Trump Demands ‘BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!’ as L.A. Protests Intensify
(Kyodo via AP Images)
President Donald Trump demanded that Californian authorities “BRING IN THE TROOPS” and arrest anyone wearing a mask as protests in Los Angeles ramped up, sparked by outrage at ICE raids taking place around the city as part of the administration’s nationwide immigration crackdown.
At least 2,000 National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, on Trump’s orders, to provide support to police while the president reportedly placed 500 Marines on standby. The LAPD declared Downtown LA an “unlawful assembly” zone as demonstrators and police engage in running battles.
“This thing has gotten out of control,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell admitted in a late-night press briefing on Sunday. He reported 27 arrests on Sunday alone, with demonstrators reportedly throwing “chunks of concrete or enormous rocks at officers” and even shooting “commercial grade fireworks” he said were capable of causing fatalities.
Trump seized on the statement in a midnight social media barrage that called for troop deployment on the streets:
Jim McDonnell, the highly respected LAPD Chief, just stated that the protesters are getting very much more aggressive, and that he would “have to reassess the situation,” as it pertains to bringing in the troops. He should, RIGHT NOW!!! Don’t let these thugs get away with this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!
He followed with:
Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!
And a further post:
ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!
Protesters have torched driverless vehicles, looted businesses, and waved Mexican flags in the streets while police responded with rubber bullets, tear gas, and flash bangs, prompting criticism from civil rights groups and local officials.
With clashes entering their fourth day, California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed Trump’s decision to call on the National Guard without his call, accusing the president of stoking “chaos and violence” and behaving like a “dictator.”
Trump, meanwhile, has demanded apologies from both Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of mishandling the unrest.
