This is what abortion protests look like in Washington D.C. right now
The Supreme Court on Friday stripped away the nation’s constitutional protections for abortion that had stood for nearly a half-century. The decision by the court’s conservative majority overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling and is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states.
This is what protests on the Roe v. Wade situation look like across the country
Protests have erupted all over the country after Politico released a leaked initial draft majority opinion indicating the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn two abortion-related cases, which would end federal protection of abortion rights.
San Antonio man charged in U.S. Capitol riots accepts plea deal, records show
A San Antonio man who was charged in connection with the deadly siege of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump has agreed to plead guilty to one count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
San Antonio-area man charged in US Capitol riot allegedly took shots of whiskey in Pelosi’s office
These screenshots from surveillance were taken inside the Capitol and shown in Evans' charging document. SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio-area man accused of climbing through a broken window of the U.S. Capitol during the deadly Jan. 6 siege allegedly took shots of Fireball whiskey in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, according to FBI records. The video shows a man matching Evans’ appearance with a megaphone, saying “I don’t support looting, I don’t support the violence. (FBI)Footage from CCTV also shows a man matching Evans’ appearance climbing through a broken window at 3 p.m. on Jan. 6. GPS data from Google also placed Evans at the Capitol on Jan. 6, documents state.
Dallas-area man charged in Jan. 6 assault on the US Capitol
A photo provided by the Collin County Jail, in McKinney, Texas, shows Daniel Ray Caldwell. Caldwell was arrested Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, after he was charged with participating in the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol. Court papers filed Tuesday in federal district court in Sherman, Texas, charge Caldwell, 49, with assaulting a federal officer, as well as with trespassing on restricted grounds, the violent entry on those grounds and participating in civil disorder. DALLAS – A North Texas man was arrested Wednesday after he was charged with participating in the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol. Caldwell was booked without bond into the Collin County Jail in McKinney.
Texas man seen at U.S. Capitol riot in ‘murder the media’ shirt arrested; another remains in custody
Nicholas DeCarlo (right) is seen with Nicholas Ochs, one of the founders of Hawaii's chapter of the Proud Boys, on Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. Nicholas DeCarlo, 30, was charged with obstructing an official proceeding, entering a restricted building and parading or demonstrating on Capitol grounds, according to a criminal complaint. Investigators say DeCarlo, of Burleson, Texas, was seen in photos smoking a cigarette inside the Capitol on Jan. 6. In some photos, DeCarlo was seen with Nicholas Ochs, one of the founders of Hawaii's chapter of the Proud Boys, neofascist group. (FBI)Nicholas DeCarlo (left), Nicholas Ochs (middle) and Jacob Chansley (right) are seen in a MT Media post, according to the FBI.
Update: San Antonio man charged in connection with deadly siege of U.S. Capitol waives hearings
San Antonio man fired from job, released on bond for charges in connection with Capitol insurrectionSAN ANTONIO – Update (9 a.m.): Matthew Carl Mazzocco has waived both his identity and preliminary hearing. Original (7:17 a.m.: A San Antonio man who was charged in connection with the deadly siege of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump will have a second court appearance on Tuesday. His second charge is disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, which is a Class B misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail. The hearing was held virtually and was presided by United States Magistrate Judge Henry. Mazzocco was released from jail on a personal recognizance bond and was ordered to not travel outside of the contiguous United States and Washington D.C.
San Antonio man fired from job, released on bond for charges in connection with Capitol insurrection
SAN ANTONIO – After being arrested in San Antonio Sunday for his alleged role in the deadly pro-Trump Capitol riot on Jan. 6, Matthew Carl Mazzocco made his first federal court appearance on Tuesday. The hearing was held virtually and United States Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad presided. During the hearing, Mazzocco, 37, who was represented by attorney Robbie Ward, was read his charges. In the videos, Mazzocco could be heard telling other people who stormed the Capitol not to take or destroy anything. Mazzocco was employed with Synergy One Lending, Inc., as a loan officer but was recently fired, KSAT confirmed.
