments on Saturday “ unacceptable.
” “ This moment demands leadership & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and making excuses for NYPD running SUVs into crowds was wrong , ” she tweeted .
Corey Johnson , the New York City Council speaker , called the clip of the van “ outrageous.
” “ Driving police vehicles into crowds of protestors is not deescalation , ” he said .
Johnson and other city officials have demanded an independent investigation in the protests , separate from the one the mayor has already promised .
As more protests are underway Sunday , fears persist that the failure to denounce the dangerous acts outright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence again .
And that possibility — and the police response so far — may be a reckoning for de Blasio , who ran for mayor on a platform of police reform and has had , at times , a strained relationship with the institution , despite his latest defense of the department .
De Blasio ran on police reform , but his relationship with the NYPD is complicated A “ tale of two cities , ” was de Blasio ’ s broad campaign platform when he ran for mayor in 2013 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorks : one for the privileged , and another for the low-income and minority members of the city .
As part of this theme , he embraced a platform of police reform , campaigning against such tactics as “ stop and frisk.
” In a famous campaign ad , de Blasio ’ s teenage son Dante , who is biracial , said his dad would end the stop-and-frisk era that “ unfairly target [ ed ] people of color.
” But the reality was a lot more complicated , especially in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how the public perceives public safety .
For his first police commissioner , de Blasio hired Bill Bratton , who served as police chief in the 1990s under Mayor Rudy Giuliani .
Many criminal justice reform advocates denounced the pick for Bratton ’ s association with “ broken windows ” policing , a theory that cracking down on small crimes prevents larger ones .
One of the first big tests de Blasio faced in his tenure was the death of Eric Garner in July 2014 , who died after an NYPD officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was captured on video .
( His plea , “ I can ’ t breathe , ” was the same made by George Floyd in his final moments . )
“ Like so many New Yorkers I was very troubled by the video , ” de Blasio said at the time .
In December 2014 , protests broke out in New York after a grand jury declined to indict the officer involved in the incident .
( Also around this time , a separate grand jury declined to indict the officer in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Missouri . )
De Blasio expressed solidarity with some of the protests .
“ Black lives matter , ” he said at the time .
“ They said it because it has to be said .
It ’ s a phrase that should never have to be said .
It should be self-evident , but our history sadly requires us to say it.
” Later that month , two NYPD officers , Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos , were killed by a gunman while they were sitting in their cop car in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted police officers , and in the aftermath , some criticized the protests as fomenting anti-police hatred .
New York ’ s vocal police unions , in particular , blamed de Blasio .
( De Blasio later called for a halt in the protests . )
At the funeral for the slain officers , cops turned their back on de Blasio .
The reaction by the rank-and-file officers became symbolic of a lingering mistrust between New York ’ s police and the mayor .
That image has been nearly impossible for de Blasio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the police unions have continued to fuel .
After a shooting in the Bronx earlier this year that seemed to target police , which de Blasio roundly condemned , one of the unions “ declared war.
” And , again , it ’ s been hard for de Blasio to overcome this sense of antipathy , even if it does not fully reflect the relationship between the NYPD ’ s top brass and the mayor ’ s office .
Which , in turn , has led to criticism from the left flank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far too deferential to the NYPD and as failing to fully address the real , structural problems he had campaigned on .
New York ’ s record-low crime rate in the city ( though murders did tick up in 2019 ) has largely continued under de Blasio , though that could be attributed to many factors .
And police reform has happened , if imperfectly .
The NYPD ’ s neighborhood policing initiative vastly expanded under de Blasio and then-NYPD Commissioner James O ’ Neill , which assigns police to specific blocks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the current commissioner , is also a champion of this approach .
The new strategy still has its critics , and studies are still being done on its effectiveness , both in improving relationships and in targeting crime .
The NYPD has also tried to put more emphasis on precision policing , which is intended to target repeat or violent offenders rather than blanket approaches like stop-and-frisk .
There ’ s also been expanded rollout of body cameras .
But critics say it isn ’ t enough .
There are questions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being appropriately investigated .
De Blasio has continued to back some “ broken windows ” policing , and he fought an attempt by the Manhattan district attorney to stop prosecuting those evading public transportation fares .
Of course , there are lots of nuances surrounding de Blasio ’ s record that both camps critical of him — that he ’ s anti-police or abandoned needed reforms — miss .
But it helps explain why the mayor might face blowback regardless of how he responds to the protests in New York .
The response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows why police reform is so challenging , even in the nation ’ s most populous city .
Both things can be true : Some protesters became violent , and some cops used inappropriate force and may have provoked protesters .
Failing to acknowledge the gray areas of the turmoil in New York deepens the distrust .
In the longer term , that makes it harder to work toward or implement reforms .
And for now , it may make the protests , sure to continue , even more volatile .
