Former president Barack Obama has struck a hopeful tone in urging protesters to focus on improving American society in comments livestreamed to the public
However, he said the recent events created an opportunity for the US to "live up to its highest ideals", urging local governments to review their policing policies and commit to reforms proposed during his time in office."In some ways, as tragic as these past few weeks have been – as difficult and scary and uncertain as they've been – they've also been an incredible opportunity for people to be awakened to some of these underlying trends," he said.
Defence officials said some of the troops were beginning to return to their home base Wednesday, but after Esper visited the White House following a press conference, plans changed, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press. Members of the D.C. National Guard stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial monitoring demonstrators during a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, on June 2 in Washington, DC.The move to keep the troops in the region, however, comes as Pentagon leaders continue to insist they do not want to use active-duty forces to help quell the protests.
"It is our intent at this point not to bring in active forces, we don't think we need them at this point," McCarthy said in an interview with The Associated Press. "But it's prudent to have the reserve capability in the queue, on a short string."
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