George Floyd: Video evidence of police violence against protesters mounts

Richard Hall, Claire Lomas
·1 min read
A demonstrator is taken into custody by police after a curfew took effect during a protest over the death of George Floyd, Monday, June 1, 2020, near the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon): AP
A demonstrator is taken into custody by police after a curfew took effect during a protest over the death of George Floyd, Monday, June 1, 2020, near the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon): AP

Protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd have swept across the United States in recent days. And as the demonstrations have spread, so too have allegations of police violence.

Mounting video evidence from across the country reveals the use of violence by law enforcement agencies against protesters.

Videos show police have used pepper spray, rubber bullets, batons and tear gas against peaceful protesters. The response of US law enforcement to the demonstrations has been criticised by rights group Amnesty International, which accused police of endangering lives.

“In city after city, we are witnessing actions that could be considered unnecessary or excessive force. We call for an immediate end to any such use of force and for law enforcement to ensure and protect the legal right to protest,” said Rachel Ward, National Director of Research at Amnesty International USA.

“US police across the country are failing their obligations under international law to respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, exacerbating a tense situation and endangering the lives of protesters,” she added.