Every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
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A video of a New York City Police Department van driving into a group of protesters has ignited questions about the NYPD’s response to the demonstrations, and whether the city’s leadership — specifically Mayor Bill de Blasio — has the ability and will to hold the police force accountable.
Protests over the police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, engulfed New York City for another night on Saturday, and some turned in violent, with reports of both protester and police aggression. But the police response to some of the demonstrations has drawn outrage from activists and elected officials, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
In particular, outrage has centered on a video showing a police van driving into protesters. In the clip, protesters surround an NYPD van and push a barricade up to its bumper, with some protesters flinging objects — what looked like water bottles and traffic cones — at the van. Another police van pulls up and begins to slowly make its way through the crowd, while the other all of a sudden accelerates, sending protesters flying. It is not clear if anyone was injured.
Here is the overhead... pic.twitter.com/US6Qqhkz3O — Rob Bennett @ (@rob_bennett) May 31, 2020
De Blasio, addressing the protests Saturday night, called the scene “a very tense one.”
“And imagine what it would be like, you’re just trying to do your job and then you see hundreds of people converging upon you. I’m not gonna blame officers who are trying to deal with an absolutely impossible situation,” de Blasio said Saturday. “The folks who were converging on that police car did the wrong thing to begin with and they created an untenable situation. I wish the officers had found a different approach. But let’s begin at the beginning. The protesters in that video did the wrong thing to surround them, surround that police car, period.”
De Blasio’s initial comments drew criticism, and though he tempered his remarks the next day, he now faces pressure from both police and protesters. The mayor’s response was a reminder of the sometimes tenuous relationship he’s had with both cops and criminal justice advocates throughout his tenure.
De Blasio has softened his stance, but his more moderate tone may have come too late
De Blasio walked back the comments slightly at a Sunday morning press conference, saying he did not “ever want to see that again” and announcing an independent investigation into the incident, to “look at the actions of those officers and see what was done and why it was done and what could be done differently.”
That investigation will be led by the city’s chief lawyer, James Johnson, and the city’s watchdog, Department of Investigations Commissioner Margaret Garnett. The findings are expected in June. (New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo later Sunday announced that Attorney General Letitia James would also investigate.)
At Sunday’s press conference, de Blasio defended the police’s handling of the protests this weekend overall. “We saw tremendous restraint overall from the NYPD. There are always going to be some incidents we don’t like,” he said.
NYC Mayor de Blasio just now, somehow: “We saw tremendous restraint overall from the NYPD.” pic.twitter.com/zUwUvjgfji — The Recount (@therecount) May 31, 2020
“I saw a lot of restraint under very, very difficult circumstances. I am going to keep saying, to anyone who is protesting for change, do not take your anger out on the individual officer in front of you.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, who took over as the top cop late last year, also backed up the police, although with far more forceful language. On Sunday morning, he told reporters that peaceful protests had been “hijacked” by a small number of agitators. Shea said he did not like what he saw in the van video, but he added, “I look at it fairly and I urge you to also: There are protests and there are mobs.”
Earlier in the day, Shea posted a lengthy Twitter thread that said what NYPD cops had endured in 2020 was “unprecedented.”
“In no small way, I want you to know that I’m extremely proud of the way you’ve comported yourselves in the face of such persistent danger, disrespect, and denigration,” he wrote. “What we saw in New York City last night and the night before was not about peaceful protest of any kind. It was not about civil disobedience. It was not about demonstrating against police brutality.”
There is no question that some protests escalated into violence and destruction. Banks in downtown Manhattan had their windows smashed, and some businesses were looted. The outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral was graffitied. Protesters set cop cars aflame, damaging 47 vehicles, according to police officials. Shea said nearly 350 people had been arrested, and more than 30 officers were injured.
There was no mention, however, of protesters who might have been hurt or injured in some of the chaos of the protests, or of those wounded by officers. De Blasio largely blamed outside agitators for much of the mayhem, calling them “people who came to do violence in a systematic organized fashion. That is a different reality we need to grapple with.” But he did not go into greater detail.
His failure to do so, and to fully acknowledge and condemn what seemed like clear examples of the NYPD’s excessive use of force, led to sharp criticism of the mayor.
“Considering that these protests are linked to policing, and communities who feel like there’s no accountability for misconduct even when documented....these types of broad overarching comments may be the absolute worst that could be made at this time,” Jumaane Williams, New York City’s public advocate, tweeted.
Considering that these protests are linked to policing, and communities who feel like there's no accountability for misconduct even when documented....these types of broad overarching comments may be the absolute worst that could be made at this time. https://t.co/zBBwxQXDh3 — Jumaane Williams (@JumaaneWilliams) May 31, 2020
Ocasio-Cortez, who represents constituents from the Bronx and Queens, called de Blasio’s comments on Saturday “unacceptable.”
