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US President Donald Trump has described the riots in the city of Kenosha as anti-American riots and domestic terrorism. The protests, some of which were violent, erupted after a police officer shot a black man in the back seven times during an operation.
The president’s convoy was greeted in the streets Tuesday by protesters against racism and police violence, but also by his supporters. Trump looked at a burned shop under massive security precautions and met with representatives of the security forces and some local businessmen.
Kenosha was hit by riots “directed against the police and against Americans,” Trump said. “It was not a peaceful protest, it was internal terrorism.”
The president of the United States also promised more funds for public safety. The entire state of Wisconsin would receive 42 million dollars (35.18 million euros), said this Tuesday the Republican, who will be reelected in November.
Law enforcement agencies in the city of Kenosha, where protests, some of which were violent, after a white police officer shot a black man, would receive $ 1 million in federal funding, Trump said after his arrival. In addition, businesses that have suffered damage from the fighting should be supported with almost four million dollars.
Before the visit, the mayor of the city and the governor of the state of Wisconsin, both Democrats, had spoken out against the visit of the Republican president. They warned that Trump’s presence could increase tensions. Both were absent from Trump’s appearance in town.
Accompanying reporters reported that people held signs reading “Black Lives Matter” on Trump’s route from the airport to the city. Trump supporters reportedly waved “Trump 2020” posters. “Black Lives Matter,” a protest movement against police violence against black Americans, called Trump a “Marxist” Monday.
The police operation against African American Jacob Blake, 29, on August 23 was captured on video. It was shown how a police officer initially followed Blake around a car with his gun in hand. When Blake opens the driver’s door and leans in, shots are fired. The video sparked outrage across the country. Members of the Blake family refused to meet with Trump. The president had repeatedly condemned the violence by suspected left-wing radicals, but described the video of the Blake shooting as “a bad sight.” On Tuesday, he said the case was under investigation. “It is a complicated business.”
Trump had made violence on the sidelines of the protests a campaign issue and promised “law and order” when he was reelected on November 3. Along with this comes the message that in America, as far as Democratic challenger Joe Biden is concerned, no one would be safe. Trump said the situation in Kenosha had calmed down after he prompted a major deployment of the National Guard and federal government security forces. Even in the city of Portland, which has been protesting for months, it could clean up “in an hour,” Trump said.
In his attacks on Biden, Trump claimed on Fox News Monday night: “He is a weak person.” Biden is controlled by people in the “dark shadow.” Biden, in turn, said during a campaign appearance Monday: “Fires are burning and we have a president who lights the flames instead of fighting them.” Trump, for his part, defended his controversial visit to Kenosha.
Trump had fueled the debate over his visit by defending on Monday a 17-year-old white shooter who is said to have shot two people on the sidelines of the protests in Kenosha. Trump suggested that the young man acted in self-defense. The protesters attacked him “very violently” and “allegedly killed him.” Witness video shows the gunman armed with a rifle fleeing from the protesters before falling and opening fire. There is no evidence that the protesters killed him. The 17-year-old has been accused of two murders, his lawyer speaks of legitimate defense.
Trump repeatedly suggests in the election campaign that violence in Democratic-run cities is out of control. It also gives the impression that protests against racism are dominated by violence. Indeed, there were riots during the months of protests, but most were peaceful. Trump said against him Monday: “This is anarchy.” He added: “You keep using the expression – it’s so beautiful – peaceful protest. And behind the reporter the cities are on fire.”
Trump is accused of disparaging racism in America. In his press conference at the White House on Monday, for example, he said the problem was primarily “left-wing indoctrination” in schools and universities. “Many young Americans have been taught lies that America is an evil and racist country.” In the Fox News interview, he called the Black Lives Matter movement a “Marxist organization” and criticized the companies that supported it. (dpa / Reuters / Kle)
