Youngkin says authorities ‘prepared to keep the peace' amid weekend's ‘No Kings' protests
'Virginians have a sacred right to free speech and peaceful assembly, but I also want to be very clear: there will be absolutely zero toleration for the destruction of property, looting, vandalism or violence of any kind,' Youngkin said in a statement posted to social media. 'Disrupting traffic or distracting drivers is not only unacceptable, but also dangerous.'
The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press has asked Youngkin's office multiple times since Wednesday whether or not he was considering deployment of the National Guard in Virginia. As noon Friday, when the post was made, his office had not responded.
Thousands to rally in Hampton Roads as part of 'No Kings' protests
What to know about 'No Kings' protests against Trump's policies on Saturday
Youngkin's social media post concluded: 'Let me be very clear: if you break the law, you will be arrested.'
More than 2,000 protests are planned in cities across the country this weekend as part of the 'No Kings' movement to push back against Trump administration policies. The protests coincide with a large-scale military parade taking place in Washington, D.C. on Saturday for the Army's 250th anniversary — which coincides with President Donald Trump's birthday.
Protests are planned in five Hampton Roads locations Saturday, and thousands of people are collectively expected to attend.
At an event earlier this week, Youngkin said he 'fully supports' Trump's recent moves to send troops to Los Angeles, according to reporting from WTVR-TV in Richmond. The president deployed marines and National Guard to the city after protests began against recent raids and detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
'We can't have cars being burned overnight and people rioting in the streets, tearing down not just business infrastructure and people's personal property, but threatening federal facilities as well,' Youngkin said at the Tuesday event. 'He said during his campaign that he was not going to allow our cities to be destroyed, and I think this is an appropriate step.'
Members of the National Guard have been deployed in Texas and California. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed the Texas National Guard to San Antonio in anticipation of protests against ICE.
The planned No Kings demonstrations are not a direct response to the weekend's immigration enforcement action, rather a broader pushback against what organizers call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. In Hampton Roads, local organizers say they will adhere to peaceful protesting. Organizers have taken de-escalation seminars ahead of protests, and many locations are working with local law enforcement for planning purposes.
Kate Seltzer, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com
Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
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