Donald Trump has signed a new executive order restricting the use of police chokeholds.
The U.S president spoke at the White House today (June 16), saying that chokeholds will be “banned”, with the exception being “if an officer’s life is at risk”.
President Trump said: “We dealt with all the various departments and everybody says it’s time, we have to do it. Additionally we are looking at new advanced and powerful, less lethal weapons to help prevent deadly interactions.
“New devices are being developed all the time and we’re looking at the best of them.”
This comes after he was criticised for his response to peaceful protestors across the country following George Floyd’s killing at the hands of a white police officer, sparking outrage around the world.
Over the weekend, the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks by another white office in Atlanta has led to increased demonstrations protesting against injustices towards black lives.
At the signing in the Rose Garden at the White House, President Trump explained that he had met with the families of several victims of police brutality, saying: “All Americans mourn by your side. Your loved ones will not have died in vain.
“I could never imagine your pain or the depth of your anguish, but I can promise to fight for justice for all of our people.”