The Republican party, which has found voter success by touting a “law and order” approach to policing since the 1980s, now struggles with shifting public opinion. Plus, they’re trying to distance themselves from Donald Trump, who tweeted the charged phrase, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts,” on May 29. GOP-ers enlisted Tim Scott of South Carolina, the sole black member of the Republican Senate, to lead the drafting of potential legislation for conservatives.
Although this story doesn't pertain directly to the issue of police brutality against black people, it certainly is part of the ripple effect that's emerged in the days since protests against the killing of George Floyd began. On the internet—and on media Twitter in particular—a reckoning is taking place.
"Stop treating us like animals and thugs and start treating us with some respect ... Our legislators abandoned us. The press is vilifying us. It's disgusting."