George Floyd protests: Hundreds of thousands take to America's streets to call for racial justice
Unprecedented marches across US call for racial justice as mourners gather in North Carolina for George Floyd memorial
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Your support makes all the difference.Thousands of Americans gathered in cities across the US on Saturday, continuing a second week of demonstrations against police brutality and racism in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer on Memorial Day.
Across Europe, the US, Asia and Australia, major demonstrations were being staged. More than 200,000 people were expected to join a march in Washington DC where the White House has installed fencing and an intensified police presence is expected.
In North Carolina, mourners gathered for a memorial service to honour Mr Floyd, as Americans returned to the streets in major cities and small towns to demand racial justice.
Hundreds of people lined up to pay their respects at his coffin.
Rev Christopher Stackhouse from Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church delivered a eulogy, saying that "although it took 8 minutes and 46 seconds for him to die" — referring the length of time that officer Derek Chauvin was kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck before he died — "it took 401 years to put the system in place for nothing to happen".
Meanwhile, demonstrations continued for a 12th day following his death, as officials weigh reform efforts against law enforcement or suspend and charge police officers captured brutalising protesters in cities across the US.
With hundreds of National Guard troops deployed in the city, Donald Trump revived his fight with the mayor and touted his approval ratings among Republicans.
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Officer charged with assault after injuring Buffalo protester
Buffalo police officer Robert McCabe has been charged with second degree assault in a virtual arraignment at the city courthouse. No word yet on whether the second officer has been charged in relation to the incident on Thursday when protester Martin Gugino was injured.
Earlier, a crowd of other police officers, most with no masks had gathered outside to shield the two officers on their way into the hearing and voice their support.
Second officer also charged
Buffalo police officer Aaron Torgalski has also been charged with second degree assault.
Both officers have entered not guilty pleas and remain out of custody.
Memorial service for George Floyd underway in North Carolina
Hundreds of mourners have assembled in Raeford, North Carolina, as public viewings for George Floyd are underway in the state in which he was born.
Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all state flags to be flown at half mast on Saturday, as mass demonstrations continue into a second week following his death.
In a statement, the governor said: “The unjust killing of George Floyd combined with many other recent and distant events broke open painful wounds. Racism. Excessive use of police force. Health disparities. Poverty. White supremacy. These are wrong. They are ugly, but they are present. We must deal with them. We will deal with them. George Floyd’s sister, Bridgette, lives in Hoke County, North Carolina. While I cannot bring her brother back, I can work for justice in his name. I assured her that’s what we would do."
Cuomo to police: 'No chokeholds'
As New York City prepares for several demonstrations, Governor Andrew Cuomo outlined the state's "Say Their Name" legislation agenda, including a bill aimed at police conduct transparency and a ban on police placing people in custody in chokeholds.
"No chokeholds," he said at a Saturday press conference. "How many times do you have to learn the same lesson?"
Another bill would make false race-based calls to 911 a hate crime.
Washington DC demonstrations underway as US prepares for 10th day of protests
Getty
Philadelphia Black Lives Matter march underway
Cities across the US are expecting some of their largest demonstrations yet, as growing unrest over the state of American policing continues to grip thousands.
From the Philadelphia Inquierer:
43,000 National Guard service members currently deployed
There are more National Guard members deployed on US soil than there are active-duty troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria combined.
Washington protests: Six buses of uniformed military personnel unloaded at White House
Several hundred uniformed military personnel with shields and body armour were deployed outside the White House on Saturday morning, Reuters reports.
The capital is expecting one of the largest Black Lives Matter demonstrations yet in the wake of George Floyd's death.
Reuters
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