President Trump openly says he's sending paramilitary forces to these cities because they are run by Democratic mayors.

For 8 minutes and 46 seconds, we all have witnessed the slow and painful death of Mr. Floyd, and it has created a demanding, anguished cry for action to deal with the legacy of racism in this country.

Rather than admit what they did on June 1st was wrong, the Administration is doubling down on its violent abuses of unarmed civilians in cities like: Portland.

Thousands of Americans have taken to the streets to offer a fervent declaration that is really a plea for basic humanity: BLACK LIVES MATTER.

I believe it is our duty in Congress, as Americans, and as human beings, to ensure that others fighting for basic fairness do not suffer the same brutality.

Today, we continue examining the June 1 decision by the U.S. Park Police and its partners to violently remove peaceful protesters from the area around Lafayette Square.

This raises a crucial question. Was this Park Police-led assault on June 1 motivated by partisan hostility directed from above?

As the events have shown, Lafayette Square was a test run for what is an illegal and ongoing crackdown by the Trump administration.

For 8 minutes and 46 seconds, this officer slowly and painfully murdered Mr. Floyd--a father, brother, and son--depriving him of his life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

If we are to effectively address those issues, we need to speak frankly about the record as it stands today.

It is our duty--as Members of Congress, as Americans, and as HUMAN BEINGS--to ensure that others fighting for basic fairness do not suffer the same brutality Mr. Lewis suffered.

Yet, what we know should be enough to focus people of good faith on both the need for further inquiry and possible reforms.