vox--2020-05-31--Police targeted journalists covering the George Floyd protests

On Friday night , photojournalist Linda Tirado was shot in the eye by a rubber bullet while covering an anti-police brutality protest in Minneapolis — one of more than two dozen incidents of journalists experiencing violence while covering the recent demonstrations .
Tirado says she ’ s permanently blind in her left eye .
( She is thankful she uses her right eye to take photos , so the injury is not career-ending . )
The Minneapolis Police Department and Mayor Jacob Frey ’ s office didn ’ t respond to requests for comment about Tirado ’ s injury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by police , facing arrest , detention , and violence , including being pepper sprayed and shot by rubber bullets .
Journalists were targeted by police in the Ferguson protests in 2015 and during the civil rights era , and that pattern of violence and arrests continued into this weekend ’ s protests .
“ Targeted attacks on journalists , media crews , and news organizations covering the demonstrations show a complete disregard for their critical role in documenting issues of public interest and are an unacceptable attempt to intimidate them , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program director at the nonprofit advocacy group Committee to Protect Journalists , in a statement Saturday .
“ Authorities in cities across the U.S. need to instruct police not to target journalists and ensure they can report safely on the protests without fear of injury or retaliation.
” A reporter and her camera crew were shot at by police in Louisville .
Vox ’ s Alex Ward has more detailed coverage of the Louisville incident here .
Ali Velshi and his MSNBC camera crew were shot at by Minneapolis police live on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Susan Ormiston was hit with rubber bullets and tear gas fired by Minneapolis police live on the air Saturday .
Two members of a Reuters TV camera crew were hit by rubber bullets in Minneapolis Saturday .
Reporter and photojournalist Sarah Belle Lin was hit in the thigh by a rubber bullet fired by police while covering protests in Oakland , California , Saturday evening .
A man with a video camera and a press helmet was filmed by CNN getting shot with rubber bullets by Minneapolis police Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that police in Minneapolis fired rubber bullets at his crew , striking sound engineer John Marschitz in the arm .
LA Times reporter Molly Hennessy-Fiske reported that Minnesota State Patrol troopers fired tear gas at reporters and camera crews in Minneapolis Saturday .
On Rodeo Drive in Santa Monica , California , an ABC7 reporter and his crew were hit with tear gas Saturday .
Several Detroit Free Press reporters were pepper sprayed by Detroit police Saturday , including one who held up a press badge while police targeted him .
KSTP reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media in Minneapolis before they were tear gassed and pepper sprayed by police Saturday .
VICE News correspondent Michael Adams reported that police raided a gas station where several members of the press were taking shelter .
He said police threw him to the ground and pepper sprayed him .
On Friday morning , CNN reporter Omar Jimenez and his crew were arrested live on the air in Minneapolis .
Vox ’ s Matthew Yglesias has more detailed coverage here .
HuffPost reporter Christopher Mathias , who photos show with his press badge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while covering protests in Brooklyn Saturday evening .
He was later released and in good condition , according to several of his HuffPost colleagues .
Minneapolis-based reporter Madeleine Baran tweeted that a Minneapolis police officer pointed a weapon at her and did not lower it when she identified herself as a reporter .
The incident prompted her to leave and stop reporting on the protest .
Journalist Simon Moya-Smith was pepper sprayed and arrested after being told “ Roll on your side , Mr.
Journalist , ” by a Minneapolis police officer Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was arrested by NYPD Saturday .
Police weren ’ t the only people targeting journalists this weekend But it was unfortunately not just police targeting journalists over the weekend .
Fox News reporter Leland Vittert and his crew were harassed , assaulted , and chased off the scene near the White House in Washington , DC , Friday .
Their camera was broken in the process .
A crowd surrounded , defaced , and smashed windows at CNN ’ s Atlanta headquarters Friday , though it should be noted there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
CBS5 reporter Briana Whitney was grabbed by a man on live television while reporting on protests outside Phoenix Police Department headquarters .
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 .

