'Still won’t help him': Biden trolled after telling Black voters Trump wanted to 'tear gas' George Floyd protesters in 2020

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: In a bid to rally support from Black voters, President Joe Biden delivered a charged speech at Girard College in Philadelphia, drawing sharp contrasts between his administration and that of former President Donald Trump.

Biden accused Trump of wanting to tear gas peaceful protesters during the George Floyd demonstrations in 2020.

Biden and Harris address Black voters

President Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed gratitude to Black voters for their pivotal role in securing the 2020 presidential victory. Speaking at Girard College, a predominantly Black boarding school, Biden acknowledged the contributions of the Black community and outlined his administration's efforts to address their concerns.

"A promise made, and a promise kept," Biden declared, pointing to his administration's efforts toward eliminating lead pipes for safer drinking water, reducing pollution near fenceline communities, expanding affordable high-speed internet, and protecting the Affordable Health Care Act.

Biden did not mince words when addressing his chief opponent in the upcoming presidential election. He criticized Trump for his handling of the January 6 Capitol riot, accusing him of calling the rioters patriots and expressing a desire to pardon them.

"Let me ask you: What do you think [Trump] would have done on Jan. 6, if Black Americans had stormed [the Capitol]," Biden asked. "I don’t think he’d be talking about pardons. This is the same guy who wanted to tear gas you as you peacefully protested George Floyd’s murder."

"I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Donald Trump turn America into a place of anger, resentment, and hate," Biden proclaimed, raising his voice.

The protests in Philadelphia in May 2020 were initially peaceful demonstrations against police brutality following George Floyd's death. However, they soon escalated into violent confrontations, with significant damage to property and clashes with law enforcement.

Protesters defaced the statue of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, climbed on glass fixtures near the SEPTA subway entrance, and looted or defaced numerous storefronts along Chestnut and Walnut streets.

Police vehicles were set ablaze, and a Starbucks on Dilworth Plaza was engulfed in flames. Officers in riot gear eventually confronted the crowd near the Municipal Services Building at 16th and Arch streets, resulting in injuries to over a dozen police officers and the imposition of a mandatory curfew.

Vice President Kamala Harris, in her warm-up speech, echoed Biden's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Black voters in their 2020 victory. She acknowledged the challenges faced by the administration but reiterated their commitment to fighting for justice and equality.

Harris also targeted Trump's record on abortion, a frequent theme in her campaign speeches. "If he wins a second term, he’s gonna go even further," Harris warned, referring to the potential consequences of Roe v Wade's overturn. "Who sits in the White House matters."

She concluded her speech by energizing the crowd, stating, "As the people of Pennsylvania know, our president does not only know how to fight, he knows how to win."

Biden slammed on social media for comments

Following the event, Biden faced sharp criticism on social media for his remarks about Trump and the 2020 protests. Some users accused him of pandering to Black voters, while others labeled him as divisive.

"It's Democrat pandering season," one posted on X.

"Interesting considering Biden is the actual known racist out of the two candidates," another alleged.

"Who is to blame? The shameless liar or the blind audience?" someone else asked.

"He and Obama are the most divisive presidents I think we’ve ever had. Still won’t help him," a comment read.

"It's not 1995 anymore, Biden. You are not going to scare minorities into voting the way you want. They are done being pulled along by this sort of language," another offered.

After their speeches, Biden, Harris, and other leaders visited small businesses in Philadelphia, showing their support for local entrepreneurs, the New York Post reported.

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