Barr says defunding the police could result in vigilantism to major cities in the U.S. [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The U.S attorney general condemned calls for defunding the police, saying it dangerous to dismantle the department.
• Some Democrats, local officials, and protesters are taking the initiative following the death of George Floyd.
• Trump assured the law enforcement leadership that no defunding or disbanding would transpire. 

On Monday, Attorney General William Barr railed growing calls throughout the country to cut the funds of police departments amidst protests ignited by the murder of George Floyd.

In an interview with Fox New’s “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Barr said he’s aware of the history surrounding racial prejudice in the U.S.

The attorney general said he also understood why the black community sees the death of Floyd in Minneapolis as a reflection of the entrenched racism in law enforcement departments.

He does not favor the disbanding of police departments, as this could lead to an increase in vigilante acts and may result in more murders in major cities nationwide.

“Police chiefs, the rank and file officers understand the need for change and there has been great change,” he said. “And I think defunding the police, holding the entire police structure responsible for the actions of certain officers is wrong, and I think it’s dangerous to demonize police.”

Protesters and some elected local officials demanded to cut the funding or to disband police departments following the death of Floyd’s death, including African American casualties because of police brutality.

As of late, the majority of Minneapolis City Council vowed to dismantle its police department and moves to divert its law enforcement budget to set up a new public safety structure.

On Monday, President Donald Trump also lambasted the initiatives to disband law enforcement departments following a move by Democratic legislators to push bills addressing racial discrimination in the police force and officer’s delinquency.

“There won’t be defunding, there won’t be dismantling of our police, and there’s not going to be any disbanding of our police,” Trump said.

Barr also commented that there was nothing illegal with the riot police forcefully clearing of peaceful protesters outside the White House.

It was recalled that last week, demonstrators were pushed with rubber bullets, tear gas, and flashbangs to pave the way for Trump, who walked toward St. John’s Episcopal Church for a photo op holding a bible.

He clarified that the response was previously planned to expand White House security following the exceedingly violent demonstrations that transpired three days prior.

Barr also noted that Trump went on to inspect the White House bunker supposedly, but Secret Service later recommended that the president should proceed inside as a security measure.

Source: AOL