On Friday night, photojournalist Linda Tirado was shot in the eye by a rubber bullet while covering an anti-police brutality protest in Minneapolis — one of more than two dozen incidents of journalists experiencing violence while covering the recent demonstrations.
Tirado says she’s permanently blind in her left eye. (She is thankful she uses her right eye to take photos, so the injury is not career-ending.)
an update: I am permanently blind in my left eye, and the docs absolutely refuse to let me go back to work for they say six weeks. I’m definitely not allowed to be near smoke or gas.
Usually if I had to stay home I’d spend a lot of time amplifying folk but reading hurts today — Linda Tirado (@KillerMartinis) May 30, 2020
The Minneapolis Police Department and Mayor Jacob Frey’s office didn’t respond to requests for comment about Tirado’s injury.
Across the country journalists have been targeted by police, facing arrest, detention, and violence, including being pepper sprayed and shot by rubber bullets. Journalists were targeted by police in the Ferguson protests in 2015 and during the civil rights era, and that pattern of violence and arrests continued into this weekend’s protests.
“Targeted attacks on journalists, media crews, and news organizations covering the demonstrations show a complete disregard for their critical role in documenting issues of public interest and are an unacceptable attempt to intimidate them,” said Carlos Martínez de la Serna, program director at the nonprofit advocacy group Committee to Protect Journalists, in a statement Saturday. “Authorities in cities across the U.S. need to instruct police not to target journalists and ensure they can report safely on the protests without fear of injury or retaliation.”
Police shot at journalists with rubber bullets
A reporter and her camera crew were shot at by police in Louisville. Vox’s Alex Ward has more detailed coverage of the Louisville incident here.
LIVE ON @wave3news - something I’ve never seen in my career.
An armed officer shooting directly at our reporter @KaitlinRustWAVE and photographer @jbtcardfan during the protests in #Louisville.
My prayers are going out to everyone tonight.
Such a scary situation for all. pic.twitter.com/Ipg0DjFIXu — Lauren Jones (@LaurenWAVE3TV) May 30, 2020
Ali Velshi and his MSNBC camera crew were shot at by Minneapolis police live on the air while covering a peaceful protest.
Ali Veshi and his CNN crew come under fire from #Minneapolis police with tear gas and rubber bullets.
“There was absolutely no provocation. The police just drove up, split the crowd in two and started firing in both directions.” pic.twitter.com/GTXKU1fTdz — Chad Loder (@chadloder) May 31, 2020
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation journalist Susan Ormiston was hit with rubber bullets and tear gas fired by Minneapolis police live on the air Saturday.
#GeorgeFloyd Protests: CBC in Minneapolis#BREAKING The curfew is in effect but protesters are still out so police started tear gas and rubber bullets at them.
People have been hit including our colleague, CBC Senior Correspondent Susan Ormiston. pic.twitter.com/N8XcXaAyHH — Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) May 31, 2020
Two members of a Reuters TV camera crew were hit by rubber bullets in Minneapolis Saturday.
Minneapolis police here aiming directly at clearly identified journalists...
Two members of a Reuters TV crew were hit by rubber bullets and injured. https://t.co/cxFmi4QJoR pic.twitter.com/ORFeVxAOYN — Andrew Stroehlein (@astroehlein) May 31, 2020
Reporter and photojournalist Sarah Belle Lin was hit in the thigh by a rubber bullet fired by police while covering protests in Oakland, California, Saturday evening.
I was hit by the police by in the inner thighs. I am injured. I repeated my First Amendment rights. Oakland #GeorgeFloyd protest. pic.twitter.com/1Gm6Se1LQ8 — Sarah Belle Lin (@SarahBelleLin) May 31, 2020
Oh, and here’s the bruise. Courtesy of Contra Costa County Sheriffs. pic.twitter.com/8n03RXghCc — Sarah Belle Lin (@SarahBelleLin) May 31, 2020
A man with a video camera and a press helmet was filmed by CNN getting shot with rubber bullets by Minneapolis police Saturday.
A man with a video camera and a PRESS helmet runs after being hit by... something... apparently some sort of pellet fired by police pic.twitter.com/OpH2Q60ry4 — Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) May 31, 2020
CBS News reporter Michael George reported that police in Minneapolis fired rubber bullets at his crew, striking sound engineer John Marschitz in the arm.
This is the moment Minneapolis Police fired on our CBS News crew with rubber bullets. As you can see, no protesters anywhere near us- we all were wearing credentials and had cameras out. Our sound engineer was hit in the arm. #cbsnews pic.twitter.com/UAy7HYhGnL — Michael George (@MikeGeorgeCBS) May 31, 2020
Police in Minneapolis are firing on us (press) with rubber bullets. Our sound engineer John Marschitz was hit. He is ok. We were not standing within 500 feet of any protesters at the time, and we had credentials displayed and cameras out. #cbsnews pic.twitter.com/Ai6Qd8gLjz — Michael George (@MikeGeorgeCBS) May 31, 2020
Police hit reporters with tear gas and pepper spray
LA Times reporter Molly Hennessy-Fiske reported that Minnesota State Patrol troopers fired tear gas at reporters and camera crews in Minneapolis Saturday.
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
On Rodeo Drive in Santa Monica, California, an ABC7 reporter and his crew were hit with tear gas Saturday.
"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
Several Detroit Free Press reporters were pepper sprayed by Detroit police Saturday, including one who held up a press badge while police targeted him.
Several of our @freep journalists got pepper-sprayed tonight by Detroit Police, one directly in the face as he held up his media badge. A photographer had her livestream camera slapped out of her hand by another DPD officer as she tried to do her job. This is not OK. See this: https://t.co/PMq8IAnawi — Jim Schaefer (@DetroitReporter) May 31, 2020
KSTP reporter Ryan Raiche was with a group of media in Minneapolis before they were tear gassed and pepper sprayed by police Saturday.
Myself, photographer, and producer just made it back to the car. We were with a group of media and thought we were in a safe spot. We kept saying we’re media. Police tear gassed and pepper sprayed the entire group. Everyone ran. It was insane. It happened so fast. pic.twitter.com/Wl3Fzzlsnw — Ryan Raiche (@ryanraiche) May 31, 2020
VICE News correspondent Michael Adams reported that police raided a gas station where several members of the press were taking shelter. He said police threw him to the ground and pepper sprayed him.
Police just raided the gas station we were sheltering at. After shouting press multiple times and raising my press card in the air, I was thrown to the ground. Then another cop came up and peppered sprayed me in the face while I was being held down. pic.twitter.com/23EkZIMAFC — Michael Anthony Adams (@MichaelAdams317) May 31, 2020
Police threatened and arrested journalists
On Friday morning, CNN reporter Omar Jimenez and his crew were arrested live on the air in Minneapolis. Vox’s Matthew Yglesias has more detailed coverage here.
HuffPost reporter Christopher Mathias, who photos show with his press badge clearly visible to officers, was arrested while covering protests in Brooklyn Saturday evening. He was later released and in good condition, according to several of his HuffPost colleagues.
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
Minneapolis-based reporter Madeleine Baran tweeted that a Minneapolis police officer pointed a weapon at her and did not lower it when she identified herself as a reporter. The incident prompted her to leave and stop reporting on the protest.
A Minneapolis police officer pointed a weapon at me at @sfreemark’s heads, while we were standing on Nicollet and 32nd covering the protests. I yelled that I’m a journalist. He did not lower his weapon, so we ran. Calling it a night. — Madeleine Baran (@madeleinebaran) May 30, 2020
Journalist Simon Moya-Smith was pepper sprayed and arrested after being told “Roll on your side, Mr. Journalist,” by a Minneapolis police officer Saturday.
I was pepper-sprayed then arrested last night by Minneapolis PD even after identifying myself as a reporter MULTIPLE times:
Cop 1: *checks press badge as I’m on the ground*
Cop 2: “Roll on your side, Mr. journalist.”
Cop 3: *loads me in the car, sees my press badge and shrugs* — Simon Moya-Smith (@SimonMoyaSmith) May 31, 2020
CNN commentator Keith Boykin tweeted that he was arrested by NYPD Saturday.
The police locked me in tight zip ties that bruised my wrists. They held me in a van for an hour. Then a hot police bus for an hour. Then they took me
to 1 Police Plaza and held me in a jail cell with about 35 others with no social distancing and many of the others unmasked. — Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) May 31, 2020
Police weren’t the only people targeting journalists this weekend
But it was unfortunately not just police targeting journalists over the weekend. Fox News reporter Leland Vittert and his crew were harassed, assaulted, and chased off the scene near the White House in Washington, DC, Friday. Their camera was broken in the process.
“Vittert and the crew were punched and hit with projectiles as they fled, and a Fox News camera was broken when a member of the mob tried to grab it.” https://t.co/scwxYvIb1s — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) May 30, 2020
A crowd surrounded, defaced, and smashed windows at CNN’s Atlanta headquarters Friday, though it should be noted there is a police precinct headquarters inside the CNN Center.
The police and security are now blocking the entrances to the CNN Center as the crowd's intentions had become clear.
This is view from the News 2 Chopper on their Live Feed:https://t.co/YBVCxZWGYR pic.twitter.com/KHPfFVOsKG — Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) May 29, 2020
CBS5 reporter Briana Whitney was grabbed by a man on live television while reporting on protests outside Phoenix Police Department headquarters.


vox--2020-05-31--Images of police using violence against peaceful protesters are going viral

Images of police using violence against peaceful protesters are going viral Share All sharing options for : Images of police using violence against peaceful protesters are going viral Video footage is going viral of police officers responding to protests Saturday night with excessive force , including battering and pepper-spraying peaceful demonstrators .
Most of the nationwide anti-police brutality protests started peacefully Saturday afternoon , but many took a more volatile turn on Saturday night .
Some images show protesters vandalizing property , including setting fire to police cars and businesses .
But other videos show officers aggravating lawful participants with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving a police SUV into a crowd .
The protests began in Minnesota last week in response to a video showing a white Minneapolis police officer killing an unarmed black man , George Floyd .
The protests have spread globally and taken on a broader call for an end to police brutality .
Some images in this article may be graphic .
In New York , a police officer pulled down the mask of a peaceful protester , who had his hands up , and pepper-sprayed him in the face .
The police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badge numbers .
And in Seattle , a child was hit with pepper spray , too .
In the video , she is screaming as other protesters pour milk on her face .
In Columbus , Ohio , Rep. Joyce Beatty , Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin , and Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce were also pepper-sprayed by the police while trying to ease a conflict between protesters and the police .
In Brooklyn , a New York Police Department SUV rammed into a crowd of protesters , knocking them to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone was seriously injured .
In a press conference later in the day , Mayor Bill de Blasio blamed protesters for not getting out of the way and putting the police in an “ impossible ” situation .
In Dallas , a woman ’ s face was covered in blood after she was hit with a rubber bullet while walking home with groceries .
In Salt Lake City , an older man walking with a cane was pushed to the ground by an officer .
In Brooklyn , a video captured multiple officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual with a baton .
In Atlanta , the police dragged a young couple out of a car while using a Taser .
Officers also flattened the tires and broke the windows of their vehicle .
Multiple officers were involved in the incident .
Police open-fired paint canisters at people on their own property In Minneapolis , the Minneapolis Police Department and National Guard marched down the residential streets of Whittier neighborhood .
Tanya Kerssen , who lives in the neighborhood , tweeted that the officers shot paint canisters at the residents while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Dallas , the police tear-gassed City Hall , where peaceful protests were being held .
In Denver , the police fired multiple tear gas canisters just minutes after the city ’ s 8 pm curfew passed .
Washington , DC ’ s Lafayette Square , just across from the White House , was also flooded with tear gas .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

