Gov. Asa Hutchinson is expected to hold a press conference at 4 p.m today, June 1, at the Arkansas State Capitol in regard to the protests that are occurring across the state and nation.
“The senseless death of George Floyd in Minnesota, while in custody and control of the police, and while begging for his life by saying ‘I can’t breathe’ has rightfully sparked protests and resulted in fear, distrust and outrage across our country,” he said. “I know we have had protests in Jonesboro, Camden, Fayetteville, Russellville, Conway, Little Rock and West Memphis. Tonight, I presume there will be more.”
Although Hutchinson noted his respect and support for the peaceful protests as part of democracy and form of expression, he said that “violence to person and destruction of property will not be tolerated” and is “counter to the message that the protesters are actually trying to convey, which is peace, which is unity, which is reform of the criminal justice system …”
On Sunday, U.S. Attorney General William Barr issued a statement that said “groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate, violent and extremist agenda.”
In effort to identify the criminal organizers and instigators who endanger lives and interfere with the rights of protestors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is employing 56 regional FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF).
“The violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly,” Barr said in the statement.
Image courtesy of KARK.
