before going further on this exciting
day
for all america in space
i want to say a few words about the
situation in
minnesota the death of george floyd
on the streets of minneapolis
was a grave tragedy
it should never have happened
it has failed americans all over the
country with horror
anger and grief
yesterday i spoke to george's family
and expressed the sorrow of our entire
nation
for their loss i stand before you as a
friend and ally
to every american seeking justice and
peace
and i stand before you in firm
opposition to anyone
exploiting this tragedy to loot rob
attack
and menace healing not hatred justice
not
chaos are the mission at hand
the police officers involved in this
incident have been
fired from their jobs one officer has
already been arrested and charged with
murder
state and federal authorities are
carrying out an investigation to see
what further charges may be warranted
including against sadly the other three
in addition my administration has opened
a civil rights investigation
and i have asked the attorney general
and the justice department
to expedite it i understand the pain
that people are feeling we support the
right
of peaceful protesters and we hear their
pleas
but what we are now seeing on the
streets of our cities
has nothing to do with justice or with
peace
the memory of george floyd is being
dishonored
by rioters looters and anarchists
the violence and vandalism is being led
by antifa and other radical left-wing
groups
who are terrorizing the innocent
destroying
jobs hurting businesses
and burning down buildings
the main victims of this horrible
horrible
situations are the citizens who live
in these once lovely
communities the mobs are devastating the
life's work of good people and
destroying their dreams right now
america needs creation
not destruction cooperation not
contempt security not anarchy and there
will be no anarchy
civilization must be cherished
defended and protected the voices of law
abiding citizens must be heard
and heard very loudly
we cannot and must not allow a small
group of criminals and vandals to wreck
our cities and lay waste
to our communities we must defend the
rights of every citizen to live without
violence prejudice or fear
we support the overwhelming majority of
police officers
who are incredible in every way
and devoted public servants
they keep our city safe protect our
communities from
gangs and drugs and risk their own lives
for us every day
no one is more upset than fellow law
enforcement officers
by the small handful who fail to abide
by their oath
to serve and protect my administration
will
stop mob violence
and we'll stop it called it does not
serve the interest of justice or any
citizen
of any race color or creed
for the government to give into anarchy
abandon police precincts
or allow communities to be burned to the
ground
won't happen those making excuses or
justifications for violence
are not helping the downtrodden but
delivering new anguish
and new pain from day one of my
administration we have made it a top
priority to build up distressed
communities
and revitalize our crumbling inner
cities
we fought hard with senator tim scott
and many others to create opportunity
zones
helping to draw a surge of new
investment
to the places in our country
that need it most we must all work
together as a society
to expand opportunity and to create a
future of greater dignity
and promise for all of our people
we must forge a partnership
with community leaders local law
enforcement
and the faith community to restore hope
radical left criminals thugs and others
all throughout our country and
throughout the world
will not be allowed to set communities
ablaze
we won't let it happen it harms those
who have the least and we will be
protecting those
who have the least the leadership of the
national guard and the department of
justice
are now in close communication with
state
and city officials in minnesota
and we're coordinating our efforts with
local law enforcement all across our
nation
in america justice is never achieved at
the hands of an
angry mob i will not allow
angry mobs to dominate
won't happen it is essential that we
protect the crown jewel of american
democracy
the rule of law and our independent
system of justice
every citizen in every community has the
right to be
safe in their workplace safe in their
homes
and safe in our city streets
this is the sacred right of all
americans
that i am totally determined to defend
and will defend my administration will
always stand against violence
mayhem and disorder we will
stand with the family of george floyd
with the peaceful protesters and with
every law-abiding citizen who wants
decency
civility safety and security
we are working toward a more just
society
but that means building up not tearing
down
joining hands not hurling fests
standing in solidarity not surrendering
to hostility moments ago as we witnessed
the launch of
two great american astronauts into space
we were filled with the sense of pride
and unity
that brings us together as americans
that same spirit which powered our
astronauts to the moon
has also helped lift our country to ever
greater
heights of justice and opportunity
throughout our history
so today as we mark a renewed commitment
to america's future in space
a tremendous commitment it is
let us also commit to a brighter future
for all of our citizens right here on
earth
when americans are united there is
nothing we cannot do