Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
In a dramatic escalation of a national crisis, National Guard troops were deployed near the White House Monday evening hours after President Donald Trump said he wanted a military show of force against violent protests gripping the country.
Shortly after, Trump came to the White House Rose Garden to call himself the "law and order" president, saying "domestic terrorism" was to blame for the unrest.
"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," he said. "We will end it now."
He called on governors to use their National Guard military police units to "dominate the streets" and said he would deploy the active duty military if governors failed to use the National Guard more forcefully.
He said he may invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act, which permits a president to deploy military inside the U.S. to deal with civil disorder.
Before Trump spoke, what appeared to be tear gas and flash bangs were used to clear what appeared to be peaceful protesters in Lafayette Park near St. John's Church, which protesters set fire to briefly Sunday night.
Trump and aides then walked across Pennsylvania Avenue to pose before cameras at the church, holding a Bible.
"We have the greatest country in the world, we're going to keep it nice and safe," he said, expressing resolve that the country is coming back but did not otherwise engage on reporter questions.
He then began the walk back to the White House after just a minute or so in front of the church, his daughter Ivanka trailing him.
"What the president did was call out the American military against American citizens," New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday just after Trump spoke, "just so he could have a photo op of him walking to the church."
"It was just for photo opportunity. I mean it is it is amazing calling out the American military for a photo opportunity. That's what it was. I mean it was shameful," Cuomo told CNN. "It was really, truly shameful."
Several truckloads of DC National Guard military police had arrived near Lafayette Park where large groups of protesters had fought with police for the past three nights, at one point on Friday causing officials to have Trump taken to a bunker below the White House for his protection.
A U.S. official said that active duty Army military police units from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were preparing to be on standby in the Washington, D.C. area Monday night after three days of violent protests.
The National Guard troops are going to be protecting national monuments, the White House, property, and infrastructure, the official said.
Not all DC Guard troops will be armed, the official said.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and Attorney General William Barr were seen walking near the police line in Lafayette Park as military vehicles were stationed nearby.
Mayor Muriel Bowser Monday afternoon declared a curfew beginning at 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. Tuesday. The curfew time roughly coincided with the dispersal of the protesters and Trump's walk to the church.
"During the hours of the curfew, no person, other than persons designated by the Mayor, shall walk, bike, run, loiter, stand, or motor by car or other mode of transport upon any street, alley, park, or other public place within the District," the mayor's order said.
© Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Trucks transport District of Columbia National Guard troops along West Executive Drive in support of law enforcement officers that are keeping demonstrators away from the White House, June 01, 2020, in Washington.
Earlier, as the White House geared up for another night of protests outside its gates, President Trump lashed out at governors for their handling of demonstrations over George Floyd's death, emphasizing instances of rioting and looting that marred overwhelmingly peaceful protests across the country.
As his press secretary cited Martin Luther King Jr.'s support for nonviolence, Trump shared a message from Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who suggested unleashing a U.S. Army air assault division on those carrying out "anarchy, rioting, and looting."
"100% Correct," the president wrote.
Rather than focus on protesters' grievances -- such as systemic racism and police brutality -- Trump has increasingly turned his focus to squelching the civil unrest that has accompanied the national demonstrations and has taken a hardline stance to restoring order.
He has said, without offering evidence, that much of the rioting that has wracked American cities over recent nights has been carried out by supporters of the amorphous "antifa" movement -- a loose group of people who define themselves as anti-fascist. He tweeted Sunday that the U.S. would designate the group a terrorist organization, but the White House did not say Monday under what legal authority it would do so, nor did it explain how it could prosecute its members as terrorists.
The president told the nation's governors on a call Monday that they need to "dominate" over the ongoing situation of unrest and has related the situation to a military conflict.
"You have to dominate, if you don't dominate you're wasting your time," Trump said, according to a recording of the call obtained by ABC News. "They're gonna run over you, you're gonna look like a bunch of jerks. You have to dominate."
He said at another point: "It is a war in a certain sense and we're gonna end it fast."
In a surprising statement, the president told the governors he is putting Joint Chiefs Chairman Milley, his top military adviser, "in charge" of the response to the domestic protests. The president did not explain what he meant by putting Milley "in charge."
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany did little to clarify the president's meaning except to tell ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl that the federal government would be deploying "additional federal assets" and that Milley would play a role in a "central command center" to coordinate the responses on the local level.
McEnany also sought to downplay the meaning of the president's call for governors to "dominate" the streets, saying the president's interest in calling for greater National Guard activation is not to squelch protests but to allow for them to proceed peacefully.
