US: Protests turn subdued after new charges in Floyd case
India TodayDemonstrations in cities across the US to condemn racism and police abuses remained large but turned notably more subdued on the eve of a Thursday memorial service for George Floyd that kicks off a series of events to mourn the man whose death empowered a national movement. The most serious new charge Wednesday was an accusation of second-degree murder against Derek Chauvin, who was caught on video pressing his knee to Floyd's neck. The new second-degree murder charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd's death without intent while committing another felony, namely third-degree assault. An overpowering security force - including officers from the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, the Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Prisons and, according to a senior defense official, at least 2,200 National Guard soldiers - was out in force Wednesday as thousands of peaceful protesters demonstrated in the nation's capital. His former defense secretary Jim Mattis ripped the president's heavy-handed use of military force to quell protests near the White House In New York City, where high-end stores were looted in earlier days, some retailers fortified their property.