Trump tells US 'I am your law and order president', brings 'heavily armed soldiers' to D.C. and threatens to deploy them nationwide - before protesters are tear-gassed outside White House so he can walk to iconic burnt-out church for photo

President Donald Trump declared himself the 'law and order president' Monday night as law enforcement officials used rubber bullets, tear gas and officers on horse back to clear out protesters so Trump could walk to an historic church across from the White House for a photo-op.
 'I am your president of law and order,' Trump said in the Rose Garden as the split screen on televisions across the nation showed peaceful protesters being fired upon and cleared out 30 minutes before Washington D.C.'s curfew went into affect. 
He made a televised address to the nation vowing a tough response to nationwide disorder and walked to St. John's Church while flanked by police before another night of rioting across America on Monday into Tuesday, sparked by protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
'The biggest victims of the rioting are peace loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as they are president, I will fight to keep them safe. I will fight to protect you. I am your president of law and order and an ally of all peaceful protesters,' Trump said in brief remarks. As he spoke helicopters circled over head and booming sounds could be heard. 
Armed offices on horse back cleared protesters from around the White House so the president could walk across Lafayette Park to pay his respects to St. John's Church, the historic chapel across from the White House known as the president's church. It suffered damage in Sunday night's protest.
The episode in DC occurred before riots continued across the US last night including attacks on police that saw four officers shot in St Louis and one cop shot in the head in Las Vegas.
In New York City, looters descended on luxury stores for a second night in a row as peaceful protests gave way to looting when the sun went down - including at the Macy's flagship store.  
The NYPD had doubled its deployment of officers to 8,000 and introduced a curfew for the first time since 1943 in a bid to prevent the destruction of the night before. But one cop was beaten on a sidewalk while others were powerless to stop the looting. In Washington DC military helicopters flew low over protesters in an attempt to disperse them.
Earlier, the President said: 'If the city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residence, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,'
Armed offices on horse back cleared protesters from around the White House so the president could walk across Lafayette Park to pay his respects to St. John's Church, the historic chapel across from the White House known as the president's church.
Armed offices on horse back cleared protesters from around the White House so the president could walk across Lafayette Park to pay his respects to St. John's Church, the historic chapel across from the White House known as the president's church.
'The biggest victims of the rioting are peace loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as they are president, I will fight to keep them safe. I will fight to protect you. I am your president of law and order and an ally of all peaceful protesters,' Trump said in brief remarks.
'The biggest victims of the rioting are peace loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as they are president, I will fight to keep them safe. I will fight to protect you. I am your president of law and order and an ally of all peaceful protesters,' Trump said in brief remarks.
President Donald Trump declared himself the 'law and order president' Monday night as law enforcement officials used rubber bullets, tear gas and officers on horse back to clear out protesters so Trump could walk to an historic church across from the White House for a photo-op. He is pictured with US Attorney General William Barr (L), White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows (2nd-L) and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, outside of St John's Episcopal church
President Donald Trump declared himself the 'law and order president' Monday night as law enforcement officials used rubber bullets, tear gas and officers on horse back to clear out protesters so Trump could walk to an historic church across from the White House for a photo-op. He is pictured with US Attorney General William Barr (L), White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows (2nd-L) and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, outside of St John's Episcopal church
President Trump declared himself the 'law and order president' in a tough speech to protesters
President Trump declared himself the 'law and order president' in a tough speech to protesters
President Trump walked across from White House to St. John's Church to hold up a bible for a photo op
President Trump walked across from White House to St. John's Church to hold up a bible for a photo op
President Trump visited St. John's church, which was damaged during protests on Sunday night
President Trump visited St. John's church, which was damaged during protests on Sunday night
President Trump walked out of the White House surrounded by Cabinet officials, aides and security
President Trump walked out of the White House surrounded by Cabinet officials, aides and security
President Trump walks in front of a graffiti filled wall on his way to visit St. John's Episcopal Church
