Protests Grow Over US Man’s Death: Washington Post

When crisis hits a community, some police officers escalate tensions while others show skill in de-escalation. Protests, some peaceful and others violent riots, broke out after four Minneapolis police officers arrested George Floyd on May 25 for forgery, restraining him next to a police vehicle. With Floyd prone, one officer pressed a knee against the back of his neck for more than 8 minutes. Onlookers expressed alarm, and one filmed a non-resistant Floyd, pleading he could not breathe as he died. The video and citizen alarm about a long list of police abuses shocked the world. Large protests broke out in Minneapolis, soon spreading to 20 other states as well as London, Berlin and Toronto. Authorities arrested the officer who restrained Floyd for murder and manslaughter. Twitter placed a warning about “glorifying violence” on a US president Tweet about the incident, and leaders around the world urged the country to unite. Many police and community leaders share the concern expressed by peaceful protesters, yet worry about the spread of Covid-19 in crowds along with white supremacists and foreign adversaries fueling anger for their own purposes. The protests and police abuse will be an issue for the US presidential campaign. – YaleGlobal

Protests Grow Over US Man’s Death: Washington Post

Anger and protests over death of George Floyd and police abuse spread throughout the United States and to London, Berlin and Toronto
William Booth and Loveday Morris
Sunday, May 31, 2020

Protesters in Berlin with signs stating I can't breathe and black lives matter
Questions: Protests gather in Berlin over the death of George Floyd (Source: Listiclefeed.com)

Read the article from the Washington Post about protests over the death of George Floyd.

William Booth is The Washington Post’s London bureau chief. He was previously bureau chief in Jerusalem, Mexico City, Los Angeles and Miami. Loveday Morris is The Washington Post's Berlin bureau chief. She was previously based in Jerusalem, Baghdad and Beirut for The Pos.

Also read about reaction to US protests from leaders in Russia and China in USA Today.

Read the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics that was adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 1957.

“I will faithfully serve and protect my community while recognizing that policing is strong medicine and must be delivered at the right dosage. I will apply my craft accordingly, avoiding the dual temptation to over-police or de-police neighborhoods and communities that need my help the most….

“I will remember that policing, especially its coercive elements, is not a panacea for social ills. I will not be ashamed to de-escalate, wait for backup, or request the assistance of professionals outside of my field that are better equipped to address the root of the problem.

“I will respect the humanity of those whom I encounter, both victim and suspect alike. I will treat life as sacrosanct and will only use deadly physical force as a last resort. If I must employ deadly force, I will strive to preserve life once it has been applied.”

Map showing numerous protests in US and 12 states with National Guard activation including California, Ohio, Georgia
(Source: New York Times)

The Washington Post
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