CNN host Chris Cuomo suggested that protests over George Floyd’s death don’t have to be “peaceful” as demonstrations across the country have morphed into riots in some cases.
Speaking during his prime-time television spot on Tuesday night, Cuomo pondered why people believe the protests should be peaceful.
“Please, show me where it says that protests are supposed to be polite and peaceful,” he said. “Because I can show you that outraged citizens are what made the country what she is and led to any major milestone. To be honest, this is not a tranquil time.”
Major cities across the United States shouldered a sixth straight night of fiery protests that have turned deadly in some places and have led to a rise in destructive behavior, including the burning of buildings, the defacing of public property, and looting.
Cuomo, who was accused of staging his exit from quarantine after he was infected with the coronavirus, argued that there has been too much focus on the protests being a problem and that not enough attention is being drawn to the killing of Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in the custody of Minneapolis police last week.
“Too many see the protests as the problem,” he said. “No, the problem is what forced your fellow citizens to take the streets. Persistent and poisonous inequities and injustice.”
