Co-Author: Claudia Morales
The nation and the world are seeing the largest movement for race equality since Martin Luther King Jr. Peaceful protests to riots, the death of George Floyd has sparked a powder keg. Many Americans are outraged.
This came right after the loosening of restrictions from social distancing. Many government officials have an opinion on this issue. Here are the top 20 from some of the biggest names in government right now.
20. Cory Booker
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has shown active support for the Black Lives Matter movement. On June 2nd he attended a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to co-sponsor a bill that would prohibit police officers to engage in a choke-hold, eliminate racial profiling, increase police accountability, etc. Furthermore, Booker is wanting to end qualified immunity for police officers. Even though there is concern for a surplus number of lawsuits filed against police officers without immunity, Booker believes that priority should be placed on civilians being able to take civil action against police officers if their rights are violated.
These are common sense reforms and we need them now. We’re going to keep fighting until we get this bill passed into law. pic.twitter.com/TYahKBWwXw
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) June 11, 2020
19. Keisha Lance Bottoms
After a long day of peaceful protest in Atlanta on May 29th, riots overturned the evening into a disaster. The city began burning in flames as the situation got out of control and police officers turned to tear gassing to disperse crowds. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms attended a press conference at City Hall that same night to deliver a speech that received high appraisal by the nation. She expressed, “When I saw the murder of George Floyd, I hurt like a mother would hurt . . . What I see happening on the streets of Atlanta, is not Atlanta. . . If you care about this city, then go home.” Her speech proved to be effective because many returned home that night shortly after it.
Mayor Bottoms implemented a city curfew immediately, but since then there have only been peaceful protests so the curfew has been lifted. She has been serving as mayor since 2017. According to the Washington Examiner, her prospects of being vetted as a nominee to become Joe Biden’s vice president has improved as she has gained the spotlight for delivering an extraordinary speech.
18. Gavin Newsom
Along with other major cities, Los Angeles has witnessed a lot of rioting these past couple of weeks. Governor Gavin Newsom has seized the opportunity to meet with the community members and leaders to discuss police brutality and racism. He is also meeting with multiple mayors to further discuss the Black Lives Matter Movement and what can be modified in their system to provide equality to black members of the community. Many of them are considering cutting the police budget.
Our justice system is not blind. It discriminates based on the color of your skin.
We’ve accepted that as normal. Normalcy created the conditions that led to this moment.
If you want to go back to normalcy—I’m not going there with you.
We deserve more. pic.twitter.com/4SyoUzhgzy
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 5, 2020
Newsom has recently expressed his opposition to the use of force against peaceful protesters on Twitter. He is “Calling for the creation of a new statewide standard for the use of protests” which will not be tolerated. Newsom’s approval ratings have increased significantly.
17. Tom Wolf
Philadelphia is one of the cities that has captured the nation’s attention as multiple police vehicles were set on fire, police officers were injured, and local businesses were looted. Governor Tom Wolf implemented a night curfew and declared a state of emergency calling on the national guard.
However, Governor Wolf has recently done something that is not being commonly done by other governors, he joined the protesters. Marching from Harrisburg capitol to a community center protesting police brutality and racial injustice.
16. Kate Brown
Oregon Governor Kate Brown is currently dealing with two critical issues: handling the protests in her state and challenging a county court rule in which churches can reopen. She is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and is praising protestors. Governor Brown even included how “I count myself as one of the many white politicians whose good intentions haven’t done enough to tackle the scourge of systematic racism.” She promised that she will push for state level work to focus on racial equality.
We must commit to fundamental change. Words are not enough. We need collective action for racial justice. Here is a list of resources to sustain the momentum of this moment and harness this energy toward making true progress.https://t.co/SxvauEXJ5S
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) June 4, 2020
On the other hand, multiple rural churches are challenging her COVID-19 state orders. Judge Matthew Shirtcliff issued an injunction on Brown’s order, but the State Supreme Court immediately stepped in. The court is now awaiting to set deadlines for the case.
15. Henry McMaster
Governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, is supportive of Trump’s perspective on how to handle protests as he witnessed firsthand the state confronting massive riots. There were historical statues being graffitied, looting, setting fire to police vehicles, etc. McMaster recently had a telephone call with Trump describing the chaos of the situation. He specifically pointed out the difference between protests that were handled on different days with force compared to those that were not. McMaster even acknowledged that Trump was right about the urgency of sending a heavy police force.