Images of police using violence against peaceful protesters are going viral
Share All sharing options for: Images of police using violence against peaceful protesters are going viral
Video footage is going viral of police officers responding to protests Saturday night with excessive force, including battering and pepper-spraying peaceful demonstrators.
Most of the nationwide anti-police brutality protests started peacefully Saturday afternoon, but many took a more volatile turn on Saturday night. Some images show protesters vandalizing property, including setting fire to police cars and businesses.
But other videos show officers aggravating lawful participants with batons and, in one case, driving a police SUV into a crowd.
The protests began in Minnesota last week in response to a video showing a white Minneapolis police officer killing an unarmed black man, George Floyd. The protests have spread globally and taken on a broader call for an end to police brutality.
Some images in this article may be graphic.
Police pepper-sprayed protesters
In New York, a police officer pulled down the mask of a peaceful protester, who had his hands up, and pepper-sprayed him in the face. The police in the video had intentionally covered their badge numbers.
This boy had his hands up when an NYPD ofcr pulled his mask down and pepper sprayed him. @NYPDShea? Mayor @BilldeBlasio? pic.twitter.com/YtXDOoVckA — Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) May 31, 2020
And in Seattle, a child was hit with pepper spray, too. In the video, she is screaming as other protesters pour milk on her face.
Scene from Seattle protest: Girl hit by pepper spray.
pic.twitter.com/aKlZoOANQR — Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) May 31, 2020
In Columbus, Ohio, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin, and Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce were also pepper-sprayed by the police while trying to ease a conflict between protesters and the police.
VIDEO: U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio being pepper sprayed by Columbus Police during protest
pic.twitter.com/YSwSZ8RlJE — Tim Ryan Renaud (@TimWCBD) May 30, 2020
A police SUV rammed into a crowd
In Brooklyn, a New York Police Department SUV rammed into a crowd of protesters, knocking them to the ground. It’s unclear whether anyone was seriously injured. In a press conference later in the day, Mayor Bill de Blasio blamed protesters for not getting out of the way and putting the police in an “impossible” situation.
Here is the overhead... pic.twitter.com/US6Qqhkz3O — Rob Bennett @ (@rob_bennett) May 31, 2020
Rubber bullets hit a bystander
In Dallas, a woman’s face was covered in blood after she was hit with a rubber bullet while walking home with groceries.
She says she was walking home with her groceries when police fired some sort of pellet in her face. Says she’s not a protester. #DallasProtests pic.twitter.com/2IyO1S9j6n — Kevin Krause (@KevinRKrause) May 31, 2020
Officers appear to assault peaceful participants
In Salt Lake City, an older man walking with a cane was pushed to the ground by an officer.
Salt Lake City cops shove down an elderly man with a cane for the crime of standing along the street: pic.twitter.com/PCLkHqQtJg — Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) May 31, 2020
In Brooklyn, a video captured multiple officers converging on a protester and hitting the individual with a baton.
A lot just popped off at the protest for George Floyd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Pepper spray, batons, and several arrests. pic.twitter.com/ZuciQA82fe — Jon Campbell (@j0ncampbell) May 29, 2020
In Atlanta, the police dragged a young couple out of a car while using a Taser. Officers also flattened the tires and broke the windows of their vehicle. Multiple officers were involved in the incident.
Police exercise increased force as tasers are used to pull two people from a vehicle in downtown Atlanta.https://t.co/dSjEgItPcy — CBS46 (@cbs46) May 31, 2020
Police open-fired paint canisters at people on their own property
In Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Police Department and National Guard marched down the residential streets of Whittier neighborhood. Tanya Kerssen, who lives in the neighborhood, tweeted that the officers shot paint canisters at the residents while shouting “light ’em up.”
Share widely: National guard and MPD sweeping our residential street. Shooting paint canisters at us on our own front porch. Yelling “light em up” #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeForGeorge #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/bW48imyt55 — Tanya Kerssen (@tkerssen) May 31, 2020
Excessively used tear gas
In Dallas, the police tear-gassed City Hall, where peaceful protests were being held.
POLICE TEAR GASSING CITY HALL AFTER PEACEFUL PROTEST IN DALLAS #DallasProtests pic.twitter.com/UyRFe0oDWx — Shariq Suhani (@ShariqSuhani) May 30, 2020
In Denver, the police fired multiple tear gas canisters just minutes after the city’s 8 pm curfew passed.
Cops responding with A LOT of tear gas. pic.twitter.com/GXYE0JfvHZ — Saja Hindi (@BySajaHindi) May 31, 2020
Washington, DC’s Lafayette Square, just across from the White House, was also flooded with tear gas.


vox--2020-06-01--The White House went dark as protests raged outside

As the nation was rocked by waves of protests across the country , the White House went dark on Sunday night .
Photos on social media showed the White House with nearly all its exterior lights outs .
Although it ’ s unclear why the administration turned the lights off , the dark building starkly contrasted to the fires burning around the city .
It also symbolized a response to what was happening outside the White House gates , as protesters continued to mourn the death of George Floyd , a black man killed last week by a police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground with his knee .
It was also reported last night that the president took shelter in the White House bunker on Friday as crowds gathered outside of the White House that evening to protest police violence against the black community .
Peaceful gatherings took a turn after dark as protesters clashed with law enforcement and lit fires near the building .
Rattled by the escalating tension outside the gates , the Secret Service briefly took Trump to the Presidential Emergency Operations Center , an underground bunker that is used to shelter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for nearly an hour , according to The New York Times .
The Associated Press reported that Trump and his family were shaken by the experience and the size of the protests .
Although it ’ s unclear whether Melania and Barron Trump were also taken to the bunker , security protocol would have required them to be sheltered as well .
In the past , the bunker has been reserved for situations like terrorist attacks : former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney had taken shelter in the bunker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 , 2001 .
Hours after the protests dispersed outside the White House on Friday , Trump went to Twitter to lash out against the protesters .
After thanking the Secret Service for their protection and saying that he “ couldn ’ t have felt more safe , ” he implied that protesters would have been attacked with “ the most vicious dogs , and most ominous weapons ” if they had set foot inside the White House .
Following his series of tweets , Trump also criticized protesters at NASA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he celebrated the launch of the SpaceX rocket , according to CNN .
He also briefly commented on his support for the police and condemned protesters .
These are the most in-depth remarks on the protests he ’ s given in public so far , outside of blaming the media , antifa , and Democrats .
For many , Trump ’ s trip to the bunker is representative of his leadership during the protests : to stand back and remain detached from the chaos .
Despite the escalating tension , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By hiding from protesters , Trump is also going against his own macho persona he ’ s highlighted during his Covid-19 response .
Although he may have projected an image of being too masculine to wear a mask in front of the public , he hasn ’ t shied away from staying behind the doors of the White House as protesters rage outside .

