Transcripts For KQED PBS NewsHour 20240712

Major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by Financial Services firm raymond james. Consumer cellular offers nocontract wireless plans that are designed to help you do more of the things you enjoy. Whether youre a talker, texter, browser, photographer, or a bit of everything, our u. S. Based Customer Service team is here to find a plan that fits you. To learn more, go to consumercellular. Tv fidelity investments. Bnsf railway. Johnson johnson. The john s. And james l. Knight foundation. Fostering informed and engaged communities. More at kf. Org. Nd with the ongoing support of these institutions this program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. And by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. Thank you. Woodruff the United States has now been buffeted by a full week of protests over Police Killings of black americans. It began with the death of george floyd in minneapolis. Amid all this, a new storm swirls around President Trump. Amna nawaz begins our coverage. Nawaz in washington, d. C. Today, demonstrations in the shadow of a shrine. Im here to lend my voice to this moment, to affirm that black lives matter, that George Floyds life mattered, and that countless black men and women who lost their life to Police Brutality, racism, violence, lives mattered. Nawaz following a brief visit this morning from President Trump, outside the national basilica, police on one side of the line, protesters on the other. Today, im out here with some friends who dont necessarily look like me, but we attend the same church. And largely, i feel that theyve been silent. And i want to stand with them and help them to use their voice at this time, to show our community that they really care. Nawaz the relative calm. In stark contrast to just 24 hours ago. And an extraordinary scene in the nations capitol. chanting i cant breathe . When Police Officers and National Guard units marched towards peaceful protestors, deploying gas and physical force to clear a path for President Trump to make this walk, from the white house to st. Johns Episcopal Church, for this photo opportunity. All this unfolded as protests in washington, d. C. Continued into the night, calling for an end to Police Violence against black americans. Groups out past the citywide 7 00 p. M. Curfew were met with a heavy police presence, including smoke canisters, rubber bullets, and military helicopters hovering low a show of force, to disperse the crowd. On one d. C. Block, Police Officers boxed in a group of protesters. Homeowner rahul dubey, who described hearing bangs and his eyes burning from the smoke on his block, opened his doors to those demonstrators. Youre the ones keeping us in this house. Are you leaning up on my why are you touching my door . I can hear you just fine this way. No, i can, i can. Nawaz on cnn this morning, washington, d. C. Mayor Muriel Bowser responded to the use of force in her city. We dont think that the active duty military should be used on american streets against americans. Nawaz across the country overnight, the mostlypeaceful demonstrations were marred by pockets of looting and violence. In las vegas, a Police Officer is on life support after what the sheriff described as two protestrelated shootings. Four other officers were shot in st. Louis, but are expected to recover. In new york city, after a massive peaceful march in the afternoon, hundreds were arrested after businesses were looted last night, and three officers injured after being hit by a car. And in richmond, virginia last night, officers tear gassed demonstrators before the citys curfew had gone into effect. Im done being silent nawaz mayor levar stoney today faced a wave of frustration d fear, like from this little girl, who said she was afraid being teargassed. The system hasnt worked for us hasnt worked for anyone who looks black or brown. And we asked you to go into our streets and do that yesterday. And people were teargassed. That was wrong. And i i will march with you, i will stand with you, i will be with you. Nawaz one week after the death of george floyd in minneapolis policeustody, local leaders across the nation are grappling with how to meet their communities concerns and calls for reformand how to manage their response so demonstrations remain peaceful. Today, even federal officials are divided. Republican senator tom cotton of arkansas today echoed President Trumps calls for greater use of force, and his threat to send in the activeduty military, saying in a statement that violent anarchists and insurrectionists were once again allowed to rule the streets last night in too many cities. The only way to end this insurrection is the overwhelming display of force. Republican senator lindsey graham, of south carolina, however, called this moment a wakeup call to the fact that black men are disproportionately killed by police in the u. S. We need to get a grip on it, in terms of order in the streets. But the overwhelming issue for us is, after you stop the rioting, which we will, what are you going to do about the problem that led to the protest . Nawaz and democratic senator cory booker, of new jersey, condemned the president s actions in no uncertain terms. What this president did was to make a mockery of our civil rights. I say ours. I was not there in that park, but every one of us should wish we were there. And im telling you right now, if donald trump wants to gas someone next time, start right here. We will not allow any president to quiet our voice. Nawaz in an address from philadelphia, the Presumptive Democratic president ial nominee, former vice presidt joe biden, decried President Trumps rhetoric for rampedup force. The right of the people peaceably to assemble and to position their government for redress of grievances. Thats kind of the central notion of the building of this country. Mr. President , thats america. Thats america. Not horses rising up on their hind legs to push back peaceful protests. Not using the American Military to move against the American People. Nawaz and those protests continued today from bethesda, maryland, to hollywood, california. And back to where they began in minneapolis, minnesota, where once again, a community gathered to remember