Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY
Published 3:15 p.m. ET May 30, 2020 | Updated 3:19 p.m. ET May 30, 2020
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Protests across America turned violent as demonstrators expressed anger over George Floyd’s death by police.
USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr said violent protests that have erupted after the death of George Floyd appear to be organized by “anarchic” and “far left extremist groups” pursuing their own aims.
Addressing “rioting” in many cities, Barr said, “the voices of peaceful protest are being hijacked by violent radical elements.”
“Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate and violent agenda,” he said. “In many places, it appears the violence is planned, organized and driven by anarchic and…far left extremist groups using Antifa-like tactics.”
Barr said many are traveling from outside states to join protests.
Minnesota officials said Saturday many of the protesters in Minneapolis were from outside the state, and said they were investigating whether some outside agitators had links to white supremacist groups.
Barr acknowledged the “outrage” over Floyd’s death is “real and legitimate.”
Protests have erupted nationwide against police brutality and racial discrimination over the killing of Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis police custody this week after a white officer pinned him to ground under his knee.
The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the officers involved in Floyd’s death committed federal civil rights violations.
“Accountability for his death must be addressed, and is being addressed, through the regular process of our criminal justice system, both at the state and at the federal level,” he said. “That system is working and moving at exceptional speed. Already initial charges have been filed by the state. That process continues to move forward and justice will be served.”
More: DC Mayor Bowser responds to Trump’s criticism over police after George Floyd protests
80% of the RIOTERS in Minneapolis last night were from OUT OF STATE. They are harming businesses (especially African American small businesses), homes, and the community of good, hardworking Minneapolis residents who want peace, equality, and to provide for their families.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2020
Barr ended his remarks with a warning:
“It is a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting, and we will enforce those laws,” he said.
Shortly after Barr finished his remarks, Trump reiterated Barr’s warning on Twitter.
He said “Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher” or else the federal government would have to step in and use the military and make “many arrests.”
Crossing State lines to incite violence is a FEDERAL CRIME! Liberal Governors and Mayors must get MUCH tougher or the Federal Government will step in and do what has to be done, and that includes using the unlimited power of our Military and many arrests. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2020
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