At a campaign speech in Philadelphia, President Biden criticized former President Trump and referenced the 2020 protests against police brutality following George Floyd’s murder.
Biden claimed Trump wanted to tear gas peaceful protestors, whereas Trump’s campaign did not immediately comment.
“Let me ask you: What do you think [Trump] would have done on Jan. 6, if Black Americans had stormed [the Capitol],” Biden asked. “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.”
The initial night of protests in Philadelphia involved some violence, including damaged buildings, police vehicles set on fire, and officers being injured before riot gear and crowd control was used.
While Biden thanked Black voters for his 2020 victory and touted policy accomplishments to improve their lives, the White House did not clarify Biden’s characterization of the early protests as entirely peaceful, as reports indicated some destroyed property and officers were hurt during the first night in Philadelphia before order was restored.
