RIP

Amid the chaos, confusion and division being stoked by the current occupant in the White House, Barack Obama's voice of calm and reason is chiming in ... calling George Floyd's death tragic and painful.

The 44th President of the United States says what happened to Floyd "shouldn't be 'normal' in 2020 America" ... while also invoking the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and what recently went down at Central Park. Obama also shared parts of conversations he says he's had with friends over the last couple of days following Floyd's death.

Check it out ... he shared a friend's email from a middle-aged African-American businessman who wrote to him, "I cried when I saw the video." Obama also said a friend used the powerful song that went viral after 12-year-old Keedron Bryant posted his video on Instagram earlier this week.

Keedron, BTW, captioned it simply saying, "Just singing what's on my heart...hope this blesses someone." Some of the lyrics include, "I'm a young black man, doing all that I can to stand. Oh, but when I look around and I see what's being done to my kind every day, I'm being hunted as prey."

Obama said it's normal for everyone wishing for everything to "just get back to normal" as a pandemic and economic crisis ravages this country. He added, "But we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly 'normal' — whether it’s while dealing with the health care system, or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park."

The former Prez went on to say what went down in Minneapolis is something officials there will have to handle to ensure justice is done, "but it falls on all of us regardless of our race or nation ... to work together to create a 'new normal' in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions or our hearts."

Obama's statement is a stark difference to what President Trump tweeted earlier Friday ... calling for looters to be shot.

Attorneys representing the families of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery will be holding a virtual press conference ... and TMZ's streaming it live.

Civil rights attorneys, Ben Crump and Lee Merritt, will be speaking Friday morning -- along with the news commentator and criminal justice reform advocate, Van Jones -- as part of a Team Roc Facebook presser called "Next Steps in Pursuit of Justice."

Crump is currently representing Floyd's family, and following the developments Thursday -- in which federal and state prosecutors announced they are not yet charging the 4 officers involved in Floyd's arrest and death -- he told us the family is outraged and crestfallen.

Crump, speaking on behalf of the family and millions of others who saw the video of Floyd being suffocated by cop Derek Chauvin's knee to his neck, doesn't understand how the video doesn't provide enough evidence for charges in George's killing.

Merritt is the lawyer for Arbery's family. As you know, 3 men have now been charged for murder in that case -- father/son Gregory and Travis McMichael, who ambushed Ahmaud as he was driving, and William "Roddie" Bryan, the man who recorded video of the incident.

The virtual press conference begins at 8 AM PT and is being put on by Team Roc.

Kofi Kingston, Chavo Guerrero, Chuck Liddell -- just some of the stars who gathered in Venice, CA on Thursday to remember their friend, Shad Gaspard.

Pro wrestlers like Shelton Benjamin, Lilian Garcia, Chris Masters, Mickie James, John Morrison and Montel Vontavious Porter (aka MVP) stood side by side with MMA stars like Chuck and Josh Barnett.

The event appeared to be a celebration of Shad's life -- the attendees were smiling and flexing afterward.

Of course, Shad passed away on March 17 when he was caught in a riptide while swimming with his 10-year-old son.

Lifeguards rushed out to help them -- but Shad directed them to rescue his son first. Moments later, a giant wave crashed on Gaspard, pulling him under.

Shad has been praised as a hero by superstars like The Rock and Arnold Schwarzenegger ... and a makeshift memorial was erected at the Gold's Gym in Venice where Shad often worked out.

RIP.

The George Floyd demonstrations are at a flashpoint -- some of the people protesting his death, at the hands of a police officer, have set fire to a Minneapolis police station

A massive fire broke out Thursday night at Minneapolis PD's 3rd Precinct ... about 3 miles away from where Floyd was killed. Rioters were seen cheering and setting off fireworks as the building was engulfed in flames.

The police station fire is just one of many that have broken out across the city during the third straight night of protests, looting and riots.

Reports say protestors forcibly entered the building and lit several fires inside. The Minnesota National Guard has been activated and 500 soldiers are on their way to the city. The police department appears to have evacuated the building, and the fire department has not responded.

Again, there are hundreds -- if not thousands -- of people clogging the surrounding streets.

Many people across the city expressed their anger after a news conference held by federal and Hennepin County prosecutors, where they did not announce any charges against the police officers involved in Floyd's death.

On Wednesday, several stores, including a Target and grocery story were hit by rioters and looters.

The adorable, loyal dog that was found standing guard by his dead sister is heading for a much happier ending, hopefully ... a family's coming to adopt him.

As we reported ... the Catahoula mix was found in Texas last week by Kingsville-Kleberg Health Department Animal Control & Care Center officials when they responded to a call of a dog carcass along a stretch of highway.

