Mark Meadows says violence in Kenosha can't be allowed to continue
You have a First Amendment right to peacefully protest, not loot and riot, says White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers turned down a White House offer to dispatch additional National Guard troops to the city of Kenosha after two nights of rioting that followed the police shooting of a Black man, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" Tuesday.
MOM OF JACOB BLAKE PLEADS FOR PEACE IN KENOSHA
"The president was on the phone with the governor today ... we have National Guard standing by, and if the general for the National Guard [in Kenosha] needs additional help, we're there to do it, but today, that request was denied by the governor," Meadows told host Tucker Carlson.
After the host posited that Evers "clearly wants riots," the former North Carolina congressman answered: "It is out of control and it can't be allowed to continue."
"I got a call today from [Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis.,] who represents that district, and from Senator [Ron] Johnson as well, really just pleading for help, saying that the local sheriff and the mayor and police chief need some additional assistance," Meadows explained. "I got on the phone right away and offered assistance in the form of additional National Guard help."
Meadows went on to say that many Democratic governors are "ignoring the problem" of mob violence in major cities, so authorities must have enough resources to stem the criminality on their own.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"You do not have a First Amendment right to loot and riot," he said.
Meadows said that an additional roadblock to stopping the violence is the fact that in Democratic precincts, prosecutors like Multnomah County, Ore., District Attorney Mike Schmidt won't thoroughly prosecute riot cases, which helps the wrongdoers to get back to committing criminal acts as soon as the following day.
More from Politics
Fox News Politics
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.