As the nation was rocked by waves of protests, the White House went dark on Sunday night.
Photos on social media showed the White House with nearly all its exterior lights out. Although it’s unclear why the administration turned the lights off, the dark building stood in stark contrast to the fires burning around the city. It also symbolized a response to what was happening outside the White House gates, as protesters continued to mourn the death of George Floyd, a black man killed last week by a police officer who pinned Floyd’s neck to the ground with his knee.
WHITE HOUSE TURN OFF EXTERIOR LIGHTING pic.twitter.com/CVVSlbVhnl — The_Real_Fly (@The_Real_Fly) June 1, 2020
The nation's capital is legitimately on fire in every direction. This is unreal. pic.twitter.com/hXNJ0LticL — Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) June 1, 2020
It was also reported Sunday that the president took shelter in the White House bunker on Friday as crowds gathered outside the White House that evening to protest against police violence toward the black community. The peaceful gatherings took a turn after dark as protesters clashed with law enforcement and lit fires near the building.
Rattled by the escalating tension outside the gates, the Secret Service briefly took Trump to the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, an underground bunker that is used to shelter presidents during threatening situations, on Friday for nearly an hour, according to the New York Times. The Associated Press reported that Trump and his family were shaken by the experience and the size of the protests. Although it’s unclear whether first lady Melania and son Barron Trump were also taken to the bunker, security protocol would have required them to be sheltered as well.
In the past, the bunker has been reserved for situations like terrorist attacks: President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney had taken shelter in the bunker following the 9/11 attacks.
Hours after the protests dispersed outside the White House on Friday, Trump took to Twitter to lash out against the protesters. After thanking the Secret Service for their protection and saying that he “couldn’t have felt more safe,” he implied that protesters would have been attacked with “the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons” if they had set foot inside the White House.
....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. Many Secret Service agents just waiting for action. “We put the young ones on the front line, sir, they love it, and.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2020
Following his series of tweets, Trump also criticized protesters at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, where he celebrated the launch of the SpaceX rocket, according to CNN. He also briefly commented on his support for the police and condemned protesters. These are the most in-depth remarks on the protests he’s given in public so far, outside of blaming the media, antifa, and Democrats.
For many, Trump’s trip to the bunker is representative of his leadership during the protests: Stand back and remain detached from the chaos. Despite the escalating tension, he has yet to formally address the nation.
By hiding from protesters, Trump is also going against the macho persona he’s cultivated during his coronavirus response. Although he may have projected an image of being too masculine to wear a mask in public, he hasn’t shied away from staying behind the doors of the White House as unrest swelled outside.


vox--2020-06-01--How to take care of your skin while wearing a mask

A surprising number of Jessica Wu ’ s patients have approached her in recent months with questions about random bouts of mask-related irritation .
While they ’ ve been in quarantine , the Los Angeles-based dermatologist told me , her clients have become more fixated on their skin than ever before ; furthermore , most rarely wore masks for an extended period of time prior to the coronavirus pandemic .
As a result , those with more sensitive or oily skin have been seeing minor complications : acne breakouts , flare-ups of eczema or rosacea , or general skin irritation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breakouts over the past few months , although masks are not the only reason .
People ’ s bodies ( and skin ) are adjusting to quarantine , and a pandemic has left many people more stressed , depressed , anxious , and restless — all factors that could increase the production of cortisol , which in turn affects oil production in the skin .
In April , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised the general public to wear non-medical masks and face coverings as a “ voluntary public health measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread .
Many states ( or locales within states ) have since issued mask mandates , requiring residents to cover their face in certain settings , such as on public transit and in grocery stores .
Many health care providers and essential workers , however , have been wearing specialized masks for hours at a time without taking them off since the pandemic began , to the point where many experienced painful skin breakage , chafing , and abrasions .
Some have had to cushion their masks with bandages to reduce skin soreness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of around the ears .
While many people are now experiencing firsthand the discomforts that can be caused by mask wear , they generally aren ’ t wearing a medical-grade respirator for long stretches of time every day .
There are many more non-medical mask options to choose from ( which aren ’ t as protective as the medical gear reserved for first responders ) , as many clothing retailers and companies have shifted gears to mass-produce fabric masks .
For patients with sensitive skin , Wu advises against wearing any coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polyester or spandex , as well as wool .
“ I ’ ve seen people running around with these wool neck gaiters and wraps they ’ d wear skiing , ” she told me .
“ Don ’ t wear that .
Many synthetic fabric blends are treated with chemicals that can irritate the skin , and they don ’ t tend to be breathable.
” Wu recommends wearing masks made out of natural fibers , such as cotton , bamboo , or natural silk to reduce the likelihood of irritation .
Face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be an effective barrier to aerosol particles , Wu said , citing a study by the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory .
( One of the co-study ’ s authors , Supratik Guha of the University of Chicago , told PBS that a mask with 600-thread count cotton with two layers of silk or chiffon could provide adequate protection for wearers . )
“ Many synthetic fabric blends are treated with chemicals that can irritate the skin ” A mask or a face covering traps moisture within the enclosed space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fabric .
That humidity , especially in warmer temperatures , could lead to breakouts and , in some cases , contact dermatitis , an uncomfortable itchy rash on the skin .
Since many people are exercising with masks , excess oil , dirt , and sweat could also be trapped , leading to breakouts around the chin , jaw , cheeks , or mouth area .
Heather Goff , an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , described the skin as a seesaw .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with outside air , ” she told the dermatology news site Healio .
“ Changes in ambient humidity , either too dry or too humid , can trigger perioral dermatitis [ around the mouth ] in an individual who may be predisposed to developing it.
” Wu recommended using an oil-free makeup primer to reduce friction from the mask on the skin .
Other over-the-counter products , like sulfur wash from your local drugstore , can further help treat breakouts .
That ’ s why it ’ s even more crucial that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently wear a mask .
Generally , a person shouldn ’ t touch their face or apply any products before washing their hands .
The same idea applies to masks .
A person should ideally wash their face with a gentle cleanser and soap their hands before putting on a mask and after taking it off .
Be thorough in cleaning your nostrils and mouth as well , Wu advised .
“ Before you go out during the day , put on moisturizer or makeup if you wear it , hopefully sunblock , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ We ’ re taught in medical school to not touch the outside of your mask , since you can contaminate it from the outside with unclean hands.
” It might be tempting to pull down your mask to get some fresh air , but health experts advise against doing so until you ’ re in a safe and contained environment , like your car or home .
But what if it ’ s a nice day and you ’ re in a park all by yourself ?
If that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a person should at least sanitize their hands and put their mask in a plastic bag or in a sanitary place so they can rewear it when necessary .
As the coronavirus pandemic continues , masks could become a staple health accessory in the US , in the way that they ’ re commonly worn in East Asia .
Of course , that means Americans have to overcome their slight discomfort and , prior to Covid-19 , the perceived stigma that comes with wearing them .
Mask acne aside , Wu believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hygiene habits will adapt as time goes on .
“ My patients are surprisingly much more diligent about their skin care , ” she said .
“ I do believe we ’ re going to hear less about it once people are more mindful of how masks affect their skin .
Their next big concern might be mask tans.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

