Fetterman calls destructive LA protests 'anarchy,' criticizes fellow Democrats for not condemning

Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman is calling the destructive protests in Los Angeles in opposition to the federal government's recent arrests of illegal migrants "anarchy" and is criticizing his party for not condemning them.

Fetterman posted his comments on X on Monday with a picture of cars on fire and a man holding a Mexican flag.

"I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration – but this is not that," Fetterman wrote. "This is anarchy and true chaos. My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement."

Fetterman's statement was shared on the fourth day of the protests. 

After the initial demonstrations, which remained peaceful, they escalated over the weekend to include rioters seen attacking law enforcement officers, burning self-driving vehicles, staging sit-ins to temporarily closing at least one city highway, and throwing concrete rocks at law enforcement officers.

Police have arrested at least 42 people and five Los Angeles Police Department officers were injured in connection with the acts, according to local TV station KTLA.

President Trump has sent 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to the city to protect federal immigration officers. California Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom has sued Trump for activating the California National Guard over his opposition.

Meanwhile, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., 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. She 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. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) has denounced the crimes being committed during the protests.

"I will tell you that I‘m saddened by the extent of the vandalism in the form of graffiti all through the downtown area, but it is important for people to know that even in downtown, this is isolated to a few streets," Bass said on Monday. "This is not citywide civil unrest taking place in Los Angeles, a few streets downtown. It looks horrible. People committed crimes. It is absolutely unacceptable. And those people that set cars on fire, or did other forms of vandalism will be sought to be arrested and prosecuted. This is not the way to promote a cause like immigrant rights."