Maxine Waters confronts armed agents amid chaos in Los Angeles riots
- Rep. Maxine Waters attempted to visit a detained union leader during Los Angeles riots and was denied entry to a federal building.
- She faced off with armed agents, questioning their intentions and safety during the confrontation.
- The incident drew criticism from federal officials who condemned her remarks as dangerous and inaccurate amidst ongoing unrest.
In a significant incident that occurred during the Los Angeles riots, Rep. Maxine Waters attempted to enter a federal detention center to check on David Huerta, a union leader arrested during protests. She approached the California National Guard, asserting her congressional authority but was denied entry as an agent instructed her to contact the public affairs office. During her confrontation with armed guardsmen, she expressed concern over their deployment and used strong language to emphasize her sentiments, questioning their intentions and the nature of their presence amidst the unrest. Waters characterized the situation as an attack on sanctuary cities and alleged that the Trump administration was using law enforcement to intimidate communities. Her remarks prompted condemnation from federal officials who accused her of spreading misinformation regarding the nature of the riots, which involved violent actions by some demonstrators such as assaults on law enforcement and vandalism. They criticized her rhetoric and called for elected officials to refrain from such behavior, emphasizing the need for safety for both detainees and officers in the facility. This incident exemplified the highly charged atmosphere of the protests and the polarizing views on the actions of law enforcement and government officials during the crisis.