The little guy refused to leave the side of the deceased pup, believed to be his sister, seemingly to protect her, before being rescued himself. He was appropriately named Guardian.

Since then, Guardian -- who's just 6-12 months old -- has been in the care of the Kingsville-Kleberg animal control workers, who tell TMZ they've received more than 100 inquiries from people and rescue groups about wanting to adopt the viral pooch.

We're told the first person who called expressing interest in giving Guardian a loving home was a woman who said she's had dogs her whole life and can provide him all he needs ... including other pet dogs so Guardian can have some lifelong pals.

The animal control staff says the woman has an appointment to come meet Guardian Friday at 8 AM, and fully intends to pay for his shots and the adoption fee ... and take him home with her.

If it doesn't work out for some reason, we're told there's another potential adopter who can also meet him Friday morning, and clearly ... a lot more dog lovers who'd love to have him in their home, as well.

Here's wishing Guardian -- and his new family -- the very best.

Police released new footage of George Floyd's arrest -- body cam from an officer on the scene -- but it's puzzling why they released it, because it creates more questions than answers.

The video is from the point-of-view of the Minneapolis Park Police officer who pulled up while Floyd was already detained by Minneapolis PD cops. It shows the Park officer arriving to assist, but the video is heavily redacted. Much of the audio is muted, and no suspects' faces are shown, including Floyd's.

The Park Police officer was only briefly near the spot where Floyd was sitting, already handcuffed, with the PD officers. The closest this video comes to showing the crucial moment of the arrest is at the 1:30 mark.

After, the Park Police officer moves his vehicle closer to where the PD cops had George in custody. One of the PD officers quickly told the Park officer to go back across the street ... but you can hear the muffled sound of a struggle. It might be George's voice, but the video is blacked out, so we can't say for sure.

Park Police say this shows their officer was not near the incident, and couldn't have intervened. However, he's clearly aware of George's dire condition, because he tells the other suspects, "Right now, we're grabbing an ambulance for your buddy."

It's odd for cops to release this video first, because it sheds NO new light about how officer Derek Chauvin ended up putting his knee on George Floyd and killing him.

As you know, 4 Minn. PD officers involved in the arrest were fired -- the Park Police officer wasn't -- so it would be much more significant to release the PD cops' body cam footage, especially Chauvin's.

Of course, the new footage comes as pressure is mounting on police and the City of Minneapolis to get justice for George. Protests have broken out the past 2 nights, and some demonstrators turned to looting Wednesday night.

Far more tragically -- one person was killed during the violent protests and looting. Minneapolis police say a man was shot in the midst of the chaos. As you can see in video ... 2 officers respond to the gunshot victim and one administers CPR to try to save him. He was transferred to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cops say they have a suspect in custody.

The University of Minnesota will no longer use the Minneapolis Police Dept. to work security at football games and other large events ... this after the horrific killing of George Floyd.

University president Joan Gabel explained her decision in a letter to students, faculty and staff.

"Our hearts are broken after watching the appalling video capturing the actions of Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officers against George Floyd leading to his tragic death," Gabel wrote.

"Today I am announcing two immediate changes regarding our relationship with MPD."

"First, I have directed Senior Vice President Brian Burnett to no longer contact the Minneapolis Police Department for additional law enforcement support needed for large events such as football games, concerts, and ceremonies."

"Second, I have directed University Police Chief Matt Clark to no longer use the Minneapolis Police Department when specialized services are needed for University events, such as K-9 Explosive detection units."

Gabel says she is "outraged and grief-stricken" over the Floyd killing -- saying, "I do not have the words to fully express my pain and anger and I know that many in our community share those feelings, but also fear for their own safety. This will not stand."

The Univ. WILL have some relationship with the MPD -- but they will "limit our collaboration with the MPD to joint patrols and investigations that directly enhance the safety of our community or that allow us to investigate and apprehend those who put our students, faculty, and staff at risk."

Gabel added ... "I write to you to express our overwhelming sadness, and our demands for accountability and justice. Our Campuses and facilities are a part of the communities in which they reside. University students, staff, and faculty are day-to-day participants in the life of every community in this state, and we must act when our neighbors are harmed and in pain."

“My heart is heavy and my thoughts are with the loved ones and friends of George Floyd."

“Let our voices be heard and please take care."

John Boyega sees what's happening to black people here in the U.S. -- specifically, the killing of George Floyd -- and he has a message to racist white Americans who might also be his fans.

The 'Star Wars' actor went on an epic tirade Wednesday, going IN on "racist white people" who in any way, shape or form tolerate and/or downplay what's happening in our streets ... namely, the killing of unarmed, innocent African-Americans.

