King David once asked, βIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show Godβs kindness for Jonathanβs sake?β β 2 Samuel 9:1, 3. Decades earlier, David had sworn to his friend Jonathan (then Israelβs prince) that he would never cut off his kindness from Jonathanβs family. β 1 Samuel 20:15. Since that promise, Jonathan had died, and David had established himself as king. Decades later, David recalled his nearly forgotten promise and looked for a chance to show Godβs kindness for Jonathanβs sake.
We, too, have an outstanding debt to show Godβs kindness to others. The Apostle Paul writes, βLet no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the lawβ β Romans 13:8.
We have an ongoing debt to love others because God forgives us. Jesus declared: βWhoever has been forgiven little loves littleβ β Luke 7:47. The converse is also true; whoever has been forgiven much loves much.
As spiritual rebels, we deserve to spend eternity separated from God. But through Jesus, weβve been forgiven β Romans 6:23. God counts nothing against us. As a result, we have an outstanding debt we cannot repay. So, God tells us to pay it forward by loving others.
To whom should we show Godβs kindness? First, we offer Godβs kindness to people whoβve been good to us. Churches currently experience infighting as members debate whether to reopen. Some charge their fellow members with insensitivity to those with preexisting conditions. Others claim their fellow parishioners are caving to fear and lack faith.
Neither group is demonstrating love.
**Explicit language can be heard in this video** Late Friday police officers in riot gear formed a line near the Tucson Convention Center, facing off with hundreds of protesters.
Second, we offer Godβs kindness to people whoβve done nothing for us. The directors of our church recently considered whether to send a check to the woman who cleans the school where we meet.
This woman works for the local school district, which still pays her salary.
But sheβs missing out on the extra income she received when she opened the school for us.
So we decided to pay her the full amount she would have received, before taxes, for the eight weeks she didnβt work for us. Itβs not our fault the school closed its doors to us. Itβs not her fault, either. We owe her nothing, but we have an outstanding debt to love others.
Finally, we offer Godβs kindness to those who hate us. Social media provides a beautiful opportunity to demonstrate Godβs kindness to those with whom we disagree. What if, instead of engaging in debate, we simply said to those who think weβre endangering peopleβs health or ruining the economy: βI appreciate your perspective, friend. Youβve given me much to think about. You may be right.β Who does that? The one who has an ongoing debt to love others.
If Godβs forgiven us, we owe him our lives. The least we can do is love those around us, those who love us, those who donβt care, and those who hate us. Thatβs how we repay our outstanding debt to God.
Photos: Peaceful protests and violent clashes in downtown Tucson
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A person throws an object towards the Tucson Police Department line near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A protestor in a wheelchair tries to get away from tear gas near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A pedestrian walks past closed and covered locally owned business Flash in the Past Studio and Shop, 43 S. 6th. Ave., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
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Pieces of wood, decorated with Ben's Bells be kind symbol, cover up windows at Cartel Coffee Lab, 210 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
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A person reacts after getting hit with pepper bullets fired on a crowd confronting Tucson Police on 7th Street near 6th Avenue after a peaceful demonstration turned violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
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A person dares Tucson Police to hit him with pepper bullets as a few hundred confront law enforcement along 7th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues as things turn violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
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A protestor grabs a selfie with a line of Tucson Police officers in riot gear holding a line against a several dozen protestors at the underpass on 4th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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A woman stands in the spotlights from Tucson Police holding a line against a hundred or so protestors along 7th Street as the night's demonstration turned violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
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A man sprays an accelerant onto a fire in trash container dragged onto 6th Street by dozens of protestors moving through the streets on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
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A man gets water poured onto his face after Tucson Police fired tear gas onto a line of protestors shielding behind several vehicles on 7th Street and 5th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
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Several protestors advance through the haze of expended pepper bullets on the line of Tucson Police holding them at bay on 7th Street near 6th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
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A dumpster burns along 7th Street besides Miller's Surplus after protestors set in on fire and wheeled it toward a line of Tucson Police on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
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Two men advancing on a line of Tucson Police try to shelter behind a paper sign as they are pelted with dozens of pepper bullets on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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Protestors hurl construction signage and barriers onto 6th Street as they retreat from Tucson Police on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
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Tucson Police Department officers approach a dumpster lit on fire by people near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A man tries to set fire to a small branch near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A dumpster set on fire by people scene next to Miller's Surplus near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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People move a segment of fencing to a make shift barricade near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A police officer uncuffs a person following during a traffic stop following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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An officer talks with a cuffed person following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A person is put in cuffs by a police officer following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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People ride on the back of a car as they leave 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A man steps away from tear gas fumes set off near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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Two men hold street signs to block projectiles shot by police officers near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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Tucson Police Department officers clear an alley of people near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A man reacts after trying to light a branch on fire multiple times while protesting