President Trump walks in front of a graffiti filled wall on his way to visit St. John's Episcopal Church
Police fired tear gas into protesters in front of St. John's church to clear them out for the president's photo-op
Police fired tear gas into protesters in front of St. John's church to clear them out for the president's photo-op 
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Attorney General Bill Barr, White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany joined Trump for his walk to St. John's Church
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Attorney General Bill Barr, White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany joined Trump for his walk to St. John's Church
Looters were seen piling into a Coach store in Manhattan's Fifth Avenue on the seventh night of unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd
Looters were seen piling into a Coach store in Manhattan's Fifth Avenue on the seventh night of unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd
Shockingly, the Lego Store was another shop hit by looters. One person could be seen running out with large boxes last night
Shockingly, the Lego Store was another shop hit by looters. One person could be seen running out with large boxes last night

LOUISVILLE: Kentucky State Troopers detain a man during protests against police brutality in Louisville on Monday night
LOUISVILLE: Kentucky State Troopers detain a man during protests against police brutality in Louisville on Monday night 
NEW YORK: As the sun set on the Big Apple, reports emerged of looting at luxury shops on 5th and Madison avenues that were ransacked the night before. Pictured: Looters smash a storefront in Manhattan 
Low-flying military helicopters used a wind-blowing tactic to break up crowds in Washington, DC, on Monday night as protests continued past city-wide curfew
Videos posted to Twitter showed demonstrators quaking beneath deafening gusts
WASHINGTON DC: Low-flying military helicopters used a wind-blowing tactic to break up crowds in Washington on Monday night as protests continued past curfew. Videos posted to Twitter showed protesters quaking beneath deafening gusts
DALLAS: A woman is detained by police after they confronted a group of protesters blocking the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
DALLAS: A woman is detained by police after they confronted a group of protesters blocking the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

Immediately after he finished his remarks, he left the White House to walk to the church that was threatened with fire Sunday night. He walked across the cleared out park surrounded by aides and Secret Service agents.
Before the president spoke in the Rose Garden, Attorney General Bill Barr spoke to law enforcement officials in the park and then left to return to the White House. Shortly after Barr left, the protesters were cleared, shouting 'don't shoot' as officials closed in on horseback and on foot. Tear gas poured down on them and rubber bullets were shot into the crowd.
With the path cleared, Trump took a short walk on a beautiful D.C. night to stand in front of the church, holding up a bible. 'I am going to pay my respects to a very, very special place,' he said before his walk over. 
He was joined by Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Barr, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, Defense Secretary  Mark Esper, and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany - all of whom joined him in front of the church to get their picture taken.
Trump was followed by a huge Secret Service entourage and some of the most prominent members of his administration, including daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Others in the cavalcade, which picked its way past 'FTP' graffiti and discarded protesters' belongings, included Pat Cipollone, the White House Counsel who led Trump's impeachment defense on the floor of the Senate; Dan Scavino, his golf-caddy turned director of social media; adviser Hope Hicks; and Alyssa Farah, the White House director of communications.
Trump was also accompanied by Army General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was in combat uniform, not the dress uniform usually expected of senior officers around the president.
Trump spent less than five minutes in front of the church, long enough to declare 'greatest country in the world.' And we're going to keep it safe.'
A fire burned in the basement of St. John's Church Sunday night but the chapel was not affected. The church was boarded up during the protests.
The appearance at St. John's marked the first time Trump has publicly visited a church since June of last year.   
During his remarks in the Rose Garden, Trump made reference to the 1807 Insurrection Act and said he would deploy the U.S. military even in the cases where governors don't seek to call out the National Guard – although he didn't name it explicitly.
He spoke after truckloads full of D.C. Guard members were spotted south of the White House. The military was also sending troops from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and possibly Fort Belvoir in Virginia, NBC News reported.
'If a city or state refuses to take the actions necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,' Trump said in the Rose Garden, where bangs and tear gas canister firings punctuated his remarks.
'I am mobilizing all federal and local resources, civilian and military, to protect the rights of law abiding Americans,' Trump said.
