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Figure 7 – Source: NBC News – Map: Protests and rallies for George Floyd Spread across the country
What began as a plea for justice for victims like George Floyd evolved into a
broader demand for an end to racial injustices and inequality. The demonstrations
attracted millions of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds who took to
the streets on a scale that was reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement in the
1950s. Participants were advocating for the dismantling of systemic and
institutional racism and police reform, whilst also spurring conversations
regarding historical injustices.
Although the majority of the movement displayed peaceful protests, some
demonstrations escalated into riots, with police retaliating with tear gas, rubber
bullets and arrests to disperse crowds. States began issuing curfews and responses
became highly politicised, with Trump referring to the protests as a ‘left-wing mob’ that he pledges to crackdown on. 116 Trump’s handling of the situation raised
many concerns for both Republicans and Democrats as it further exacerbated the
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