CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From Louisville to Charlotte, thousands across the United States hit the streets Wednesday to protest after the decision not to charge the officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s shooting death with murder or manslaughter.
When the news was announced, former Vice President Joe Biden was campaigning in Charlotte.
“I do know that it is important that justice be served,” Biden told Eyewitness News Reporter Joe Bruno. “I have to see what exactly has happened.”
This browser does not support the video element.
While Biden did not immediately comment on the lack of charges, he said he heard about planned protests and he pleaded for them to be peaceful.
“One thing I want to make clear, protesting makes a lot of sense. It is clear people should be able to speak. But no violence, no violence,” he said. “My heart goes out to Breonna Taylor’s mom. The last thing she needs to see is violence in the streets. Protest peacefully, no violence.”
Biden said a national commission with all parties at the table is needed to address police brutality. He said he was happy to see the city of Louisville and Breonna Taylor’s family reach a $12 million settlement.
“The one thing I was pleased with was the city making a settlement with Breonna Taylor’s family, which essentially is wrongful death,” he said.
Biden shares thoughts on Supreme Court nomination process
In Washington, mourners are paying their respects to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Supreme Court. A short distance away, talks of how to replace her are heating up.
Biden said Democrats need to speak up about what is at stake, including the Affordable Care Act.
“The American people should make their case to the senators who are voting now or will be voting on the consequences,” he said.
Asked what happens if Republicans confirm a new justice this year, Biden said that is still to be determined.
“We have got to make this an election issue. Make sure we put enough pressure that doesn’t happen,” he said. “But if it does, then we will decide where to go from there.”
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump said there needs to be nine justices in case the Supreme Court must decide the election. Biden laughed that notion off.
“He has been trying to undermine, along with Putin, the confidence in American elections for a long time,” Biden said.
Biden discussed the loss of 200,000 Americans due to the coronavirus. The pandemic is not slowing down anytime soon. Should Biden win, he said his first actions to slow the spread hinge on what happens between now and inauguration.
“It depends what this God-awful president does in terms of his policies,” he said.
(In the video below, watch Joe Bruno’s full interview with Joe Biden)
This browser does not support the video element.
Protests remain mostly peaceful in uptown Charlotte
In Charlotte, people began marching peacefully through uptown in protest of the Kentucky grand jury’s decision. By 10:30 p.m., CMPD said protesters starting throwing scooters, signs and cones in the street.
Protesters were also reportedly blocking some streets.
Police have not said if any arrests were made.
(BELOW: Watch reporter Glenn Counts' coverage of Wednesday night’s protests in Charlotte)
This browser does not support the video element.
Biden speaks at Camp North End
When Biden arrived in Charlotte and got off the plane, a reporter asked: “Can you speak about the significance of North Carolina? Polls show a tight race. What gives you the sense that you can win and what do you have to do?”
“Donald Trump,” Biden answered.
What about him?" asked the reporter.
“Gives me the sense that I can win,” the former vice president responded.
After Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles’s brief remarks, Biden began speaking around 1 p.m. and quickly went into discussing the pandemic.
He said Trump “is on tape” knowing how bad the coronavirus pandemic would be and that Trump “didn’t say a thing.” He then pivoted into discussing the African American community and the economy.
“When things get bad, they’re the first ones in the hole. When things get better, they’re the first ones out,” Biden said.
Biden made the argument for why he thinks his economic plan is better for everyone, especially for black-owned businesses.
“If you’re a businessperson, let me put it this way: Every businessperson out there wants an opportunity to make it for their family,” he said.
During a question and answer session, the conversation included helping HBCUs, raising minimum wage, funding education and helping the country’s smallest businesses recover from COVID-19′s financial impact.
“We have to break the cycle,” Biden said. “The African American community, by large, finds itself at the bottom of the economic keep when businesses and others win when things are good.”
[ Want to vote in either NC or SC this year? Here’s how to register ]
Biden’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, met virtually with working parents in North Carolina last week.
North Carolina is a pivotal state to win during this year’s election. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have made several visits to the state over the past few weeks.
Trump won North Carolina during the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton. However, most polls show a very close race between Biden and Trump in 2020.
The presidential election is 43 days away.
This browser does not support the video element.