In a state, a governor can activate National Guard troops in response to an emergency. In the case of Washington, D.C., the Secretary of the Army has the authority to dispatch forces – as happened both Sunday to help impose an 11pm curfew and on Monday, when the mayor moved it up to 7 pm after a night of more protests, property destruction, and confrontations between police and protesters.
The federal Posse Comitatus statute prohibits the use of the Army and the Navy as a force inside the country.
The White House says Trump can also call on another authority – the 1807 Insurrection act, which was amended in 2006 and allows the president to use the guard to 'suppress, in a State, any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy if such insurrection, violation, combination, or conspiracy results in a condition' that 'hinders the execution of the laws of a State.'
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said it was one of the authorities being looked at.
Trump, after walking past graffiti-strewn maintenance building and standing in front of St. John's, didn't respond to shouted questions about whether the nation was facing an insurgency, or whether he cleared out Lafayette Park for a photo-op.
He warned residents of Washington D.C. he would take the tough action after they had surrounded the White House every evening since Friday night. 
On Friday night, the first night the protests grew in size, Secret Service agents rushed Trump into the White House bunker and held him there for several minutes as a safety precaution.
'What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace. As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults, and the wanton destruction of property. We are putting everybody on warning on a 7:00 curfew that will be strictly enforced,' Trump said in his Rose Garden remarks.  
Trump attempted to regain control of the situation with his strongly-worded remarks, vow to use force to end the protests and his walk to the church for a photo-op.
Scenes from protesters around the country have filled American TV screens in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minnesota who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes. Floyd's death was ruled a homicide and the officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with his murder.
Both Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker and New York's Andrew Cuomo immediately rejected Trump's demand, both telling CNN they would not agree to the deployment of active-duty troops in their states, which include New York City and Chicago. 
Cuomo also slammed Trump for having protesters - who he said were 'young, and mostly white' - out of his path to 'pose with a Bible' and Prtizker accused him of making the country more dangerous. 'He has got to go,' the Illinois governor said. 
Cuomo said: 'I was shocked at what they did. I was shocked to see the force used to move protesters who could not have been more peaceful. Calling out the American military for a photo opportunity. It was shameful. Shameful.'
Trump gave governors an early warning of what he had planned, telling them earlier in the day, during a video conference from the Situation Room, that they are 'weak' and need to 'dominate' cities ravaged by riots or they will look like 'jerks.' 
'You have to dominate, if you don't dominate you're wasting your time. They're going to run over you, you're going to look like a bunch of jerks. You have to dominate,' audio of the call revealed.
'The only time it's successful is when you're weak and most of you are weak,' he added, CNN reported, claiming that if governors and local leaders were more tough on rioters, there would be less destruction of their major cities.
'You've got to arrest people, you have to track people, you have to put them in jail for 10 years and you'll never see this stuff again,' Trump said during the 55-minute call. 
'We're doing it in Washington, D.C. We're going to do something that people haven't seen before.' 
'You're making a mistake because you're making yourselves look like fools,' he continued later in the call, claiming that they need to activate more National Guard support as a show of force on city streets.
'And some have done a great job. But a lot of you, it's not – it's not a great day for our country.'
The president also threatened to deploy the 101st Airborne Division of the Army to provide 'backup' to cities ravaged by the riots.
The president made this message by endorsing a statement made by Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton: '100% Correct. Thank you Tom!'
Cotton wrote on Monday, 'Anarchy, rioting, and looting needs to end tonight.'
'If local law enforcement is overwhelmed and needs backup, let's see how tough these Antifa terrorists are when they're facing off with the 101st Airborne Division,' he continued in the tweet. 'We need to have zero tolerance for this destruction.'
Trump has pushed for governors to activate the National Guard in there states and has not yet formally addressed the nation since the unrest began.
He did say during his call with governors Monday that he is putting Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley 'in charge.' 

