June 2 (UPI) -- The Pentagon on Tuesday night moved about 1,600 active-duty Army troops to assist authorities in responding to protests sparked by the police-involved killing of George Floyd if needed.
Pentagon Chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman confirmed the soldiers were moved from Fort Bragg and Fort Drum to the Washington, D.C. area but active-duty forces have not yet been deployed.
"The Department of Defense moved multiple active-duty Army units into the National Capitol Region as a prudent planning measure in response to ongoing support to civil authorities and operations," said Hoffman in a statement.
The move came as many Washington, D.C., protesters remained in place beyond a 7 p.m. curfew Trump declared would be "strictly enforced" during a national address on Monday evening. He threatened to send the U.S. military into cities that don't control violent demonstrations.
"If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them," he said.
Trump's address was followed by federal law enforcement forcefully clearing protesters as the president posed for a photo in front of St. John's Church, an action Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser called "shameful."
Tuesday, Trump said tensions were calming in and around Washington, D.C.
"D.C. had no problems last night," he tweeted. "Many arrests. Great job done by all. Overwhelming force. Domination. Likewise, Minneapolis was great."
Congressional Democrats spoke out against Trump's threat to deploy the military in response to protesters, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying "there is no reason" for the military to be involved.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran and Democrat from Illinois, described Trump's threat of military force against protesters as "tin-pot dictatorial."
"We cannot allow any Commander in Chief to put our Armed Forces' reputation as the last institution Americans can trust and respect at risk by using them unlawfully and putting them in a position of exacerbating the divisions driving our union apart," she said.
Bracing for an eighth night of protests, Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, Cleveland and multiple cities in California joined Washington, D.C., in issuing curfews on Tuesday.
Trump also called on his hometown of New York City to call up the National Guard for help.
"The lowlifes and losers are ripping you apart," he tweeted. "Act fast! Don't make the same horrible and deadly mistake you made with the Nursing Homes!"
Trump also criticized New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for not activating the National Guard.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio extended a curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the rest of this week after a night of looting and violence on Monday during which police officers were targeted.
A group of protesters in New York City were boxed in by police on both ends of the Manhattan Bridge for several hours after the curfew took effect as they left a group protesting in Brooklyn. At around 11 p.m., protests were seen finally being allowed to exit the bridge.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday also said he was "heartbroken" by the violence in New York where the U.N. headquarters is located.
"Grievances must be heard, but should be expressed peacefully -- and authorities must show restraint in responding to demonstrations," he said in a statement.
In Portland early Wednesday, police said they contending with demonstrators throwing fireworks, vandalizing property and blocking traffic.
Protesters were also reported to be throwing projectiles at police.
Portland Police Chief Jami Resch said in a video message on Twitter that several hundred people late Tuesday had broken off from the main group of peaceful protesters and attempted to tear down a justice center compound and thrown bats, projectiles and "mortars" at police.
Officers issued warnings but the protesters continued and riot police were deployed, she said, without elaborating how many were arrested.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday the state would reduce National Guard presence in Lousiville after a man named David McAtee was killed by gunfire from local police and the National Guard.
Police in Atlanta deployed tear gas on protesters in Atlanta as the city's 9 p.m. curfew went into effect Tuesday night, CNN reported.
Curfews failed to rein in violence during protests on Monday, which led to a number of injured -- including multiple law enforcement officers.
At least four police officers in St. Louis received gunshot wounds and a man in Las Vegas was killed during mass demonstrations. Officials said a Las Vegas officer is also on life support with critical injuries.
The New York City Police Department arrested more than 700 protesters overnight. Looters damaged the flagship Macy's department store in midtown Manhattan, emptied a Nike store and broke storefront windows near Rockefeller Center.
Violence, fires and looting spread into the Bronx, where police said an officer was targeted in a hit-and-run attack.
"That is wholly unacceptable and does not represent the people of this city," de Blasio said. "Anyone who attacks a police officer attacks all of us."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticized de Blasio on Tuesday morning for not deploying enough police officers to handle the outbreaks of violence.
"I believe the mayor underestimates the scope of the problem. I believe he underestimates the duration of the problem, and I don't think they've used enough police to address the situation," the governor said.
Cuomo said the mayor didn't accept his offer to send the National Guard to the state's largest city. The governor threatened to override the mayor.
"Can you displace a mayor? Yes. A mayor can be removed. It has not happened. I can't find a precedent. But theoretically it is legally possible," Cuomo said.
"It is a bizarre thing to try to do in this situation. I think it would make a bad situation worse. Also, I don't think it's necessary, because I believe the NYPD can do this, because the NYPD has done this.
Two autopsies issued Monday agreed that Floyd's death was a homicide, but they differed on the precise cause.