Heavy metal guitarist photographed at Capitol riot charged
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A heavy metal guitarist who was photographed with the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol and is accused of spraying police officers with a pepper-based bear spray irritant has been arrested, the FBI said. Jon Ryan Schaffer turned himself in Sunday after he was featured on an FBI poster seeking the public’s help in identifying rioters, said Chris Bavender, a spokeswoman for the FBI’s Indianapolis office. He has been charged with several felony counts, including engaging in an act of physical violence and knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful entry. The Indianapolis Star reported that Schaffer had been sought after, according to a federal statement about his case, he was seen in photographs and on video “engaging in verbal altercations with Capitol Police inside the Capitol building” and holding a container of bear spray that’s sold by outdoor retailers. People across the country are charged in the riot.
Texans who’ve been charged in connection to the deadly Capitol insurrection
He is charged with obstructing an official proceeding, entering a restricted building and parading or demonstrating on Capitol grounds, according to a criminal complaint. AdDaniel GoodwynDaniel Goodwyn, of Denton County, is charged in connection with the insurrection on Jan. 6. Matthew Carl MazzoccoMatthew Carl Mazzocco is charged in connection with the Capitol insurrection. San Antonio man James Uptmore is allegedly seen at the U.S. Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the FBI. The two posted photos of themselves from the Capitol, according to federal documents.
Texas realtor charged in Capitol insurrection asks Trump for pardon
Ryan posted a video on Facebook telling her followers, “We’re gonna go down and storm the Capitol. Ryan streamed live from the Capitol and posted many photos of herself, including one next to a smashed window. Jenna Ryan for your realtor.”The videos Ryan posted have since been deleted, according to court documents. Despite her online rhetoric, Ryan told NBC News that she is not a violent person and should not be facing criminal charges. I have no guilt in my heart.”While Trump is preparing to grant more pardons, he is not expected to pardon anyone charged in connection with the insurrection, according to media reports.
San Antonio man arrested for involvement in Capitol insurrection
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man has been arrested by the FBI after he allegedly participated in the Capitol insurrection in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6. Matthew Carl Mazzocco, 37, was arrested Sunday in San Antonio without incident, according to San Antonio FBI public affairs officer Michelle Lee. He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Mazzocco is expected to appear in federal court Tuesday in San Antonio. A second Texas man was arrested Sunday for his involvement in the insurrection.
Texas State Capitol to close for several days due to threats of armed protests
(Photo by Sergio Flores/Getty Images)AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds will be closed “out of an abundance of caution” for several days as President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration nears. Though details remain murky, demonstrations are expected at state capitols beginning Sunday and leading up to Biden’s succession of President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The FBI has warned of the potential for violence at all state capitols and has said it is tracking an " extensive amount of concerning online chatter, " including calls for armed protests. Though details remain murky, demonstrations are expected at state capitols beginning Sunday and leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday. “But we draw the line at threats to physical safety or to the Utah Capitol building.
Retired Air Force officer pictured with zip ties inside U.S. Capitol arrested in Texas
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)A Texas Air Force Academy graduate and combat veteran was arrested Sunday after he was allegedly pictured inside the U.S. Capitol with zip-tie restraints as an insurrectionist mob stormed the building to object to President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over President Donald Trump. Brock was arrested Sunday at an undisclosed location in Texas, according to a news release from the Department of Justice. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1989, majoring in International Relations and Affairs, according to The New Yorker. A spokesperson for the Air Force told The New Yorker that Brock is “no longer serving in the Air Force Reserve. As a private citizen, the Air Force no longer has jurisdiction over him.”You can read The New Yorker’s full report here.
