Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser sent an unambiguous message to US President Donald Trump Friday following days of tensions over the president’s demand that authorities “dominate” streets amid mass protests, as she had Black Lives Matter painted on DC road. This is the latest development in the rapidly escalating unrests across the United States, which have left citizens, states and the central administration divided over the response.
Black Lives Matter painted on DC road in large yellow lettering that spanned over a block along 16th street, northwest, which runs to a park adjacent to the White House complex that was the site of federal law enforcement’s violent dispersal of protesters on Monday ahead of a Trump photo opportunity.
Liberals always patronize with symbols, always fail with polices: “D.C. Mayor Bowser orders 'Black Lives Matter' painted on 16th Street near White House” – The Washington Post https://t.co/0DBUkEaJIH
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) June 5, 2020
Bowser posted a video of the street mural to Twitter as the capital’s signature Go-go music thundered in the background.
Black Lives Matter painted on DC road to honor peaceful protestors
John Falcicchio, Bowser’s chief of staff, said the mayor was honoring “demonstrators who” were seen “peacefully protesting on Monday evening” before they were removed from the area.
It was also a response to the White House’s subsequent decision to expand the executive mansion’s security perimeter up the street.
Read more: Ariana Grande & Halsey Take To The Streets As Black Lives Matter Shakes USA
“There was a dispute this week about whose street this is. Mayor Bowser wanted to make it abundantly clear that this is DC’s street,” said Falcicchio.
Bowser earlier Friday said she has requested Trump remove all “extraordinary” military and federal law enforcement officers from Washington, D.C.’s streets after another night of peaceful demonstrations.
It has been a long time coming, but I know. I know—change will come. pic.twitter.com/oBRVbtTruY
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 5, 2020
Curfew lifted in Washington DC amid no new arrests
Bowser said she will not be extending the state of emergency and curfew for the nation’s capital after no individuals were arrested Thursday night as demonstrations continued against racial injustice.
“We are well equipped to handle large demonstrations and First Amendment activities,” Bowser said in a letter sent to Trump June 4, adding that the mass deployment of unidentified federal officers and equipment are “inflaming demonstrators” and adding to their grievances.
Read more: UN asks the US to end its ‘structural racism’ amid worldwide anger
Voices against Trump are reaching a crescendo
Meanwhile, the noose around the US President is tightening as more and more eminent people castigate his handling of the crisis.
Earlier, Former Pentagon chief James Mattis issued a stinging rebuke of his erstwhile boss Donald Trump on Wednesday, accusing the president of trying to “divide” America and failing to provide “mature leadership” as the country reels from days of protests. The rebuke from the decorated general is a rare one issued by any member of the military, as it is supposed to remain apolitical to any development going on in the United States.
Read more: General James Mattis attacks Trump’s divisive politics
Mattis, who resigned in December 2018 over Trump’s ordering of a full troop withdrawal from Syria, also voiced support for the demonstrators whose anti-racism rallies have roiled the country. His comments came in the wake of Trump ordering military mobilization to quell protests in the USA.
A Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, broke ranks with her party meanwhile and revealed she was “struggling” with whether to support President Donald Trump’s re-election.
Murkowski said her move was prompted by remarks from Trump’s former defense secretary James Mattis, who a day earlier delivered a biting assessment of a president who “tries to divide us.”
“I thought General Mattis’s words were true and honest and necessary and overdue,” Murkowski told reporters.
Her comments mark a major break with Trump within the Republican camp, which has largely held together through various crises including his impeachment and current threat to use military force against protests.
US in the grip of massive unrest in the wake of George Floyd murder
Demonstrations against police brutality have continued for more than a week nationwide following the death of George Floyd who died after a Minneapolis, Minnesota police officer pinned his neck to the ground during an arrest for nearly nine minutes.
The fired officer has been charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers at the scene have also been dismissed and charged.
Anadolu with additional input by GVS News Desk