george floyd. For the pbs newshour, im amna nawaz. Woodruff this evening former president george w. Bush issued a statement saying, it is time to listen to one another, and noting that racism that claims the lives in particular of young black men needs to be addressed. He writes, we can only see the reality of americas need by seeing it through the eyes of the threatened, oppressed, and disenfranchised. That is exactly with we now stand. Many doubt the justice of our country and with good reason. Former president bush went on to say, any solution requires consistent, courageous, and creative efforts. O 7eamiche alcindor has been out reporting around the white house yesterday and today, and she joins me now. Hello, yamiche. I know you are just now a few blocks from the white house. Tell us more about what you witnessed yesterday and what youre learning from your sources about how President Trump thinks hes handling all of this. President trump is determined to show dominance over the protests that are gripping this nation, and the president yesterday enacted a surreal scene outside the white house. I was listening to the president deliver his rose garden remarks on my cell phone. I looked up and there were officers going toward peaceful protestors. They used some sort of gas, a chemical component, possibly tear gas, that started my eyes tearing up, that started me choking. What i saw was protesters running all over the place, trying to get away from Law Enforcement that was showing an incredible degree of aggression. The president says that he wants people to understand that they cant just be everywhere that they want to be and that people should know that this government is going to be one of law and order, but park police say protesters were throwing frozen Water Bottles and other objects at police. I did not see that, judy. What i saw were peaceful protestors gathering. Of course, i learned later that the president did that to clear the streets so he could take a walk to the church. The Church Bishop who oversees that church says he was outraged that President Trump did that and he knew it was a photo op. The white house is saying its wrong to call it a photo op, but, of course, President Trump did walk to that church to show a bible and take pictures and walk away. The president is willing to move physically lawabiding citizens out of the way to take a walk and show the optics to t nation that he wants to show. Woodruff we talked to the bishop of the piss tal church a short time ago. Well hear that in a little whitton news hour. But yamiche, youve been out there covering these protests for several days. What are you hearing from the protesters themselves . Well, President Trump has said over and over again that these protesters are largely domestic terrorists who dont want to see democracy in america, when what ive seen is americans who are demanding ange who are largely lawabiding citizens who say they want the peacefully protest and they also want a stance from their government. A mother of four came out yesterday and said shes here becauseofthe lives of her children. Shes scared her childn might be business killed by the police because theyre African American or a young man who bought his son out here. He said the reason im here is for the first 30 years of my life and next 30 years of my sons life. Woodruff the president himself says he wants the see injustices corrected. What do you know about a specific plan the white house has to address policing and policing and some of these other issues . Right now the president has not made clear what his plans are to deal with policing. Instead today he signed an executive order. He has not so far said what he feels. Yet he didnt utter those words. I know the white house might be headed up by secretary ben carson. The other thing that would complicate the president s solution, is there are a lot of African Americans and protesters who see the president as racist and dont think he has the credibility to start a conversation or to enact any sort of legislation that would help the lives of americans, including black americans, people of color, and all americans in this country. Woodruff sobering. Yamiche alcindor reporting from just a couple of blocks from the white house tonight. Thanks, yamiche. Woodruff with protests taking places in cities across the country, we turn to capitol hill and how the federal government can respond. Republican john thune is the Senate Majority whip. In his home state of south dakota, the National Guard has been called to help disperse protests in recent days. Senator thune, thank you so much for joining us. I want to start with the president s actions yesterdain having Peaceful Protesters forcefully cleared out around the white house from that tire area so that he could walk over to st. Johns church for a photograph. As im sure you know, some of your republican colleagues have been critical, including tim scott, who saidcahe should not have used tear gas for a photo op, and senator ben sasse, who said he was using the bible as a political prop. Are they right . Well, i think that situation, judy, a lot of it is in the eye of the beholder. Trump supporters are going to say that was a. He was showing strength and evidencing his commitment the faith and principle and obviously his detractors will say its a photo op. I think my colleagues are coming down to different conclusions about that. I think there is some dispute about whether or not tear gas was being used there, but nevertheless, you know, that was a decision made by the white house and their tem to do an event there. And again, everybody is going the draw their own conclusions as they usually do with this president whose tactics and ways of communicating are certainly unconventional in and in many ws unorthodox. Woodruff are you comfortable with the idea of Law Enforcement using force as we saw on video to clear out protesters and journalists out of the area so the president can walk a bock over to the church . Well, i would prefer that if people were protesting peacefully that they be allowed to continue to do that. Thats what we wanto encourage. Now, my understanding is there was a curfew being imposed at 7 00 and people were starting to disperse anyway, but for sure if people