U.S. Capitol rioter identified as Texas-based retired Air Force officer, New Yorker reports
According to the report, Brock, 53, was “wearing several patches on his combat helmet and body armor, including one bearing a yellow fleur de lis, the insignia of the 706th Fighter Squadron. Additionally, The New Yorker said Scott-Railton discovered a Twitter account associated with Brock that had been recently deactivated. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1989, majoring in International Relations and Affairs, according to The New Yorker. A spokesperson for the Air Force told The New Yorker that Brock is “no longer serving in the Air Force Reserve. As a private citizen, the Air Force no longer has jurisdiction over him.”Brock later confirmed to The New Yorker that he was the man in the photos, but has denied entering Pelosi’s office.
Former Texas congressman calls attacks on US Capitol an ‘attack on our democracy’
“I’ve been in embassies that have been blown up, that (people) tried to overrun, and this is stuff you see over there. Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said one woman was shot and killed by Capitol police. This is an attack on our democracy and domestic terrorism to try to stop certifying elections. ‘”And I think it’s outrageous.”Rodriguez’s concern is how this breach of security will impact the public’s ability in the future to have face-to-face access to lawmakers in the Capitol. Related: Trump tells supporters to ‘go home in peace’ in video from White House following chaos at US Capitol
Victoria resident recalls violence on U.S. Capitol
Some area Texans had a front-row seat to witness instances of violence on the U.S. Capitol grounds in an attempt to obstruct the certification of electoral votes on Wednesday. Maria Miller, a Victoria resident and member of a Latinos for Trump organization, said she was attending a separate rally near the Capitol when a violent mob rushed the Capitol building. “They were saying, ‘Charge let’s get in there,’ waving his hands and fist. He kept saying, ‘Let’s go charge,’” Miller told KSAT. Related: Trump tells supporters to ‘go home in peace’ in video from White House following chaos at US Capitol
Reactions pour in after unprecedented scene at U.S. Capitol building: ‘The world is watching’
pic.twitter.com/1OdQYEB35K — Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) January 6, 2021Dutch Prime Minister Mark RutteHorrible images from Washington D.C. Dear @realDonaldTrump, recognise @JoeBiden as the next president today. We grieve the loss of life in these hallowed halls, as well as the injuries suffered by those who defended our Capitol today. @SenSchumer and I are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol grounds immediately. — Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) January 6, 2021Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-CaliforniaMr. @VP, President Trump cannot defend our country or her ideals. There is no question that the President formed the mob, the President incited the mob, the President addressed the mob.
Bexar County Sheriff condemns violence at U.S. Capitol
SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar has condemned the violent actions that happened on Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol to obstruct the certification of the Electoral College votes of the November 2020 election. Earlier on Wednesday, pro-Trump supporters forced their way into the U.S. Capitol to condemn the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over President Donald Trump. Police evacuated at least two buildings on Capitol Hill as protestors tore down and crossed police barriers to enter the buildings. One woman was shot and killed during the protestors’ march on Capitol Hill. “I can assure you that all proactive measures to safeguard Bexar County facilities, staff, and processes are being implemented.”Related: Trump tells supporters to ‘go home in peace’ in video from White House following chaos at US Capitol
‘It was a sad day for our country’: Former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus condemns violence at US Capitol
On Jan. 3, Straus said on Twitter that “Donald Trump is trying to dismantle our democracy by seeking to invalidate an election he lost. “All political leaders have a role to play, an obligation, a responsibility, to try and bring people together,” he said. He wants as many people as possible to get vaccinated and to provide help for people affected mentally by the pandemic. As for whether Straus will run for office in the future...“I’m not done with politics. But the November election is only a couple of months old and it’s been a little bumpy since then.
Trump supporters stage peaceful rally in Fredericksburg
FREDERICKSBURG, Texas – A crowd of more than 100 people gathered in front of the Gillespie County Courthouse in Fredericksburg Wednesday in support of President Donald Trump. The crowd held flags and signs as they watched Trump’s speech in Washington D.C. and the debate in Congress over the tallying of electoral college votes. Unlike the scene in D.C., though, the rally in Fredericksburg remained peaceful. One, organized by the Fredericksburg Tea Party and another, by Rozanna Sasko, who said she and her husband had placed an ad in the newspaper. Collier said she was concerned about what might happen in Washington D.C., but did not expect issues in Gillespie County should President-elect Joe Biden take office as expected.
Trump tells supporters to ‘go home in peace’ in video from White House following chaos at US Capitol
Trump to supporters at Capitol Hill: 'We love you, you are very special'President Donald Trump is asking supporters and protesters to go home following incidents of violence and groups of people entering the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to condemn the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over Trump. “I know your pain, I know you’re hurt. It was a landslide election and everyone know it, especially the other side,” Trump said. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021America is so much better than what we’re seeing today. We have to respect our great people in law and order,” Trump said.
WATCH LIVE: ABC News coverage on chaos at U.S Capitol as protesters clash with police
Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, marching through the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags and forcing a halt to congressional deliberations over challenges to Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. Watch the ABC News live coverage in the video player below. READ MORE:WATCH LIVE: 1 shot at U.S. Capitol, AP reports; Trump encourages supporters to ‘remain peaceful’Social media captures clashes between President Donald Trump’s supporters, police in election protest
Videos, photos from Twitter show clashes at the Capitol
Police stand guard after holding off Trump supporters who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. Police have evacuated at least two buildings on Capitol Hill as people protesting the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over President Donald Trump have torn down police barriers as they march toward the Capitol, according to multiple media reports. pic.twitter.com/YflxS1miBw — Rebecca Tan (@rebtanhs) January 6, 2021As the protestors got closer, Capitol police evacuated the Madison Library of Congress Building and the Cannon House Office Building. CNN reported that the Capitol is in lockdown and that Vice President Mike Pence was evacuated due to the rioting.
WATCH: President Donald Trump’s supporters clash with police in march toward Capitol building
Images and videos taken on social media show the protestors storming past police barriers and attempting to get into the building as the certification process occurs. pic.twitter.com/YflxS1miBw — Rebecca Tan (@rebtanhs) January 6, 2021As the protestors get closer, Capitol police evacuated the Madison Library of Congress Building and the Cannon House Office Building, according to a Spectrum News reporter. US Capitol Police have evacuated two buildings on the Hill, the Madison Library of Congress Building and the Cannon House Office Building, where our crew is set up. Here’s a look at some staffers and press waiting in a hallway in the Longworth House Office Building. pic.twitter.com/MyMlSNqEUt — Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) January 6, 2021CNN reported that the Capitol is in lockdown and that people inside cannot leave until the situation is resolved.
Photos: This is what ‘stop the count’ protests look like across the country
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Trump supporters gather for a demonstration outside the TCF Center on Nov. 6, 2020 in Detroit. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Trump supporters gather for a demonstration outside the TCF Center on Nov. 6, 2020 in Detroit. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Supporters of President Trump hold signs and chant slogans during a protest outside the Philadelphia Convention Center. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Supporters of President Trump yell at a counter protester at the Maricopa County Elections Department office on Nov. 6, 2020 in Phoenix. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)
The Purple Pig employees protest over concerns of coronavirus safety negligence
“It starts small,” Love said about the number of people who showed up at the protest outside the acclaimed restaurant in the heart of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue business district. Others voiced their support in private but were hesitant to attend the protest out of fear of losing their jobs, Love said. Another employee, who also called for the protest, did not attend because she says she thinks she is sick with the coronavirus. A third employee emailed a statement to the Tribune, detailing the last seven months of his employment and echoing many of the grievances raised by Love.
chicagotribune.comLocal activist says Gov. Abbott’s proposals prove he doesn’t care about Black lives
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio activist who has organized peaceful protests and made strides in registering demonstrators to vote said Gov. Greg Abbott’s proposals aimed at creating stiffer penalties for those who riot and loot at protests are proof that Black lives don’t matter to him. Reiffert said she understands how rioters and looters distract from the message of the Black Lives Matter movement. Reiffert believes new legislative proposals centered around current events need to address ways to help outraged communities heal and improve people’s trust in government systems. The governor’s ideas are currently legislative proposals, which means before they become actionable, the state House and Senate must pass the bills before the governor signs them off.
