Defense Secretary Mark Esper, in his first public remarks since protests began nationwide, said Wednesday the situation has not yet reached a point that requires military intervention
June 3 (UPI) — Defense Secretary Mark Esper, in his first public remarks since protests began nationwide, said Wednesday the situation has not yet reached a point that requires military intervention — despite promises by President Donald Trump to send troops if violence and looting continue.
Trump has said multiple times this week, and reiterated his intention Wednesday, that he would send the military into cities if they can’t “solve” the violent protests opposing the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota a week ago.
Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Esper said it isn’t yet necessary to invoke the Insurrection Act — a federal law that allows active U. S. armed forces to control protests in local jurisdictions.
“The option to use active duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations,” he said. “We are not in one of those situations now. I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act.”
The Insurrection Act of 1807 was last used in the Los Angeles area in 1992 to counter violent protests that grew from the police beating of Rodney King.
Some governors have questioned the legality of Trump invoking the law to send in military troops and others have rejected it outright.
