Trump Calls Riots 'Domestic Terror'; Urges Military Deployment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump said he is taking immediate action to stop rioting and violence that have taken place over the past several days during protests against police brutality by mobilizing all available federal resources.

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden Monday evening, Trump said his actions will stop the "rioting and lawlessness" of the protests that have occurred in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As part of that action, he has urged governors of every state to deploy the National Guard, to "dominate the streets."

Additionally, Trump said mayors and governors must establish an "overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled." If states do not follow this guidance, Trump said he will deploy the U.S. military to handle the protests in those states.

"I swore an oath to uphold the laws of this nation, and that is exactly what I will do," he said. "All Americans were rightly sickened and revolted by the brutal death of George Floyd."

Trump said his administration is committed to finding justice for Floyd's family.

"We cannot allow the righteous cries and peaceful protesters to be drowned out by an angry mob," Trump said. "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."

In Washington, D.C., the president said he has dispatched "thousands and thousands" of military personnel throughout the District to stop the rioting and destruction of property. Trump advised D.C. residents the 7 p.m. curfew established by Mayor Muriel Bowser Monday will be strictly enforced.

Following a day of mostly peaceful demonstrations in the nation's capital, the protests turned destructive Sunday night, as an 11 p.m. curfew was put in place. Police vehicles were vandalized, the AFL-CIO building and St. John's Church were set on fire, and multiple businesses were looted.

As of Monday morning, police had made 88 arrests, including 44 individuals charged with felony rioting. Other charges include burglary and curfew violation. Seven Metropolitan Police officers were injured, and nine police vehicles were damaged.

In his remarks, Trump called himself a president of law and order and an "ally of all peaceful protesters." In discussing recent protests that have turned violent, Trump called out "professional anarchists, violent mobs, arsonists, looters, criminals, Antifa and others."

Trump was previously criticized for a tweet sent on Friday, in which he wrote, "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," a phrase that has a racist history. The tweet was flagged by Twitter as violating the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence, but the company determined it was in the public's interest for the tweet to remain accessible.

Trump said state and local governments have failed to protect their citizens during the protests, and small business owners have seen their "dreams utterly destroyed."

"These are not acts of peaceful protest; these are acts of domestic terror," Trump said. "The destruction of innocent life and the spilling of innocent blood is an offense to humanity and a crime against God."

Once law and order is restored, Trump said, families and business owners will receive assistance.

"America is founded upon the rule of law," he said. "We must never give in to anger or hatred. If malice or violence reigns, then none of us is free."

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