are following the law, exercising their First Amendment rights to assemble and to make their voices heard in a peacel way, they should be allowed to do that. So there are questions about the circumstances down there last night, but i think as a general rule, yes, people who are protesting peacefully ought to be allowed to do that. Thats certainly the kind of thg we want to encourage. Woodruff should President Trump make remarks to the American People . Right now senator, beyond what he said about im the law and order president . Im asking because the Washington Post is reporting that this is. Theyre saying this about the president and some of his advisers, and im quoting, they calculated she shouldnt speak because he had nothing to say and no tangible policy or actions to announce. This is what the reporter learned from the white house. Should the president have something to say, have something to announce right now . I think that the country, judy, is looking for healing. Theyre looking for a calm voice, a reassuring voice, and i think thats the tone right now that the president needs to projected. And sometimes, too often, when he resorts to his twitter account, he doesnt always reflect that tone. But i think that right now the thing that we ought to see, i hope you can see more of out of the president is an appreciation for the frustration, the anger, the anxiety that people are feeling, serving these events around the cuntry, and just being willing to listen. I ink more than anything else right now, people want to have their voices hea, and i think the president in a copassionate way, in a way that reflects humility and respected, should listen to people at a time like this. So i hope we see more of that out of him and out of his team in the days ahead. Woodruff and you do believe the president is capable of projecting calm and unifying the country . Well, he does at times. Like i said, hes. There clearly are instances and examples where the president through the way that h says things perhaps doesnt reflect or send the right message or the right tone, but i would hope at least as we move forward and continue to deal with the aftermath of these riots and these protests that in addition to suggesting that we need to, you know, protect lawful protests and ensure that there isnt lawlessness out there, hesbviously needs to i think make sure theres order in the country, as well. But also to project the tone of the country that suggests that he understands what theyre going through. Woodruff in connection with that,enator thune, the Senate Majority leader, mitch mcconnell, just in the last couple of hours told reporters has a role to play. He said in dealing with Racial Discrimination and police accountability. What exactly do republicans in the senate have in mind with regard to either of these big issues . Well, i think thats to be determined. I think what the leader was suggesting is that we want to be a constructive force. We understand, we get it. People feel very strongly right now, and clearly many of these things have been going on for way too long. And i think our country is ready for a period of healing. There have been some steps that have been taken in the past. You know in 2017 we passed an economic policies that i think have really enhanced the Economic Vitality in a lot of our minority communities in this country. Criminal Justice Reform was something that was passed here just in the last year or so, and that was a longsoughtafter reform to our criminal Justice System in this country. So i think there are things that we can do. And that was very bipartisan. It was something that was advocated by people on both the right and the left. Think there are Solutions Like that that we ought to be looking at that i think send a message that we recognize the frustrations and the sense of sort of helplessness that a lot of people in this country feel and the fact that not everybody speciouses our democracy and our history and our heritage the way that many of us. Those of us who have grown uin neighborhoods that didnt deal with a lot of the social unrest and economic challenge that we have in other neighborhoods in this country certainly have a lot to learn from those who have been through those experiences. I think this is a period of time when we need to listen, and if there are solutions that are meaningful, we ought to be lookingwhat we can do to find some common ground. Woodruff just quickly, no timetable on that . I dont think theres a timetable, but i think were i think what the leader was suggesting is that we are open to solutions, and we want to be a constructive force for change. Woodruff finally, senator, i want to turn to the pandemic, which is so very much under way, people sticking getting sick, still dying, a lot of people still millions of americans out of work. The paycheck protection program. Money that has now been dispissed to businesses, many of them have not been able to spend it yet. It has to do with a timetable for that. Time is running out before you get to the point where they will be required to spend the money. Legislation out there to extend the timetable, is that going to be passed . Where does that stand right now . Well, there is a bill that originated in the house of representatives. It passed 4171, which is awaiting action in senate. I hope we can take action on this. These are changes that need to be made. We are running up against the clock. We have to work through some objections that certain senators have. But i hope we can get there. This is a program thats been very by all accounts successful. Its kept a lot of people employed. Lord knows with all the people who are unemployed right now, we want to do as much as we can to keep those jobs there, and so when the ecomy starts recovering and it is starting to show signs that it is, those jobs will be available some its an important piece of legislation, and these changes that have been proposed are changes that enjoy broad bipartisan support. There ought to be a path forward to get itone. I hope we can find that path. Woodruff and in the coming few day, this week . It would be nice if we could do hit the week. I think that there are reasons why that needs to get done as soon as possible. But as i said, its going to it may