Following the successful launch of the SpaceX rocket on Saturday, President Donald Trump delivered remarks about the tragic death of George Floyd and subsequent riots.
"The death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis was a grave tragedy," the president said. "It should never have happened. It has filled Americans all over the country with horror, anger, and grief. Yesterday, I spoke to George's family and expressed the sorrow of our entire nation for their loss. I stand before you [as] a friend and ally to every American seeking justice and peace."
The president then addressed the violent riots that continue to wreak devastation in cities across America.
"And I stand before you in firm opposition to anyone exploiting this tragedy to loot, rob, attack, and menace. Healing, not hatred, justice, not chaos, are the mission at hand," the president continued.
"The death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis was a grave tragedy. It should never have happened. It has filled Americans all over the country with horror, anger, and grief." pic.twitter.com/lirAMSv4Wo
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 30, 2020
The president said "the memory of George Floyd is being dishonored by rioters, looters, and anarchists" and blamed "Antifa and other radical left-wing groups" for terrorizing the innocent.
"We cannot and must not let a small group of criminals and vandals to wreck our cities and lay waste to our communities," Trump said. "We must defend the rights of every citizen to live without violence, prejudice and fear."
“We support the right of peaceful protestors, and we hear their pleas. But what we are now seeing on the streets of our cities has nothing to do with justice or peace.” pic.twitter.com/ckZ28xXSkA
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 30, 2020
"We will stand with the family of George Floyd, with the peaceful protestors, and with every law-abiding citizen who wants decency, civility, safety, and security," he said.
"My Administration will always stand against violence, mayhem, and disorder.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 30, 2020
We will stand with the family of George Floyd, with the peaceful protestors, and with every law-abiding citizen who wants decency, civility, safety, and security." pic.twitter.com/Wxk6qmBR69
Earlier on Saturday, the president warned liberal governors and mayors to toughen their response to the riots or risk a response from the federal government.
Attorney General William Barr similarly slammed leftist groups for hijacking those peacefully protesting Floyd's death and reminded state and local governments of their responsibility in maintaining the rule of law and protecting citizens.