Law enforcement agencies in the US should “heed” former President Trump’s calls to protest if he is arrested this week, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said Sunday.
Kelly explained that Trump’s supporters have the right to protest peacefully, but he argued police should be prepared to ensure demonstrations don’t turn violent. Trump claimed Saturday that New York authorities may plan to arrest him this week on charges related to his relationship with adult film star Stormy Daniels.
“The [former] Supporters of the President have First Amendment rights, and they should be able to exercise them peacefully,” Kelly said during an appearance on CNN Sunday. “I think it’s going to be important for law enforcement to look out for protests and make sure it doesn’t reach the level of violence.”
Trump urged his supporters to “protest” and “take back our nation” in messages many have compared to his remarks before the pro-Trump storming of the US Capitol on Jan. 6.
TRUMP RECEIVED “NO NOTIFICATION” EXCEPT “ILLEGAL LEAKS” ABOUT POSSIBLE ARREST NEXT WEEK, SPOKESMAN SAYS
Senator Mark Kelly says Trump’s supporters have the right to protest, but he urged law enforcement to “be vigilant.” (AP Photo/Alberto Mariani)
Ex-President Donald Trump said so (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, file)
Capitol Hill police did not respond to a request for comment on whether they are aware of protests planned in the event of Trump’s arrest.
TRUMP RECEIVED “NO NOTIFICATION” EXCEPT “ILLEGAL LEAKS” ABOUT POSSIBLE ARREST NEXT WEEK, SPOKESMAN SAYS
Democrats on Capitol Hill blasted Trump over a social media post Saturday morning urging his supporters to take action if he is arrested.
“NOW, ILLEGAL LEAKS FROM A CORRUPT & HIGHLY POLITICAL MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFICE WHICH HAS ALLOWED TO SET NEW RECORDS IN VIOLENT CRIME AND Whose LEADER IS FINANCED BY GEORGE SOROS, SHOW THAT NO CRIME CAN BE PROVED AND BASED ON THIS AN OLD (& FULL) BY NUMEROUS OTHER PROSECUTORS!) MÄRCHEN, THE FAR & WAY LEADING REPUBLIC CANDIDATE & FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE ARRESTED TUESDAY NEXT WEEK. [sic]Trump posed to his Truth Social account.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was among the first to attack Trump on Saturday.
“The former President’s announcement this morning is inconsiderate: he is doing this to stay in the news and stir up unrest among his supporters,” Pelosi tweeted. “He cannot hide from his breaking the law, disregarding our elections and calls for violence. Rightly so, our legal system will decide how to hold him accountable.”
Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York echoed Pelosi, arguing Trump was trying to “stoke the flames” of violence.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned former President Donald Trump for calling on his supporters to protest. (Getty Images)
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“We live in a democracy,” Jeffries wrote. “Right-wing extremists who foment political violence with inflammatory rhetoric are unfit for service. American values instead of autocracy.”
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