Trump Threatens Violence Against LA Protesters, Echoing Controversial “Shoot” Remark
Following ICE raids in Los Angeles, President Trump threatened federal intervention in California, citing “riots & looters,” a claim unsupported by evidence. This echoes his 2020 tweet using the phrase “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” a statement originally attributed to a Miami police chief known for suppressing Black communities. Trump’s actions, including deploying 2,000 National Guard troops, have been criticized as an authoritarian overreach and unnecessary escalation by California officials. The president’s rhetoric and actions are seen by some as a continuation of his previous hardline stance on protests and immigration.