WATCH LIVE: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to sign pledge against police budget cuts
Greg Abbott is expected to sign a pledge that opposes cuts to police budgets on Thursday afternoon. A livestream of the news conference, which happens at 2 p.m., will be placed in this article. Abbott announced the effort on Wednesday, calling on Texas candidates running in the upcoming election to support police departments and their funding. “Some cities in Texas want to defund and dismantle police departments in our state,” Abbott said in a YouTube video. Last month, the Austin City Council approved cutting about one-third of next year’s $434 million police budget.
Cowboys players ponder kneeling during national anthem
FRISCO, Texas Dak Prescott wants his teammates on the Dallas Cowboys to decide for themselves whether to protest during the national anthem. Owner Jerry Jones hasn't said in so many words, but it appears his hard-line stance requiring players to stand during the anthem has eased amid a national reckoning over racial justice. We all do understand where I stand relative to the national anthem and the flag. As we heard Mr. Jones talk about grace and sharing grace and having grace with players in what they want to do. Jones seems to understand that kneeling before the anthem might not be enough this time.
Car caught on video plowing through Times Square protesters
NEW YORK The New York Police Department says it is trying to find a car that drove through a group of Black Lives Matter protesters blocking a street in Times Square. Video posted on social media shows the car jerking through the crowd Thursday night with its horn blaring as demonstrators scream and scramble out of the way. No one appeared to be seriously injured. The NYPD said on Twitter that the car wasnt a police vehicle.
Officers suspended in suffocation death; protesters unswayed
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren announced the suspensions at a news conference Thursday amid outrage that city officials had previously kept quiet about Prude's death. Journalists were among those hit by pellets during the confrontation, which came on the second day of peaceful demonstrations over Prude's death. The mayor said she only became aware that Prude's death involved the use of force on Aug. 4. Warren said the seven officers would still be paid because of contract rules and that she was taking the action against the advice of attorneys. Prude's death happened just as the coronavirus was raging out of control in New York and received no public attention at the time.
Video in Black man’s suffocation shows cops put hood on him
Prude died March 30 after he was taken off life support, seven days after the encounter with police in Rochester. Daniel Prude died March 30 after he was taken off life support, seven days after the encounter with police in Rochester. Then, they put a white “spit hood” over his head, a device intended to protect officers from a detainee's saliva. Another remarks, “He feels pretty cold.”His head had been held down by an officer for just over two minutes, the video shows. Demonstrators later gathered at the spot where Prude died, chanting, dancing and praying.
Thousands expected to march on Washington to fight for criminal justice reform
Thousands are expected at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Friday, where the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic I Have A Dream address, a vision of racial equality that remains elusive for millions of Americans. A livestream of the event is expected to begin at 10 a.m. and it will be livestreamed in this article. Weve got to create a different consciousness and a different climate in our nation, said Martin Luther King III, a son of the late civil rights icon and co-convener of the march. Following the commemorative rally that will include remarks from civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents several of the victims families, participants will march to the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in West Potomac Park, next to the National Mall, and then disperse.
Kenosha mayor, law enforcement officials to hold news conference in wake of Jacob Blake shooting, protests
Officials in Kenosha, Wis., where Jacob Blake was shot by officers, sparking a series of protests of police brutality and racial injustice, will give an update in the case on Friday afternoon. Mayor John Antaramian, Kenosha Police Chief Dan Miskinis and Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth are expected to speak at 1 p.m. Teen charged in Kenosha killings stalls return to WisconsinState authorities earlier identified the officer who shot Blake as Rusten Sheskey, a seven-year veteran of the Kenosha Police Department. Sheskey shot Blake while holding onto his shirt after he and Arenas unsuccessfully used Tasers on him twice, the department said in a Friday news release. Civil rights advocates highlighted the scourge of police and vigilante violence against Black Americans following the shooting of Blake and the deaths of the two protesters.
