BLM Demonstrations, Riots, Police Brutality, Justice for George Floyd

[msslave]

I had to force myself to keep watching this video of Monday's incident that caused the death of yet another black man at the hands of police. Police...those who are to serve and protect.

The scene doesn't seem like it will ever end and bystanders beg the cops to allow the man up as he cries out that he can't breath.  Eventually his cries end and the cop continues to keep his knee pressed to the man's neck.  Finally an ambulance arrives, puts the man on a gurney and loads him into the ambulance and they drive away.  No attempt was made at CPR. What happened inside the ambulance can only be guessed at.  My personal feeling is that the man, George Floyd as already dead.

I'm posting the link to the video. I don't recommend you watch it.  I only did as this is my city and I felt I needed to witness what happened.

https://www.kare11.com/video/news/local/raw-bystander-video-shows-death-of-man-in-minneapolis-police-custody/89-4fc9ef7f-670b-4899-aafc-f2a2d79a4311

Our mayor had condemned the actions of the police, the police chief asked the FBI to investigate and they are, along with the Minnnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The officer and three other policemen on the scene who just stood by have all be fired. A rare action, as the usual course of action is to suspend officers with pay.

To add to the cities misery a demonstration last night turned violent at the police precinct for the area where this occurred.  Protesters smashed the front door of the police station, defaced the front of the building and spray painted several police cars.  Police responded with rubber bullets, tear gas and flash bang grenades.  

https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-police-marchers-clash-over-death-of-george-floyd-in-custody/570763352/


Things are quiet this morning as the wheels of justice begin to turn. So many eyes will now be on our public servants.    

[watcher1]

Hard to judge when I wasn't there but from the news footage I have seen, the man was complaining he could not breath, yet the office kept his knee on the neck of the individual. There were at least three other officers around him. The officer with his knee on the neck could, in my opinion, at least let up pressure enough for the person to catch his breath. But adrenaline flows strong in these incidents and unwise decisions are made by both the police and the offender.

[MissBarbara]

I had to force myself to keep watching this video of Monday's incident that caused the death of yet another black man at the hands of police. Police...those who are to serve and protect.

I didn't watch the video. I've read about the incident -- it's been exhaustively covered -- and that's all I need.

Perhaps this is just me being Polyanna, but while incidents like this have become tragically common, this one is different, in several key respects.

First, as you indicate, the officer's weren't suspended, they were fired -- and very quickly fired. 

Second, as you also point out, a three-part investigation into the incident was immediately launched, including the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the FBI.

Third, and perhaps most important, there's the video. It shows exactly what happened. I'm sure attorneys for the fired officer are right now looking for ways to spin its content, but it's all right there, for anyone to see. Neither the police officers nor their lawyers of spokespeople can claim things happened differently, that additional contextualization is need, or that eyewitnesses can be untrustworthy. It's all right there.

In other words, while this is -- again, tragically -- yet another incident of law enforcement officials abusing their power and authority and resorting to extreme measures (i.e. death) against an unarmed Black suspect, this time, no one "will get away with it," and charges will be filed as son as investigations have run their course.

And I find it impossible to condemn or speak out against the protestors. Perhaps they "should" have waited for justice to run its course. However, given the accumulation of incidents like this and the fact that in many of them, justice. at least their eyes, has snot run its course, the additional stresses and strains from being shut-in during these months makes their flash of violence understandable.

[ChirpingGirl]

This is as justified as the protests for Jeremy Mardis who was murdered by cops.

Oh, actually, you never heard that name. Yeah, he was a 6 year old white boy killed by two black cops who, apparently, were plotting the murder of his father. This story, however, never got any media attention whatsoever and if you don't know the name of the boy you'll never find the story anywhere. So why were there no protests and riots for him? There wouldn't have been even if you had heard about it.

I want you all to think about that. Why does this get non stop media attention, but you never heard of this little boy until I just told you about him.

