The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Trump visits Kenosha, calls violence ‘terror’
President says such action is ‘anti-American’ as he tours protest areas.
KENOSHA, WIS. — President Donald Trump stood at the epicenter of the latest eruption over racial injustice Tuesday and came down squarely on the side of law enforcement, blaming “domestic terror” for the violence in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Trump declared the violence “anti-American.” He did not mention Jacob Blake, who was badly wounded last week in Kenosha.
Soon after arriving in the city, Trump toured the charred remains of a block besieged by violence and fire. With the scent of smoke still in the air, he spoke to the owners of a century-old store that had been destroyed and linked the violence to the Democrats, blaming those in charge of Kenosha and Wisconsin while raising warnings if their party should capture the White House.
“These are not acts of peaceful protest but, really, domestic terror,” said Trump. And he condemned Democrats for not immediately accepting his offer of federal assistance, claiming, “They just don’t want us to come. These governors don’t want to call, and the mayors don’t want to call. They have to ask.”
The city has been the scene of protests since the Aug. 23 shooting of Blake, who was hit seven times in the back by police as he was getting into a car while they were trying to arrest him. Protests have been concentrated in a small area of Kenosha. While there were more than 30 fires set in the first three nights, the situation has calmed since then.
Trump’s motorcade passed throngs of demonstrators, some holding American flags in support of the president, others jeering while carrying signs that read Black Lives Matter. A police presence, complete with several armored vehicles, secured the area, and barricades were set up.
Offering federal resources to help rebuild the city, Trump toured a high school that had been transformed into a law enforcement command post. He said he tried to call Blake’s mother but opted against it after the family asked that a lawyer listen in.
He later added he felt “terribly” for anyone who suffered a loss, but otherwise only noted that the situation was “complicated” and “under investigation.”
Trump condemned unrest in Portland, Oregon, too — as well as an increase in shootings in cities including Chicago and New York.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has assailed Trump as an instigator of the deadly protests that have sprung up on his watch.
On the eve of his visit, Trump defended a teenager accused of fatally shooting two men at a demonstration in Kenosha last week, though he did not mention him Tuesday.
Blake’s family held a Tuesday “community celebration” at a distance from Trump’s visit.
“We don’t need more pain and division from a president set on advancing his campaign at the expense of our city,” Justin Blake, an uncle, said in a statement. “We need justice and relief for our vibrant community.”
The NAACP said Tuesday neither candidate should visit Kenosha as tension simmers.