Senator John Fetterman sharply criticized fellow Democrats on Tuesday, expressing concern over their perceived failure to condemn acts of violence and vandalism in Los Angeles. His comments came in the context of ongoing protests related to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies.
Fetterman shared an image on X depicting a masked individual atop a car, holding what appeared to be a Mexican flag, taken during the weekend's protests. He stated his support for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration, but condemned the actions as "anarchy and true chaos."
The Pennsylvania senator emphasized that Democrats risk losing their moral standing by not condemning the destruction of property and assaults on law enforcement. While it was unclear which specific Democrats Fetterman was addressing, his criticism mirrored attacks from President Donald Trump and other Republicans.
President Trump has used the violence as justification for deploying military personnel to defend federal facilities, citing a perceived lack of action from state and local authorities. Approximately 5,000 military personnel have been deployed to Los Angeles in response to the protests.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has opposed the deployment, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration and deploying additional civilian law enforcement. Over 100 arrests have been made due to the violence. Democrats in Congress have accused the president of manufacturing a crisis to justify the military presence.
2 Comments
Muchacho
Fetterman is failing the base by attacking peaceful protesters. The focus should be on the actual cause of the protest, and not the aftermath.
Habibi
Free speech doesn't equal a free pass to destroy property and attack police.