Trump has declared that his administration will always oppose violence, chaos and disorder. (File)
Florida:
US President Donald Trump said Saturday (local time) that the death of African-American man George Floyd was a “serious tragedy” even as protests continue to rage in the United States.
“The death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis was a serious tragedy. It should never have happened. It filled Americans across the country with horror, anger and heartache,” Trump said. from a press conference at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
He said his administration would always oppose violence, chaos and disorder.
“We will be with the family of George Floyd, peaceful protesters and all law-abiding citizens who want decency, civility, safety and security,” added Trump.
The President also said that his administration supported the rights of peaceful protesters.
The U.S. government has launched a civil rights investigation into Floyd’s death and has asked the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to expedite it.
Earlier, Trump said 80% of the protesters who ravaged the city of Minneapolis last night to protest against Floyd’s death came from other states.
“Last night, 80% of the Minneapolis rioters came from outside the state. They are hurting businesses (especially African American small businesses), homes and the community of good, hard-working Minneapolis residents who want peace, equality and support. families, “Trump tweeted.
He said if the unrest continues, the federal government will step in “and do what needs to be done.”
Unrest broke out in Minneapolis and other US cities on Tuesday after Floyd’s death following his arrest by the four officers.
A viral video shows a police officer, Derek Chauvin, pinning the 46-year-old Floyd to the ground with his knee on the neck for nearly eight minutes. Floyd died in a local hospital soon after.
The four police officers were dismissed. Chauvin has also been charged with murder and manslaughter, according to Hennepin County attorney Mike Freeman.
