Television networks have pulled the shows Cops and Live PD off the air in response to protests against police brutality that have spread across the country following the death of George Floyd.
A&E opted not to run new episodes of Live PD, and Paramount has shelved season 33 of Cops, which was set to begin airing on Monday but was suspended indefinitely and isn’t mentioned anywhere on the network’s website, according to TV Guide.
“Out of respect for the families of George Floyd and others who have lost their lives, in consultation with the departments we follow, and in consideration for the safety of all involved, we have made the decision not to broadcast Live PD this weekend,” A&E said in a statement.
Peaceful protests, looting, and, in some cases, riots have erupted across the country centered around police brutality after George Floyd, an unarmed black man, died while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
The protests have sparked an anti-police sentiment that has resulted in calls for the Minneapolis Police Department, as well as other departments across the country, to be disbanded.
“The Minneapolis Police Department has proven themselves beyond reform,” Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, said on Twitter this week. “It’s time to disband them and reimagine public safety in Minneapolis. Thank you to @MplsWard3 for your leadership on this!”
The Minneapolis Police Department has proven themselves beyond reform.
It’s time to disband them and reimagine public safety in Minneapolis.
Thank you to @MplsWard3 for your leadership on this! https://t.co/AQfHM5M6eR
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) June 5, 2020
The president of the Minneapolis City Council echoed Omar’s statement and promised that the city will “dismantle” the police department.
