Trump calls Minneapolis protesters 'thugs' -- and threatens military action

[Judi Lynn]

16. Donald Trump calls Minneapolis protesters 'thugs' and threatens to shoot looters

5 minutes ago


The US president Donald Trump has lashed out at those protesting in Minneapolis over the death of an unarmed black man in police custody, calling those involved in a third night of street clashes "thugs".

Mr Trump said he would not "stand back and watch this happen to a great American City", adding that he had spoken to Minnesota governor Tim Waltz and told him "the military is with him all the way".

"Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts," Mr Trump warned.

Protesters in Minneapolis are calling for criminal charges to be brought against four police officers who were involved in the arrest of 46-year-old George Floyd on Monday night. Mr Floyd died in custody after telling officers "I can't breathe", with video of the incident showing one policeman stood over Mr Floyd with his knee in his kneck. All four officers have been dismissed from their posts.

More:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-minneapolis-protests-george-floyd-looting-shoot-latest-a9538096.html