The president did not clarify what he meant during his rant to the state leaders, specifically if he was planning to deploy the military to quell protests – and White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany did not clear up the comments during a press briefing Monday afternoon.
'I'm not going to get ahead of any actions,' McEnany told reporters in the James S. Brady Briefing Room.
'Our streets are dominated with a police force and a national guard presence,' she continued, claiming that police lines are overwhelmed by the rioters.
'When those lines are overwhelmed, law enforcement gets on the defense,' she said. 'So what the president has said, is that he wants to dominate the streets with National Guard, with a police presence.'  

President Donald Trump walks between lines of riot police in Lafayette Park across from the White House after walking to St John's Church for a photo opportunity
 President Donald Trump walks between lines of riot police in Lafayette Park across from the White House after walking to St John's Church for a photo opportunity
Military vehicles carrying National Guard personnel drive along West Executive Drive inside the White House complex on Monday afternoon
Military vehicles carrying National Guard personnel drive along West Executive Drive inside the White House complex on Monday afternoon
President Trump addressed the nation in the White House Rose Garden before walking to St. John's
President Trump addressed the nation in the White House Rose Garden before walking to St. John's
Protesters are tear gassed as the police disperse them near the White House
Protesters are tear gassed as the police disperse them near the White House
Police clear demonstrators from Lafayette Park with the White House in the background
Police clear demonstrators from Lafayette Park with the White House in the background
U.S. Secret Service uniformed division officers face demonstrators in front of the White House
U.S. Secret Service uniformed division officers face demonstrators in front of the White House
Police begin to clear demonstrators gather as they protest the death of George Floyd
Police begin to clear demonstrators gather as they protest the death of George Floyd
Attorney General William Barr, center, stands in Lafayette Park before officials began to clear out protesters ahead of Trump's walk to St. John's church
Attorney General William Barr, center, stands in Lafayette Park before officials began to clear out protesters ahead of Trump's walk to St. John's church
Demonstrators hold up their arms in front of a line of police officers as they are sprayed with tear gas
Demonstrators hold up their arms in front of a line of police officers as they are sprayed with tear gas
Police clear the area in front of St. John's church ahead of Trump's visit
Police clear the area in front of St. John's church ahead of Trump's visit
President Trump thrusts his fist in the air as he returns to the White House
President Trump thrusts his fist in the air as he returns to the White House
Ivanka Trump returns to the White House with President Trump after the president visited St. John's church
Ivanka Trump returns to the White House with President Trump after the president visited St. John's church
A protester is arrested near the White House
A protester is arrested near the White House

McEnany noted that Milley said during the call, which he was a part of, that a National Guard presence helps to de-escalate situations like the ones popping up all over the country.
She did not clarify if putting Milley in charge means that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would be completely overseeing a domestic issue. 
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a frequent target of the president in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, responded to the meeting in a statement following where she claimed Trump said the governors would be 'overridden.'
'I joined a call with my fellow governors and the current president that was deeply disturbing,' she said. 'Instead of offering support or leadership to bring down the temperature at protests, President Trump told governors to 'put it down' or we would be 'overridden.'
A person listening in on the call told CBS News that the president's message and tone was 'unhinged.' Illinois' governor J.B. Pritzker hit back at him during the call, telling Trump his own rhetoric was fueling the violence. 
In the call, Trump specifically called out Minnesota, where the riots originated after Goerge Floyd, a black man, was killed by a white police officer there last week.
'What happened in the state of Minnesota, they were a laughing stock all over the world,' Trump said in the call.
'They took over the police department, the police were running down the street, sirens blazing, the rest of them running. It was on camera,' he said, referencing rioters who torched the Minneapolis police station on Friday.
'They'll probably have to build a new one,' Trump said. 'But I've never seen anything like it and the whole world was laughing.'
He then praised his own work by talking with Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on activating the National Guard in the state to help the Twin Cities mitigate violent demonstrators, claiming Walz acted on his suggestion. 
'Once you cool down and you dominated, you took the worst place and you made it – they didn't even come there last night because there was so much less, because you dominated,' he lauded.

