Senator John Fetterman sharply rebuked his party on June 10 for failing to condemn violent protests in Los Angeles, arguing that without clear denunciation, Democrats risk losing credibility ahead of the midterm elections.
At a Glance
- Fetterman tweeted, “This is anarchy and true chaos,” condemning violent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles
- He said Democrats lose the moral high ground by failing to denounce arson, property damage, and assaults on police
- Fetterman reaffirmed his support for free speech, peaceful protest, and immigration enforcement
- His stance earned praise from conservatives like Rep. Mike Lawler and Eyal Yakoby
- Some Democrats, including Sen. Chris Murphy, balanced support for protests with calls to condemn violence
A Senator Steps Out of Step
Senator Fetterman of Pennsylvania took to X on June 10, posting an image of burning cars during the Los Angeles protests and writing, “This is anarchy and true chaos.” He emphasized his unwavering support for peaceful demonstration and immigration rights, but sharply criticized the mayhem as counterproductive and morally indefensible. “My party loses the moral high ground,” he warned, “when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement.”
Political Ripples
Fetterman’s callout struck a nerve—and not just among Democrats. Rep. Mike Lawler praised the senator, asserting that anyone engaging in violent protest “should be arrested and prosecuted.” Eyal Yakoby called Fetterman a “voice of reason” within the Democratic Party. Even Sen. John Kennedy joined in, mocking critics of Trump’s military response by telling them to “pop a Zoloft.”
Meanwhile, prominent Democrats were left to reconcile calls for peaceful protest with concerns about civil unrest. Sen. Chris Murphy acknowledged the right to protest while distancing himself from the violence, and Rep. Maxine Waters claimed there was “no violence”—a statement met with widespread skepticism given over 100 arrests and multiple acts of arson. California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass filed suit against federal troop deployment, arguing it circumvented state authority.
Watch a report: Fetterman demands Democrats condemn ‘anarchy and true chaos’ in LA riots.
Forecasting Election Fallout
As the midterm campaign looms, Fetterman’s rebuke could reverberate within Democratic ranks. His willingness to break from the party’s rhetorical posture positions him as a centrist voice many conservatives admire. At the same time, critics like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez say such statements only serve to deflect from broader issues around policing and executive power.
Fetterman’s remarks may shape both parties’ election narratives, particularly on themes of law, order, and public accountability. Whether seen as political courage or opportunism, his intervention demands a recalibration of how Democrats address violence within protest movements—before voters render judgment in November.
