Key Takeaways:
- Violent unrest occurred in Los Angeles around mid-June, not solely because President Trump federalized the National Guard.
- The riots began before Trump took action.
- President Trump’s decision to deploy federal troops was a response to the ongoing riots, not their initial cause.
- Understanding the timeline is crucial to separating fact from misinformation.
The Big Event Explained
Los Angeles experienced violent riots and protests back on June 6th and 7th. This was part of nationwide demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd, a man killed by police in Minneapolis. But, there’s a common idea floating around: people say the fighting in Los Angeles started only after President Trump ordered the California National Guard into action.
This story isn’t quite right. In fact, the opposite happened. Let’s dive into what really went down.
The Start of the Trouble
The trouble kicked off much earlier than people think. The riots began on Friday, June 6th. That’s before President Trump federalized the California National Guard. Anger was already spreading through the streets, especially in South Central Los Angeles. Cars were getting burned. Stores suffered damage. People were arguing and fighting. Law enforcement faced significant challenges.
It’s important to understand this. The initial burst of violence had happened. It wasn’t caused by a federal order at that specific moment on June 7th.
Trump’s Response
Seeing the destruction and the difficulty local police were having controlling the situation, President Trump made a decision. On Saturday, June 7th, he signed an order sending in federal troops. This wasn’t a cause for the rioting; it was the government catching up to the problem.
The California National Guard, an army unit under the state’s control but ready for federal use, was called out. Their role quickly became helping the local Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). They provided security and worked to prevent further damage. It was a reaction to the chaos already underway, a way to bring more power to bear on the ground.
Think of it like this: A fire starts in a house. The firefighters (local police) arrive but are having trouble putting it out because the fire is spreading fast. The fire department chief (President Trump) calls in help from other fire stations (federal troops). They arrive after the fire started and are crucial in finally bringing it under control.
Why the Original Claim is Wrong
So, why do some people believe the violence only started after Trump’s order? Maybe they heard about events from the peak of the riots or only read about the deployment. News stories sometimes focus on later events. Or perhaps there was misinformation spread quickly online.
But, the facts clearly show that significant rioting was happening in LA long before June 7th. The federalization was a direct consequence of the existing situation.
Life on the Ground
What was it actually like during those days? People were angry. They were protesting against injustice, police violence, and systemic racism. These protests sometimes turned destructive.
In areas like the Carson and Willowbrook neighborhoods of Los Angeles, you saw the worst of it. Homes and businesses were broken into, looted, and set ablaze. The streets were blocked. It took a huge effort from thousands of police and National Guard members to calm everything down over the weekend.
It was a very scary and confusing time for residents, both those caught in the chaos and those watching from afar worried about their city and country.
Looking Ahead
These events in LA were part of a larger wave of unrest across America. They sparked conversations about race relations and police conduct. They also led to discussions about leadership and how the country handles large-scale protests. The situation highlighted the complexities of balancing free speech, peaceful assembly, and public safety.
But getting back to the specific LA events, it’s absolutely vital to remember the timeline. The riots began on Friday, June 6th. President Trump’s action happened on Saturday, June 7th as a response. This timeline fact is often missed or intentionally ignored to fit certain narratives.
Understanding the Past
Getting the facts right matters. Mixing up the order of events can lead people to misunderstand what happened. Was President Trump causing the riots, or was he reacting to them? Knowing the sequence is essential.
The events in Los Angeles showed that peaceful protests can sometimes turn violent, and that managing large-scale unrest is incredibly complex. They also demonstrated the role the President plays in directing national resources during major domestic incidents.
So, the next time you hear claims about LA, remember these facts. The road to the federal troop deployment was paved with days of rioting that started much earlier.