President Joe Biden, campaigning in Philadelphia on Wednesday, accused former President Donald Trump of wanting to tear gas those who “peacefully protested” George Floyd’s murder in 2020.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at Girard College, a predominantly Black boarding school, expressing gratitude to Black voters for their crucial support in the 2020 election.
During his speech, Biden highlighted his administration’s “achievements” aimed at improving the lives of Black Americans. These included efforts to eliminate lead pipes for safer drinking water, reduce pollution near marginalized communities, provide affordable high-speed internet, and protect the Affordable Care Act.
“A promise made, and a promise kept,” Biden said, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to its campaign promises. Biden did not hold back in criticizing his main opponent in the upcoming presidential election. He accused Trump of referring to the January 6 rioters as patriots and expressing a desire to pardon them.
“Let me ask you: What do you think [Trump] would have done on Jan. 6 if Black Americans had stormed [the Capitol]?” Biden asked the crowd. “I don’t think he’d be talking about pardons. This is the same guy who wanted to tear gas you as you peacefully protested George Floyd’s murder.”
In May 2020, protests in Philadelphia following the death of George Floyd escalated into violence rapidly. Demonstrators defaced a statue of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, climbed glass fixtures near a subway entrance, and looted or defaced storefronts along Chestnut and Walnut streets.
Several police vehicles were set ablaze, including a Pennsylvania State Police cruiser, and a Starbucks was seen in flames near City Hall. Police officers in riot gear confronted the crowd near the Municipal Services Building, resulting in over a dozen injured officers and the imposition of a mandatory curfew.
The White House did not immediately respond to inquiries seeking clarification on Biden’s remarks about the protests being “peaceful.”