A surprising number of Jessica Wu’s patients have approached her in recent months with questions about random bouts of mask-related irritation. While they’ve been in quarantine, the Los Angeles-based dermatologist told me, her clients have become more fixated on their skin than ever before; most rarely wore masks for an extended period of time prior to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, those with more sensitive or oily skin have been seeing minor complications: acne breakouts, flare-ups of eczema or rosacea, or general skin irritation.
Dermatologists have reported seeing more acne breakouts over the past few months, although masks are not the only reason. People’s bodies (and skin) are adjusting to quarantine, and a pandemic has left many people more stressed, depressed, anxious, and restless — all factors that could increase the production of cortisol, which in turn affects oil production in the skin.
Has anyone found a good mask acne “mascne” solution yet? Girl is struggling — aj PA-C (@j_thePA) May 21, 2020
In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised the general public to wear non-medical masks and face coverings as a “voluntary public health measure” to slow the virus’s spread. Many states (or locales within states) have since issued mask mandates, requiring residents to cover their face in certain settings, such as on public transit and in grocery stores.
Many health care providers and essential workers, however, have been wearing specialized masks for hours at a time without taking them off since the pandemic began, to the point where many experienced painful skin breakage, chafing, and abrasions. Some have had to cushion their masks with bandages to reduce skin soreness, or readjusted straps around their head instead of around the ears.
While many people are now experiencing firsthand the discomforts that can be caused by mask-wearing, they generally aren’t wearing a medical-grade respirator for long stretches of time every day. There are many more non-medical mask options to choose from (which aren’t as protective as the medical gear reserved for first responders), as many clothing retailers and companies have shifted gears to mass-produce fabric masks.
For patients with sensitive skin, Wu advises against wearing any coverings that might have synthetic fibers, like polyester or spandex, as well as wool. “I’ve seen people running around with these wool neck gaiters and wraps they’d wear skiing,” she told me. “Don’t wear that. Many synthetic fabric blends are treated with chemicals that can irritate the skin, and they don’t tend to be breathable.”
Wu recommends wearing masks made out of natural fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, or natural silk to reduce the likelihood of irritation. Face coverings properly fashioned out of these materials might be an effective barrier to aerosol particles, Wu said, citing a study by the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory. (One of the co-study’s authors, Supratik Guha of the University of Chicago, told PBS that a mask with 600-thread count cotton with two layers of silk or chiffon could provide adequate protection for wearers.)
“Many synthetic fabric blends are treated with chemicals that can irritate the skin”
A mask or a face covering traps moisture within the enclosed space between a person’s face and the fabric. That humidity, especially in warmer temperatures, could lead to breakouts and, in some cases, contact dermatitis, an uncomfortable itchy rash on the skin. Since many people are exercising with masks, excess oil, dirt, and sweat could also be trapped, leading to breakouts around the chin, jaw, cheeks, or mouth area.
Heather Goff, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, described the skin as a seesaw. “The skin is in a state of equilibrium with outside air,” she told the dermatology news site Healio. “Changes in ambient humidity, either too dry or too humid, can trigger perioral dermatitis [around the mouth] in an individual who may be predisposed to developing it.”
Wu recommended using an oil-free makeup primer to reduce friction from the mask on the skin. Other over-the-counter products, like sulfur wash from your local drugstore, can further help treat breakouts. That’s why it’s even more crucial that people practice good hygiene, especially if they frequently wear a mask.
Generally, a person shouldn’t touch their face or apply any products before washing their hands. The same idea applies to masks. A person should ideally wash their face with a gentle cleanser and soap their hands before putting on a mask and after taking it off. Be thorough in cleaning your nostrils and mouth as well, Wu advised. “Before you go out during the day, put on moisturizer or makeup if you wear it, hopefully sunblock, and then your mask on,” she said. “We’re taught in medical school to not touch the outside of your mask, since you can contaminate it from the outside with unclean hands.”
It might be tempting to pull down your mask to get some fresh air, but health experts advise against doing so until you’re in a safe and contained environment, like your car or home. But what if it’s a nice day and you’re in a park all by yourself? If that’s the case, Wu said, a person should at least sanitize their hands and put their mask in a plastic bag or in a sanitary place so they can rewear it when necessary.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, masks could become a staple health accessory in the US, in the way that they’re commonly worn in East Asia. Of course, that means Americans have to overcome their slight discomfort and, prior to Covid-19, the perceived stigma that comes with wearing them. Mask acne aside, Wu believes that people’s skin and their hygiene habits will adapt as time goes on. “My patients are surprisingly much more diligent about their skin care,” she said. “I do believe we’re going to hear less about it once people are more mindful of how masks affect their skin. Their next big concern might be mask tans.”


vox--2020-06-01--America at the breaking point

America at the breaking point

In the early years of the Trump era , I was often asked if American politics had been this bad before .
I always said the same thing .
It has been so much worse .
Think of the 1960s .
John F. Kennedy Jr. and Malcolm X were assassinated within two years of each other .
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were murdered within two months of each other .
Riots set cities aflame .
Domestic terrorists detonated bombs across the country .
Freedom Riders were beaten and killed .
White police officers turned dogs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft forced the nation ’ s young to war .
The Democratic Party ’ s 1968 convention collapsed in violence .
America was coming apart , with disagreements measured in bullets and blood .
But there was one thing the 1960s had , that we , today , do not : a political system designed to absorb conflict and find consensus , or at least stability .
I do not seek to smother the age in nostalgia .
That calm was often purchased at terrible moral cost , as in the union of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ segregation for decade after decade .
But our divisions did not track our parties , and so they were muffled in our politics .
What our political system could not solve , it suppressed .
What it could no longer suppress , it sought to solve .
When the Civil Rights Act passed , it did so with Republican votes , even as it was signed by a Democrat .
Imagine legislation of such consequence passing without partisan valence today .
The compromises of that era saved the country , but they ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act set off a realignment of the parties .
Richard Nixon weaponized the fury his predecessors had sought to quiet .
The parties slowly restructured : The Democratic Party became the party of liberals , its coalition racially and religiously diverse , its power centers urban .
The Republican Party became the party of conservatives , its coalition white and Christian , its power centers rural and exurban .
This is the story of American political polarization .
For a time , in the 20th century , our political coalitions did not echo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixed enough to see little benefit in sharpening the contradictions , and so the political system often calmed our conflicts .
It did so imperfectly , and often unjustly , but America held together when it could have come apart easily .
Today , our political coalitions are our social divisions , and that changes everything .
When there is a rift within a party , the incentive is to bridge it , or ignore it , to maintain cohesion and retain wavering voters .
When the rift is between the parties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharpen differences and mobilize supporters .
The technological and financial understructure of politics and media transformed in ways that reinforced the polarization of the parties , as nightly newscasts and daily newspapers gave way to the quivering nervous system of Twitter , the identitarian incentives of Facebook , the shouting on cable news .
These institutions are in feedback loops with each other , and what is fed back and forth , growing louder and louder , is conflict , collision , and fury .
Donald Trump is that system summoned into human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cable news favorite who rode the feedback loop of outrage into the White House .
He understood our divisions better than we did , and that is seen , in our age , as a form of political genius .
But what makes Trump successful is what makes him dangerous : He knows only the one thing , and knows it too well .
All he can see is division ; all he knows is discord ; all he can do is escalate .
He is the King Midas of strife , turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes we are , the thing he himself is .
When we elected Donald Trump , we elected a political arsonist .
The sole consolation of his presidency , in its early years , was that there was surprisingly little dry tinder .
The economy hummed along , seemingly imperturbable .
We faced few foreign crises .
Domestic divisions remained mostly digital .
This is not to dismiss real disasters or excuse cruel policies — from children thrown into cages to toxins dumped into our streams to the lethal mismanagement of Hurricane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse .
Playacting civil war on Twitter , as the president often did , was never the nightmare scenario .
The nightmare scenario was the social fracture and violent crises of the 1960s layered atop the political and media system of the 2020 ; the tests of presidential leadership that have defined past eras demanded of this leader , in this era .
We weren ’ t there , and then , all of a sudden , we were .
The pandemic , fed by the Trump administration ’ s erratic and feckless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans dead — more than twice as many lives as we lost in the Vietnam War , and the count keeps rising .
The economy is in free fall .
The fabric of society has been cut , our culture is at war over masks and lockdowns , and the federal government has failed to chart a path to a safe future .
We are a nation interrupted , aching for the normalcy we lost , unsure of the future we face .
Then came the lynchings , one after the other : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a truck .
George Floyd , pinned to the ground by an armed agent of the state , dying slowly and publicly .
Breonna Taylor , gunned down in her home .
And now , the protests and riots .
There is blood on the streets , cars mowing through crowds , buildings on fire , bodies being buried , police casually firing on the very people they are sworn to protect .
And all of us , trapped at home , seeing things we can ’ t unsee , forced into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to delay .
“ There are too many things we do not wish to know about ourselves , ” James Baldwin wrote .
But in the age of smartphone cameras and viral videos , the knowledge is forced upon us .
We see who we truly are , and we see who our leaders truly are .
“ When the looting starts , the shooting starts , ” Trump tweeted , in a missive so eager for violence Twitter hid it from most users .
As he so often does , Trump made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The line is not new .
It is from 1967 , when Miami police chief Walter Headley warned black communities that it would define his approach going forward .
George Wallace , the segregationist Dixiecrat , echoed it in his 1968 presidential campaign .
The 1960s are here , again .
We are at risk of coming apart .
But this is a political system less practiced at holding us together , less capable of finding calm amid storms .
Our divisions define our parties and our institutions crack under the strain ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to say nothing of fundamental fractures .
And our president is plainly eager for the storm to come .
He does not know how to fight a virus , but he knows how to fight his countrymen .
“ Big crowd , professionally organized , but nobody came close to breaching the fence , ” he tweeted on Saturday .
“ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But not to worry , Trump continued .
“ I was inside , watched every move , and couldn ’ t have felt more safe.
” Perhaps he feels safe , live-tweeting from inside the presidential palace , but the rest of us don ’ t .
We aren ’ t .
The clouds may yet part .
Few Americans want violence .
And we are still , I believe , a better country than our leader thinks we are .
Cable channels and Twitter feeds pulse with violence , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the majority , the vast majority , risking their bodies for justice , sweeping up broken glass , absorbing blows from batons and inhaling tear gas simply as an act of solidarity .
They make America great .
But I would be lying if I said I wasn ’ t scared .
It would not take much more to truly set the country aflame .
It is not just the news that has turned nightmarish in recent months .
It is our lives , our reality .
We are tired , scared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and divided — and it is an election year .
The kindling is everywhere .
This is a country on the verge of war , and it so badly needs the leadership it doesn ’ t have , a president who truly wants peace .
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 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ 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 and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

