California Lawmaker’s Controversial Statement During Protests

On Tuesday, Rep. Maxine Waters, a California Democrat, made a surprising claim stating there was “no violence” in Los Angeles amid heated protests. This remark came during a press conference where she responded to the Trump administration’s decision to deploy thousands of National Guard members and active-duty Marines to manage the unrest that had persisted for several days.

With a serious demeanor, the 86-year-old Waters asserted, “No one was shot, no one was killed, I put that in your head,” as she addressed reporters.

She further emphasized, “They called for a National Guard that was violent, so somehow don’t think about it. There was no violence. I was on the street.” Waters recounted her return to various communities like Paramount, Compton, and Inglewood.

However, troubling footage has emerged from the protests, including an incident where a New York Post cameraman was struck in the head by a rubber bullet fired by a police officer. An Australian reporter was also hurt during the riots, alongside a New York Times journalist.

Additionally, a deceased individual was discovered near a looted area on Tuesday, though it’s uncertain if their death is connected to the ongoing chaos.

Areas like Compton and Paramount saw some of the most intense violence since the protests began, stemming from actions by immigration enforcement aiming to address legal violations. Rioters reportedly threw rocks and Molotov cocktails, while police responded with non-lethal methods like rubber bullets and smoke bombs.

In Compton, numerous masked individuals ransacked convenience stores, damaging property and stealing items. Videos surfaced showing these individuals attacking cash registers and removing credit card devices.

Elsewhere in LA, approximately 2,000 protesters occupied the 101 Freeway, disrupting traffic until California Highway Patrol officers intervened. The roads were eventually reopened, but rioters soon began throwing objects at police vehicles, leading to renewed closures. Nearly 60 individuals have been arrested since Friday.

Waters’ insistence on the peaceful nature of the protests contrasts sharply with reports of injuries and violence, even from fellow Democrats and left-leaning outlets. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif) acknowledged on MSNBC that while many participants were peaceful, public property was still vandalized, referring to it as “passionate.”

Others, like Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), attributed the unrest to President Trump’s actions. He remarked on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the president is “sowing mixed chaos” during these protests.

In a differing tone, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman cautioned his party, stating that while he supports free speech and peaceful demonstrations, the current actions represent anarchy. He pointed out that the party loses credibility if it ignores the damaging actions taking place.

Efforts to reach Waters’ office for comments or clarification did not receive a response.