take a little longer than had hoped. We can do things in the senate. If you have unanimous consent, you can do them very quickly. Unfortunately we dont have unanimous consent at the moment. Woodruff senator john thune of south dakota, we appreciate it. Thank you very much. Thanks, judy. Nice to be with you. Woodruff and now we turn to another perspective, from Bishop Mariann budde, who leads the Episcopal Diocese of washington, d. C. St. Johns, across from the white house, has been known as the church of the president s for over 200 years. It was partially burned on sunday night during the unrest, and then, yesterday evening, was the site of the photoop by the president and some advisors. Bishop budde and Church Leadership have derided the use of the religious site for that purpose, and for the way federal officers violently confronted protesters as the president headed to the church. And bishop budde joins us now. Thank you so much for talking with us. Why did you decide to speak out . It was a it was a confluence of events in the in the very short period of time when the images of the president following the the the dispersal of the crowds that you mentioned, following his extremely inflammatory to my ears remarks in the rose garden, and then and then bringing himself and his entourage in our sacred space, using it as a backdrop and holding the bible as if to put on the mantle of religious authority or blessing of what he had had just said and done. And i felt it was urgent to remove that association as quickly as possible and to state our position in faithfulness to the gospel as we undstand it. Woodruff the white house view on this, bishop budde, has been that what happened at the church the night before, the fire being set there, was unacceptable, and the president wanted to make a statement about that. Well, he made no statement, judy. And he didnt come to pray. He didnt come to offer his condolences to the the grieving families that are struggling with the weightf loss in this country. He didnt offer hope or consolation, to to the nation in search of it. And he said nothing to the officials there about, about the fire. It was a there was no conversation whatsoever. It was just simply a symbolic gesture on his part. And i have to say that even we are upset about the fire, as well, but that is not our primary focus. Our primary focus is the reason behind the fundamental reasons behind the protests in our country right now. Woodruff i see today that the president s counselor, kellyanne conway, is saying for, for people to question what the president did, to call it a photoop or a photo opportunity, is to question his faith. Is that what youre doing . Are you questioning the president s faith . Now, im challenging his actions, and i am i am i am saying to him, and to all who will listen, that the gospel of jesus and the teachings of the scripture are antithetical to the messages that he is communicating, and the way he is responding to people in this in this moment, and that there is no spiritual mantle of authority for the actions that he had just moments before said that he would take. Woodruff you told the Washington Post yesterday, and im quoting, everything this president has said and done was to inflame violence. We need moral leadership, and hes done everything to divide us. Is there any way to begin to heal this breach that youre describing . Well, you know, we see examples of people attempting that across the country. The Police Officials and officers who are moving into the crowds to speak to them. The people who are acknowledging pain and seeking to make fundamental change for the good of the nation, and in particular for the for the safety and dignity of black and brown people in this country. So, yes, there are any number of steps that any one of us can make, including the president , to heal the breach. But it isnt it isnt by inflaming emotions. Its trying to bring them down and trying to offer a word of unity rather than rather than division. Woodruff and what would that look like . I mean, what what tangibly needs to be said and needs to be done right now, do you believe . Well, you know, i am listening to the people that i speak to, who are making their way to protests across this country, including my own children. There is a deep desire for the fundamental issues at stake, brought to light by the murderous death of george floyd and the countless others that weve witnessed in this long string of violence against black and brown people. That, that needs to be addressed in a systemic, fundamental way in the world, from every Police Department in the country and the vigilante civilian actions that are taken. So thats one thing. The second thing is to address the enormous disparities that have been laid bare by this by this pandemic, and to say that we will work for meaningful change. And finally, judy, to speak a word of hope to rising generations, that they do indeed have a future when so much has been taken from them so quickly. Woodruff how big a divide, though, bishop budde, is there inside . Faith, the faith, the community of faith in this country. I was reading just a few minutes ago a comment from an evangelical pastor in south carolina. His name is mark burns. He said he said jesus welcomes all, referring back to the president , going to the church, that he shouldnt have needed permission to go there. In other words, saying, you know, this is a moment to welcome everyone. Well, if the president had come to pray, if the president had come to to to greet us in the name of of the country and to offer our own encouraging word, that would have been one thing. But that thats not what he did. Thats not what he did. And he is always welcome to come and pray. He is always welcome to be part of the worshiping body, but not to use the mantle of the church to his political to to communicate a political message. And i think that, to me, in addition to in addition to steaming to stoke the flames of of anger and of of a punitive response to whats happening in the country, i think is shortsighted and not the moral leadership we need. Woodruff and one last thing. Have you been in direct contact with the white house about what happened yesterday . I have not, and in fact, my message, and that of the