You gotta see this for yourself, John's very heated as he calls George Floyd's death part of a continuous cycle that he sees here in the States -- black men being killed by either cops or vigilantes trying to play cops. He says that's enough for him to stay away -- presumably in England, his home country.

John goes on to lay into ANYONE who's a fan -- and who's also a racist -- telling 'em to get off his page, off his timeline and out of his circle ... 'cause he ain't having it.

Interestingly, he also makes it clear that he doesn't care what this rant of his might mean for his career. There's a good reason for that though ... JB says he's "not Hollywood."

Japanese reality show "Terrace House" is pulling the plug on the remainder of its 2019-2020 season ... following the tragic death of star cast member and pro wrestler Hana Kimura.

For those unfamiliar, "Terrace House" (which has become popular internationally on Netflix) follows 6 strangers -- 3 men and 3 women -- who live together and develop friendships and relationships.

22-year-old Kimura -- leader of Stardom Wrestling's Tokyo Cyber Squad -- joined the show's "Tokyo 2019-2020" season for episodes 20-42 ... saying she wanted to join to bring more eyes to female wrestling.

Kimura died on Saturday -- and now, Japanese broadcaster Fuji Television has said it will NOT air the final episodes of the season.

"We would like to express our regrets for the death of Hana Kimura and offer our sincere condolences to her family," FT said in a statement.

"Taking her passing with utmost sincerity, we will take active steps to formulate a response.”

Before her death on Saturday, Kimura had said she was the target of cyberbullying that stemmed from the show -- tweeting, "Every day, I receive nearly 100 honest opinions and I cannot deny that I get hurt."

Most of the cyberbullying was connected to an incident on the show involving an altercation with a male costar.

Kimura reportedly took her own life as a result of the constant harassment.

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the intersection where George Floyd was killed after a forceful encounter with police ... and things got pretty tense.

The protest began Tuesday night in Minneapolis, with people lining the streets carrying banners reading "KKKops" "Again?" "Black Lives Matter" and "Justice for George."

Similar chants of "I can't breathe" and "No Justice, No Peace" broke out among the demonstrators, who eventually marched more than 2 miles to a city police precinct ... with some causing damage along the way.

Things escalated to a point where protesters were met by cops in riot gear, who fired tear gas canisters and projectiles into the crowd. Some kicked the canisters back toward police, and made a makeshift barricade of shopping carts at a Target across the street from the station.

Though steady rain lessened the crowd, skirmishes lasted late into the night.

As we reported ... Floyd died shortly after officers arrested him for an alleged forgery in progress. Footage of the incident shows one cop pressing his knee down on George's neck for several minutes -- ignoring his pleas that he couldn't breathe -- while witnesses shouted that he was being killed.

Floyd's family lawyer, Ben Crump, told us the violent incident -- along with other similar stories recently -- has black people believing it's "open season" on them in America right now.

Clearly, the protesters in Minneapolis want to put a stop to it.

UFC superstar Jon Jones is FURIOUS over the killing of George Floyd -- saying the police officer used a move called a "blood choke" ... and it's worse than torture.

"Anyone who has practiced the very basics of jujitsu recognizes a [blood choke] when they see this," Jones said.

"That was as clear as day murder, torture."

FYI, a blood choke is a stranglehold in which key arteries and jugular veins are constricted, cutting off blood flow to the brain ... as opposed to an air choke, which restricts breathing.

Jones -- who's been a top mixed martial artist for decades -- didn't stop there.

"That whole if you can talk you can breathe crap is bullsh*t. What that man went through was worse than drowning."

"I wouldn't wish the way George Floyd was murdered on my worst enemy. That officer applied just enough pressure to keep him alive for almost six minutes in that chokehold."

"In all my years of fighting I can honestly say I’ve never experienced anything close to that level of torture."

"There needs to be a nationwide policy change. When a man is in handcuffs and is screaming that he cannot breathe. Get the f*ck off his chest and/or neck. If you can't hold a man who is in handcuffs down by his feet you’re a p*ssy and probably shouldn’t be wearing that badge."

George Floyd was killed on May 25 when 4 police officers resounded to a "forgery in progress" call in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

During the incident, one of the officers put his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 MINUTES, despite his pleas that he couldn't breathe.

Dimitri Diatchenko -- best known for his famous role in "Chernobyl Diaries" -- died from an accidental fentanyl and valium overdose.

According to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Daytona Beach, Florida ... Dimitri's official cause of death is listed as a combination of fentanyl and diazepam toxicity. He also suffered from cardiomegaly ... an enlarged heart -- and had moderate coronary artery disease.