Thousands of protesters were arrested across the country over the weekend as major cities are the most affected areas of rioting, looting and arson
Thousands of protesters were arrested across the country over the weekend as major cities are the most affected areas of rioting, looting and arson
Donald Trump threatened on Monday to deploy the Army's 101st Airborne to face off with those rioting in U.S. cities' streets – setting fires, looting and destroying property
Donald Trump threatened on Monday to deploy the Army's 101st Airborne to face off with those rioting in U.S. cities' streets – setting fires, looting and destroying property 
Donald Trump, joined by Attorney General Bill Barr (pictured left), told governors during a teleconference in the Situation Room on Monday that they are 'weak' on rioters and need to 'dominate' by arresting and trying more people
Donald Trump, joined by Attorney General Bill Barr (pictured left), told governors during a teleconference in the Situation Room on Monday that they are 'weak' on rioters and need to 'dominate' by arresting and trying more people
Violent protesters surrounded the White House for a fourth day on Sunday and it was revealed that Donald Trump was taken, for a short period of time, to the bunker in the residence on Friday and has expressed he is concerned for his safety
Violent protesters surrounded the White House for a fourth day on Sunday and it was revealed that Donald Trump was taken, for a short period of time, to the bunker in the residence on Friday and has expressed he is concerned for his safety
Louis Vuitton had been boarded up but the looters ripped plywood from one window to break their way inside. George Floyd's name was scrawled on one of the boards
Louis Vuitton had been boarded up but the looters ripped plywood from one window to break their way inside. George Floyd's name was scrawled on one of the boards 
A young man on a Citibike on Monday morning after taking from Balmain, one of the many stores that was looted on Sunday night
A young man on a Citibike on Monday morning after taking from Balmain, one of the many stores that was looted on Sunday night
George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on Memorial Day as he was arrested by four police officers over allegedly trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill
He was seen in a video pleading that he couldn't breathe as white officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against his neck
George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on Memorial Day as he was arrested by four police officers over allegedly trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. He was seen in a video pleading that he couldn't breathe as white officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against his neck

But right after the president's call with governors, Walz held a press conference where he said he would be working to demobilize the National Guard, which he had just activated a few days before upon the encouragement of the president. 
He said the state is working on a 'transition of our National Guard troops back to their homes and their jobs.'
'They take time out of their jobs, and many of them will be going back – some of them working as news reporters, some of them working as camera operators, some of them working as teachers. That will begin to happen,' Walz said.
On the call, Illinois governor J.B. Priztker bluntly told Trump his rhetoric was not helping.
'It's been inflammatory, and it's not OK for that officer to choke George Floyd to death but we have to call for calm. We have to have police reform called for. We've called out our National Guard and our State Police, but the rhetoric that's coming out of the White House is making it worse,' Pritzker said, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Trump hit back saying: 'OK, well thank you very much, J.B. I don't like your rhetoric very much either because I watched your response to coronavirus, and I don't like your rhetoric either. I think you could have done a much better job, frankly.'   
Trump also unloaded on New York, claiming that 'New York's finest' were not being 'allowed to do their jobs.'
'New York is going to have to toughen up,' he said.
'You have the largest police force in the country, 40,000 people I understand but what's going on in New York is terrible, terrible, of all the places.' 
Attorney General Bill Barr, who was also on the call, told governors that a joint terrorist task force would be used to track the agitators.
He also told local officials, lawmakers and enforcement to control what is going on in cities rather than react to crowds – and he urged them to 'go after troublemakers.'
The comments from Trump on increasing arrests come as more than 4,100 people were taken into custody across the country over the weekend in the at least 145 cities participating in protests, demonstrations and riots. 
President Trump held talks with his Barr, law enforcement officials and state leaders as violence continues to escalate in the sixth day of protests in cities all over the country in the wake of George Floyd's death.
