Donald Trump signs executive order restricting police use of chokeholds
Speaking at the White House, the US president said the聽tactic聽"will be banned, except if an officer's life is at risk".
Tuesday 16 June 2020 20:50, UK
Donald Trump has signed an executive order restricting the use of police chokeholds.
After widespread anger over the killing of African Americans by police, the US president said chokeholds "will be banned, except if an officer's life is at risk".
"We dealt with all the various departments and everybody says it's time, we have to do it," he said.
"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."
Mr Trump said police departments will need to share information about "credible abuses" so officers with "significant issues do not simply move from one police department to the next".
He added that federal funding would be prioritised to police departments that are certified as having "high standards... on the use of force and de-escalation training".
Chokeholds are already largely banned in police departments across the US.
The executive order comes after protests in the US and around the world following the killing of George Floyd while in police custody.
The fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks by a white officer in Atlanta over the weekend has led to renewed public outcry and more demonstrations.
Before signing the executive order at the White House, Mr Trump met the families of people killed in fatal encounters with police, saying: "I can never imagine your pain or the depth of your anguish."
He added: "To all of the hurting families, I want you to know that all Americans mourn by your side. Your loved ones will not have died in vain."
Mr Trump said he strongly opposed "the radical and dangerous efforts to...dismantle and dissolve our police departments".
"Americans know the truth: Without police there is chaos, without law there is anarchy and without safety there is catastrophe," he said.
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There have been weeks of worldwide demonstrations against racism and police brutality that were sparked by the death of Mr Floyd, an unarmed black man, on 25 May.
Former officer Derek Chauvin, who was filmed with his knee on Mr Floyd's neck, has been charged with second-degree murder.
Three other officers who were at the scene have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.