The report also lists the cause of death as an accident following "illicit drug abuse with prescription drug use." It's interesting ... the report also says Dimitri "sustained injury by electrocution [at 220 volts] while at work several days prior to being found dead at his home" but the medical examiner ultimately excluded a delayed arrhythmia from the electrical shock as a cause of death.

The report also stated Dimitri had long-standing prescriptions for hydrocodone and diazepam, but could not confirm a prescription for fentanyl.

TMZ broke the story ... Dimitri died back in April and it came as a complete shock to his family. Dimitri's family was worried after not hearing from him for several days. Dimitri, who played Uri in "Chernobyl Diaries," also had roles in "Get Smart" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

He was 52.

The killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer is the latest example of a shockingly disturbing reality in America ... leading many to conclude it's "open season on black people" ... this according to the lawyer representing George's family.

Attorney Ben Crump joined "TMZ Live" Tuesday to express the shock, outrage and sadness so many are feeling following Monday night's brutal incident ... in which a cop, who was responding to a forgery call, choked off George's air supply until he died.

Crump says George's family is having a terrible time comprehending what's captured on video -- the cop kept his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 MINUTES, despite his pleas that he couldn't breathe ... and everyone's in disbelief at what Ben calls a lack of humanity.

As we reported ... the Police Dept. released a statement saying no weapons were used during the incident, but as Crump points out -- that statement doesn't address the officer's brutality, and there's no explanation or justification for what happened anyway. The P.D.'s initial statement seemed to justify the incident, and it appears it was released before the video surfaced.

The Mayor of Minneapolis has expressed outrage, saying, "When you hear someone calling for help, you're supposed to help. This officer failed in the most basic, human sense."

Of course, the cop responsible for the knee to the neck had a partner during the arrest, and Crump believes that officer's actions make him complicit in the killing. As Crump says ... this cop also ignored Floyd's cries and protests from people watching, and didn't do a thing to help.

Minneapolis PD Chief Medaria Arradondo seems to have reached a similar conclusion -- on Tuesday afternoon he announced the firing of 4 officers involved in the incident. The officers names have not been released yet.

Crump feels it's long overdue for police officers to be held accountable for their actions -- or inaction -- like this ... no more benefit of the doubt or obligatory moral high ground given. Listen to how Ben explains it, though ... he makes a very good point.

Finally, this case is being compared to the death of Eric Garner in 2014 because of the obvious similarities, and Crump says he's going to try to get Eric's family in touch with Floyd's ... a request made by Eric's mother.

A Minneapolis man is dead after a police officer put his knee on the man's neck and kept it there, despite pleas by the man that he couldn't breathe, and now the FBI is on the case.

It happened Monday night, when cops were responding to a "forgery in progress." Police arrived and saw the suspect sitting in a car. According to the Department, the man resisted arrest so he was placed in handcuffs, adding "he appeared to be suffering medical distress."

The Police Dept. added, "At no time were weapons of any type used by anyone involved in this incident."

What the P.D. did not address ... is the video, and it's incredibly disturbing.

You see the man on the ground in cuffs, as an officer puts his knee on his neck and the African-American man cries out, "Please, I can't breathe." The officer doesn't budge, as another officer passively watches.

It's apparent the man is in distress, as a passerby screams, "That's bulls***, bro. You're stopping his breathing right there, bro. Get him off the ground, bro," adding the officer was "enjoying it."

The man becomes motionless, an ambulance shows up and the man is taken to a hospital where he died.

The officers, whose bodycams were on and activated during the incident, were placed on administrative leave and the FBI is now investigating.

Another emotional tribute to ex-WWE superstar Shad Gaspard ... this time, it's Arnold Schwarzenegger calling Shad "the ultimate hero."

Arnold knew Shad from the legendary Gold's Gym in Venice -- where some of the top bodybuilders from around the world go to train.

It's clear Shad made an impression on Arnold -- not just from pumping iron -- but for just being an all around good dude.

In fact, so many people at the gym had love for Shad, they set up a memorial right in front ... and Tuesday morning, Arnold showed some love.

"On my bike ride today I stopped to pay respects to Shad Gaspard," Arnold said.

"He was such a positive force in the gym and the world. He was a hero in bodybuilding, a hero in wrestling, and the moment he told lifeguards to save his son first, the ultimate hero."

"My thoughts are with his family."

As we previously reported, Shad was caught in a riptide during a beach swim in Marina del Rey with his 10-year-old son on March 17.

Lifeguards rushed out to help them -- but Shad directed them to rescue his son first. Moments later, a giant wave crashed on Gaspard, pulling him under.

His body washed up on shore a few days later.

Since then, stars from all over the world have paid tribute ... remembering Shad as a really nice guy, a solid wrestler and a great husband and father.