Barr visited the White House for an Oval Office meeting with the president Monday morning, and shortly after, Trump hosted a video conference with governors, law enforcement leaders and national security officials in the Situation Room to discuss ways to keep American communities safe.
Cities across the nation appear war-torn after rioters set establishments and cars in the middle of streets on fire, smashed windows of local stores and looted their shelves and clashed with law enforcement. 
Trump had to flee to the White House bunker to shelter in place for a short period of time on Friday, it was revealed on Sunday, as protesters surrounding the White House. 
Many governors activated the National Guard in their states and sent them to cities being affected by protests turned to violence.  
Governors and mayors also went public, both on their own mediums and in interviews with networks, claiming that while they support rioters' right to gather, they are pleading for an end to the violence and destruction in their cities as a means of protesting. 
The president did not appear publicly on Sunday to address the rioters, who have engulfed the perimeter of the White House as well taken to the streets in several other U.S. cities, he did weigh in on Twitter, claiming that governors need to activate the National Guard in their states. 
He lauded the improvements over the weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota by the National Guard's presence – and while the demonstrations have appeared less violent since they started at the end of last week, police in the city said they discovered Sunday caches of homemade firebombs around the city. 
The president has told aides that he's concerned about his safety as the White House went dark after it turned off its lights in a rare move Sunday night while protests and riots continued a few hundred yards away from the residence.  
The rioters also set a fire to American Flags in Lafayette Square, the park adjacent to the North Lawn of the White House – and they were hit by tear gas by law enforcement. 
More than 50 Secret Service agents were injured in clashes with protesters in the nation's capital, and more than 4,100 people were arrested across the country over the weekend as everything from peaceful protests to riots emerged in at least 145 cities.  

The extraordinary images were taken Saturday amid the smoldering remains of the 3rd Precinct headquarters of the Minneapolis Police Department
The extraordinary images were taken Saturday amid the smoldering remains of the 3rd Precinct headquarters of the Minneapolis Police Department
The group of masked and gloved men used pliers and hammers to prize open the heavy metal chest while others rifled through files and ransacked burnout rooms with complete impunity
The group of masked and gloved men used pliers and hammers to prize open the heavy metal chest while others rifled through files and ransacked burnout rooms with complete impunity
Minneapolis looters are caught on camera hacking at a safe inside the charred shell of an abandoned police precinct in surreal scenes that lay bare the wanton lawlessness gripping the US, exclusive photos by DailyMail.com show
Minneapolis looters are caught on camera hacking at a safe inside the charred shell of an abandoned police precinct in surreal scenes that lay bare the wanton lawlessness gripping the US, exclusive photos by DailyMail.com show
Protesters set an American flag on fire at Lafayette Park in front of the White House as they rallied against police brutality on Sunday evening, and were hit with tear gas by law enforcement
Protesters set an American flag on fire at Lafayette Park in front of the White House as they rallied against police brutality on Sunday evening, and were hit with tear gas by law enforcement
D.C. was also among the 40 cities that imposed a curfew as riots escalated after sundown.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said on Monday that some of the protesters that terrorized the city overnight had come prepared with tools and supplies, and claimed that they set fires to draw police away from where they were planning to riot, loot and cause destruction.
'We recognize that people are frustrated and mad but tearing up our beautiful city is not the way to bring attention to what is a righteous cause,' Bowser told NBC News' Today.
Just after the 11:00 p.m. curfew passed, a fire broke out at St. John's Episcopal Church, which was spared from protests the day before. 
The riots broke out after video emerged of, George Floyd (pictured), being killed after a white police officer held his knee on his neck for eight minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Memorial Day
The riots broke out after video emerged of, George Floyd (pictured), being killed after a white police officer held his knee on his neck for eight minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Memorial Day
While Trump remained out of sight in the midst of the riots, his advisers discussed the prospect of an Oval Office address in an attempt to ease tensions. The notion was quickly scrapped for lack of policy proposals and the president's own seeming disinterest in delivering a message of unity.
