On Monday before unveiling a package of sweeping police reforms, Democratic leaders and lawmakers knelt in silent tribute. The reforms aim to put an end to police brutality.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined two dozen other lawmakers in Emancipation Hall. The hall’s name is an homage to the slaves who helped erect the US Capital in the 18th century.
The tribute lasted for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. That is how long it took for George Floyd to die when a white police officer pinned his knee to Floyd’s neck.
As a result, Floyd’s death on May 25 unleashed a wave of protests around the world against racial injustice in America. The police reform package aims to create “meaningful structural change that safeguards every Americans’ right to safety and equal justice.”
Not only that, but the legislation also seeks to “end police brutality, hold police accountable (and) improve transparency in policing,” said a statement.
The lawmakers draped themselves in colorful Kente cloth scarfs as they knelt to pay homage to black Americans’ African heritage. Afterward, Pelosi spoke about the grief the nation is experiencing in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.
Related: Floyd Family Lawyer Asks the United Nations to Intervene in Case
“This movement of national anguish is being transformed into a movement of national action,” Pelosi said.
This marks a stark contrast to President Donald Trump. On Monday, Trump tweeted about his ongoing desire for “LAW & ORDER!”
“The Radical Left Democrats want to Defund and Abandon our Police. Sorry, I want LAW & ORDER!”
Currently, Trump is under fire for the way he has handled the recent protests. However, his opponent for the upcoming presidential election feels differently.
As a result, former Vice President Biden’s spokesperson Andrew Bates issued a statement saying that Biden “supports the urgent need for reform.”
Related: Biden Leads Trump in Polls as US is Gripped by Unrest
On Monday, Joe Biden dined with the family of George Floyd at Lucille’s in the Museum District in Houston. The restaurant isn’t usually open on Mondays. However, the chef-owner, Chris Williams, felt it an honor.
“We are completely filled with gratitude and honored to have been selected to host vice president Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, and the Floyd family for this historic meeting,” Williams said.
“It’s a travesty that Floyd’s death was the catalyst for this meeting, but we are so inspired by the Floyd family’s resilience [and we] are hopeful that this meeting continues to advance the mission of justice for George Floyd.”
Related: Kanye West Gives $2 Million to George Floyd’s Daughter, Families of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor
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