This Time Is Different

Six years ago when Michael Brown was killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner was killed by police in New York City, the Washington Post asked Americans whether these deaths were isolated incidents or indicative of broader problems in policing. Only 43 percent of the public said the killings indicated a broader problem, and 51 percent called them isolated incidents.

When the Washington Post asked Americans the question again on June 2-7 in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing, fully 69 percent of the public said the killing was a sign of broader problems in policing. Only 29 percent called it an isolated incident.

This time is different. The widespread revulsion over the killing of George Floyd and the multiple incidents of police misconduct revealed by smartphones in the following days appear to be a tipping point. Most Americans, from every walk of life, are fed up with the police.

"Do you think the killing of George Floyd was an isolated incident or a sign of broader problems in treatment of black Americans by police?"

(percent saying the killing is a sign of broader problems)

69% of all adults

64% of men
74% of women

77% of people aged 18 to 29
72% of people aged 30 to 39
75% of people aged 40 to 49
66% of people aged 50 to 64
60% of people aged 65-plus

68% of whites
75% of nonwhites

68% of those without a college degree
73% of those with a college degree

64% of whites without a college degree
74% of whites with a college degree

72% of urban residents
69% of suburban residents
64% of rural residents

Republicans are the only remaining holdouts. Among them, 51 percent call the killing an isolated incident, and 47 percent say it a sign of a broader problem in policing.

Source: Washington Post, Big Majorities Support Protests over Floyd Killing and Say Police Need to Change, Poll Finds and June 2-7 Washington Post-Schar School National Poll results