Protesters and pastors across California as well as angered citizens and politicians — including Gov. Gavin Newsom — have all responded to the violent death of an unarmed Black man in Minnesota.
In the days following Floyd’s death, fiery protests have escalated into violent rioting in every major American city, and some smaller towns, too.
The protests got so violent and destructive in Los Angeles that Gov. Newsom has declared a state of emergency in all of Los Angeles County after the city requested emergency aid for the state to activate and deploy the California National Guard.
“In California and across the country, there are indications that violent actors may be attempting to use these protests for their own agendas,” the governor said.
Last week, the Rev. Shane Harris, president of the People’s Alliance of Justice, attended a rally supporting Floyd’s family in Minneapolis.