“This moment demands leadership & accountability from each of us. Defending and making excuses for NYPD running SUVs into crowds was wrong,” she tweeted.
Corey Johnson, the New York City Council speaker, called the clip of the van “outrageous.”
“Driving police vehicles into crowds of protestors is not deescalation,” he said. Johnson and other city officials have demanded an independent investigation in the protests, separate from the one the mayor has already promised.
As more protests are underway Sunday, fears persist that the failure to denounce the dangerous acts outright might cause tensions to boil over into violence again. And that possibility — and the police response so far — may be a reckoning for de Blasio, who ran for mayor on a platform of police reform and has had, at times, a strained relationship with the institution, despite his latest defense of the department.
De Blasio ran on police reform, but his relationship with the NYPD is complicated
A “tale of two cities,” was de Blasio’s broad campaign platform when he ran for mayor in 2013. The simple idea was of two New Yorks: one for the privileged, and another for the low-income and minority members of the city. As part of this theme, he embraced a platform of police reform, campaigning against such tactics as “stop and frisk.” In a famous campaign ad, de Blasio’s teenage son Dante, who is biracial, said his dad would end the stop-and-frisk era that “unfairly target[ed] people of color.”
But the reality was a lot more complicated, especially in New York, where mayoralties can rise and fall on how the public perceives public safety. For his first police commissioner, de Blasio hired Bill Bratton, who served as police chief in the 1990s under Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Many criminal justice reform advocates denounced the pick for Bratton’s association with “broken windows” policing, a theory that cracking down on small crimes prevents larger ones.
One of the first big tests de Blasio faced in his tenure was the death of Eric Garner in July 2014, who died after an NYPD officer placed him in a chokehold, which was captured on video. (His plea, “I can’t breathe,” was the same made by George Floyd in his final moments.) “Like so many New Yorkers I was very troubled by the video,” de Blasio said at the time.
In December 2014, protests broke out in New York after a grand jury declined to indict the officer involved in the incident. (Also around this time, a separate grand jury declined to indict the officer in the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.) De Blasio expressed solidarity with some of the protests. “Black lives matter,” he said at the time. “They said it because it has to be said. It’s a phrase that should never have to be said. It should be self-evident, but our history sadly requires us to say it.”
Later that month, two NYPD officers, Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, were killed by a gunman while they were sitting in their cop car in Brooklyn. The 28-year-old gunman had explicitly targeted police officers, and in the aftermath, some criticized the protests as fomenting anti-police hatred. New York’s vocal police unions, in particular, blamed de Blasio. (De Blasio later called for a halt in the protests.)
At the funeral for the slain officers, cops turned their back on de Blasio. The reaction by the rank-and-file officers became symbolic of a lingering mistrust between New York’s police and the mayor. That image has been nearly impossible for de Blasio to shake, and one a lot of the police unions have continued to fuel. After a shooting in the Bronx earlier this year that seemed to target police, which de Blasio roundly condemned, one of the unions “declared war.”
And, again, it’s been hard for de Blasio to overcome this sense of antipathy, even if it does not fully reflect the relationship between the NYPD’s top brass and the mayor’s office. Which, in turn, has led to criticism from the left flank, who now see de Blasio as far too deferential to the NYPD and as failing to fully address the real, structural problems he had campaigned on.
New York’s record-low crime rate in the city (though murders did tick up in 2019) has largely continued under de Blasio, though that could be attributed to many factors. And police reform has happened, if imperfectly. The NYPD’s neighborhood policing initiative vastly expanded under de Blasio and then-NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill, which assigns police to specific blocks to strengthen relationships with the community. Shea, the current commissioner, is also a champion of this approach. The new strategy still has its critics, and studies are still being done on its effectiveness, both in improving relationships and in targeting crime.
The NYPD has also tried to put more emphasis on precision policing, which is intended to target repeat or violent offenders rather than blanket approaches like stop-and-frisk. There’s also been expanded rollout of body cameras.
But critics say it isn’t enough. There are questions on whether anti-bias claims against the police are being appropriately investigated. De Blasio has continued to back some “broken windows” policing, and he fought an attempt by the Manhattan district attorney to stop prosecuting those evading public transportation fares.
Of course, there are lots of nuances surrounding de Blasio’s record that both camps critical of him — that he’s anti-police or abandoned needed reforms — miss. But it helps explain why the mayor might face blowback regardless of how he responds to the protests in New York.
The response to the mayor’s comments also shows why police reform is so challenging, even in the nation’s most populous city. Both things can be true: Some protesters became violent, and some cops used inappropriate force and may have provoked protesters. Failing to acknowledge the gray areas of the turmoil in New York deepens the distrust. In the longer term, that makes it harder to work toward or implement reforms. And for now, it may make the protests, sure to continue, even more volatile.