It was moving to see so many South Carolinians gather at the Statehouse today. They peacefully channeled their anger into song by asking for God’s grace. Unfortunately, outside agitators have descended on our state to take advantage of this situation by inciting violence. https://t.co/oB2GblbUE3
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) May 31, 2020
However, McMaster later tweeted support for peaceful protesters. He expressed understanding for the anger members of the community are feeling about racial injustice.
14. John Kasich
Governor John Kasich, a former 2016 Republican presidential nomination, is vocalizing his understanding for members of the community feeling frustrated and angry due to racial injustice. He has been working on issues that are centered on racial injustice since December. After the Cleveland Division of Police came under scrutiny for gunning down a 12 year old black boy named Tamir Rice, he created a task force. This task force is currently working on a state policy regarding the use of deadly force by police. The practice of recruiting and hiring police officers is also going to be modified.
It is heartening to see our nation's top military leaders acknowledging their involvement in @realDonaldTrump's church photo op was wrong. It should never happen again.
We would be wise to listen to the voices of Generals Mattis, Kelly, Powell and others as they speak out. pic.twitter.com/gJOh0qGnnJ
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) June 12, 2020
13. Ron DeSantis
Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis had a telephone call meeting with Trump and other advisors, he increased the amount of police force in Florida and implemented a curfew. In a statement released by DeSantis, he proclaimed that, “Florida has zero tolerance for violence, rioting and looting . . . George Floyd’s murder was appalling . . . but this cannot be used as a pretext for violence in our Florida communities.” The amount of resources that Florida has available for security include mobilizing 700 National Guard soldiers and 1300 Highway Patrol troopers. Many protesters have since been arrested for not following curfew and misbehavior conduct.
12. JB Pritzker
Following the unrest of protesters, looting, and disaster that has taken place in Chicago, Governor JB Pritzker was one of the many governors who participated in a conference call with Trump. Pritzker confronted him by expressing how “I wanted to take this moment . . . to speak up and say that I’ve been extraordinarily concerned about the rhetoric that’s been used by you,” according to CNBC Chicago 5. Trump responded by shifting attention to the concerning rhetoric from Pritzker regarding the pandemic. Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot both then publicly criticized Trump for his response in handling the situation in Minneapolis.
We're coming together today at the South Suburban Day of Action to demand justice.
I am here to pledge my support for the Black Caucus and for the solutions that come from the community.
Because Black Lives Matter. pic.twitter.com/rZpnBdIEd5
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) June 6, 2020
11. Mitt Romney
Senator Mitt Romney has recently made headlines for being the first GOP senator to actively participate in a Black Lives Matter protest. He marched with a Christian group in Washington D.C. He tweeted that “We need a voice against racism, we need many voices against racism and against brutality.” Although, he was recently criticized by Trump for participating in the march.
Black Lives Matter. pic.twitter.com/JpXUFlxH2J
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) June 7, 2020
10. Gregg Abbott
Texas Governor Gregg Abbott has stated that, “This is the most horrific tragedy I’ve ever personally observed,” and has personally visited the Floyd Family. He has also hinted that there may be something called the George Floyd Act which would see to the restructuring of police departments and services.
His state had special attention as George Floyd’s service and burial where held in Huston.
Today I spent time with the #GeorgeFloyd family.
They are wonderful, God loving people.
They will be the centerpiece of helping America bridge our racial divide & ensure equality, justice & fairness for everyone in America—& ensure what happened in Minn. never happens in TX. pic.twitter.com/DKdbjZOCWh
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 8, 2020
9. Andrew Cuomo
Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo has stated that George Floyds death should not go in vain. He has stated that this is a time for change and for the nation to learn something. He is saying that this was due to decades of racial injustice.
He has also said that it is time for a new era of policing and called out Trump’s reaction as crude, mean and irresponsible.
George Floyd must not have died in vain. Mr. Floyd’s killing must be a moment in which this nation actually learned and grew and progressed to make this place a better place. pic.twitter.com/oOXxzi72SR
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 6, 2020
8. Gary Herbert
Utah Governor Gary Herbert has stated support for the police and use of the national guard in Washington D.C. He has also stated that he is deeply saddened by George Floyds death, calling it “inhumane” and “Brutal.” Violent protests broke out in Salt Lake City as those asking for change not only mourned George, but local man Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal. who was gunned down by police.