[msslave]

The fire department, which was called to the scene to assist the paramedics has issued these details which are printed in the local newspaper. CPR was performed after the ambulance drove a few blocks from the scene including electric shocks. Mr. Floyd had no pulse and never revived.  He was pronounced dead at the emergency hospital.

 https://www.startribune.com/fire-department-report-as-he-lay-in-ambulance-george-floyd-was-unresponsive-without-pulse/570806682/

We had to run a few errands this afternoon and when we drove past the police station there were metal barricades placed in front of the precinct. One lone protester stood just outside the barricade solemnly beating a drum at a slow cadence.

Coming back a couple hours later, there were 200 people blocking the street and chanting. A line of police in riot gear stood in front of the station house. News cameras were rolling and it's a hot humid day.  I fear tempers will flair out of control.     

[MissBarbara]

This story, however, never got any media attention whatsoever and if you don't know the name of the boy you'll never find the story anywhere.

I recall reading or seeing a story about this incident shortly after it occurred, and a quick google search shows it was widely covered. It even has its own Wikipedia page! Here's a typical example:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/louisiana-officers-charged-shooting-death-child-following-police-chase

So why were there no protests and riots for him? There wouldn't have been even if you had heard about it.

For three main reasons:

1) The police officers didn't target Jeremy Mardis. And, perhaps more to the point, the fact that Mardis was White and the police officers are Black had zero bearing on what happened.

2) Mardis was in the car with his father, who was attempting to escape arrest and driving at high speeds. While I'll admit I'm almost wholly ignorant of Louisiana driving laws, I'm certain they do not allow for six-year-olds to be riding in the front seat. Had his father placed him in the back seat as he should have, Jeremy would have emerged unscathed.

3) The police officers clearly broke the law when they fired 18 rounds into the car, while Mardis Sr. allegedly had his hands raised. But the wheels of justice turned very swiftly. The officers were arrested and suspended three days later, and the following day they were charged with second-degree murder. And both officers were convicted, and one was sentenced to 40 years, the other to 7 years.

I want you all to think about that. Why does this get non stop media attention, but you never heard of this little boy until I just told you about him.

Because there is zero history of black police officers using excessive and/or illegal force against white citizens, nor of whites being targeted by law enforcement officials -- of any race -- simply for being white.

In other words, the two incidents have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Jeremy Mardis's death was both tragic and criminal. But it had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he was white, nor that the officers were black.

[msslave]

A couple years ago we had a black Minneapolis Police Office who shot and killed and white woman.  She'd reported a possible assault in her alley.  When it appeared the police car was just going to drive through the alley without stopping she ran out.

The officer, in the passenger seat, pulled his gun and fired at her, shooting across his partner who was driving.

The officer was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison. Appeals are still being made by his attorneys.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Justine_Damond
 

[ChirpingGirl]

This story, however, never got any media attention whatsoever and if you don't know the name of the boy you'll never find the story anywhere.

I recall reading or seeing a story about this incident shortly after it occurred, and a quick google search shows it was widely covered. It even has its own Wikipedia page! Here's a typical example:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/louisiana-officers-charged-shooting-death-child-following-police-chase

So why were there no protests and riots for him? There wouldn't have been even if you had heard about it.

For three main reasons:

1) The police officers didn't target Jeremy Mardis. And, perhaps more to the point, the fact that Mardis was White and the police officers are Black had zero bearing on what happened.

2) Mardis was in the car with his father, who was attempting to escape arrest and driving at high speeds. While I'll admit I'm almost wholly ignorant of Louisiana driving laws, I'm certain they do not allow for six-year-olds to be riding in the front seat. Had his father placed him in the back seat as he should have, Jeremy would have emerged unscathed.

3) The police officers clearly broke the law when they fired 18 rounds into the car, while Mardis Sr. allegedly had his hands raised. But the wheels of justice turned very swiftly. The officers were arrested and suspended three days later, and the following day they were charged with second-degree murder. And both officers were convicted, and one was sentenced to 40 years, the other to 7 years.

I want you all to think about that. Why does this get non stop media attention, but you never heard of this little boy until I just told you about him.