"When those lines are overwhelmed, law enforcement gets on the defense so what the president has said is he wants to dominate the streets with National Guard, with the police presence and what studies have shown... that when there is an overwhelming National Guard presence it actually deescalates the situation and causes less civil unrest. So Gen Milley has really been on point in talking about the National Guard. The effectiveness and ensuring that they are utilized to great effect across the country," she said.
Some advisers have pushed the president to deliver an address to the nation about the worst civil unrest Americans have seen in decades. Trump has so far resisted, with no plan for remarks from the Oval Office, the setting for many momentous speeches during times of crises in previous presidencies.
McEnany on Monday pointed to Trump's scripted remarks about Floyd and the protests that he delivered during a trip to Florida for a space shuttle launch. She disputed the notion the president has stayed silent.
"What I would note is that continual statements, as he has made day and day and day and day again, they don't stop anarchy," she told reporters at the White House. "What stops anarchy is action, and that's what the president is working on right now."
For three days, peaceful protests like those nationwide have ended yards from the White House, and each night the gatherings have devolved into clashes with police. On Friday, the White House went on lockdown, and the U.S. Secret Service whisked Trump to an underground bunker to shelter in place, according to senior sources familiar with the matter.
The White House has maintained an "elevated security posture," with staffers on Monday discouraged from coming in and advised to hide their badges, according to an email sent to staff Sunday night.
In a series of tweets since late last week, Trump has fanned the flames of division by threatening to sic "vicious dogs" on protesters outside the White House -- evoking ugly images of dogs used on African Americans in the 1960a -- and writing, "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." The latter, made famous by a Miami police chief in the 1960s, was roundly condemned for its racist history.
Few Republicans have spoken out aside from the Senate's lone black Republican, Tim Scott, of South Carolina, who called Trump's tweets "not constructive."
"I do think some of his tweets have not been helpful," Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., said Monday. "It would be helpful if he changed the tone of his message."
Over the weekend, the entire D.C. national guard was called up to assist with maintaining order, and a mix of law enforcement agencies -- among them Washington's Metropolitan Police Department, the Secret Service, and U.S. Park Police -- pushed back protesters near the White House.
Other federal units have joined, as well, including riot teams from the Bureau of Prisons and a Federal Bureau of Investigation hostage rescue team, a senior Department of Justice official said Monday.
Trump on Monday said in his call with the governors said Washington would be "under much more control" because "we're pouring in and we're going to pull in thousands of people."
"We're going to clamp down very strongly," he said, later adding, "We're going to do something that people haven't seen before." He did not elaborate.
ABC News' Luis Martinez, Sarah Kolinovsky, Katherine Faulders, Alexander Mallin and Libby Cathey contributed to this report.
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If he is using armed active duty troops, what about Posse Comitatis?
This is no longer about George Floyd. People are acting like animals. These animals are running out of stores, arms full of merchandise. These animals are setting fires to innocent people’s property. These animals are beating the shit out of innocent people trying to protect their property and livelihood. It’s time to start cracking the skulls of these animals.
What does the Insurrection Act permit? Was it used at Kent State? Does "heavily armed" include tanks?
Posse Comatis does not apply to the National Guard or the Coast Guard,
only to Federal troops.
It does if the National Guard are Federalized and that's what Trump has claimed he wants to do.
I don't believe that it was used at Kent State. The Mayor of Kent called the governor of Ohio asking for the Ohio National Guard to be sent to Kent State and a state of emergency was declared. The Guard was sent and one of the biggest CF in US history took place.
The use of federal troops under the insurrection act certainly could have the use of tanks involved.
CF? Classic F*ckups?
Cluster fuck.
Means about the same thing. LOL
The last time it was used was in 1992 during the Rodney King riots.
The protesters in DC today were not rioting or being aggressive. They were exercising their rights and Trump called out the troops to provoke aggression and to deny citizens their personal freedoms.. What happened today should worry all SANE Americans. This kind of crap happens in authoritarian countries not in America. At least it never used to.
It's shocking and disturbing and to be honest it's also frightening. I think we are seeing a window into the future should Trump not be re-elected. I fear he will call out the troops to stay in power.
And he did it all just to walk through the park for a photo op.
PJ, let's face it. All this "unrest" is a wet dream for Donald Trump, dictator in training, and also the wet dream of many of his minions. They always fantasize about cracking "leftists" skulls.
“They always fantasize about cracking "leftists" skulls.”
wow John, are you saying these animals that are looting, rioting, starting fires, stealing from innocent people, and beating the shit out of innocent people are leftists?