Instead, Trump has urged governors to activate the National Guard, demanding they 'get tough, but has not sought control of the Army reservists himself to quell the nationwide riots.
The violence ensued after George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed while in a white police officer's custody in Minneapolis on Memorial Day.
A cellphone video of the incident went viral where Derek Chauvin, 44, can be seen holding his knee on Floyd's neck during an arrest for more than eight minutes as the victim repeatedly said he could not breathe.
While Floyd was handcuffed, four cops, including Chauvin, were holding him down.
Chauvin was fired after the video emerged and taken into custody on Friday after the violent protesters demanded he be arrested – and he is being charged with third-degree murder.
The other three officers have not been arrested.
Trump has also blamed the media, Democrats and outside groups for exacerbating the riots – asserting on Sunday that he is classifying the far-left anti-fascists group Antifa as a terrorist organization.
Antifa has no official leaders, and it could appear their fingerprints are all over the riots as their demonstrations include violent tactics that they deem justifiable.
Donald Trump demanded that state and local lawmakers 'get tough' and call in the National Guard to their cities to help mitigate escalating riots in the midst of George Floyd's death
Donald Trump demanded that state and local lawmakers 'get tough' and call in the National Guard to their cities to help mitigate escalating riots in the midst of George Floyd's death
Trump said Democratic-run areas should look to Minneapolis as an example of how the National Guard can help with rioters. He also blamed much of the continued riots, including looting and arson, on governors and mayors not activating the National Guard to help mitigate violence in their cities
Trump said Democratic-run areas should look to Minneapolis as an example of how the National Guard can help with rioters. He also blamed much of the continued riots, including looting and arson, on governors and mayors not activating the National Guard to help mitigate violence in their cities
Minnesota did activate the Guard in their state, deploying them to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul
Minnesota did activate the Guard in their state, deploying them to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul 
Trump specifically mentioned the rioting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – the state has not yet called in the National Guard – and lauded the job done by the Guard in Minneapolis
Trump specifically mentioned the rioting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – the state has not yet called in the National Guard – and lauded the job done by the Guard in Minneapolis

'Congratulations to our National Guard for the great job they did immediately upon arriving in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last night,' Trump tweeted Sunday morning. 'The ANTIFA led anarchists, among others, were shut down quickly. Should have been done by Mayor on first night and there would have been no trouble!'
Minnesota law enforcement say that they believe white supremacists have infiltrated the riots in Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to stoke violent demonstrators.
'They're agitators, 'Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell told CNN on Sunday, adding that there have been reports of Antifa members attending demonstrations.
While Trump does feel an outside group is involved, he asserted Monday that he does not believe that there were white supremacist groups mixed in with those protesting the death of George Floyd.
He instead doubled-down on blaming Antifa for the violent skirmishes with police.
'I don't see any indication that there were any white supremest groups mixing in. This is an ANTIFA Organization,' the president asserted.
'It seems that the first time we saw it in a major way was Occupy Wall Street. It's the same mindset,' Trump said, tagging 'Fox & Friends' host Brian Kilmeade and crediting him for the comment.
Derek Chauvin, 44, was arrested Friday on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, which has sparked violent protests
Derek Chauvin, 44, was arrested Friday on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, which has sparked violent protests
He also replied 'TRUE!' to the Kilmeade quote, and misspelled the word 'supremacist.'
Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was asked Friday about reports that White Supremacists were involved and he answered, 'My suspicions and what I've seen on this, yes.'
'It gets worse than that,' he added. 'The cartels, who are wondering if there was a break in their drugs transmissions, are trying to take advantage of the chaos. That's why this situation is on a federal level.'
While governors and mayors scramble to create more peace in their major cities, the president is blaming them not calling in the National Guard for aggravating the violent situations.
'Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors,' Trump urged in a tweet. 'These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW.'
'The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe,' he continued, referring to presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. 'Is this what America wants? NO!!!'
By Sunday evening, Trump followed up his calls for the National Guard with a tweet that simply read: 'LAW & ORDER!'