Because there is zero history of black police officers using excessive and/or illegal force against white citizens, nor of whites being targeted by law enforcement officials -- of any race -- simply for being white.

In other words, the two incidents have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Jeremy Mardis's death was both tragic and criminal. But it had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he was white, nor that the officers were black.

Yes, I've read the story.

I just wanted to see if anyone would bother to research it without reeing racism. So good on you for that.  You actually did a google search which is way more than most people here will bother to do before they start using words.

But the point is one way or the other there were no riots and no 24/7 press coverage of it. If the boy had been black, wall to wall coverage and cities burning down. And you know that. But the media can't use that, so it doesn't matter.

[msslave]

I'm beyond sad at the events that have occurred and no doubt may continue, due to the heartless actions of four Minneapolis cops. Peaceful protests turned to looting, arson and gunfire. One more person has died.

What started it all? An arrest of a guy for trying to pass a fake $20.00 bill. Twenty fucking dollars. How can that turn to a decision by a 19 year veteran cop to put his knee on a handcuffed man until he died!

Who knows how long it will take our city to heal from this?

[msslave]

[MissBarbara]

Yes, I've read the story.

I just wanted to see if anyone would bother to research it without reeing racism. So good on you for that.  You actually did a google search which is way more than most people here will bother to do before they start using words.

But the point is one way or the other there were no riots and no 24/7 press coverage of it. If the boy had been black, wall to wall coverage and cities burning down. And you know that. But the media can't use that, so it doesn't matter.

As I said, I had heard or read about that incident when it first occurred. I didn't recall the names of precise details, and I had to google them, but it completely belies your assertion, "This story, however, never got any media attention whatsoever."

If you read that NPR link I posted above, you'll notice an important fact: Nowhere in the article does it mention race, neither the race of the victim nor the race of the police officers. And I checked five other mainstream media sources that reported on the incident at the time, and none of five mention race, either.

In other words, this incident had absolutely nothing to do with race, yet you chose to make it all about race: "He was a 6 year old white boy killed by two black cops." It was a tragic incident, and race was completely irrelevant. You can fan the flames as much as you want, but that fact remains.

And that's why "there were no riots and no 24/7 press coverage of it," and that's why there was no "wall to wall coverage and cities burning down."

And yes, I know it.

[msslave]

Unrest and protests have devolved to wider spread looting and violence. Looters swarmed a Target store in St. Paul grabbing items off racks and from shelves. Other stores in the area were also damaged.

In a rare move, Metro Transit buses will stop operating at 4:00 PM. The Light Rail train service is already shut down.

[msslave]

Several shopping malls around the metro area are closing and barricading doors in fear looters may hit them next. Police department of one suburb advised people to stay away from retail areas.  Bus service is being halted and train service already shut down.

Governor is expected to decide this afternoon if the national guard should be called out.

Weather is cooler today. Will that help cool off the looters.

[msslave]

A few hundred national guard troops have been called in to assist police in the case of further rioting. In addition, 200 state troopers, who normally patrol the highways, will be joining the police forces.

I only hope the extra troops don't inflame the situation even more.  There are people who are truly sad and greaving over this needless death.  The looting is just hangs of thugs out to get something for nothing. 

[msslave]

Words fail me. I can't begin to say how I feel, watching the destruction of the place where I live...a place I've loved for much of my life.

I went to bed with the smell of smoke from fires two miles away. The TV reported this morning that the smoke plume is showing up on radar.

Last night the police abandoned their beseiged building. Protesters then burned it and other buildings near by.  Shopping areas in St. Paul have also been burned

Our young mayor's anguish shows in all his public statements. When Trump tweeted his "shot" at Mayor Frey, the mayor fired back, calling the President a coward for just pointing fingers.

We wait, stunned, as the smoke clears. What is next?

[msslave]

Thanks for your thoughts GB, and you are correct. There's a culture of violence that's developed in young blacks, and to a lesser extent other minorities.

