Sen. Reed slams Trump, says Providence rioters trying to tear community apart

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed says those who looted and committed acts of vandalism in Providence overnight aren’t interested in progress but in tearing the community apart.

He also criticized President Donald Trump for ordering the tear gassing of “peaceful protesters” Monday so he could visit a historic Washington, D.C., church for a “photo-op.”

Reed said in a statement, “The looting and destructive vandalism that took place in Providence last night was unacceptable and those responsible for criminal acts must be held accountable. The selfish few who have no interest in progress and change want to tear communities apart.

“But it is heartening to see citizens already coming together to help pick up debris, repair damage, and clean up the mess others have made,” Reed said. “This is a time for all of us to lead by example, pick each other up, and rise above violence and hate.”

Sixty-five people were arrested in Providence early Tuesday morning.

On Monday, Trump left the White House to have his photograph taken, with Bible in hand, in front of the historic St. John’s Church.

Noting that President Lincoln often visited the church to find solace and guidance during the Civil War, Reed said, “When President Trump ordered peaceful protesters to be tear gassed for a photo-op, he broke faith with public trust and American values.

“As the family of George Floyd has stressed: violence is not the way to bring about justice. Racism and inequality are real and deep-rooted and we must continually work to overcome them.

“President Trump’s repeated threats to ‘dominate,’ and unleash the ‘unlimited power of our military’ against American citizens are irresponsible and destabilizing,” Reed said.

“President Trump’s words and actions run counter to our democratic values and undermine the work of responsible community leaders and law enforcement officials who are trying to uphold everyone’s rights and protect public safety. The job of bringing calm will take law enforcement and the community working together. It will not come from recklessly invoking the Insurrection Act.”

Reed said, “The challenges before us can’t be solved by unleashing ‘the unlimited power of our military’ on our fellow Americans. They can only be solved by unleashing the unlimited power of our citizens striving and living up to the principles and the promise of America.”

jperry@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7614

On Twitter: @jgregoryperry