US Defense Secretary Launches Scathing Attack on California Governor: “The One Allowing the Burning of His City is the Madman”
In a sharp criticism, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth targeted California Governor amid the violent protests occurring in Los Angeles, stating, “The one allowing the burning of his city is the madman,” directly referring to the governor’s stance on the escalating chaos. Hegseth emphasized that his department supports peaceful protests but “will not tolerate any assault on federal forces.”
Pentagon Signals Readiness to Mobilize Marines
In a significant escalation, Secretary Hegseth revealed that the Pentagon is prepared to mobilize Marines if the violence continues, indicating that the Marine personnel stationed at Camp Pendleton in California are “ready and prepared” to take action. In a post on X, he stated, “The Department of Defense is mobilizing the National Guard to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles, and if the violence persists, we will also deploy Marines.”
Trump Orders Deployment of 2,000 National Guard Members
Simultaneously, President Donald Trump issued orders on Saturday to deploy 2,000 National Guard members to address the rising protests against deportations being carried out by law enforcement agencies against undocumented immigrants. The California governor described this move as “provocative and inflaming tensions rather than easing them.”
Clashes in Suburbs and Police Use Tear Gas to Disperse Protesters
The clashes between federal police and protesters continued for a second night, with violent confrontations reported in the suburb of Paramount. Loud explosions and tear gas were deployed to disperse the crowds. According to Fox 11, a portion of a nearby highway was closed amid ongoing raids targeting undocumented immigrants in the area.
Trump Administration: “Zero Tolerance” for Violence
In an official statement, White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt announced that President Trump signed an official memorandum on Saturday to deploy the National Guard, asserting that “the chaos that has been allowed to spread must be stopped.” She confirmed that the Trump administration adopts a “zero tolerance” policy towards violent or criminal behavior, especially if directed against law enforcement.
