Donald Trump has called for the arrest of anyone wearing face masks as he declared that troops should be sent in to quell the LA riots that have seen violent clashes between law enforcement and protesters following a crackdown on illegal migrants. The Mail has more.
Rioters have set fire to driverless cars, looted stores, driven motorcycles at lines of cops and created blockades to grind Downtown LA to a complete halt as chaos in the city stretches into its third day.
In one vicious attack, officers were trapped under an overpass on the 101 Freeway as they were hammered with fiery missiles and rocks from above while trying to extinguish flames engulfing several now-destroyed highway patrol cars.
Meanwhile authorities have rained down rubber bullets and tear gas on demonstrators as they march against President Trump’s nationwide immigration raids.
Trump earlier sent in 2,000 National Guard troops and placed 500 Marines on standby, while the LAPD has authorized the “use of less lethal munitions” to regain control of the city.
The conflict has sparked a war of words between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who accused him of intentionally inflaming tensions.
Trump hit back with a Truth Social post on Sunday demanding both Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass apologise for the LA riots, insisting those involved are not “peaceful protesters” as the duo had claimed, but instead “troublemakers and insurrectionists”.
Under siege, authorities last night declared the entirety of Downtown LA an “unlawful assembly” area and ordered anyone in the vicinity to “leave immediately”.
“Agitators have splintered into and through out the Downtown Area. Residents, businesses and visitors to the Downtown Area should be alert and report any criminal activity,” police said.
As authorities in LA struggled to contain demonstrators, the carnage spread to San Francisco where vandals trashed buildings and violently clashed with police in riot gear.
San Francisco Police also declared gatherings “unlawful gatherings” in the city’s financial district, reporting that rioters there injured two officers.
LA Authorities were considering implementing a curfew to quell the violence and will re-evaluate if such drastic measures are necessary as the night progresses.
Immigration officials, National Guard troops and the LAPD used rubber bullets and flash bangs in an effort to control the never-ending onslaught of an estimated 6,000 protesters, with 500 Marines on standby to join the defensive lines.
At least 60 rioters were arrested on Sunday during skirmishes across Downtown LA which stretched into a third day, bringing the total tally of arrests for the chaotic weekend to 89.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said demonstrators were arriving to protests armed with hammers and cinder blocks, throwing chunks of concrete or enormous rocks at officers simply doing their jobs.
Asked at a news conference on Sunday night if LA needed the National Guard, McDonnell said he would have to “make a reassessment”, adding: “Looking at tonight, you know, this thing has gotten out of control.”
“We are overwhelmed We had individuals out there shooting commercial grade fireworks at our officers. That can kill ya.”
Many, he said, were wearing masks – a direct violation of Trump’s ‘no masks’ mandate.
The comments sparked a furious response from Trump, who wrote on Truth Social: “Arrest the people in face masks, now!”
In another post, Trump added: “Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!”
“Jim McDonnell, the highly respected LAPD Chief, just stated that the protesters are getting very much more aggressive, and that he would ‘have to reassess the situation,’ as it pertains to bringing in the troops. He should, RIGHT NOW!!! Don’t let these thugs get away with this.”
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