Trump lashes out at Portland mayor and governor for ‘putting lives at risk’ and vows they will be held responsible
PRESIDENT Trump called for Portland to ";bring in the National Guard" amid ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.
Demonstrations have continued for more than three months – and escalated in recent weeks – following the death of , who died after cop kneeled on his neck during an arrest.
", which is out of control, should finally, after almost 3 months, bring in the National Guard," Trump tweeted on Monday.
"The Mayor and Governor are putting people’s lives at risk. They will be held responsible.
"The Guard is ready to act immediately. The Courthouse is secured by Homeland!" he added.
protests across the nation have been largely peaceful.
Demonstrations in some parts of the country, however – – have drawn national attention as they've escalated over the months.
Protests have continued in
President Trump previously sent a batch of federal agents into the city to protect federal property from being vandalized.
In a memo from the Marshals Service obtained by , it was revealed in late July that to the city.
Pictures in recent weeks have shown fireworks being set off at the Federal courthouse, clashes between demonstrators and police, and some protesters attempting to burn down buildings.
A .
Mayor Ted Wheeler condemned the actions.
"When you commit arson with an accelerant in an attempt to burn down a building that is occupied by people who you have intentionally trapped inside, you are not demonstrating, you are attempting to commit murder," Wheeler said.
He added: "I cannot and I will not tolerate that. This is not peaceful protests. This is not advocacy to advance reforms."
Trump said at a press conference late last month that if it weren't for federal agents that were sent to , the courthouse would have been burned down.
"You wouldn’t have a courthouse… you’d have a billion-dollar burned out-building," Trump said.
It was reported that Oregon Gov Kate Brown was in talks to have federal agents start leaving the city on July 30.
"; the city "until there is safety."
Speaking with ’ Life Liberty & Levin on Sunday, Attorney General
“They are a revolutionary group that is interested in some form of socialism, communism. They're essentially Bolsheviks. Their tactics are fascistic," Barr claimed.
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He added: “The way the guerrilla… hides out among the people as a fish in the ocean...what they do is they are essentially shielding themselves or shrouding themselves in First Amendment activity,” Barr said.
Despite growing unrest in some cities, most demonstrations have been peaceful, as protesters call for an end to systemic racism and police brutality.
Many demonstrators have called for a defunding of police, as they call for more funding to be put toward community-based resources.