[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 2, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2635-S2636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                PROTESTS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, last night, the streets of major 
American cities were again the scene of looting and violent rioting 
that serves no purpose except to hurt innocent people and undermine 
peaceful demonstrations.
  Every one of us has an obligation to distinguish peaceful protests 
over the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery 
from the violent riots that continue to see innocent people hurt, 
businesses and neighborhoods destroyed, and law enforcement officers 
assaulted. The former is a cherished constitutional right that every 
single citizen should support, and the latter is an unacceptable 
scourge that State and local leaders should have ended days ago. So I 
want to thank Federal, State, and local leaders who are taking 
seriously their obligation to restore peace, protect the innocent, and 
stop this senseless violence.
  In some places, like my home State of Kentucky and here in 
Washington, last night was comparatively more calm and safe. But in too 
many other places, like New York City, it appeared to be open season 
for lawlessness, looting, and attacking law enforcement for yet another 
night. And for what? For what? Rioting for the thrill of it? For the 
chance to steal some expensive items? So people can say they were on 
social media?
  This selfish violence takes us further away from any national healing 
or forward progress. It does not bring positive change any closer; it 
simply pushes it further away.
  These rioters need to listen to what George Floyd's brother Terrence 
said in Minneapolis just yesterday. Here is what George Floyd's brother 
said:

       I understand [you all] are upset. I doubt [you're] half as 
     upset as I am. So if I'm not over here blowing up stuff, if 
     I'm not over here messing up my community, then what are [you 
     all] doing?

  George Floyd's brother.


[[Page S2636]]


  

       [You're] doing nothing. Because that's not going to bring 
     my brother back at all.

  So the legitimate and important voices of peaceful protesters will 
never be heard over the wailing of fire alarms, the smashing of plate-
glass windows, and the sirens of ambulances coming for police officers 
who have been assaulted or shot in the head.
  Our Nation is united in horror and opposition to the violent killing 
of Mr. Floyd. We are united. It is well past time that we also unite on 
the side of peace in our streets and peace in our communities. We need 
to unite against these violent rioters, who seek only to aggrandize 
themselves and further damage a nation that needs healing.

                          ____________________