Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement:

"I condemn any violence in Los Angeles and interference with law enforcement activities that seems to involve only a limited number of demonstrators.

"Americans have the First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and protest, and I support peaceful protestors. Individuals that broke the law during the protests in Los Angeles must be held accountable through the legal system.

"I support state and local leadership and law enforcement who are working to manage demonstration activity and de-escalate tensions.

"I join my California colleagues who are demanding that the President and Secretary of Defense rescind the unlawful deployment of troops and return control to local authorities. The President and Secretary of Defense have a responsibility not to escalate tensions, and reports that the White House is enjoying stoking chaos shows how dishonest their actions are."

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