So far, 15 states and Washington, D.C. have deployed the Guard.
Rioters continue to take to the streets, becoming especially active after sundown, in major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and beyond. 
While there have been at least 4,100 arrests in cities across the country this weekend and countless protesters, rioters and law enforcement officials have been injured, there are at least five instances where people have been killed in the midst of the violence.
Gunfire rang out during the riots this weekend leading to deaths in Detroit, Michigan and Indianapolis, Indiana.
In Omaha, Nebraska, a 22-year-old black protester was killed in a struggle with a local business owner.
A man was shot dead by law enforcement officers in Louisville on Sunday on the fourth night of unrest in the city in a shooting believed to be linked to the protests.
Louisville's protests, in particular, have also focused on the March 13 death of Breonna Taylor, who was shot eight times by narcotics detectives who knocked down her front door.  
Chaos had unfolded  in cities across America with more than 50 Secret Service agents injured in clashes with protesters in Washington DC, police charging into demonstrators in New York City and lootings continuing to unfold in major cities like California, Philadelphia and Boston.  
Demonstrations from Washington DC to Los Angeles swelled from peaceful protests - sparked by the death of a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis police custody last Monday - into scenes of violence that drew National Guard troops in at least 15 states and Washington. 
More than 4,100 people were arrested this weekend alone as the violence continued to escalate and cities enacted strict curfews.  
WASHINGTON DC: Chaos continued to unfold in cities across America late Sunday night including Washington DC, just steps from the White House, where police and Secret Service deployed tear gas as they faced off with protesters during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd
WASHINGTON DC: Chaos continued to unfold in cities across America late Sunday night including Washington DC, just steps from the White House, where police and Secret Service deployed tear gas as they faced off with protesters during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd
WASHINGTON DC: Police stand guard outside the White House late Sunday as chaotic demonstrations took place in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON DC: Police stand guard outside the White House late Sunday as chaotic demonstrations took place in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON DC: Protesters jump on a street sign near a burning barricade near the White House late on Sunday. Fires were set in the historic St. John's Episcopal Church and Lafayette Park in front of the White House
WASHINGTON DC: Protesters jump on a street sign near a burning barricade near the White House late on Sunday. Fires were set in the historic St. John's Episcopal Church and Lafayette Park in front of the White House
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: A protester is pinned down by a police officer as cops in riot gear including shields and helmets clash with protesters on Sunday night
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: A protester is pinned down by a police officer as cops in riot gear including shields and helmets clash with protesters on Sunday night 
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Smoke and debris at a looted hardware store in Philadelphia last night after it was targeted by looters during the George Floyd riots
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Smoke and debris at a looted hardware store in Philadelphia last night after it was targeted by looters during the George Floyd riots 
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: An armed vigilante attempts to stop a bank robbery in Santa Monica during the widespread riots yesterday, as protesters turned on looters in some places
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: An armed vigilante attempts to stop a bank robbery in Santa Monica during the widespread riots yesterday, as protesters turned on looters in some places 
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: People flee for their lives as a tanker truck drives towards thousands of protesters on a highway yesterday. The truck did not appear to have struck anyone
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: People flee for their lives as a tanker truck drives towards thousands of protesters on a highway yesterday. The truck did not appear to have struck anyone 
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Protests continued to rage fury in Boston on Sunday evening where a police car was set ablaze
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Protests continued to rage fury in Boston on Sunday evening where a police car was set ablaze 
Trump tells US 'I am your law and order president', brings 'heavily armed soldiers' to D.C. and threatens to deploy them nationwide - before protesters are tear-gassed outside White House so he can walk to iconic burnt-out church for photo Trump tells US 'I am your law and order president', brings 'heavily armed soldiers' to D.C. and threatens to deploy them nationwide - before protesters are tear-gassed outside White House so he can walk to iconic burnt-out church for photo Reviewed by Your Destination on June 02, 2020 Rating: 5

No comments

TOP-LEFT ADS