Please point out to me any post you have ever made about racism in our police forces.
If you do that I will amend what I said.
Oh, is this the John Russell test?
Yes i’m aware that there are racist cops. I’m also aware that there are racists in every group of people in society, though i don’t spend most of my time dwelling on it. What happened to George Floyd was absolutely wrong.
Due to being a newer member my comment history is rather short, but here’s how i feel about the cop that killed George Floyd.
One more thing, John. What about the innocent people these animals are hurting? Maybe you have but i have yet to see one word of defense from you, toward them.
I asked you if you have ever made a post pointing out the racism in the nations police forces, not if you think Derek Chauvin was a bad cop.
Like i said, my comment history is very short and i don’t dwell on racism or see racism in everything like some do. So go ahead and judge me by your standards, even though you don’t know me.
Now, how about my question? Care to answer?
I have said , more than once in the last few days, that anyone looting or committing violence should be arrested and charged.
Sir, you have the chance right now.
Oh, wait, you said you don't "dwell" on racism. Really ? Not even in this case ?
Do you dwell on looting?
Fair enough, i’ll take your word for it.
No, i don’t dwell on racism. I’m not of the belief that only whites are racist, as some have claimed. Racists come in all colors.
Have you seen the news the last few nights? This stopped being about George Floyd. It is now about destroying property, getting free stuff, and beating people up. I’d be willing to bet many of these thugs cannot even name George Floyd.
It has only stopped being about George Floyd to those who think its important , at this moment of time, to remind everyone that "racists come in all colors". Good grief.
No, it stopped being about George Floyd to the thugs that want to destroy and steal goods.
what’s wrong with admitting racists come in all colors? Does the truth hurt? You talk about racism (and Trump lol) all the time yet have no answers to ending racism. So what good has dwelling on racism done you? I’m sure it has caused you to deem some as racist that aren’t racist at all. How is that good?
If you are arrested by a black cop, will you be afraid that he wants to kill you because he is a racist?
I doubt it.
LE agencies are stretched so thin in some cities that by time time they get there or are arriving, the cockroaches scatter as if a big light had been turned on.
I believe in our city, they are extending the neighborhood watch to the storefront areas to aid the police. They aren't deputizing anyone, but they have welcomed people with lawn chairs and cameras to "stand watch" during the hooligan hours at night. Makes sense. Involve the public to help, and the police build a relationship with the community.
Restaurant owners are providing late night snacks and coffee to those on watch...
If it hits my town, I will be one of those out there helping to keep watch on my local businesses.
Since many of the looters have been beating the shop owners, who are defending their property, nearly to death, stay home and stay safe. Property can be replaced but not you.
Well at least they aren't shooting them like the cops did in Louisville.
My city, my streets. I'm not going to cower in the basement like the president when the constitution is on the line. The streets must be made safe for my neighbors who at the same time may be both shop owners and protesters. Our police welcomed the help.
BTW..... It was a quiet night last night. No shop damage, and I met two very cool people that live in our city of 200,000 on my 22:00 to 24:00 watch that I would otherwise not have met.
We have a "lawn chair" militia already organized for just that purpose if needed.
They aren't trashing our friends and families homes and businesses.
No way, no how ....
"lawn chair" militia
Good for you.... We may disagree on things, but taking care of our community while we protect the constitution is by definition patriotism at its best.
Thanks you very much but when i want your judgement of my Patriotism i'll let you know.
Seems Some "Communities" really need Water for fire prevention, Glass replacement, Carpet Replacement, Inventory Replacement, Electrical Replacement, Insurance Payouts etc... right now. ONLY Because of those cherished "Constitutional Protests" that is.
It wasn't a judgement Sparty..... if you read it again it was a complement. Please take it as such.
Not the way i read it but i'll take your word for it.
My apologies and thank you very much.
Not that facts matter once the narrative has started, but :
On Monday, June 1, the USPP worked with the United States Secret Service to have temporary fencing installed inside Lafayette Park. At approximately 6:33 pm, violent protestors on H Street NW began throwing projectiles including bricks, frozen water bottles and caustic liquids. The protestors also climbed onto a historic building at the north end of Lafayette Park that was destroyed by arson days prior. Intelligence had revealed calls for violence against the police, and officers found caches of glass bottles, baseball bats and metal poles hidden along the street.