An independent autopsy said he died from mechanical asphyxiation, while the county coroner said Floyd died of "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint and neck compression."
The county's autopsy said Floyd also had "other significant conditions" including arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, fentanyl intoxication and "recent" methamphetamine use.
Tuesday, Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington. They observed a moment of remembrance near the statue of Saint John Paul II and visited the Luminous Mysteries Chapel, the John Paul II blood relic and the Madonna icon.
The Trumps also laid a wreath at the site before departing.
Floyd's funeral is scheduled for June 9 in his hometown of Houston. Monday, Terrence Floyd visited the site of his brother's death in Minneapolis and urged for calm amid growing national unrest.
"I know he would not want you all to be doing this," he said, asking angry demonstrators to get out and vote for change and demand justice peacefully.
"If I'm not over here blowing up stuff, if I'm not over here messing up my community -- then what are y'all doing?" he added. "That's not going to bring my brother back."
In Denver, authorities charged a 37-year-old man with striking three police officers and a civilian during a hit-and-run late incident over the weekend.
Demonstrations in Denver were mostly peaceful Monday night as thousands gathered at the State Capitol and knelt to honor Floyd.
Tuesday, the European Union's top diplomat called Floyd's death an "abuse of power."
EU High Representative Josep Borrell told reporters that such abuses must be denounced and condemned.
"We here in Europe, like the people of the United States, are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd, and I think that all societies must remain vigilant against excessive use of force and ensure that all such incidents are addressed swiftly effectively and in full respect of the rule of law and human rights," Borrell said.
The EU, he added, supports "the right to peaceful protest and we condemn violence and racism of any kind, and we call for a de-escalation of tensions."
Protesters demand justice in police killing of George Floyd
Demonstrators hold a sign in Los Angeles on June 14 for Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was shot by police in her home while she was sleeping. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators march in Los Angeles denouncing racial injustice and supporting LGBTQ rights, as protests continued nationwide on June 14. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Doctors and medical care workers march and rally outside the Twin Towers Jail to express outrage at police brutality in Los Angeles on June 13. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
A family walks past a collection of signs following weeks of protest against the death of George Floyd near Lafayette Park and the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 12. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest demonstrating against police brutality and the killing of Floyd on June 12 at the White House. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Protesters stop traffic on Sunset Boulevard in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles to express outrage at police brutality and the killing of Floyd on June 12. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
A mural commemorates George Floyd on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles on June 12. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Protesters stop traffic on Sunset Boulevard in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles on June 12. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Protesters gather in Washington Square Park in New York City on June 9. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
The protest went on as
funeral services for George Floyd were held in Houston. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |
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A pedestrian walks past a mural of George Floyd on the Israeli separation wall in Bethlehem, West Bank, on June 8. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators protest outside the American Embassy in London on June 7. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators gather outside the American Embassy in London on June 7. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
A protester stands on a Black Lives Matter flag during a demonstration in Washington, D.C., on June 6. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Protesters march near the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 6. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Protesters rally near the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 6. The sign reading "defund" suggests defunding police. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A protester puts up his fist near the new Black Lives Matter street sign in Washington, D.C., on June 6. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
A protester waves a Black Lives Matter flag near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., on June 6. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A woman wipes tears from her eyes when she participates in a protest against racism and police violence in Washington, D.C. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A South Korean demonstrator holds up a sign in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in downtown Seoul on June 6. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators chant slogans at a Black Lives Matter protest in Providence, R.I., on June 5. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators rally in front of the Rhode Island State House in Providence, R.I., on June 5. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (C) speaks to the crowds at a protest in front of the Rhode Island State House on June 5. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Hundreds of people march in Brentwood, Mo., on June 4. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Protesters sit in the street during a march in Brentwood, Mo., on June 4. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Palestinians hold banners as they attend a rally to show their support for George Floyd in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo
Protesters rally during a demonstration against police brutality and the death of George Floyd on June 4 near the White House. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Protesters gather at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., on June 4. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Protesters rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on June 4. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Two security guards at the International Monetary Fund headquarters raise their hands in solidarity as the protesters shouted "don't shoot" as they passed by during a demonstration in Washington, D.C, on June 4. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators hold up their fists at Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., on June 4. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Terrence Floyd (L) holds a memorial service for his brother George Floyd at Cadman Plaza in New York City on June 4. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
Civil rights leader the Rev. Kevin McCall holds a peace sign as Terrence Floyd holds a memorial service for George Floyd in New York City on June 4. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
Protesters gather for the memorial service for George Floyd in New York City on June 4. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
Protesters hold banners as they attend a rally to show their support for George Floyd in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on June 4. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo
Protesters jam the streets during a demonstration in San Francisco on June 3. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Thousands converge at the Los Angeles civic center on June 3. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
A demonstrator holds a portrait of George Floyd in Los Angeles on June 3. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Kenny Sway entertains the crowd of protesters as they rally during a demonstration in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A protester places a flower at the base of a police shield in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Protesters sit on the pavement with their arms raised in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A protester participates in a rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