In the early years of the Trump era, I was often asked if American politics had been this bad before. I always said the same thing. It has been so much worse. Think of the 1960s. John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X were assassinated within two years of each other. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were murdered within two months of each other. Riots set cities aflame. Domestic terrorists detonated bombs across the country. Freedom Riders were beaten and killed. White police officers turned dogs and hoses on black children. The Vietnam draft forced the nation’s young to war. The Democratic Party’s 1968 convention collapsed in violence. America was coming apart, with disagreements measured in bullets and blood.
But there was one thing the 1960s had, that we, today, do not: a political system designed to absorb conflict and find consensus, or at least stability. I do not seek to smother the age in nostalgia. That calm was often purchased at terrible moral cost, as in the union of Dixiecrats and New Deal Democrats that upheld segregation for decade after decade. But our divisions did not track our parties, and so they were muffled in our politics. What our political system could not solve, it suppressed. What it could no longer suppress, it sought to solve. When the Civil Rights Act passed, it did so with Republican votes, even as it was signed by a Democrat. Imagine legislation of such consequence passing without partisan valence today.
The compromises of that era saved the country, but they ended that political system. The Civil Rights Act set off a realignment of the parties. Richard Nixon weaponized the fury his predecessors had sought to quiet. The parties slowly restructured: The Democratic Party became the party of liberals, its coalition racially and religiously diverse, its power centers urban. The Republican Party became the party of conservatives, its coalition white and Christian, its power centers rural and exurban.
This is the story of American political polarization. For a time, in the 20th century, our political coalitions did not echo our social divisions, our parties were mixed enough to see little benefit in sharpening the contradictions, and so the political system often calmed our conflicts. It did so imperfectly, and often unjustly, but America held together when it could have come apart easily.
Today, our political coalitions are our social divisions, and that changes everything. When there is a rift within a party, the incentive is to bridge it, or ignore it, to maintain cohesion and retain wavering voters. When the rift is between the parties, the incentive is to escalate, to sharpen differences and mobilize supporters. The technological and financial understructure of politics and media transformed in ways that reinforced the polarization of the parties, as nightly newscasts and daily newspapers gave way to the quivering nervous system of Twitter, the identitarian incentives of Facebook, the shouting on cable news.
These institutions are in feedback loops with each other, and what is fed back and forth, growing louder and louder, is conflict, collision, and fury. Donald Trump is that system summoned into human form, a social media savant and cable news favorite who rode the feedback loop of outrage into the White House. He understood our divisions better than we did, and that is seen, in our age, as a form of political genius.
But what makes Trump successful is what makes him dangerous: He knows only the one thing, and knows it too well. All he can see is division; all he knows is discord; all he can do is escalate. He is the King Midas of strife, turning the country he leads into the thing he believes we are, the thing he himself is.
When we elected Donald Trump, we elected a political arsonist. The sole consolation of his presidency, in its early years, was that there was surprisingly little dry tinder. The economy hummed along, seemingly imperturbable. We faced few foreign crises. Domestic divisions remained mostly digital. This is not to dismiss real disasters or excuse cruel policies — from children thrown into cages to toxins dumped into our streams to the lethal mismanagement of Hurricane Maria — but it could have been worse.
Playacting civil war on Twitter, as the president often did, was never the nightmare scenario. The nightmare scenario was the social fracture and violent crises of the 1960s layered atop the political and media system of the 2020; the tests of presidential leadership that have defined past eras demanded of this leader, in this era. We weren’t there, and then, all of a sudden, we were.
We are.
The pandemic, fed by the Trump administration’s erratic and feckless response, has left more than 100,000 Americans dead — more than twice as many lives as we lost in the Vietnam War, and the count keeps rising. The economy is in free fall. The fabric of society has been cut, our culture is at war over masks and lockdowns, and the federal government has failed to chart a path to a safe future. We are a nation interrupted, aching for the normalcy we lost, unsure of the future we face.
Then came the lynchings, one after the other: Ahmaud Arbery, hunted down by gunmen on a truck. George Floyd, pinned to the ground by an armed agent of the state, dying slowly and publicly. Breonna Taylor, gunned down in her home. And now, the protests and riots. There is blood on the streets, cars mowing through crowds, buildings on fire, bodies being buried, police casually firing on the very people they are sworn to protect. And all of us, trapped at home, seeing things we can’t unsee, forced into the reckoning the country has always sought to delay. “There are too many things we do not wish to know about ourselves,” James Baldwin wrote. But in the age of smartphone cameras and viral videos, the knowledge is forced upon us. We see who we truly are, and we see who our leaders truly are.
“When the looting starts, the shooting starts,” Trump tweeted, in a missive so eager for violence Twitter hid it from most users. As he so often does, Trump made the subtext of the moment text: The line is not new. It is from 1967, when Miami police chief Walter Headley warned black communities that it would define his approach going forward. George Wallace, the segregationist Dixiecrat, echoed it in his 1968 presidential campaign.
The 1960s are here, again. We are at risk of coming apart. But this is a political system less practiced at holding us together, less capable of finding calm amid storms. Our divisions define our parties and our institutions crack under the strain; Congress can’t resolve small disputes, to say nothing of fundamental fractures. And our president is plainly eager for the storm to come. He does not know how to fight a virus, but he knows how to fight his countrymen.
“Big crowd, professionally organized, but nobody came close to breaching the fence,” he tweeted on Saturday. “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.”
But not to worry, Trump continued. “I was inside, watched every move, and couldn’t have felt more safe.” Perhaps he feels safe, live-tweeting from inside the presidential palace, but the rest of us don’t. We aren’t.
The clouds may yet part. Few Americans want violence. And we are still, I believe, a better country than our leader thinks we are. Cable channels and Twitter feeds pulse with violence, but the nonviolent remain the true story — they are the majority, the vast majority, risking their bodies for justice, sweeping up broken glass, absorbing blows from batons and inhaling tear gas simply as an act of solidarity. They make America great.
But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. It would not take much more to truly set the country aflame. It is not just the news that has turned nightmarish in recent months. It is our lives, our reality. We are tired, scared, angry, hurt, mistrustful, and divided — and it is an election year. The kindling is everywhere. This is a country on the verge of war, and it so badly needs the leadership it doesn’t have, a president who truly wants peace.


vox--2020-06-01--Trump just used a damaged DC church for a photo op. The bishop is furious.

