- LOS ANGELES — US President Donald Trump has vowed to "crush rioters"
in Los Angeles following days of unrest sparked by federal immigration raids.
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- However, California Governor Gavin Newsom has fiercely
condemned the federal government's takeover of the California National Guard
and the deployment of 2,000 troops to the city, calling it a political stunt
designed to provoke violence.
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- “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen
Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t,
then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS &
LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!” Trump wrote.
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- The federal government has since moved to deploy 2,000
National Guard troops to Los Angeles and has effectively taken operational
control of the California National Guard, a decision Governor Gavin Newsom
called dangerous and politically motivated.
Also read: US official describes influx of refugees into Europe and US as ‘ticking time
- In a sharply worded response posted on X, Newsom said:
"The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and
deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles - not because there is a shortage of
law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle. Don't give them one. Never
use violence. Speak out peacefully."
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- Earlier, Newsom posted a warning that the move would only
worsen tensions on the ground: "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. 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.
The Guard has been admirably serving LA throughout recovery. This is the wrong
mission and will erode public trust."
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- He also criticised recent federal immigration operations,
claiming they are being carried out recklessly:
