Portman says military not needed in his state
Ohio’s Republican senator said Tuesday the U.S. military shouldn’t be sent into his home state.
“That should be a local decision,” said Rob Portman, who lives in the Cincinnati area. “It should be what the mayors and governors want ... I don’t see that happening right now . ... The National Guard certainly in Ohio is capable of handling the situation.”
GOP President Donald Trump is vowing to send the military into states to quell protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody if state authorities don’t restore order.
Questioned sharply by Ohio reporters about the president’s recent actions and rhetoric, Portman said he agrees with Trump on such positions as expediting the federal probe of the latest death of a black person in police custody and on the need to stop violence.
He’d like to hear less-bellicose language from the White House. “But I do believe he can and should do more ... you know, words matter. And we need to be sure we’re not inflaming this situation,” Portman said. “This is a time for healing, it’s a time to calm things down so we can have a dialogue. And I think that’s what’s needed.”
Trump carried Ohio in 2016 by an 8-percentage-point margin, after losing the GOP primary to thenGov. John Kasich.
Earlier Tuesday, police in Ohio cities said dozens more people were arrested. Hundreds gathered for more demonstrating in Columbus.
Protests began peacefully in Columbus on Monday night, with videos showing hundreds lying on the ground in front of the Ohio Statehouse, chanting Floyd’s last words, “I can’t breathe.”