Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, said Friday that the First Amendment gives Americans the right to peaceably assemble but “not one single thing about violent protests is acceptable.”
“Across the country we have seen a great number of protests taking place over the course of the last few months,” Aderholt said. “While we hold near and dear to our hearts the First Amendment right to peaceably assemble, we have seen the exact opposite taking place in our nation’s streets. Violent protests that have turned into rioting and looting are making waves around the United States. In Washington, D.C. the angry mobs are unrelenting, taking over streets and public areas. Just last week, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul needed several D.C. Police Officers to surround him as an angry mob threatened his safety while he walked to a hotel near the White House.”
“Additionally, you have probably seen on the news the riots in Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Louisville, and many other major cities taking place day and night, resulting in the destruction of cars, homes, and businesses,” Aderholt continued. “Worst of all, the protestors are taking their anger out on the people who are risking their lives to protect them: Police officers. Not one single thing about violent protests is acceptable, and the simple fact that the are encouraged by celebrities and left-wing politicians is sickening. I can only hope and pray that this violence ends as soon as humanely possible.”
President Donald Trump issued a memo on Wednesday putting cities on notice that they will lose federal funds if they allow their cities to descend into lawlessness.
“My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones,” Trump wrote. “To ensure that Federal funds are neither unduly wasted nor spent in a manner that directly violates our Government’s promise to protect life, liberty, and property, it is imperative that the Federal Government review the use of Federal funds by jurisdictions that permit anarchy, violence, and destruction in America’s cities. It is also critical to ensure that Federal grants are used effectively, to safeguard taxpayer dollars entrusted to the Federal Government for the benefit of the American people.”
Aderholt represents Alabama’s 4th Congressional District. He is seeking his 13th term in the U.S. House of Representatives this November.
