President Donald J. Trump has threatened to use the military when dealing with nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd. Floyd was killed on Monday evening after a report was made to local authorities involving an alleged act of forgery. After Floyd was identified as a suspect, he was handcuffed and laid on the ground. From there, former police officer Derek Chauvin is seen on video pressing his knee against Floyd’s neck, leaving him unable to breath. Another video from an eye witness shows another three officers coming over close to Floyd and Chauvin.
Chauvin was later charged with third degree murder and manslaughter. He is currently being held at $500,000 bond. However, the other three officers involved have not been arrested or charged.
In the days following Floyd’s killing, protests have erupted across the country in cities like Los Angeles, Louisville, New York and Washington, D.C. In Minneapolis, uprisings led to the destruction of large businesses like Target and Auto Zone as well as a local police precinct. As uprisings continue to progress, Trump has threatened to use more government sponsored force.
Crossing State lines to incite violence is a FEDERAL CRIME! Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher or the Federal Government will step in and do what has to be done, and that includes using the unlimited power of our Military and many arrests. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2020
Trump addressed nationwide protests by turning to Twitter. He has elected to threaten some demonstrators with military force.
“Crossing State lines to incite violence is a FEDERAL CRIME! Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher or the Federal Government will step in and do what has to be done, and that includes using the unlimited power of our Military and many arrests,” he wrote.
The state of Minnesota is currently bringing in the National Guard to enforce a citywide curfew in the city of Minneapolis.