To curtail the violence that was underway, the USPP, following established policy, issued three warnings over a loudspeaker to alert demonstrators on H Street to evacuate the area. Horse mounted patrol, Civil Disturbance Units and additional personnel were used to clear the area. As many of the protestors became more combative, continued to throw projectiles, and attempted to grab officers’ weapons, officers then employed the use of smoke canisters and pepper balls. No tear gas was used by USPP officers or other assisting law enforcement partners to close the area at Lafayette Park. Subsequently, the fence was installed.
Trump can declare the Insurrection Act but for federal troops to be sent into a state the governor (s) must request the troops.
That is my understanding of the Insurrection Act.
It was last used in 1992 in the Rodney King riots and the governor of California, Pete Wilson requested federal troops.
I commented elsewhere that I thought it was about time for the Insurrection Act, but after seeing peaceful protesters tear gassed to clear the way for a photo op, now I am not to sure. If they do that to peaceful protesters, what will happen if armed troops are turned loose.
That was beyond belief to me, Paula.
I do not want to see federal troops sent to the cities unless a governor asks for them and only on a limited basis.
If the Governors had done their job, this wouldn't be necessary.. But once it's clear to the looters that looting and violence are acceptable behaviors and will not be punished, it becomes impossible to stop without force.
Something definitive and decisive needs to be done. What had been a justifiable protest movement has been completely derailed by criminal opportunists. Now private property and public safety are in jeopardy.
And we are all going to die ! Lord help us !
Send in the national guard !
That ain't working ! Please government take complete military control !
....
Now who are the snowflakes?
Hey you can pretend it's no biggie, if you want to deny reality. But all day yesterday in my town, we saw people busting in shop windows and walking out with boxes full of stolen merchandise. When they couldn't steal anything else, they just destroyed the premises. Roving gangs of criminals have free rein in our city and cities all over the country. Cops are completely outnumbered, partly because they are trying to keep things safe around the otherwise peaceful protests.
But go on and keep mocking people for wanting to restore a little public safety or for wanting to stop actual criminals. It's all just a big joke, right?
Keep on mocking what it is all about. Keep acting like a business is not required to have insurance to pay for damage. Keep acting like it is a political partisan thing...
Keep acting like your life is in danger....It is not.
We been in business sixty five years and I’ve never heard of the insurance requirement you are describing. Could you please point me to that law in Michigan.
Most places have liability , in case someone gets hurt on their property , or fire ins incase one happens to break out on the property , but I doubt they have ins in the case of riots and looting , which could be looked at by the company as out of anyones hands and an act of god .
What is more disturbing is justifying the looting and rioting , with well the insurance will cover it , when , it usually wont but that makes it ok so the looting should be overlooked .
So you can just be as shitty as you want to other people because insurance will take care of it. How childish.
[Deleted.] Have some empathy for people who’ve seen the their livelihood and life’s savings destroyed and have to hope an insurance policy might allow them to reopen at some point.
I’m also sure the people who can’t get their prescriptions filled or get food from a grocery store are as blasé as you are about the neighborhoods.
Oh please.
I was only mocking the people around here that are acting like the world is going to end.
None of you all have any room to talk as all most of you have done over the last several days is make this political and blame it all on the evil left.
Funny how you all can blame, point fingers, praise the buffoon in office for hinting at using deadly force, praise him for clearing out a peaceful gathering for a photo op, and you all pick that one sentence to have a meltdown over.
You all do not care, have not cared what any of this is actually about, just used it as a partisan exercise.
Not buying any of the holier than though bullshit.
Saying I have zero empathy, trying to justify it, I don't care about anyone's livelihood, on and on.
When you all can point to any post I have made than would justify the bullshit you all claim you might have a point. Until then it is just a bunch of phony pearl clutching and feigned outrage just to attack someone on the other side of the political spectrum.
Spare me...
It's typical, tho
So what is typical? Do you think I have zero sympathy for anyone that lost a business?
As that seems what you were trying to say.
Again, show me a post anywhere where I have come close to saying such...
I did. If you don't like the explanation, not my problem.
I don't give a fuck.
I don't buy that you care about the protests or what they are about.
Only want to complain about assholes that did vandalism.
I understand what you're saying. The people that are scared of what's going on need a blankie and a binky which means they want the government to step in and take care of business. Any other time they would tell other people they don't need government in their lives
It's horrible that people are loosing their livelihoods to the punks, hoods, and thieves that aren't really participating in a protest. They seized an opportunity to steal and set things on fire.
Thanks. They have proven that there are people out just to cause harm. Like that one punk they arrested for trying to incite people and handing out small explosives, or the boys from Wisconsin that were there just for mayhem.
Do I agree with looting and arson? Of course not.