Claim: Violence in Los Angeles was triggered only after President Donald Trump federalized the California State Guard on June 7th.
Verdict: False. The unrest started on Friday, June 6th, prompting Trump’s response.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump on Tuesday as downtown Los Angeles braced for a curfew, blaming him for ongoing violence and labeling it a threat to democracy.
During his speech, Newsom’s audio cut out for a few moments—something that didn’t go unnoticed online—but when he resumed, he claimed the riots had just erupted that Saturday night.
In reality, the unrest had already begun the previous Friday, well before Trump took any action.
To clarify Newsom’s timeline, he started speaking early Saturday morning.
Protesters first appeared when federal agents emerged from an unmarked van near the Home Depot parking lot.
In response, local residents announced their intent to exercise their rights to free speech and assembly.
They were protesting the government’s actions.
California cities, including Los Angeles, dispatched police officers to help maintain order, mostly with success.
Then, Trump ordered 2,000 state security personnel to be deployed without consulting California law enforcement.
That’s when things escalated. He increased National Guard presence, further inflaming the situation.
This was a deliberate action on his part.
As news circulated through LA, worries about loved ones intensified, and protests reignited.
By nighttime, numerous violations turned violent and destructive, leading to property damage and assaults on police officers.
Here’s a more accurate timeline:
June 6th [Friday]
ICE agents conducted raids across Southern California, with reports surfacing about agents pursuing individuals in a Home Depot parking lot in the Westlake area near downtown LA.
By around 3 PM, crowds began to gather in the downtown fashion district after ICE agents appeared at a clothing manufacturer. Aerial footage showed agents escorting individuals in handcuffs to two white vans. Once these vehicles left, protesters attempted to halt them, with at least one individual lying in front of the car.
Later, a significant group of demonstrators gathered outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and downtown US courthouse, demanding an end to the immigrant raids. Video evidence displayed protesters vandalizing property, confronting police, and throwing bottles and other items. Riot police responded with batons, and a tear gas launcher was visible.
Various news outlets, including Breitbart, covered the riots on Friday, June 6th.
While Newsom referenced the clothing factory incident, he inaccurately attributed it to Saturday rather than Friday.
Additionally, the governor made another claim, suggesting Trump intended to involve the “US Army” on Saturday, June 14th.
In fact, that day coincides with the US Army’s 250th birthday, which was established on June 14th, 1775. Interestingly, I share a birthday with the president.
