China News Agency, Washington, June 3 (Reporter Chen Mengtong) US Defense Secretary Esper said on the 3rd that he does not support the use of active US military forces to enforce laws in the country to quell riots caused by anti-racial discrimination demonstrations.
The death of African-American George Freud continued to ferment in the United States and triggered demonstrations in many places. US President Trump said in a national speech on the 1st that he "strongly recommends" that state governors deploy a sufficient number of national guards to control the streets. If the place refuses to "take the necessary measures", then he will use the army.
Esper said at the Pentagon press conference on the 3rd that the use of active-duty troops in local law enforcement should only be used as a last resort, and only in the most urgent and dangerous situations. "We haven't reached that point yet. I don't support invoking the Anti-Rebellion Law."
According to U.S. media reports, the U.S. President can invoke the "Anti-Rebellion Law" to authorize the U.S. military to enforce the law in the country. In 1992, at the request of the Governor of California, former President George W. Bush sent an army to quell the riots.
Esper said, "I have always believed and will continue to believe that the National Guard is best suited to assist the local government in these situations and provide support to local law enforcement."
Over the past week, large-scale protests and riots have spread across the United States. The US National Guard Director Joseph Lungier said on the 2nd that more than 18,000 National Guard members have assisted in the riots in 29 states and Washington, and the number is continuing to increase.
For the incident that accompanied Trump to St. John's Church across the street from the White House on the 1st, Esper said he knew he would investigate the destruction of Lafayette Park and St. John's Church with the president. "What I don't know is exactly where we are going, when we will reach the church, and our plans after we get there."
Esper said that he and Millie, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Army, had the goal of meeting the National Guard members on duty that evening and thanking them.
Regarding Milly's appearance on the streets of Washington in a camouflage uniform on the evening of the 1st, Esper said that this is a suitable uniform for military leaders working in the command center and meeting the army on the street.
Pentagon spokesman Hoffman said in a statement issued on the 2nd that about 1,600 soldiers have been transferred to military bases in the US capital, but not in downtown Washington. "They are on high alert, but do not participate in local government actions." (End)