OBAMA has released a powerful statement on the death of George Floyd, saying it “can’t be normal in 2020 America”.
President Obama posted an eight paragraph-long statement on Twitter on Friday morning, saying his “anguish” was shared by millions.
In his statement, Obama highlighted that “normal” for African-Americans included interactions with the criminal justice system.
“We have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly ‘normal’ – whether it’s while dealing with the health care system, or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park.”
Obama’s statement has had more than 52,000 retweets and almost 170,000 likes, in comparison to Joe Biden’s three-tweet thread, which had just 10,700 retweets and 52,000 likes.
Biden had started off his thread with the word “Enough”, and then added: “This is not abstract: a black reporter was arrested while doing his job this morning, while the white police officer who killed George Floyd remains free. I am glad swift action was taken, but this, to me, says everything.
“I will not lift the President’s tweet. I will not give him that amplification. But he is calling for violence against American citizens during a moment of pain for so many.
“I’m furious,” he continued, “and you should be too.”
Biden, whose tweets were the first time he had made comments on Floyd’s death, added he would be making an announcement about events in Minnesota later on Friday.
Biden was responding to comments from President Trump, who threatened to “assume control” of the situation in Minneapolis with an armed response as a third night of violence erupted over the death of George Floyd.
“These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen,” Trump tweeted on Thursday. “Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!”
Twitter later slapped a warning on the message saying it had “taken action in the interest of preventing others from being inspired to commit violent acts”.
Twitter later slapped a warning on the message saying it had “taken action in the interest of preventing others from being inspired to commit violent acts”.
Obama, meanwhile, urged Americans to take action.
Obama, meanwhile, urged Americans to take action.
“This shouldn’t be ‘normal’ in 2020 America,” he wrote. “It can’t be ‘normal’. If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better.”
The demonstrations are in response to disturbing video footage that showed Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck on Monday as the black man pleaded for his life, saying “I can’t breathe!”
The 46-year-old was later rushed to a local hospital, where he died.
A new video has since emerged, appearing to “show multiple cops pinning George Floyd down” as he begged for air during his arrest.
A new video has since emerged, appearing to “show multiple cops pinning George Floyd down” as he begged for air during his arrest.
In the 18-second clip, obtained by NBC, four cops can be seen surrounding the man, with three of them kneeling down.
It is unclear in the video whether the three officers are kneeling on the man.
The man on the floor can be heard begging the officers and crying out that he can’t breathe.
Latest Minneapolis protest news:
- Minnesota prosecutors decried Floyd’s arrest video but warned of “other evidence” against charging the cops involved
- A man claimed he was viciously beaten in an alley by Tou Thao, one of four police officers involved in Floyd’s death
- Minnesota Gov Tim Walz activated the National Guard as the peaceful protests erupted in violence
- President Donald Trump called Floyd’s arrest a “shocking sight” and said he feels “very badly” about his death
Obama continued: “It will fall mainly on the officials of Minnesota to ensure that the circumstances surrounding George Floyd’s death are investigated thoroughly and that justice is ultimately done.
“But it falls on us all, regardless of our race or station – including the majority of men and women in law enforcement who take pride in doing their tough job the right way, every day – to work together to create a ‘new normal’ in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions or our hearts.”
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