As the protests rage on in Minneapolis, Minnesota following the tragic murder of George Floyd, a 48-year-old black man and father of two, by police officer Derek Chauvin. Video of the killing was released publicly, showing Floyd pinned down by an officer with his knee on Floyd’s neck as the man pleaded, sobbed, and said “I can’t breathe.” Floyd died on the scene. That video sparked outrage and protests in Minneapolis that have raged on for four days.
As always, former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke with empathy and grace, expressing her feelings of solidarity with those frustrated and angry at the deaths of so many people of color at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve them. She called on all Americans to do the hard work of self-reflection, asking what we have done to contribute to the problem and what we can do to make the world better and a safer place for all to live.
Her statement stands in stark contrast to those made by President Donald Trump surrounding the protest, as Trump tweeted warnings that he would “take control” of the situation in Minneapolis if the rioting didn’t stop and that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” Trump tried to walk back and clarify that statement, saying that it was a fact and not a statement at all, but the contrast between his racially-fueled response and the graceful one of Mrs. Obama’s is all too noticeable in a time of such growing calls for change.
Twitter was thrilled to hear a sane voice of reason on the platform. Read some of their comments below:
