Amid raging protests over the death of George Floyd, President Donald Trump has he would deploy the U.S. military to stop violence at places where governors and mayors fail to enforce law and order.
“If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” he making a statement at the White House Rose Garden.
Setting off a racial the death of Flyod – who is shown in a video screaming for help under the pressure of White policeman’s knee placed on his neck – has sparked protests. The death of the unarmed African American Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25 has sparked protests that quickly spread across the country.
Hundreds of people also protested outside of the White House for second day running. Some violent protesters vandalized a church, and national monuments.
D.C. Mayor Murriel Bowser has ordered a curfew from 7 p.m. on and has also criticized President Trump’s earlier statements, alleging that these stoked racial tensions.
In his remarks to the Press, Trump vowed to protect D.C. using federal resources, and called violent protests as acts of domestic terrorism.
“I am also taking swift and decisive action to protect our great capital, Washington, D.C. What happened in this city last night was a total disgrace. As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults, and the wanton destruction of property.”
Trump said those who threaten innocent life and property will be arrested, detained, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail. This includes Antifa and others who are leading instigators of this violence.”
Trump opened his remarks by sharing the grief of Floyd family.
“All Americans were rightly sickened and revolted by the brutal death of George Floyd. My administration is fully committed that, for George and his family, justice will be served. He will not have died in vain.
“But we cannot allow the righteous cries and peaceful protesters to be drowned out by an angry mob. The biggest victims of the rioting are peace-loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as their President, I will fight to keep them safe. I will fight to protect you. I am your President of law and order, and an ally of all peaceful protesters.
“But in recent days, our nation has been gripped by professional anarchists, violent mobs, arsonists, looters, criminals, rioters, Antifa, and others.”