church, was not directed to the president , but to the American People, and especially to those who are watching with horror of what was happening, both leading up to his remarks and afterwards, that we wanted to separate ourselves from his message and to reaffirm our commitment to nonviolence, to justice and to the addressing of systemic racism and White Supremacy in this country. And that was where our focus would be, not in speaking directly with the president himself. Woodruff Bishop Marianne edgar budde, the episcopal bishop for the diocese of washington, d. C. We thank you so much. Thank you. Woodruff in the days othe news, federal Health Officials sounded new warnings that protests gripping the nation could worsen the covid19 pandemic. Dr. Deborah birx, head of the White House Coronavirus task force, said testing is now more vital than ever. I worry terribly about the peaceful protests. I see some wearing masks; i see some others not wearing masks. And so, we are really trying to work with each of the mayors to expand testing availability over the next week or two, so that the individuals who are involved in the peaceful protests can get tested. Woodruff the official count of covid19 cases in the u. S. Has now passed 1. 8 million, with more than 106,000 deaths. North carolinas democratic governor said today that the pandemic means the Republican National convention, planned for charlotte in august, must be scaled back. In turn, g. O. P. Leaders said they will begin visiting alternative cities. Prident trump has insisted on a fullscale convention. This was the biggest day of voting since the covid19 pandemic beg. Nine states and the District Of Columbia held primaries, and while many voted in person, officials reported sharp creases in voting by mail. In the democratic president ial race, former Vice President joe biden could win the delegates he still needs to clinch the nomination. The United States has deported an iranian professor who was acquitted of stealing trade secrets. Sirous asgari had been working with an Ohio University when he was jailed in 2016. A federal judge threw out the case last fall, but asgari remained in jail, while iran and the u. S. Argued over terms of his return. On wall street today, stocks rose for a third day, as investors focused on economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial average gained 267 points to close at 25,742. The nasdaq rose 56 points, and the s p 500 added 25. And, pro Basketball Hall of Famer Wes Unseld has died, after a long series of health problems. He played 13 seasons for the team now known as the washington wizards, and won the n. B. A. Title in 1978. Later, he served as coach and general manager. Wes unseld was 74 years old. Woodruff now, to questions raised by last nights police woodruff now, to questions raised by last nights police and National Guard action outside the white house. The president has spoken of dominating the streets, and has said he would use the activeduty u. S. Military to do so. Heres john yang. Yang judy, under the law and under the constitution, just what role may the military play at a time of civil unrest . Nick schifrin, our Foreign Affairs and defense correspondent, is here to walk us through that question. First of all, nick, what has the pentagon been doing over the last several days . Schifrin john, defense Officials Say secrary of defense mark esper and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff mark milley have been coordinating with governors, trying to ensure National Guard are where they are needed. In total, 18,000 National Guard have deployed across 29 states and d. C. But the Senior Leadership have also been part of President Trumps political and rhetorical response. Yesterday, secretary of defense mark esper participated in the president s photoop outside st. Johns Episcopal Church near the white house. Today, a Senior Defense official made the extraordinary claim that esper did not know about that photo op when he left the white house. He only thought thathe president wanted to review a police formation. Also last night, mark milley walked washington, d. C. , in whats called his battle dress uniform after the president said hed put milley in charge. Multiple former senior military officials who i talked to today, john, including those who work in the Trump Administration, said that milleys walk, espers participating in the photo op and also espers telling governors yesterday to dominate the battle space, militarizes a Law Enforcement issue and politicizes the military. These former officials were especially appalled, one of them used that word, at milley participating in that president ial photo op while he was in uniform. Using the military as the face of a controversial policy high help politicians shortterm term, but Civil Military experts say long term it degrades the militarys respect among americans. Yang and nick, the president has said if cities or states cant protect life or property, that hes going to send the military in, and in his words, solve the problem for them. Can he do that . The. Woods hole new york a word, yes, but he has to make a legal argument to doo, and its a dramatic step. Remember, guardsmen from the communities where they deploy are controlled by the governors, not by the department of defense or by the president. For trump to follow through on his threat to deploy the military, either governors would have to ask for the military to be deployed, or the president has to argue that the governors cannot provide security in their own states. Lets think about examples of this in u. S. History. 