ABC News reports:
National Guard troops were deployed near the White House Monday evening hours after President Donald Trump said he wanted a military show of force against violent protests gripping the nation. Shortly after, Trump came to the White House Rose Garden to call himself the “law and order” president, saying “domestic terrorism” was to blame for the unrest.
“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,” he said. “We will end it now.”
He called on governors to use their National Guard units to “dominate the streets” said he would deploy the United States active duty military if governors failed to use the National Guard more forcefully.
President Trump is visiting St. John’s Church across the street from the White House, after police dispersed (peaceful) demonstrators from Lafayette Park outside WH gates with tear gas, flash bangs and rubber bullets. He appears to be holding a Bible pic.twitter.com/7ldbS2wpJL
— Jordan Fabian (@Jordanfabian) June 1, 2020
Every time Trump holds up a Bible for the cameras an angel coughs up blood. pic.twitter.com/WX3TbIR21z
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) June 1, 2020
Trump just stands in front of the church and holds up a bible while posing for photos. He does not even go inside for a faux tour of the damage or make a pretense of having any purpose in going there other than to pose for photos.
— Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) June 1, 2020
Fascism has come to America. Trump is actually holding a bible while guns are loaded. goodnight America.
— Joy Behar (@JoyVBehar) June 1, 2020
Trump said he’s an ally of all peaceful protesters, then peaceful protesters outside the White House were cleared with tear gas so the president could take photos with a Bible at St. John’s church.
— Domenico Montanaro (@DomenicoNPR) June 1, 2020