Harris condemned Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard over the weekend when the riots were running out of control, calling it a “dangerous escalation.”
“Los Angeles is my home. And like so many Americans, I am appalled at what we are witnessing on the streets of our city. Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos,” Harris said. “In addition to the recent ICE raids in Southern California and across our nation, it is part of the Trump Administration's cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division."
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco slammed the statement, accusing Harris as well as California Governor Gavin Newsom of gaslighting. Newsom has also blamed the violence on Trump.
“President Trump didn’t start these riots. He’s not out there lighting cars on fire, hurling projectiles at law enforcement or blocking freeways. This statement is an embarrassment and does nothing to defuse the violent riots taking place across the city,” Bianco said on social media.
Bianco said that the Democratic leaders in the state such as Newsom as well as LA Mayor Karen Bass were responsible for the violence that broke out in the streets. In addition to the riots, massive amounts of looting have taken place. Harris meanwhile expressed support for the “protests,” describing them as “overwhelmingly peaceful.”
“Protest is a powerful tool - essential in the fight for justice. And as the LAPD, Mayor, and Governor have noted, demonstrations in defense of our immigrant neighbors have been overwhelmingly peaceful. I continue to support the millions of Americans who are standing up to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms,” Harris added in her statement.
Over the weekend, Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops and put 500 Marines on standby in reaction to the violence taking place in LA. The LAPD chief also said that his force was “overwhelmed” by the amount of violence. Newsom plans to sue the president, accusing him of illegally deploying the National Guard to quell the violent riots.
