California Governor Gavin Newsom has leveled harsh accusations at President Donald Trump, calling his actions in Los Angeles "authoritarianism" and warning that the country is at a dangerous turning point. In an address to the state's nearly 40 million residents and the American public on Tuesday night, Newsom condemned the "unlawful militarization" of the city by federal authorities, according to a post on his official website, News.bg reports.
"What we're witnessing is not law enforcement - it's authoritarianism," Newsom said. He stressed that Trump is seeking "loyalty, silence and complicity" and urged citizens not to give in.
The governor recounted federal raids in Latino neighborhoods, the "illegal deployment" of 4,000 members of the California National Guard and the deployment of more than 700 Marines on the streets of Los Angeles - all of which, he said, were taken without coordination with state or local authorities. "Trump is spreading a military network throughout Los Angeles - this is weakness disguised as strength," he added.
Newsom sharply criticized the actions of federal agents, including the use of tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets against protesters, and stressed that violating citizens' right to legal protection is unacceptable. In his words, the invasion of federal forces has led to chaos and increased tension.
Regarding the clashes that broke out, the governor said that any violence and vandalism will be punished strictly and according to the law. More than 370 people have already been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. "California will not tolerate lawlessness, regardless of its source," he stressed.
Newsom announced that the state had filed a lawsuit against the federal government over the deployment of military forces in an American city and had requested an emergency court order to end military operations on the streets of Los Angeles.
He called on all Americans to peacefully resist and defend democracy, defining the role of citizens as "the most important in a democratic society". According to him, Trump is undermining the foundations of statehood, attacking science, culture and the media, and destroying the system of separation of powers.
"California may be first, but it will not be last. Democracy is the next target. We must stand up. It is time to take our place as citizens and defend the republic," the governor concluded emotionally.