The Right Rev .
Mariann Budde , the Episcopal bishop for Washington , DC , condemned President Trump shortly after law enforcement officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a peaceful protest — all so that Trump could have a photo op in front of a church .
Sunday night , as large groups of peaceful protesters and much smaller groups of less peaceful demonstrators filled the streets of DC , a fire was set in the basement of St. John ’ s Church , an Episcopal church located near the White House .
The fire was extinguished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minor damage .
Nevertheless , Trump decided to visit the church Monday evening and stand outside it while holding a Bible .
Shortly before this visit , he delivered a brief address that quickly slipped into authoritarian rhetoric .
“ If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents , ” Trump proclaimed , “ then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.
” Around the same time that Trump began this address , protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House .
But they were cleared out of the park by federal law enforcement officers , who used tear gas and rubber bullets to remove the crowd .
Several minutes later , Trump emerged from the White House to have his photo op in front of the nearby church .
In response to this incident , Budde told the Washington Post that she is “ outraged ” by the president ’ s actions .
“ I am the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and was not given even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop , ” Budde told the Post .
She also denounced Trump for holding a Bible “ that declares that God is love and when everything he has said and done is to enflame violence.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

The Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop for Washington, DC, condemned President Trump shortly after law enforcement officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a peaceful protest — all so that Trump could have a photo op in front of a church.
Sunday night, as large groups of peaceful protesters and much smaller groups of less peaceful demonstrators filled the streets of DC, a fire was set in the basement of St. John’s Church, an Episcopal church located near the White House. The fire was extinguished, and the church reportedly suffered only minor damage.
Nevertheless, Trump decided to visit the church Monday evening and stand outside it while holding a Bible. Shortly before this visit, he delivered a brief address that quickly slipped into authoritarian rhetoric. “If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents,” Trump proclaimed, “then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”
Related Trump threatens to send the US military to quash protests
Around the same time that Trump began this address, protesters were peacefully gathered in Lafayette Park near the White House. But they were cleared out of the park by federal law enforcement officers, who used tear gas and rubber bullets to remove the crowd.
Several minutes later, Trump emerged from the White House to have his photo op in front of the nearby church.
In response to this incident, Budde told the Washington Post that she is “outraged” by the president’s actions. “I am the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and was not given even a courtesy call that they would be clearing with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop,” Budde told the Post.
She also denounced Trump for holding a Bible “that declares that God is love and when everything he has said and done is to enflame violence.”


vox--2020-06-01--The White House’s explanation for a tear gas attack on peaceful protesters doesn’t add up

Just minutes before President Donald Trump was scheduled to give a speech in the White House Rose Garden about the anti–police brutality protests , law enforcement officers outside the White House launched tear gas at hundreds of peaceful protesters gathered in neighboring Lafayette Square .
It produced a shocking scene of federal officials shooting a weapon banned from warfare at Americans .
The crowd scattered , allowing Secret Service , National Guard , and Park Police personnel to make a path for Trump and his team to visit a nearby church after his address .
That led to widespread speculation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House had ordered the tear gas attack solely to give Trump the photo op he wanted with his team at St. John ’ s Episcopal Church , a recent cause célèbre among the right after its basement was partially burned during the unrest on Sunday night .
All of this seemed surreal , and deeply disturbing if true .
Did the White House purposely have federal officials shoot at American citizens with tear gas solely to benefit Trump ?
So I asked the White House , via email , a simple question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who gave the order to clear the crowd in Lafayette Square with tear gas ?
” Here ’ s the response from Judd Deere , a White House spokesperson : “ The perimeter was expanded to help enforce the 7:00 pm curfew in the same area where rioters attempted to burn down one of our nation ’ s most historic churches the night before .
Protesters were given three warnings by the US Park Police.
” This explanation is suspect for several reasons — the most important being that , although DC Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting at 7 pm , video of the incident clearly shows that law enforcement fired the tear gas well before then .
Second , the statement notably doesn ’ t address my actual question , which was “ who gave the order to clear the crowd in Lafayette Square with tear gas ?
” And third , the statement explicitly mentions the church , which seems to signal that the goal of the whole ordeal was to get Trump to St. John ’ s no matter what .
I followed up with Deere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions : “ 1 ) The tear gas was shot well before 7pm .
Was it necessary to launch ?
” and ( again ) , “ 2 ) Who ordered the tear gas launch ?
” “ You have my statement , ” he responded .
“ I have nothing further to share.
” Let ’ s be clear about what this means : The White House is explicitly not denying that Trump or another administration official greenlit the tear gas attack , and there ’ s no clear explanation why anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was warranted just so the president could have a photo op .
At a time when citizens across the country are taking to the streets by the thousands to demand accountability for unchecked police violence , the White House — perhaps even the president himself — seems to have made a conscious decision to respond to one of those ( entirely peaceful ) protests with more unchecked police violence .
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making @ @ @ @ @ @

Just minutes before President Donald Trump was scheduled to give a speech in the White House Rose Garden about the anti–police brutality protests, law enforcement officers outside the White House launched tear gas at hundreds of peaceful protesters gathered in neighboring Lafayette Square.
It produced a shocking scene of federal officials shooting a weapon banned from warfare at Americans. The crowd scattered, allowing Secret Service, National Guard, and Park Police personnel to make a path for Trump and his team to visit a nearby church after his address.
That led to widespread speculation that Trump or someone else at the White House had ordered the tear gas attack solely to give Trump the photo op he wanted with his team at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a recent cause célèbre among the right after its basement was partially burned during the unrest on Sunday night.
All of this seemed surreal, and deeply disturbing if true. Did the White House purposely have federal officials shoot at American citizens with tear gas solely to benefit Trump?
So I asked the White House, via email, a simple question: “Do [you] know who gave the order to clear the crowd in Lafayette Square with tear gas?”
Here’s the response from Judd Deere, a White House spokesperson: “The perimeter was expanded to help enforce the 7:00 pm curfew in the same area where rioters attempted to burn down one of our nation’s most historic churches the night before. Protesters were given three warnings by the US Park Police.”
This explanation is suspect for several reasons — the most important being that, although DC Mayor Bowser had ordered a curfew for DC starting at 7 pm, video of the incident shows that law enforcement fired the tear gas well before then.
Second, the statement did not address the question of who gave the order.
And third, the statement explicitly mentions the church, which seems to signal that the goal of the whole ordeal was to get Trump to St. John’s no matter what.
This is what happened on the other side of the White House only 5 minutes before President Trump began remarks in the Rose Garden. pic.twitter.com/n3UNLTBAKn — Allie Malloy (@AlliemalCNN) June 1, 2020
I followed up with Deere in an email, asking two questions: “1) The tear gas was shot well before 7pm. Was it necessary to launch?” and (again), “2) Who ordered the tear gas launch?”
“You have my statement,” he responded. “I have nothing further to share.”
Let’s be clear about what this means: The White House is explicitly not denying that Trump or another administration official greenlit the tear gas attack, and there’s no clear explanation why anyone thought using tear gas on peaceful protesters was warranted just so the president could have a photo op.
At a time when citizens across the country are taking to the streets by the thousands to demand accountability for unchecked police violence, the White House — perhaps even the president himself — seems to have made a conscious decision to respond to one of those (entirely peaceful) protests with more unchecked police violence.


vox--2020-06-01--The most chilling aspect of Trump’s Monday night crackdown on law-abiding protesters

