United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed support for protesters but condemned violence as the United States grapples with the fallout from George Floyd’s death.
Guterres addressed both the upheaval in New York City, where the U.N. is headquartered, and more broadly across the country, which has seen demonstrations in most major cities. The U.N. chief posted a photo to Twitter with the words, “Racism is an abhorrence that we must all reject.”
“I am heartbroken to see violence on the streets in our host country and our host city of New York,” Guterres said. “Grievances must be heard, but should be expressed peacefully – and authorities must show restraint in responding to demonstrations.”
I am heartbroken to see violence on the streets in our host country and our host city of New York.
Grievances must be heard, but should be expressed peacefully – and authorities must show restraint in responding to demonstrations. pic.twitter.com/1i3w7OtCEq
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 2, 2020
The protests began last week when video was released that showed a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, pinning down Floyd, a 46-year-old black man. Floyd is heard in the video begging to breathe as Chauvin continued to compress his neck until he fell unconscious. Chauvin continued to pin Floyd down for almost three minutes after he became unresponsive.
Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The other three officers involved — Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J. Alexander Keung — have all been fired from the police department. Ben Crump, the attorney for Floyd’s family, said Tuesday that he anticipates charges for the other officers.