In this case, there was no reason for the 4 policemen to be in fear of their lives.  George Floyd was handcuffed behind his back. There's video showing him cuffed and compliant just before the incident. What happened that caused a cop to pin Mr. Floyd to the street, knee on his neck, is not known. I can't believe four officers weren't able to control him, even if he resisted being placed in the squad car. What was done to him wasn't to control a resisting person. He was down and controlled by one officer. Three other police were there and allowed this to happen.

What I still can't get my head around is the calm expression on the cop's face as he slowly chocked the life out of another human.

[MissBarbara]

Thanks for your thoughts GB, and you are correct. There's a culture of violence that's developed in young blacks, and to a lesser extent other minorities.

In this case, there was no reason for the 4 policemen to be in fear of their lives.  George Floyd was handcuffed behind his back. There's video showing him cuffed and compliant just before the incident. What happened that caused a cop to pin Mr. Floyd to the street, knee on his neck, is not known. I can't believe four officers weren't able to control him, even if he resisted being placed in the squad car. What was done to him wasn't to control a resisting person. He was down and controlled by one officer. Three other police were there and allowed this to happen.

What I still can't get my head around is the calm expression on the cop's face as he slowly chocked the life out of another human.

Great points GB and MS.

I think this "culture of violence" -- what one sociologist calls "violentization" -- self perpetuates in many poor communities (and not just black and Hispanic communities). And its both causes and is caused by a sense of hopelessness and despair. Youths living in these conditions have a sense that life, for them, is "nasty, brutish, and short," and they have a sense that an early (and violent) death is an inevitability. Of course, there are many other factors at work, but these factors are often overlooked in the discussions.

I especially agree with GB's point about focusing on the root causes of poverty. And this would need to be an effort of both politicians and law enforcement leaders, AND community leaders and community members as well.

I think there's another factor at work here in both the incident, the immediate reaction, and the continuing protests. And that's an enormous sense of frustration at being shut down for the past three months. Poverty plays a rule here as well. Poorer people during the Covid-19 shutdowns have less access the services, they are more greatly affected by loss of employment, and -- as with poor people everywhere -- they suffer from cramped living conditions. Again, this isn't the only factor at work here, but it clearly exacerbates an already tense and hostile situation.

[msslave]

As usual, MissB goes right to the heart of the matter.

Wanna move here and take charge? You couldn't do any worse.

[msslave]

Here's some pictures of my neighborhood.  As shocking as they are, envision a store where you shop and drive by on a regular basis. Now, superimpose that familiar building in flames. I can't find the words to properly express my feelings.




This is spreading to other cities. I hope your city is spared.

[Jed_]

I keep thinking of Philando Castile, a black man shot dead by a Latino police officer in front of his girlfriend and 4 year old daughter in a St. Paul, MN suburb.  Philando informed the officer he had a gun he was legally allowed to carry.  The officer kept telling him not to reach for it, and he kept saying he was not reaching for it.  During that exchange he was shot and died at the scene.

This brings up a disparity with gun ownership.  A white person legally carrying is a responsible gun owner entitled to defend himself and in some states ‘stand his or her ground’ or even chase down a ‘suspect’ to make a citizen’s arrest.  A black person legally and responsibly carrying a firearm is a threat.

Just like the death penalty, if there’s a racial disparity, then it’s a huge problem.

To be clear, I’m against the death penalty because of both that disparity and that you can release someone later found to be innocent but not resurrect them.  I’m in favor of gun ownership and even legal carry, but some of the ‘stand the ground’ laws that led to deaths such as Ahmaud Arbery being killed in Georgia for jogging while black and Trayvon Martin being killed for being black and wearing a hoodie while getting ice tea and skittles in Florida indicate there’s a huge problem with these laws.  If a black man or men chased down someone white on such a suspicion, there would be outrage at their actions by the same people that defend people like Zimmerman and those white men in Georgia that killed the jogger.

In both cases of Martin and Arbery, a case was or will be made of defending themselves after being attacked.  But any young black man will tell you, a bunch of crackers jumping out of a truck armed to the teeth are not about to invite you to the church social.