near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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About 500 gather outside along Stone Avenue at the Tucson Police headquarters on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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A motorist stuck on 5th Avenue by the 500 or so protestors streaming east on Broadway gets cell phone video of the crowd flowing by on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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Approximately 500 protestors head north on Stone Avenue after gathering briefly in front of the Tucson Police headquarters on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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Protestors sit in the middle of 6th Avenue at 14th Street, briefly blocking traffic on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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A handful of protestors sit on the curb outside the Tucson Police Department headquarters early on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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Danitza Hernandez paints Be Kind in Spanish on the window of Scented Lear on East Congress Saturday, preparing on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020. A loose group of local neighbors and residents were painting the symbols on the windows of downtown buildings hoping it would help to keep roving bands of protestors from smashing the glass.
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LeCaire Whitfield, left, Patrick Swartz and John Krikawa board the windows on their Krikawa Master Jewelers preparing for the worst on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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A woman walks down the line of riot gear clad officers guarding the Tucson Police headquarters as about 500 protestors gather briefly in the street on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
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A woman passively confronts a row of Tucson, Ariz., Police as they advance their line a few yards at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a protest in the wake of nationwide anger following the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A man attempts to talk to the line of Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large protest of the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A dozen protestors take seats in front of a line Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large scale protest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A protestor uses a construction barrel he dragged in as an easy chair to face off with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, in the wake of nationwide anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A man attempts to talk with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large scale protest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A woman sits in front of one of two lines of Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, in the wake of nationwide anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A woman raises her hands as she approaches a line of Tucson, Ariz., Police, at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a protest in the wake of nationwide anger following the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A couple of people sit in the windows of homes sprayed with protest graffiti as a few hundred protestors face off with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020.
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A man pours water at the feet of Tucson, Ariz., Police as a few hundred protestors at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, show their anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A woman asks for a hug from the line of Tucson, Ariz., Police confronting protestors at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a demonstration in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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A protester vents at a line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester holds a sign up in remembrance of George Floyd during a demonstration at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester raises hands in the air while turning away from a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Tucson Police Officers in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. while facing off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Protestors stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Two officers from the Tucson Police Department whisper to one another while a group of roughly 300 protestors stands in front of them at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester tears up while facing off against police officers at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Shattered windows on the TEP building in downtown Tucson from a protest that took place on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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People photograph dumpsters set ablaze on Broadway during a protest in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A man looks out a broken window of Charro Steak after the several windows were broken during a demonstration in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Hotel staff sweep up broken glass after several windows of the AC Hotel were damaged during a protest in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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People board up Charro Steak's windows after they were broken during a demonstration, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester vents at a line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester yells at officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester keeps her hands raised in a peaceful manner in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester takes a photo of an officer from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Protesters stand in silence with their arms raised in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester lit and threw a firecracker in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester holds up her sign in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester yells at officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester lights a bundle of sage during a protest near the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department stand shoulder to shoulder to form a line and face off with about 300 protesters near the depatment's headquarters at 270 S Stone Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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The Tucson Police Department headquarters at 270 S Stone Ave. was tagged during a protest on May 29, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A pedestrian walks their bike past the Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
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Broken glass remains in front of a broken window at One West Broadway, 1 W. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson.
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The refection of a Tucson Police Department vehicle shows in the decorated doors of The Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
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Pedestrians walk past covered windows of Charro Steak, 188 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
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A pedestrians walks past covered and decorated windows of Charro Steak, 188 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
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A sign informing the public about Club Congress is taped on a door at Hotel Congress, 311 Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