Monday evening ’ s images of peaceful protesters in Washington , DC ’ s Lafayette Square being attacked and gassed by federal law enforcement officers were chilling .
Reflecting on them , what ’ s even more alarming is the context .
The officers began their assault just after 6:30 pm — less than half an hour before a 7 pm curfew that had already been ordered by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser was set to take effect .
Legally speaking , the crowd should have dispersed then and there would have been no problem with the president strolling across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St John ’ s Church .
Realistically , the odds are good that the crowd would not have dispersed .
But starting at 7 pm , a group of officers forcibly expelling protesters from the park would have been enforcing the law .
Doing it at 6:36 pm or so served no real purpose except to make the law enforcement action flagrantly abusive .
And that itself sends a powerful message .
One of the most telling moments of the Trump administration was its very first controversy — White House press secretary Sean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cameras to blatantly lie about the relative size of the crowds at the Trump inauguration and the Obama inauguration .
The lie was absurd — the facts were plain to see in photographs .
It was also an absurd thing to be so sensitive about .
It ’ s no secret that Washington , DC , and its suburbs are heavily Democratic areas and thus a Democratic president would be far more likely to get a stronger turnout .
Trump could likely draw a bigger crowd than Obama in the Texas Panhandle ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things .
The lie was not persuasive nor intended to persuade , nor was it about anything important .
The significance of it was simply in the fact that it happened .
Spicer was asked to humiliate himself on Trump ’ s behalf , to violate the rules of polite society and being a decent spokesperson because Trump wanted him to .
And so he did .
Trump ’ s politics are full of these little dominance rituals .
To verbalize agreement with Trump because you genuinely agree with what he says proves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say things that neither you nor anyone else believes that truly proves your devotion .
Monday night ’ s use of force was similar in structure but more alarming in practice .
Would law enforcement officials fire tear gas at an unarmed crowd that wasn ’ t breaking the rules ?
That federal agents were deployed instead of DC police officers is perhaps a sign that there were some doubts .
Regardless , one can never know for sure what kind of orders will be followed until they are given .
A 7:01 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whereas a 6:36 pm dispersal proved a great deal .
There are no limits with the Trump GOP Trump is a limited man in many ways , and oftentimes appears too scattered , impulsive , or inattentive to be a real authoritarian .
But as my colleague Ezra Klein wrote years ago , he does have the reality television superpower of shamelessness .
He ’ s not here to make friends , and he ’ s always testing different kinds of boundaries .
Sometimes he gets pushback , as when he tries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a direction that American business and the congressional GOP are uncomfortable with .
On vast areas of public policy that he cares less about than trade , he so far doesn ’ t even bother to push .
What we ’ ve seen , however , is that on questions of process , there is seemingly no line he won ’ t cross .
Whether he ’ s asking to block a merger to punish CNN , bankrupting the Post Office to punish the Washington Post , or issuing an executive order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he does not accept a distinction between the legitimate uses of the regulatory state and his personal political interests .
And while so far those three media companies have stood strong , Facebook now has a lifelong GOP political operative running its public policy shop and making sure the company ’ s editorial policies accord with Republicans ’ desires .
Comcast ( which is one of the investors in Vox ’ s parent company ) is considering a plan to turn prime time CNBC into conservative talk TV programming as “ an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters.
” If you ’ d asked congressional Republicans a year ago if they thought it was a good idea to withhold military aid to Ukraine unless the Ukrainian government agreed to cook up a bogus investigation into Joe Biden , they ’ d all almost certainly have said no .
But Trump was accused of doing just that , and then they all defended it .
And now the Ukrainian government is doing the investigation .
These kinds of abuses of state authority are the soft touch of systemic corruption that destroys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
Security forces taking unprovoked shots at protesters is the hard hand .
Tonight , Trump tested that new hard limit .
Would they follow the order ?
Would there be any consequences if they did ?
The answers are “ yes ” and “ no .
”

Monday evening’s images of peaceful protesters in Washington, DC’s Lafayette Square being attacked and gassed by federal law enforcement officers were chilling.
Reflecting on them, what’s even more alarming is the context. The officers began their assault just after 6:30 pm — less than half an hour before a 7 pm curfew that had already been ordered by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser was set to take effect. Legally speaking, the crowd should have dispersed then and there would have been no problem with the president strolling across the park to do his photo op at St John’s Church. Realistically, the odds are good that the crowd would not have dispersed. But starting at 7 pm, a group of officers forcibly expelling protesters from the park would have been enforcing the law.
Doing it at 6:36 pm or so served no real purpose except to make the law enforcement action flagrantly abusive. And that itself sends a powerful message.
Trump is frequently testing people
One of the most telling moments of the Trump administration was its very first controversy: White House press secretary Sean Spicer going out in front of the cameras to blatantly lie about the relative size of the crowds at the Trump inauguration and the Obama inauguration.
The lie was absurd; the facts were plain to see in photographs. It was also an absurd thing to be so sensitive about. It’s no secret that Washington, DC, and its suburbs are heavily Democratic areas and thus a Democratic president would be far more likely to get a stronger turnout. Trump could likely draw a bigger crowd than Obama in the Texas Panhandle; it’s just one of those things.
The lie was not persuasive nor intended to persuade, nor was it about anything important. The significance of it was simply in the fact that it happened. Spicer was asked to humiliate himself on Trump’s behalf, to violate the rules of polite society and being a decent spokesperson because Trump wanted him to. And so he did.
Trump’s politics are full of these little dominance rituals. To verbalize agreement with Trump because you genuinely agree with what he says proves nothing — it’s willingness to say things that neither you nor anyone else believes that truly proves your devotion.
Monday night’s use of force was similar in structure but more alarming in practice. Would law enforcement officials fire tear gas at an unarmed crowd that wasn’t breaking the rules? That federal agents were deployed instead of DC police officers is perhaps a sign that there were some doubts. Regardless, one can never know for sure what kind of orders will be followed until they are given. A 7:01 pm dispersal wouldn’t prove anything, whereas a 6:36 pm dispersal proved a great deal.
There are no limits with the Trump GOP
Trump is a limited man in many ways, and oftentimes appears too scattered, impulsive, or inattentive to be a real authoritarian.
But as my colleague Ezra Klein wrote years ago, he does have the reality television superpower of shamelessness. He’s not here to make friends, and he’s always testing different kinds of boundaries. Sometimes he gets pushback, as when he tries to force American trade policy too hard in a direction that American business and the congressional GOP are uncomfortable with. On vast areas of public policy that he cares less about than trade, he so far doesn’t even bother to push.
What we’ve seen, however, is that on questions of process, there is seemingly no line he won’t cross. Whether he’s asking to block a merger to punish CNN, bankrupting the Post Office to punish the Washington Post, or issuing an executive order to threaten Twitter for fact-checking his tweets, he does not accept a distinction between the legitimate uses of the regulatory state and his personal political interests. And while so far those three media companies have stood strong, Facebook now has a lifelong GOP political operative running its public policy shop and making sure the company’s editorial policies accord with Republicans’ desires. Comcast (which is one of the investors in Vox’s parent company) is considering a plan to turn primetime CNBC into conservative talk TV programming as “an olive branch to Trump and his avid supporters.”
If you’d asked congressional Republicans a year ago if they thought it was a good idea to withhold military aid to Ukraine unless the Ukrainian government agreed to cook up a bogus investigation into Joe Biden, they’d all almost certainly have said no. But Trump was accused of doing just that, and then they all defended it. And now the Ukrainian government is doing the investigation.
These kinds of abuses of state authority are the soft touch of systemic corruption that destroys the character of a democratic form of government.
Security forces taking unprovoked shots at protesters is the hard hand. Tonight, Trump tested that new hard limit. Would they follow the order? Would there be any consequences if they did? The answers are “yes” and “no.”