Protesters and police clash in Philadelphia; protests began after the death of a black man | World

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The demonstrations began after the death of a black man with a mental illness with a knife. Two officers shot him (see below).

Police said on social media that 1,000 people looted stores in two city neighborhoods and advised residents to avoid the area (images in the video above).

In one area of ​​Philadelphia, police beat up dozens of protesters.

The governor of the state of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, announced the mobilization of hundreds of soldiers of the National Guard in the city to “protect the right of assembly and peaceful protest, keeping people safe.”

Death of a man with mental problems

On Monday, police killed a 27-year-old man identified as Walter Wallace Jr., who had mental health problems, according to his family.

A video circulating on social media shows that Wallace, despite not being an imminent threat, was shot by two police officers.

Wallace had a knife that he refused to drop. His mother tried to contain him. Video posted on social media shows Wallace pushing his mother and then walking towards the police.

“Put the knife down,” shouts one of the policemen in the video, defending himself from the images when the policemen shoot.

Wallace’s father, also named Walter Wallace, said his son appears to have been shot 10 times, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

He had psychological problems and was in treatment, according to his father. For family members, the police should have used a non-lethal weapon, such as a taser.

The victim’s father asked people to “stop the violence” out of respect for his son and his family.

Arrests during demonstrations

Police announced 90 arrests during the first night of the riots. According to his balance, 30 officers were injured, including one who broke his leg when he was hit by a truck.

On the second night of protests, the police took additional measures to ensure order, including an increase in police presence at key points.

Wave of anti-racist demonstrations and elections

Starting in May, there was a wave of anti-racist protests in the United States. The trigger was the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in the custody of a white policeman.

Some of these acts ended in episodes of violence. Many protesters accuse the police of racism and brutality.

President Donald Trump, in an election dispute with Democratic candidate Joe Biden, stands as the candidate for law and order.

“We are monitoring the situation [da Filadélfia] close up. We are ready to mobilize federal resources, if necessary. President Trump will not tolerate violence against US security forces, “said Alyssa Farah, director of communications for the White House.

Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, said in a statement that Wallace’s family “broke their hearts” but called on the protesters to protest peacefully.

“No amount of anger at the many real injustices in our society is an excuse for violence,” they said.

“Looting is not protesting, it is a crime,” added Biden and Harris.