Waters Denies Violence During Los Angeles Riots

California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters stated on Tuesday that there was “no violence” amidst significant riots in Los Angeles.

The chaotic scenes featured looting of stores, vehicles being set ablaze, and Molotov cocktails as well as fireworks being thrown on the streets. This unrest was reportedly triggered by the arrests of undocumented immigrants with violent criminal histories, along with the presence of customs enforcement (ICE). In a statement, Waters insisted that, contrary to what people might observe, these riots were in fact peaceful.

“Even those who were close to the situation we described as peaceful protests did not incite violence,” Waters remarked, urging the public to reconsider their views. “What do you say about martial law? I don’t believe it. Look, when you hear about the National Guard being deployed and, somehow, there’s talk of violence, just remember, there was none. I was there on the ground, and afterwards, I communicated what transpired in areas like Paramount, Compton, and Englewood.”

She added, “So, let’s set the record straight and avoid jumping to conclusions based on the incidents that you’ve witnessed.”

Waters made similar remarks during a phone interview with CNN, expressing her surprise at comments from the Los Angeles Police Chief regarding the situation.

To address the unrest, President Donald Trump dispatched at least 2,000 National Guard troops on Saturday. Meanwhile, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom have sued the Trump administration in response to the troop deployment.

On Monday, approximately 700 Marines were also deployed to assist in managing the violence.

The unrest resulted in extensive damage to businesses, with properties largely being vandalized by anti-Trump sentiments that fueled clashes with law enforcement. Reports indicated that the mob attempted to set fire to vehicles and other objects around the city, leading to numerous arrests.

One reporter shared their experience from Los Angeles, indicating that they were surrounded by police and uncertain about what would happen next.

Additionally, there were reports of graffiti, including messages demanding violence against Trump, found on government properties in Los Angeles.

In another incident, hostility was aimed at ICE and Customs Border Protection agents, with one officer reportedly sustaining minor injuries due to a rock thrown at his vehicle.