President Trump defended having federal agents in Portland to combat protesters, saying local government officials have allowed the situation to move out of control.
“We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it. Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators. They are missing in action. We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal!” the president tweeted.
Violence has erupted in Portland with clashes between protesters and law enforcement earlier this week during Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality.
Civil rights groups have also launched lawsuits to try to prevent the federal agents from removing lawyers advising the protesters and journalists from the area.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.
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