Sky 12 over protestors at Bexar County Jail
SAN ANTONIO Editors Note: This livestream has ended. Protestors have gathered at the Bexar County Jail to demonstrate against the Sheriffs Office after a man was shot dead by a Bexar County Sheriffs deputy during a mental health call on Tuesday. LATEST STORY UPDATE: Bexar County sheriff releases photos of struggle moments before deputy fatally shot man
WATCH: Kenosha, Wis. law enforcement hold briefing on Jacob Blake shooting, protests
Law enforcement officials in Washington as expected to hold a press conference several days following the shooting of Jacob Blake, which has set off a series of protests and a strike from the sports world. Officials will offer their first press conference since the shooting; Blake was shot in the back seven times Sunday as he leaned into his SUV, in which three of his children were seated. Somber protests in Kenosha after night of chaos, shootingsOn Wednesday, state authorities identified the officer who shot Blake as Rusten Sheskey, a seven-year veteran of the Kenosha Police Department. Sheskey shot Blake while holding onto his shirt after officers first unsuccessfully used a Taser, the Wisconsin Justice Department said. State authorities did not say Blake threatened anyone with the knife.
WATCH: City Council to take up resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis
SAN ANTONIO San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Council will meet on Thursday to discuss a resolution that declares racism as a public health crisis. The resolution would establish stronger efforts to promote racial equity in San Antonio, the city says. According to the resolution, the 2019 Racial Equity Indicator Report reveals the average median household income disparity between races is substantial. The average median household incomes are $44,964 for Black people, $46,329 for Latino people, and $70,019 for white people. Abbotts property tax freeze plan wont change how city looks at changes to policingAs a result of the resolution, the city would increase advocacy, support community-based groups and initiatives for racial equity, and give bi-annual updates on policies and programs.
Watch Gov. Greg Abbott and state leaders discuss a police funding proposal live at noon Central time
Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Abbott, Patrick and Bonnen will be joined by Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Republican state Sens. Austin was the first to drastically cut police department funding. San Antonios proposed budget for 2021 increases overall police funding by $8 million, but cuts overtime and funds health and violence prevention programs. In Dallas, the proposed 2021 budget includes a minor increase in police funding and $3.2 million for social safety net resources.
WATCH: Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, Texas House Speaker Bonnen to announce police funding proposal
Dan Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, are set to announce a proposal on police funding on Tuesday. A news conference is slated to begin at noon on Fort Worth, and it will be livestreamed in this article. The announcement comes after Austin on Thursday moved to defund their police force by one-third, and instead invest in social services. That money will be redirected to social services in the 2021 fiscal budget, which starts Oct. 1. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that a large amount of the sales tax fund will go toward nonprofits and civilian response teams.
Texas Legislative Black Caucus unveils the George Floyd Act to ban chokeholds and limit police use of force
The legislation, spearheaded by members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, is named after Floyd, a Black man killed in Minneapolis police custody. Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes until and after he lost consciousness. Abbott has previously said he is committed to working with Floyds family on legislation, and has even floated the possibility of a George Floyd Act at the Legislature. The caucus George Floyd Act would limit the use of force by officers, requiring them to attempt to de-escalate the situation and banning lethal force if another lesser level of force could have worked, said state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, D-Houston. Rodney Floyd, the youngest brother of George Floyd, applauded lawmakers Thursday for the proposal, thanking Thompson during the news conference and saying the legislation has so many great things [that are] way overdue way overdue.Jolie McCullough contributed reporting.
