WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr said violent protests
that have erupted after the death of George Floyd appear to be
organized by “anarchic” and “far left extremist groups” pursuing
their own aims.
Addressing “rioting” in many cities, Barr said, “the voices of
peaceful protest are being hijacked by violent radical
elements.”
“Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the
situation to pursue their own separate and violent agenda,” he
said. “In many places, it appears the violence is planned,
organized and driven by anarchic and…far left extremist groups
using Antifa-like tactics.”
Barr said many are traveling from outside states to join
protests.
Minnesota officials said Saturday many of the protesters in
Minneapolis were from outside the state, and said they were
investigating whether some outside agitators had links to white
supremacist groups.
Barr acknowledged the “outrage” over Floyd’s death is “real and
legitimate.”
Protests have erupted nationwide against police brutality and
racial discrimination over the killing of Floyd, a black man who
died in Minneapolis police custody this week after a white officer
pinned him to ground under his knee.
The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether
the officers involved in Floyd’s death committed federal civil
rights violations.
“Accountability for his death must be addressed, and is being
addressed, through the regular process of our criminal justice
system, both at the state and at the federal level,” he said. “That
system is working and moving at exceptional speed. Already initial
charges have been filed by the state. That process continues to
move forward and justice will be served.”
Barr ended his remarks with a warning:
“It is a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate
facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting, and we will
enforce those laws,” he said.
Shortly after Barr finished his remarks, Trump reiterated Barr’s
warning on Twitter.
He said “Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher” or
else the federal government would have to step in and use the
military and make “many arrests.”
WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr said violent protests
that have erupted after the death of George Floyd appear to be
organized by “anarchic” and “far left extremist groups” pursuing
their own aims.
Addressing “rioting” in many cities, Barr said, “the voices of
peaceful protest are being hijacked by violent radical
elements.”
“Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the
situation to pursue their own separate and violent agenda,” he
said. “In many places, it appears the violence is planned,
organized and driven by anarchic and…far left extremist groups
using Antifa-like tactics.”
Barr said many are traveling from outside states to join
protests.
Minnesota officials said Saturday many of the protesters in
Minneapolis were from outside the state, and said they were
investigating whether some outside agitators had links to white
supremacist groups.
Barr acknowledged the “outrage” over Floyd’s death is “real and
legitimate.”
Protests have erupted nationwide against police brutality and
racial discrimination over the killing of Floyd, a black man who
died in Minneapolis police custody this week after a white officer
pinned him to ground under his knee.
The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether
the officers involved in Floyd’s death committed federal civil
rights violations.
“Accountability for his death must be addressed, and is being
addressed, through the regular process of our criminal justice
system, both at the state and at the federal level,” he said. “That
system is working and moving at exceptional speed. Already initial
charges have been filed by the state. That process continues to
move forward and justice will be served.”
Barr ended his remarks with a warning:
“It is a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate
facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting, and we will
enforce those laws,” he said.
Shortly after Barr finished his remarks, Trump reiterated Barr’s
warning on Twitter.
He said “Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher” or
else the federal government would have to step in and use the
military and make “many arrests.”