Gilchrist joins Democratic lieutenant governors denouncing use of National Guard and Marines in LA
Lt. Garlin Gilchrist at the State of the State speech, Jan. 24, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, a candidate to try and become Michigan's next governor, has joined with 20 other Democratic lieutenant governors in condemning President Donald Trump's move to deploy the California National Guard and United States Marines against protestors speaking out against immigration raids in Los Angeles.
As of Wednesday, 4,100 California National Guardsmen and 700 U.S. Marines were present in the greater Los Angeles area, ABC reports, with orders to defend federal buildings and law enforcement. About 500 of the National Guard troops deployed to the city have been trained to accompany agents on immigration raids, the Associated Press reports.
Since Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department has made nearly 400 arrests and detentions, with the vast majority stemming from protestors refusing to disperse at law enforcement's request. Two men have been charged with possessing molotov cocktails while the Los Angeles district attorney announced charges against more than a dozen people Wednesday for crimes including assaulting peace officers, grand theft and vandalism.
In a statement, members of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association said they were 'deeply disturbed by the chaos unfolding in Los Angeles caused by President Trump's reckless abuse of power.' They accused the President of using communities as a political battleground for retribution and to project force and fear.
'Deploying federal troops and threatening military action in our neighborhoods is not only unconstitutional, it's profoundly dangerous,' they said.
With California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis opposing the president's decision to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines within the city, the Association offered its solidarity with their fellow Democratic executives.
'The streets of Los Angeles – or any of our communities – should not be a stage for Trump's political posturing. We stand united against this manufactured crisis, and we will defend the rights to peaceful protest and organize, without federal interference or intimidation,' they said.
On Sunday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and 21 other Democratic Governors issued a statement condemning the president's action as an overreach of his authority.
Newsom filed a suit on Monday, arguing the federal government had overstepped, bypassing his approval as the commander-in-chief of the California National Guard in a situation where federal intervention was not needed.
A hearing is set for Thursday afternoon.
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Hamilton Spectator
37 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Military parade set to kick off in nation's capital as protesters around the country decry Trump
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Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks , including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up 'Make America Great Again' merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg. Saturday's pageantry was designed to fulfill Trump's expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first term after seeing one in Paris on Bastille Day in 2017. Trump said after watching the two-hour procession along the famed Champs-Élysées that he wanted an even grander one in Washington. 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Ahead of a rally and march toward the White House on Saturday afternoon, about 200 protesters assembled in northwest Washington's Logan Circle and handed out signs and danced to upbeat music from a local street band, including 'This Land Is Your Land.' The mood was celebratory as the group chanted 'Trump must go now' before erupting in cheers. A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet. Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as 'I prefer crushed ICE,' referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Other messages were: 'The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.' and 'Flip me off if you're a FASCIST.' With rain expected, there was a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade. 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