40 people arrested in Austin during weekend protests
AUSTIN, Texas Forty people were arrested over two nights of weekend protests in Austin, police said Monday. Perry has not been charged, and Austin police have not named him as a suspect in their investigation. A call was put out Thursday by Austin officers asking the public to come forward if they had relevant information. U.S. Army sergeant who shot Austin protester Garrett Foster posted tweets about retaliating against demonstratorsAustin police renewed their plea Monday for any witnesses to the confrontation and shooting to come forth with what they saw. The Austin Police Department posted images on its social media of persons that detectives hope will provide statements.
Here’s how to sign up to speak at San Antonio City Council meetings in-person, by phone or online
SAN ANTONIO – Regular City Council meetings will return in August with a new feature for any resident who wants their voice to be heard. Starting Thursday, residents can submit comments for items on the agenda of certain meetings or sign up to speak in person or by phone. They will be provided to City Council and become part of the meeting history and minutes, according to a city spokesperson. People can also sign up to speak at the meeting in-person or participate via phone during virtual meetings, according to the City of San Antonio. The next City Council meeting is slated for 9 a.m. on Aug. 6 and will be held via videoconference.
Barr to condemn rioting at much-anticipated House hearing
Barr is scheduled to appear for the first time before the House Judiciary Committeeon Tuesday, July 28. Massive but peaceful demonstrations had followed Floyd's death in May. But he will also condemn Americans who he says have responded inappropriately to Floyd's death through what he said was rioting and anarchy. Barr also pushed for a more lenient sentence for another Trump ally, Roger Stone, prompting the entire trial team's departure. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday on MSNBC that Democrats want to question Barr about how Trump is undermining the Constitution of the United States. Barr previously rebuffed the House committee and Pelosi said that we hope that he will show up."
Mayors want US agents blocked from Portland, other cities
We are not leaving the building unprotected to be destroyed by people intent on doing so.Local and state officials said the federal officers are unwelcome. President Donald Trump said he sent federal agents to Portland to halt the unrest, but state and local officials said they are making the situation worse. Trumps deployment of the federal officers over the July 4 weekend stoked the Black Lives Matter movement. Early Monday, U.S. agents repeatedly fired tear gas, flash bangs and pepper balls at protesters outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland. Trump said on Twitter that federal properties in Portland wouldnt last a day without the presence of the federal agents.
Floyd family to announce lawsuit against Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS Attorneys for George Floyd's family plan to announce a lawsuit Wednesday against the city of Minneapolis and the police officers who are charged in his death. Attorney Ben Crump planned a late-morning news conference in Minneapolis to detail the lawsuit. Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Floyd's death also sparked calls to abolish the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a new public safety department. According to documents in state probate court, Floyd is survived by 11 known heirs, including five children and six siblings.
Body camera footage of Floyd arrest could show more of story
But footage recorded by body cameras that officers wore as they were apprehending Floyd could show even more about what the officers were doing and saying during that fateful encounter. Footage from the body cameras of Thomas Lane and J. Kueng was filed with the court last week by Lane's attorney, but only the written transcripts were made public. The body camera videos and transcripts were filed in court last week by Lanes attorney, Earl Gray, as part of a motion to have Lanes case dismissed. The video footage could provide a more vivid picture of what happened the night Floyd was arrested on suspicion of passing a fake $20 bill. The footage will likely also will show what Lane, Kueng and Floyd did during the struggle, rather than what was merely said.
Derek Chauvin Told George Floyd 'It Takes a Heck of a Lot of Oxygen' to Talk During Fatal Arrest
At one point, Floyd told the officers that he recently recovered from the coronavirus. In the transcript of Lane's bodycam footage, Chauvin said, "Then stop talking, stop yelling, it takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk." In the transcript of J. Alexander Kueng's bodycam footage, Chauvin said, "Takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to say that." The actual bodycam footage has not been released. RELATED CONTENT:Former Officer Charged in George Floyd Death Files to Dismiss ChargesEx-cops Charged in George Floyd's Death Appear in CourtGeorge Floyd and Derek Chauvin 'Bumped Heads' While Working at Club