1992, the l. A. Riots, president bush sends in the marines after the california governor requests him to do so. But in the 50s and 60s, about half dozen times president s invoked the insurrection act because governors wouldnt enforce civil rights law. The most famous example, 1957 in it will rock when president eisenhower sends in the 101st airborne. This of course is a very, very different situation. A Senior Defense official tld us today that the pentagon would prefer not to use any active duty military, and to be clear, thing from says there are no active duty military responding to any of these protests, but given the president ial threat, john, there are now active Duty Military Police outside washington, d. C. , that could be deployed if theyre activated. Yang nick, why can the president do that in washington, d. C. , . D. C. Is not a state. In washington, d. C. , the National Guard reports to the secretary of the army, and therefore the president. Federal poce in washington, d. C. , report to federal authorities. So what we saw in Lafayette Park yesterday when Peaceful Protesters were cleared forcibly so President Trump could have his photo op, that was controll by federal authorities under the direction of the attorney general, bill barr inch d. C. The president simply has power that he doesnt have in the states. So whether were talking about federal police in d. C. Or the threat of sending troops into states, former senior military officials who i talked to dont question the legality of these orders, they question whether s appropriate to use fedal authority and possibly the military to target u. S. Citizens who are protesting. Yang john, i want to expand this conversation to policing and what seems to be an increasing military england to policing. For that im joined by radley balko. He is the author of rise of the warrior cop the militarization of Americas Police forces. Hes also an opinion journalist with the Washington Post. He joins me from nashville. Radley balko, welcome to the newshour. Thank you very much some were talking about what you call the warrior cop. Are we seeing the blurring of the lines between the warrior, the soldier, and the traditional Police Officer . I think we are, and its been a continuation of a trend that weve seen since about the 1980s. You know, in this country we have a listening tradition of respecting the line between police and military, and with good reason. A soldiers job is to kill people and break things, its to annihilate a foreign enemy. A Police Officers job is to keep the peace and protected constitutional rights. When you blur the two, when you take a Police Officer and you train them like soldiers and arm them and dress them like soldiers and you tell them theyre fighting a war on crime or terrorism or drugs or antifa, your villain, we shouldnt be surprised if we see some of the images weve seen over the past few days where Police Officers are treating the people they serve almost like an enemy combattened rather than citizens with rights. Woodruff does it go both ways . Does it change the mentality of a Police Officer and also the way a protester might interact with that Police Officer . Absolutely. I interviewed a number of Police Chiefs both current and retired, and one thing that came out of e interviews, is that when you respond to protesters with these masked nameless faces that represent everything the protesters are protesting against, not only are the protestors dehumanized in the eyes of the officers, because theyve been trained to think more like soldiers, but the Police Officers themselveses are dehumanized in the dproo eyes of protesters. Its important i think that poce chiefs, heads of Police Agencies try to sort of humanize both sides. I think we saw with the Atlanta Police chief in the video, she went out and talked to the protesters and asked what they were upset about, asked. Just listened to them, took some time to listen. And i think that can go a long way toward deescalating some of the tensions. And weve seen Police Officers even take anee with some of the protestors and listen. And that will often diffuse the situation. We have also seen some of the opposite tactics, quite aggressive tactics from Police Officers against protestors. Take a look at this scene in philadelphia. We saw Police Firing tear gas at protesters who were trapped against an embankment. Police say the protestors were violent. The protestors say they were totally peaceful. Why do we see these knds of incidents around the country do you think . Well, i think on one side, people are angry. And on the other side, i think you have Police Departments that have increasingly been kind of not only taught to think more like soldiers and approach their job like soldiers and take a very us versus them mentality to the job, but i think during the Trump Administration, over the last three years, you have a president at the very top who has, you know, encouraged Police Brutality when speaking to Police Organizations who have lashed out at the media. Weve seen more attacks on journalists by police, direct attacks, knowing attacks over the last few days than weve seen in the last several years. So i do think, you know, these kinds of protests have happened obviously over and over again in our countrys history. The reactions have often been sort of aggressive and militaristic. But i do think what were seeing now is it seems particularly aggressive and i also think the targeting of journalists, at least on this sort of scale, something we havent seen before. Promedia organizations say there have been dozens if not more than 100 attacks, police attacking journalists. Were also seeing the militarization of the police in terms of what they wear. You mentioned the Trump Administration making different rhetorical decisions is also a policy change. After ferguson, the Obama Administration curtailed some of the military equipment that Police Officers culd purchase. Have those purchases grown since the Trump Administration allowed more Police Departments to buy, purchase military equipment . So the program youre talking about is the 1033 program. By the time the Obama Administration rolled it back, it was almost kind of a symbolic move because a lot of Police Groups were getting their equip from dhs and through other programs. But it was kind of an important move symbolically. One thing the Obama Administration did that they got a lot of ridicule for, i think unfairly, is they paid a lot of attention to symbolism. They cut off the really aggressive madeforbattlefield type weapons. But they said anytng painted camouflage would have to be repainted. Domestic Police Organizations couldnt use it. As i said, they got a lot of ridicule. I think it was a very smart decision. It showed that they were aware of the mindset problem, of the idea that we have to cops need to see themselves as part of the communities they serve. They need to see themselves as there to protect