A protester holds a photo of Michael Brown Jr., another victim of police brutality, while protesting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
A protester participates in the rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
A U.S. Capitol police officer takes a knee in solidarity with protesters during a rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Protesters rally near the White House on June 3. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
D.C. Mayor Murial Bowser visits a rally near the White House on June 3. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Protestors gather peacefully in front of the Trump Hotel in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A peace vigil is held a St. John's Church near the White House on June 3. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
British demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd in London's Parliament Square on June 3. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
British demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd in London's Parliament Square on June 3. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
A man walks past police officers with an American flag during a peaceful protest in Los Angeles on June 2. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
A woman faces off with police officers during a peaceful protest in Los Angeles June 2. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Healthcare workers gather in Times Square for the 7 p.m. daily "Thank You Hour" to honor essential medical workers and to protest on Blackout Tuesday in New York City on June 2. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Healthcare workers kneel in Times Square in New York City on June 2. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
The spire at the top of One World Trade Center is dark for Blackout Tuesday as police officers in riot gear stop protesters from entering Manhattan in New York City on June 2. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
A marcher holds a sign up to a newly constructed fence in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 2. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
U.S. Park Police stand guard in front of the White House during a demonstration in Washington, D.C., on June 2. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
A protester holds up his hands in Washington, D.C., on June 2. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Marchers gather near the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 2. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Workers clean broken glass from a window at a Kmart store after a long night of unrest in New York City on June 2. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
An American flag with a portrait of George Floyd is seen during a protest outside the federal building in Los Angeles on June 1. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Baltimore police officers kneel in solidarity with protesters at City Hall in Baltimore on June 1. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo
Responding to a request to protect black demonstrators, white demonstrators form a perimeter at City Hall in Baltimore on June 1. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators march on the streets of Baltimore on June 1. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo
A demonstrator marches in Baltimore on June 1. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo
Protesters march to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis on June 1. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sticky notes with the wishes of protesters have been left on the Gateway Arch during a march through the streets of St. Louis on June 1. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
President Donald Trump poses with a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church after delivering remarks in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 1. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo
Police in riot gear charge through tear gas at protesters near the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 1. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
A man is detained by bicycle-mounted police near the White House on June 1. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Police in riot gear charge protesters near the White Hous on June 1. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators hold their hands up in front of the White House on June 1. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Police in riot gear charge protesters near the White House on June 1. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Police speak to employees inside the shattered glass front of the Dolce & Gabbana clothing store in New York City on June 1. Photo by Louis Lanzano/UPI.. | License Photo
A pedestrian runs past graffiti on the Decatur House near the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 1. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
A demonstrator takes a knee in front of a police line during a protest march in Washington, D.C.,on May 31. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo
Medical personnel from Massachusetts General Hospital hold signs at a rally in Boston on May 31. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Enes Kanter of the Boston Celtics (R) joins protesters in Boston on May 31. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
A protester is comforted after being hit in the head by a police officer's rubber bullet in Los Angeles on May 30. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Protesters and police face off on the fourth day of protests in Los Angeles on May 30. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Protesters raise their hands in a standoff against police in New York City on May 30. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
Black Lives Matter protesters gather before clashing with New York police on May 30. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
A protester faces police in New York City on May 30. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
A protester yells at police in New York City on May 30. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
Fireworks explode on a group of police officers in New York City on May 30. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
A police car burns in New York City on May 30. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
Police hold an intersection as demonstrations and rioting continues in New York City on May 30. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
A New York Police Department officer looks around as a police van burns in the background during continuing demonstrations on May 30. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Protesters barricade Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh following a peaceful demonstration on May 30. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
Protesters demonstrating against the the killing of George Floyd clash for hours with police on the streets of downtown Los Angeles on May 29. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
At least four Los Angeles Police Department officers were hurt, some after being hit by debris, during protests May 29. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Demonstrators in Washington, D.C., take to the streets on May 29 to protest the police killing of George Floyd. Photo by Alex Wroblewski/UPI | License Photo
A woman and child in New York City watch from a distance as protests continue over the death of George Floyd on May 29. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Black Lives Matter protesters hold up a large sign with George Floyd's name written across it May 29 in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Black Lives Matter protesters march past a Manhattan courthouse on May 29. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Black Lives Matter protesters clash with New York Police Department officers May 29. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Black Lives Matter protesters clash with New York Police Department officers during demonstrations in New York City on May 29. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
New York Police Department officers push back Black Lives Matter protesters with bicycles May 28. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo