Op Ed on the Death of George Floyd and the Ensuing Riots

The May 26, 2020 death of a man named George Floyd triggered civil unrest in cities across America. The unrest continues to this day, with riots, looting, curfews, and the deployment of National Guard. Yet the mainstream narrative, believed by many, is deeply flawed.

First, there are indications the "protests" are not organic. For example on May 30th we learned that 80% of the rioters in Minneapolis came from out of state. They were not engaging in protests. Rather, they harmed local businesses (especially African American small businesses), homes, and the community. They harmed the good, hardworking Minneapolis residents who want to provide for their families in an atmosphere of peace and equality. Who told them to come to Minneapolis? How were they transported? How was the event organized, and who organized it? These questions demand answers.

Second, we learned that asphyxiation was not the cause of Floyd's death. "Mr. Floyd had underlying health conditions including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease," said the complaint from the Hennepin County Attorney. "The combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death." https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/29/george-floyd-died-police-restraint-combined-health/ This undermines the widely-believed narrative of police brutality.

Third, the riots have afflicted mainly cities with radical left-wing governments. Why did the governors and mayors allow the riots and looting to continue unabated? Did these officials actually wish to allow the injury and death of citizens, with the destruction of homes, businesses, and livelihoods? Do they hate President Donald Trump so much that the death of their own citizens is a price they are willing to pay, in their misguided attempt to deflect blame onto Trump instead of onto lawbreakers and domestic terrorists where it belongs?