the rights of the people who are protesting. When you dress in camouflage and you start thinking of yourself as a soldier and the people youre supposed to be protecting as the enemy, its hard to act as a Police Officer is supposed to act. You tends to act more like we see a soldier on a battlefield. Radley balko, author of rise of the warrior cop the militarization of Americas Police forces, thank you very much. My pleasure. Woodruff and well be back shortly with a brief but spectacular take on using art to showcase the evils of racism. But first, take a moment to hear from your local pbs station. Its a chance to offer your support, which helps keep programs like ours on the air. Woodruff for those stations staying with us, we take a second look at our race matters reporting, on how bias among citizens and the police can escalate into violent confrontations and even death. Back in 2018, Yamiche Alcindor examined those concerns with n. A. A. C. P. President derrick johnson. Alcindor several of the latest confrontations have involved white citizens calling police on African Americans engaged in typical everyday activities, including a 12year old mowing lawns near cleveland, ohio; two men barbecuing at a public park in oakland, california; or this eightyear old girl selling bottled water without a permit outside the San Francisco giants ballpark. The woman who called police here being captured on cell phone video posted by the girls mother. Oh, you can hide all you want. The whole world is going to see you, boo. Yeah, illegally selling water without a permit. On my property. Its not your property. Alcindor the woman who made the call later apologized, and denied her actions were racially motivated. Most of these incidents took place outside, and in public, and were caught on video that often went viral. While none of those incidents resulted in arrests or charges being filed, they followed other highprofile confrontations, including one in may that took a much more violent turn. Police in warsaw, north carolina, responded to a call and, in early april, two black men were arrested in a philadelphia starbucks, when employees called police because the men had taken a table without ordering anything. The men were later released, and settled with the city for 1 each and a pledge to establish a program for young entrepreneurs. The founder of starbucks personally apologized to the men. As i shared with you in philadelphia, it was a reprehensible situation, that we took complete ownership of, and something that really was embarrassing, horrifying, and all the issues that we talked about that day. Alcindor and, the Company Closed thousands of its Stores Nationwide a month later for a oneday ployee Training Session on how to recognize and overcome implicit or unconscious bias in their decisionmaking. All of this comes at a time when Police Behavior and response is under scrutiny, particularly when it comes to detaining and arresting black people. On june 19, police in east many of these incidents have taken on hashtags and memes of their own, often referred to as living while black. We examine the concerns, and some of the responses, with the president of the n. A. A. C. P. , derrick johnson. Derrick johnson, thanks so much for being here. I want to jump right in. There have been incident after incident of people calling the police on black people while doing regular, everyday things like swimming and barbecuing. What do you think is at the heart of these incidents . Well, we have seen, since the president s election in 2016, an increase of intolerance. You have individuals who simply see young kids and think they are criminals, they pose a danger. In my home city of detroit, michigan, a 14yearold simply asking for directions to school, to get shot at. The level of intolerance is germinating directly from the white house. Alcindor some people are criticizing the police, saying that they shouldnt respond when someone calls the police on an eightyearold selling bottled water. What role do you think the police have, especially when the police say that they need to respond because, if they are called, they need to engage . Well, at some point, the police also need to take aount that individuals are being falsely accused, and those who are accusing should also be facing criminal charges. How could a anyone call the police on an eightyearold selling bottled water . The level of intolerance is alcindor and in some of these incidents, we see white people, white women, calling the police on black people. These callers often say that they arent motivated by race, they are just concerned citizens that want to talk to the police. Whats your response and what do you make of people saying that people should have a right to call the police if they have a concern . Well, were not suggesting no one should call the police, but implicit bias is something that we have seen across the country for many years. The difference now between the past is, social media has allowed individual citizens to capture what is taking place, to report it, and or have a countersense of information, the truth. Alcindor people are so disturbed by some of these incidents, because we have seen but we also see that starbucks closed thousands of its stores to train its employees on implicit bias and unconscious bias. Are you at all encouraged by what you see starbucks and others doing . Well, when corporate citizens such as starbucks understand the complexity of what is taking place, to take a step back, shut down the stores, take a loss to ensure that their employees understand the seriousness of misrepresenting someones character or behavior, that is significant. Other corporations should ta note. Alcindor but america had issues race issues in particular long before President Trump was elected to office. You referenced President Trump several times, but what do you make of the idea that this has been a long history, going back generations of people, looking at African Americans and saying, hey, thats a criminal, i need to call the police . Overpolice overcriminalizing African Americans . Well, yes, its been going on a long time, but to normalize whats taking place so, that is what is happening now. There was a time that it would have been unheard of in the last 15 years