Press Releases
Congressman Brown: “The military and weapons for war should never be turned on American citizens crying out for change”
Washington,
September 17, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), a retired Colonel in the Army Reserves and member of the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement regarding testimony that federal officials’ requested a heat ray and stockpiled ammunition before clearing peaceful protesters at Lafayette Square: “The military and weapons for war should never be turned on American citizens crying out for change. The more details Congress uncovers about President Trump’s use of force against peaceful protesters in order to clear the way for his bizarre photo-op in Lafayette Square - the clearer picture we get of an Administration whose actions run counter to ideals and values at the heart of our country “It is absolutely unacceptable and a threat to the inalienable rights of all Americans that the Trump Administration’s response to peaceful protests was to stockpile approximately 7,000 rounds of ammunition - including armor piercing bullets - and procure a weapon that makes those targeted feel like their skin is burning. Our military and law enforcement exist to uphold our laws and protect our citizens, not as tools for this lawless president to stifle American’s right to speak out and to protest without retribution. “President Trump is unfit to lead and diminishes his office every day.” ### |