Due process is expected. Until all the facts are in we will not comment substantively on this ongoing investigation. We will, however, always decry disproportionate use of force. If there are findings of misconduct, we expect full accountability.
— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) June 5, 2020
7. Jay Inslee
Governor of Washington D.C Jay Inslee stated his opinion on reforming policing. He has urged those in his community to propose new legislation. He is meeting with Ethnic Minority leaders and the police department to come to the best conclusions. President Trump reached out to Governor Jay Inslee through a tweet. Trump expressed concern for the city of Seattle and the urgency of the governor and mayor to take control of the riots.
He has also heavily criticized Trump and his remarks on deploying the national guard to stop protestors stating that “These are the rantings of an insecure man trying to look strong, after building his entire political career on racism and the lie of birtherism.
6. Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has had little public statement on George’s death and protests. Participating in the moment of silence and kneeling in the Emancipation Hall for 8 mins 46 seconds. Each major member wearing Kente cloth, a traditional African scarf, has brought heavy criticism as a PR play rather than respect.
Nancy is also on board for police reform and went over some of the changes she and other members of the house would like to see like demilitarization and lynching as a federal crime and the tearing down of confederate statues.
Philonise Floyd’s heart-wrenching testimony to @HouseJudiciary left its mark on us all. May this flag, which flew over the Capitol on the day of his brother’s murder, serve as a symbol of our shared commitment to securing justice for George & all victims of police violence. pic.twitter.com/Dl3LXDGF7t
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) June 10, 2020
5. Tim Walz
Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, has been vocal about how tragic this event has been. Going to the site where the death of George Floyd occurred he has stated that he is afraid of “white politicians appropriating black pain.” He went on to say that he is saddened that he has become friends with mothers because of events like this coming to light. He also asked his state early on June 9th to have a moment of silence in honor of George for 8 min 46 sec, the time George was on the ground suffocating.
In honor of the funeral for George Floyd, we ask all Minnesotans to spend 8 minutes and 46 seconds in silence at 11am this morning. pic.twitter.com/tZs4JdK1Bg
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 9, 2020
4. Bill Barr
Attorney General William “Bill” Barr is for the police force. He has stated in interviews that a majority of Police are good people and that policing is one of the toughest jobs. He stated that you shouldn’t “automatically [assume] that the actions of an individual necessarily mean that their organization is rotten.”
Bill was involved in the unwarranted clearing of peaceful protesters so Trump could have a photo-shoot in front of a church.
3. Barack Obama
The first black president in office for two terms and a hero to many people of color, Barack Obama has been active in stating his opinion on reform. He also started and still funds the My Brother’s keeper alliance “so that every boy and young man of color in America would know that their dreams mattered as much as any other child’s.”
I wrote out some thoughts on how to make this moment a real turning point to bring about real change––and pulled together some resources to help young activists sustain the momentum by channeling their energy into concrete action. https://t.co/jEczrOeFdv
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 1, 2020
He has also written articles on how protesters and activists can bring real change to this problem. Being one of the best examples that equality has come a long way, but still have much further to go.
2. Joe Biden
Taking this opportunity, Joe Biden has been continually active on social media. Talking with Hollywood actor Don Cheadle, who plays Roadie in Iron Man 2 and Avengers series. Not making a direct appearance at his funeral, Joe did make a video to be played stating his condolences and understanding at the loss of loved ones.
This moment is a wake-up call for all of us. It’s long past time we deal with systemic racism, growing economic inequality, and the denial of the promise of this nation to so many. pic.twitter.com/IV4EVWAfRO
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 9, 2020
He has also stated that reform is in order for banning choke-holds and having more accountability for officers’ actions.
1. Donald Trump
Many are criticizing Trump on his reaction to the protests. From tear gassing to clear a way to St. John’s Church, an Episcopal church, for a photo shoot. He has been retweeting videos judging George Floyd’s character (this has since been removed from his twitter feed).
The video judged George’s character and criminal history but still said that what police did was wrong. He has also tweeted, stating that official’s “Should have let police do their job and brought in National Guard on Day One, not Day Four!” in a Tweet about the protests turned into riots.
The Radical Left Democrats: First they try to take away your guns. Then they try to take away your police!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2020
