Protests Continue, Ramping Up in Some Parts of the U.S.

Protests have continued across the U.S. every day for more than a month and things appear to be heating up again. In Phoenix, Arizona tensions have only been further fueled after video footage taken by a bystander was released showing police officers shoot and kill 28-year-old James Garcia who was sitting inside his parked car on the Fourth of July. The Phoenix Police Department claims Garcia had a gun and body cam footage shows it in the after math. However Garcia’s sister claims he was unarmed and sleeping in his car. This is the 28th officer-involved shooting in that county this year. In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency saying, “peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous, destructive agenda.” This comes after 31 people were injured and five killed, including an 8-year-old girl, following a violent holiday weekend. 1,000 National Guard troops have now been activated to “protect and patrol” the streets.