Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) on Sunday fired back at comments from California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over the deployment of the National Guard to the Los Angeles area.
“The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions,” Newsom said in a Saturday statement.
“LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need,” he added.
During an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” the network’s Dana Bash noted Newsom’s comments.
“Governor Newsom says that the National Guard, at least sending them, is purposely inflaming and will only escalate tensions there,” Bash said.
“Well, words are cheap, especially when you got video,” Mullin responded. “And so you asked me, did it look like it was under — or I’ll ask you, did it look like it was under control?”
“It doesn’t. It is absolutely not in control. You saw rioters throwing rocks, throwing fireworks, being extremely aggressive towards not just federal agents, but even the county and the local [police department] that was there. So does it look like it’s under control? Absolutely not,” he added.
Trump called for the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to the Los Angeles area on Saturday amid protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said previously the action was due to “violent mobs” recently attacking “Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations.”
“These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester,” Leavitt said.
The Hill has reached out to the White House and Newsom’s office for comment.
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