Focus on Peaceful Protests Instead of Violence... Looting Decreases
Obama: "Must Be an Opportunity for Change in Law Enforcement"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The unrest in the United States, intensified by the death of Black man George Floyd, is considered to have passed its peak. Following the Trump administration's tough response policy, which poured fuel on the fire, public criticism of violence and looting has increased, leading to the spread of peaceful protests. However, some believe it is too early to be reassured as sporadic looting has been observed in certain areas.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama, who appeared for the first time since the protests, emphasized, "This should be an opportunity to initiate reforms in law enforcement." In New York City, where the deployment of the National Guard was even considered on the 3rd (local time), about 280 people were arrested for looting or curfew violations. Compared to the approximately 700 arrests made the previous day, the number dropped to less than half in just one day. President Donald Trump and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo viewed the situation in New York seriously and urged the deployment of the National Guard, but ultimately the situation was calmed without military intervention.
Mayor Bill de Blasio stated at a press conference that day, "There were results from the aggressive response last night." As the situation in New York City stabilized, Governor Cuomo, who had expressed disappointment with the mayor and police response, reportedly apologized for his criticism the day before. The intense situation in front of the White House in Washington DC, where tear gas was fired the previous day, also somewhat calmed down. Washington DC decided to extend the curfew time to 11 p.m. starting that day.
The murder charge against the police officer who caused Floyd's death, a Black man, was upgraded. The Minnesota prosecutor applied a second-degree murder charge, meaning "intentional murder," to Officer Derek Chauvin instead of the previous third-degree murder charge. Additionally, three other officers who were present at the scene were also indicted.
Criticism of the Trump administration's response continued. Former U.S. President George Carter said, "I am hurt by the tragic racial injustice and the nationwide protests that followed," and pointed out, "We need a government as great as the people, but right now we are better than our government." He also added, "Silence can be as deadly as violence." Former President Obama emphasized during an online town hall meeting that day, "We can do better," and urged, "All mayors across the country must initiate reforms in law enforcement."
As the protest situation calmed, New York City appeared to refocus on the first phase of economic normalization scheduled for the 8th. The city provided one million masks to citizens and made COVID-19 testing available to everyone. However, in low-income areas such as the Bronx, looting damage to stores was still reported.
The New York Times reported that stores looted in the Bronx suffered significant damage just as they were trying to recover from the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Francisco Arau, who runs a jewelry store in the area, appealed, "I fully sympathize with the protesters, but this (looting) is not justice." According to the New York Consulate General and the Korean Association, four Korean-owned stores in the area, including a computer repair shop, watch repair shop, beauty supply, and shoe store, were also damaged.
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