Biden Tells Black Voters Trump Wanted to Tear Gas Peaceful Floyd Protest

In an appeal to black voters in Philadelphia on Wednesday, President Joe Biden critiqued his predecessor’s response to the 2020 protests over George Floyd’s death. 

Speaking at Girard College, a predominantly black boarding school, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged the critical support they received from black voters in the 2020 election.

During his speech, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts aimed at improving the lives of Black Americans. 

These include initiatives like the removal of lead pipes to ensure safer drinking water, clearing pollution in fence-line communities, making high-speed internet affordable, and protecting the Affordable Care Act. 

“A promise made, and a promise kept,” Biden asserted, underscoring his commitment to these promises.

Implications for the 2024 Presidential Election

The president also sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s handling of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, contrasting it with his own approach to racial justice protests. 

He recounted Trump’s labelling of the Jan. 6 rioters as “patriots” and his intent to pardon them. 

Biden then posed a rhetorical question to the audience, speculating on Trump’s potential reaction had black Americans stormed the Capitol. “I don’t think he’d be talking about pardons. 

“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 at you as you peacefully protested George Floyd’s murder.” Biden said.

Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign has not responded to requests for comment regarding Biden’s remarks.

The 2020 Philadelphia protests initially began as peaceful demonstrations against police brutality following Floyd’s death but eventually escalated into violent clashes. 

Landmarks like the statue of former Mayor Frank Rizzo were defaced, and local businesses suffered considerable damage. 

Clashes with police peaked as law enforcement, clad in riot gear, confronted protesters, leading to injuries among officers and the imposition of a curfew.

The White House has yet to clarify the president’s characterization of the protests as peaceful amidst these events. 

The 2020 protests and riots, sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, ignited a nationwide movement demanding police reform and racial justice.