One of the biggest protests joined by Floyd’s relatives took place in his hometown of Houston, Texas
WASHINGTON, June 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tens of thousands of people have demonstrated, mainly peacefully, across the United States for an eighth night following the death of African-American George Floyd in police custody.
One of the biggest protests, joined by Floyd’s relatives, took place in his hometown of Houston, Texas.
Many defied curfews in several cities, imposed after violence and looting in some districts on Monday night.
The Pope has issued a call for racism not to be ignored.
“We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism,” he said. But he also condemned the violence: “Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.”
The Floyd case has reignited deep-seated anger over police killings of black Americans and racism.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets – not only to express their outrage at the treatment of Floyd – but to condemn police brutality against black Americans more widely.
There have been calls, and a proposal from a US lawmaker, to end the qualified immunity of police which prevents civil legal action against them. More generally protesters have called for an end to racism and discrimination.
In central Washington DC police fired tear gas after darkness. The military were again on the streets of the capital and helicopters hovered above protesters marching towards the White House.
Traffic was blocked in New York’s Manhattan district as protesters ignored a night-time curfew, which had been extended for a week. Video footage showed them surrounding a police van. — NNN-AGENCIES
