DHS slams Maxine Waters for 'taunting' national guardsmen in California and spewing 'lies'

Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin on Monday blasted California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters for spewing "lies" about the ongoing protests in Los Angeles, and "taunting" members of the National Guard.

Waters attempted to enter a Los Angeles detention facility over the weekend by invoking her status as a lawmaker, but was denied entry by a National Guard member who told her to check with public affairs, Fox News reported. 

The congresswoman also allegedly yelled at National Guard members who were stationed on the street, asking them if they planned to "shoot" her. Waters later said she was pleading with the guardsmen not to shoot anyone. 

McLaughlin said the congresswoman should be using her voice to defuse the situation in Los Angeles rather than adding to the tension.

"The safety and security of DHS personnel, ICE agents, and those in our custody remain our top priority," she told Fox News. "Instead of taunting national guard members, the congresswoman should be trying to defuse these violent riots. Elected officials need to tone down their dangerous rhetoric about ICE law enforcement."

McLaughlin also slammed the Californian for lying about the situation on the ground, after she claimed on CNN that the protests were "very small and very peaceful – there was no animosity."

"This morning on CNN, the congresswoman spewed lies that these riots have not been violent," McLaughlin said. "The American people can see with their own eyes the truth. Rioters have assaulted law enforcement officers, thrown rocks, burned American flags, set cars on fires, slashed tires, defaced buildings, and taxpayer-funded property."

"The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable and Congresswoman Waters must call for it to end," she added.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.