to have a charlottesvillepe rally. And, over time, people say, this is not right. But since the president ial election, we have seen a sharp increase. In fact, since the election of president obama in 2008, we have seen this increase. And now, theres a complete loss of civility in the public scourse, complete distrust. And, media plays a key role in creating tribalism, in ways in which we have not seen in many, many years. Alcindor so, do you believe that, if someone can then elect, go to the ballot box, elect an official that cares about Racial Discrimination, cares about these issues, that that is going to stop someone from calling the police on a girl who is selling bottled water . Do you think that this is something that is ultimately political, or do you think that there is a cultural change that needs to be happening here . Well, it is an accountability question that im raising. Police officers only respond if there is accountability in place. So, when you have countable district attorneys to ensure that they will apply the law equally to bad actors, Police Officers, as they will criminals, then the Police Officers adjust their behavior. If you have an elected officials who are leaders in their communities, and they put in place Public Policy to hold people accountable, then the level of intolerance will go away, and, because there is an accountability measure that is in place. Alcindor you talked about the laws, you talked about policies, but what were talking about is white citizens looking at an African American child selling bottled water and saying, i need to call the cops. That is not a law that can change that is someones heart, or someones mind, looking at that child and saying, something needs to happen here. Well, it is hard to legislate one someones heart. You know, the only thing you can do is put Accountability Measures in place, and hope that different communities embrace a multicultural reality, where people can have greater appreciation and understanding. Alcindor well, thank you so much for joining me, derrick johnson, the president of the n. A. A. C. P. Thank you. Woodruff tonight, we present an encore of brief but spectacular, featuring artist paul rucker. His work speaks particularly to the times we are in now. Rucker uses his art to shed light on systemic racism, Police Brutality and the continuing legacy of slavery in this country. His story is also part of canvas, our ongoing series on arand culture. The l. A. Riots happened on my birthday. They started on my birthday, april 29, and that was one of the turning points for me, that i realized i cant make artwork about nothing. In making artwork, its really important to bring truth to light. Thats power. We repeat history over and over again, whether we, as a country, allow lynchings to take place thousands of lynchings to take place, without any kind of accountability. We have Police Shootings or shooting by civilians, such as the one that happened to trayvon martin. Theres parallels to that system, theres parallel systems as far as slavery in the prison system. We went seamlessly from one system to another system. I did one timelapse that showed the growth of the u. S. Prison system over a couple hundred of years. Since 1976, weve built, on average, one new prison a week in the United States. We currently have 2. 3 Million People incarcerated right now. Thats one in every 99 people. My work is not really about black history. Its not whiteistory. This is american history. You have a visceral understanding of history when you hold something that was once used on humans. This is a ships branding iron. It was used to brand africans, humans, before they were put on the boat. The branding is s for slave. I want to keep these pieces and show these pieces, and i allow people to hold them, so, because they tell a story. These objects hold power over all of us right now, and until we as a society admit and confront that systemic racism is sewn into the very fabric of who we are as a country, well never be able to dismantle this ugly lega of slavery. My father could have been lynched if he didnt yield a sidewalk to someone. My father could have been lynched if he said the wrong word to someone. He lived during a time where you had to be really brave, and unfortunately, really careful. And right now, i shouldnt have to be careful, but as person of color in america, particularly a black man in america, i have to be careful. So, its my responsibility to bring awareness, regardless of how dangerous it is. My name is paul rucker. This is my brief but spectacular take on the normalization of systemic racism. Woodruff and you can find more brief but spectacular essays on our website at www. Pbs. Org newshour brief. On the newshour online right now, watch the family of george floyd speak about what he meant to them and what his death has taken from their lives. Thats on our website, www. Pbs. Org newshour. And that is the newshour for tonight. Im judy woodruff. Join us online, and again here tomorrow evening. For all of us at the pbs newshour, thank you, please stay safe, and well see you soon. Major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by life isnt a straight line, and sometimes you can find yourself heading in a new direction. Fidelity is here to help you work through the unexpected, with Financial Planning and advice for today, and tomorrow. Bnsf railway. Financial Services Firm raymond james. Consumer cellular. Johnson johnson. Carnegie corporation of new york. Supporting innovations in education, democratic engagement, and the advancement of International Peace and security. At cnegie. Org. And with the ongoing support of these institutions and individuals. This program was made possible by the corporation for public broadcasting. And by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. Thank you. Captioning sponsored by newshour productions, llc captioned by Media Access Group at wgbh access. Wgbh. Org youre watching pbs. Hello,veryone, welcome to amanpour and company, heres whats coming up. I cant breathe. Who will answer the cry from the streets and make black lives matter in america . Eleanor holmes norton. Then every black, mother, brother, sister, uncle, cousin. Role and responsibility of Law Enforcement, acevedo, chief p